Dear Advanced Police Studies Student:

Welcome! Congratulations on being accepted into this program and for taking this important step towards becoming a police officer. You will find this program to be challenging and engaging. The academic and skills requirements are high, but if you apply yourself, you can be successful and prepare yourself for a rewarding career. Some of you will need to do extra work if you don't have a Police Foundations background but with serious application, I know you can be successful.

This program has been very carefully designed by Conestoga College Faculty, with input from Police Services to prepare you for a career in policing. There's a reason for everything so start applying yourself from the start. Think of yourself not as a student, but as a policing professional in training. Start asking yourself: "Why is it important in policing to know this?"

You have a very strong group of Faculty teaching in this program. If you have any questions, please ask your Faculty or your Program Coordinator. You will find them to be very well informed and able to provide you direction.

On behalf of the entire Advanced Police Studies Faculty, we welcome you and I hope you find this to be a rewarding program. Have an enjoyable and successful year.

Sincerely,

Communication and Contact Information

Contact Information

Emergency and other messages to Faculty can be forwarded through the Program Assistant. Students may also make general inquiries about the program and procedures to the PA. ​ ​

Contacting Faculty and Staff

When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use e-mail. Your message should include the following information:

• First and last name
  
• Student number
  
• Course and level
• Brief description of reason for contact
  

Student E-mail

All students are supplied with a College e-mail address. Use the College e-mail address only when communicating with faculty. Non-College e-mail addresses (e.g. Hotmail) are not acceptable. Students are expected to check their College e-mail regularly as most official communication will be via this method.

The Advanced Police Studies program provides both professional and academic study to prepare students for careers in policing. Throughout the program, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner and apply themselves to academic achievement. This document has been prepared by the program Faculty and the Program Advisory Committee to assist students to develop excellence in professional deportment and to achieve academic success.

Program Description Advanced Police Studies

This two-semester program is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and advanced skills to prepare them for a career as a police officer. Students will refine their abilities to analyze and make appropriate decisions in complex situations. Through small classes, simulations and community exercises, students will gain experience in dealing with social problems within ever-changing and increasingly diverse communities.

​

​​​

Program Standards for Professional Practice

Throughout their program of studies, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and apply themselves to academic achievement.

As an APS student, please note that all expectations referred to above and found in the Conestoga Student Guide apply equally to placement experiences.

Standards of Conduct

There are three areas of conduct that students are expected to adhere to. They are outlined as follows: Professional Conduct, Academic Conduct, and Social/Behavioral Conduct.

In the event of a conflict between the Advanced Police Studies Program Standards Handbook & the College Student Guide, the Student Guide will take precedence.

Students are required to adhere with respect to Academic Policies and Procedures as detailed in Standards of Conduct in Conestoga College's Student Guide for the current academic year as well as the Standards of Conduct specifically identified in this document.

Guidelines for Student use of College Facilities

When you are at the college, please remember that you are also sharing space with other students, staff and community members. It is essential that we all work together to make all feel valued, respected, and safe. When you are in this space, please consider the following:

• Be mindful of your language, both choice of words and tone.
  
• Be considerate when walking through the halls and make every effort to minimize noise. This is especially important during class times.
• Be respectful of all individuals.

Professional Appearance and Virtual Professionalism

Professional appearance is an important part of the day-to-day work world for which students are preparing. Students are expected to wear the program uniform on a daily basis.

Dress Code as follows:

• Students are to wear their uniform to class however when wearing your long sleeve shirt, a tie must be worn. A tie must be worn for ALL guest speakers.
  
• Black or dark socks must be worn when in uniform.  NOTE:  no ankle socks are permitted.
• Your duty belt or a black belt should be worn with your uniform
• The shirt needs to be pressed and tucked in.
  
• Black boots must be worn with the uniform (they do not need to be steel-toed).
• A uniform sweater may be worn at any time over the long or short sleeve shirt (wearing a tie with the long sleeve shirt or when a guest is present under the sweater is required).
• "Uniform" gym shirts are required to be worn with dark coloured shorts.  Gym shirts should be laundered on a regular basis.
• Name tags must be worn over the top left pocket of your uniform at ALL times.
  

General Dress Code Policy

Students violating any of the above professional appearance policies may be subject to disciplinary action. Students not complying with the above dress code will not be permitted entry to the specific event or may be asked to leave the class.  Uniform inspections will take place during class time or during program meetings. 

​

Test and Evaluation Procedures

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the APS program, there are continuous requirements for written work in a variety of formats (papers, assignments, forms and plans, handouts, etc.). It is expected that all students will meet the standard of English required within our profession. Students may attend or be referred to the Learning Commons to help them improve the quality of their written work.

General Guidelines for Submitting Written Work

For specific course requirements, refer to the Course Outlines and Evaluation. If you are still not clear about course requirements, discuss with the individual Faculty. Students are required to use spell-check and grammar-check to assist with the editing of written work. The Learning Centre will be an invaluable resource to students who require assistance in organizing and writing an assignment with correct spelling and grammar.

Unless otherwise indicated by professors, generally, assignments should be:

• Word processed.
  
• Double spaced and 1 sided.
  
• Submitted using a font size of 12, if word-processed and proper margins.
  
• Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check).
  
• Handed in at the beginning of class on the designated due date in class, unless otherwise indicated by the professor.
  
• Handed in using the APA format (see below) if references are required.
  
• Handed in securely fastened with a cover page indicating the course name, faculty's name, student's name, section, and date submitted.
• Completed individually unless the professor indicates otherwise.
  

NOTE: Faculty does not assume responsibility for assignments not given directly to them in hard copy at the beginning of the relevant course. Students should avoid handing in assignments outside the regularly scheduled class time and should make every effort to hand assignments in to the professor in person.

Steps to Follow to Submit Assignments Outside of Class Time

We cannot assure that Faculty or Administrative Support Staff will be present to receive assignments. Please make sure that if you are dropping an assignment off outside of class that you have indicated to your Faculty, via email, that you have dropped it off. In your email, you should indicate the date and time you dropped off your assignment. You should also provide an electronic copy of your assignment to the Faculty as per Faculty instructions. All assignments must be clearly labeled with your student number and Faculty name to ensure delivery/marking.

Deadlines

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are, as per instructions of the course faculty.

Assignments that are received past the due date will be subject to the following deductions:

• 1 to 3 days late - 10%
• 4 to 6 days late - 20%
• 7 to 10 days late - 30%
• 11 to 15 days late - 40%
• 16 to 20 days late - 50%

Testing

Tests are to be written at the times scheduled by the professor/instructor, the program and the College. Unauthorized absence from a test will result in a grade of zero for that test. Authorized absence from a test must be arranged with the Professor/instructor prior to the scheduled test date, and the rescheduling of such tests is at the discretion of the Professor/instructor. Students who arrive late for a test may be refused admittance to the test room.

Test Results

Test results will be posted on the student portal or otherwise communicated as soon as possible after a test. Tests will not normally be returned to students, but students may arrange with their Professor/instructors to see and discuss their test results. Students should consult with their Professor/instructors for details of the review process. Such reviews should be conducted within two weeks of the posting of test results.

It is the students' responsibility to check their marks on any test or assignment and raise any issues within two weeks of the posting. If you have no grade posted for a given test, go see the faculty member in charge of that course to find out why it was not posted. Do not wait until the end of the semester to check why you are missing grades.

Authorized Resources

The following resources are required in test situations: student ID cards, pencils, pens, and erasers. A Faculty member may authorize specific resources for a test. All other resources are considered unauthorized and must be stored in student lockers or an area of the test room designated by the Professor/instructor.

Ethical Conduct during Evaluations

In test situations, students must do their own work with integrity. The use of unauthorized resources, unauthorized collaboration, and copying are serious offences.

See Conestoga College Student Guide for violations of Academic Offences Procedure.

Grading System

Students must attain a minimum 60% passing grade in all Advanced Police Studies courses. The College uses numeric, alpha and grade point average (GPA). An incomplete is submitted as an "I". Incompletes change to failures if the terms of the incomplete are not met within the stipulated time.

Professionalism

Marks may be assigned within a course for professionalism. Students should refer to individual course outlines for the specific requirements of each course.

Professionalism includes but is not limited to the following:

All students are expected to demonstrate professional/adult behaviour inside and outside of the classroom in the following ways: attendance/engagement, punctuality, appropriate classroom decorum, commitment, and respect.

Working Together on Group Assignments

Students will often work with their fellow peers on various assignments/projects throughout the program.

Each group member is responsible for ensuring that they have an equal role in the group. All students in the group should review the completed work before it is submitted/presented. When issues/concerns arise during the group process, it is the responsibility of group members to contact the course Professor for assistance prior to the due date.

Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments

In order to support student success, students will be given continual feedback on their progress throughout the semester. Individual Faculty will inform students in class how/when tests and assignments and/or marks on them will be returned. Please note that some tests will be returned to students and some may be retained by Faculty. Students who have questions about tests/assignments/grades should follow the process outlined below:

• At least 24 hours after receiving the mark and within 7 days, write an email to the Faculty, indicating the area(s) of clarification required.
  
• Initiate a meeting with the Faculty to discuss.
  
• Bring pertinent information (assignment, mark sheet, etc.) to the appointment.
  

Academic Standing and Promotion

The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations, policies and procedures. Each student is provided with this annual publication early in the semester each academic year. The Conestoga Student Guide is also available on the College web site.

Course Add/Drop

You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program you are in:

1. Log in to the Student Portal,
   
2. Click on the "My Courses" tab,
   
3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. It is strongly recommended that students consult their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to dropping a course.

Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses

Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, they will be on "special timetables". Prior to the beginning of the semester, students should attempt to add missed courses from a previous semester by logging in to the Student Portal and following the instructions to register for courses. If students are not able to add courses on their own (because of a timetable conflict or full course section) they must seek assistance from their Program Coordinator during the "Special Timetable Registration" initiated by the College. Dates, times and locations of Special Timetable Registration periods are posted in the student portal in advance of the beginning of each semester. Students must attend this meeting where they will receive further guidance regarding this academic status from their Program Coordinator.

Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.

Failed Courses

A failing grade for this program is generally anything below a 60%. Should you be unsuccessful in achieving a passing grade, your course may be available through Continuing Education or on-line through OntarioLearn. Faculty approval must be obtained prior to re-taking the course to ensure equivalency.

Academic Probation

Students who have been unsuccessful in their field experience, have failed two or more academic courses, and/or have required considerable testing/assignment variances may be recommended for Academic Probation. Academic probation allows students to be promoted to the next level with a special timetable or with academic conditions. Special timetables and academic conditions are designed as part of written learning contract that the student and program coordinator create together. The goal of these measures is to allow students to continue in the program accompanied by a supportive plan for success.

Discontinuance

Students who have not successfully participated in the requirements of their academic probation, who have failed to meet the standards set out in the Conestoga Student Guide and/or the APS Program Handbook involving academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, or unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct or have failed 50% or more of their academic courses and field experiences may be discontinued from the Program. Students who have been discontinued from the Program will not be considered for re-entry to the program for a minimum of one semester and/or until they have worked with the program coordinator to develop a written learning contract to support their academic and non-academic success.

Withdrawal

Students not planning to return to the APS program the following semester are expected to complete a Withdrawal Form available from the Program Coordinators, the Registrar's Office, or on the College website.

Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet with the Program Coordinator or Academic Advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a program application form to the Registrar's Office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled in, students may want to discuss options with a career advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where courses numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met.

Appeal

Students have the right to appeal any academic decisions as set out in the Conestoga Student Guide. It is recommended that students begin this appeal process by first meeting with the Faculty and/or Program Coordinator.

Clearance of Academic Deficiency/Supplemental Opportunities

Students who have failed a course and who are eligible may receive an opportunity for a supplemental evaluation. Following the end of semester, eligible students will be invited for a supplemental opportunity. If a student does not respond to this invitation or is unavailable at the specified date and time, the student forfeits the supplemental opportunity for the course. For more information please visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency. 

To be eligible for a supplemental opportunity, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. A final course grade of less than 60%, but equal to or above 55%.
   
2. No academic offences in the course.
3. Evidence of passing at least one evaluation in the course.

Procedure

1. Eligible student will be contacted by the program and will be provided details of the supplemental process.
2. The students will receive a supplemental form and throught the student portal to pay the fee .
3. Student completes supplemental work (test or assignment) in accordance with the times and dates communicated.
4. Supplemental work is assessed, and the final grade is posted.
5. If successful in completing the supplemental work for the course, the failing course grade will be upgraded to the minimal passing grade for the course.

Community Service Students in one-year certificate, one-year graduate certificate and two-year diploma programs may receive up to a maximum of two (2) supplemental evaluations while in the program.

Readmission to a Program

Students are required to apply for readmission when they have been absent from their program for one semester or longer unless an Intention Form has been completed (returning students only), or when the student has withdrawn or been discontinued. Upon readmission, students are placed into the current program of study which determines graduation requirements. Students are subject to the college and program policies and procedures in place at the time of readmission.

Students applying for readmission to Level/Semester one must do so through Ontario Colleges. Students applying for readmission to a level beyond Level/Semester one must do so using a Conestoga College Program Application Form. Applicable fees will be charged.

The application for readmission will be reviewed based on the student's academic eligibility, program readmission requirements, and space availability. The student will be informed in writing of the decision

For additional information, refer to the Academic Administration page for more information on the readmission procedure.

Administrative Fees

The College requires that appropriate forms be completed and that an administrative fee be paid at the Registrar's office. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that such forms are completed, and fees paid. For example, you must pay a fee for a supplemental assignment prior to writing the supplemental.

Graduation

Students must pass all program courses and be a student in good standing with the college in order to be eligible to graduate. If you do not make up failed courses, you will not graduate. 

​ 

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Policies

1. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with all aspects of the WIL process, including course outlines, policies, WIL requirement.
2. Students are expected to work their full shifts as assigned by the WIL agency and to complete the WIL log form. The length of shifts can vary from WIL experience to WIL experience. Students who will be absent from WIL are required to notify both the agency contact person where they are placed and their WIL supervisor at the college prior to the start of their shift that day. Students who require special shift considerations due to extenuating circumstances should negotiate this with their Coordinator at the beginning of WIL.
3. Students will be required at times to confidentially conduct observations and/or gather information at their WIL sites as part of various class assignments.
4. Students are required to make up any time missed from WIL in full. 
5. Students who have not completed all required hours or learning requirements by the end of the semester may be eligible for an Incomplete. This would be negotiated with the program coordinator and the WIL site. If the Incomplete is approved the student may be granted an extension to return to the WIL and complete the outstanding items or they may be granted permission to carry over some items to their next WIL experience. Specifics about the terms will be outlined using the college's incomplete form.
6. Students who complete all requirements by the end of the semester but do not successfully pass the WIL course may, in some cases, be eligible for a supplemental. The student should check the course outline to determine where the course is supplemental eligible and if so, will follow the supplemental process described in this handbook and pay the required fee as per information in the Conestoga College Student Procedures Guide.
7. Criminal Records Check Procedures are applied at the discretion and in the form identified by the WIL host agency.
   

Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion.  To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:           

• Standard First Aid and CPR –level C
• An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).  Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
  

Safety in the Workplace Course (OHS1320)

All students who participate in unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences during the course of their program will be required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out on WIL.  The course will provide students with an introduction to workplace hazards and general safety awareness. Students will receive a Record of Completion to provide evidence of this training to WIL experience sites and will consent to their workplace insurance coverage.

WSIB

Prior to your WIL experience, you must electronically sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related to Unpaid Clinical placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) while you are on training WIL experiences. This Declaration will be placed in your student file. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration of Understanding for WSIB Coverage has been electronically signed, in the Safety in the Workplace Course - OHS1320, and visible on your H.S. Trax home page to be eligible to attend your WIL experience.

Concerns regarding Student Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients

Field placement experiences provide the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your learning in the practice environment.  These placements have been organized by your Program in partnership with the organization where you have been placed.

The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during the placement in a way that supports both a solid learning experience and a constructive partnership with the placement site.

1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their WIL site on the first day of their WIL placement. The Orientation may include details of the WIL site's policies and procedures related to communication about the safety of the work environment and/or the safety and care of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
   • The student must immediately report these concerns to the College individual associated with the WIL placement (Clinical Instructor, Faculty responsible for your WIL placement, WIL placement Supervisor).
   • The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will discuss this concern with Site Management.
   • For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Chair. The Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact WIL site management to determine next steps.

Should facility policies require that WIL students report safety or care/service concerns immediately to WIL site management, the student should report to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer immediately afterward.

B. Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury during a WIL Experience

1. Should students experience a personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to the WIL Placement Employer and Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor. The WIL Placement Employer will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for transportation to emergency medical services if required. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the College's Occupational Health & Safety Office. Where necessary, the Occupational Health & Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a Letter of Authorization to Represent Placement Employer, and a Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.

In Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during a WIL Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property

1. Should students be involved in care/service situations where there the care/service results in a potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of the WIL placement site, this concern must be immediately reported to the WIL Site in order that care can be given. This situation must also be reported immediately to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor. The faculty member will discuss this immediately with the WIL placement site and ensure that an incident report is completed. The faculty member must also inform the Program Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained regarding the incident and to inform College officials accordingly.
2. Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical property at the WIL site, this concern must be reported immediately to the WIL Site and to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer. The faculty member will inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.
   

External Partnerships

We recognize the following external employers and agencies that provide the placements:

• Halton Regional Police Service
• Guelph Police Service
• Stratford Police Service
• Waterloo Regional Police Service
• O.P.P.
• Wilfrid Laurier University Special Constable Service
• University of Waterloo Special Constable Service
• Brantford Police Service