Management in Community Services

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1276
Community Services

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide

Program Handbook Guidelines

​The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website​ applies to all students, regardless of program.

The Student Guide provides details regarding Student ServicesSafety and SecurityStudent Rights and Responsibilities and more. 

Welcome

To the School of Community Services

The pursuit of post-secondary education is an important decision, and we are honoured that you have chosen a program at Conestoga in the School of Community Services. 

Here at Conestoga, you will learn from program teams who are dedicated to your success. These teams have extensive community services, academic and research experience. They will work with you as you develop the practical knowledge and theoretical skills required to launch your future career.

As part of your learning experience, we are proud to provide you with state-of-the-art learning facilities that include college-operated child and youth development centres, an on-campus EMS station and a high fidelity live fire training site. Through these facilities, you will have multiple opportunities to engage in active learning experiences that will build your skills and develop the critical thinking required to solve problems and help shape your successful future.

I invite you to plan for success from day one - know what is expected of you and what resources are available for you. Today marks the first day of becoming the professional you aspire to be.

I wish you all the best,

Goranka Vukelich, PhD
Executive Dean, School of Community Services

Steps to Your Success

 1. Use MyConestoga to Connect To:

  • Your Conestoga Email: Your official vehicle for all college communication.
  • eConestoga: Your resource for all course-based information.
  • Student Portal: Where you will find your final grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.
  • Practicum Health Requirements: Keep track of your requirements on an ongoing basis; check that they are complete to allow you to go on your practicum (if applicable).

2. Know Your Academic Schedule And Plan Around It

  • Course Schedule: This is a timetable of all your classes for each semester.
  • The Academic Year Critical Dates: Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located on the college website. Plan around these dates to ensure you are here when you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next semester.

3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become

Civility, respect and professional behaviours will be key in the quality of your learning experience—and a future employer's first and lasting impression. Pay special attention to the following:

  • Professional Dress & Conduct: See Professional Conduct section for professionalism expectations for your program. The college's Student Guide sets out expectations of student conduct for our community at Conestoga
  • Pre-practicum Health Requirements: Pay attention to the deadlines listed on your documents.
  • Social Media: Use responsibly. See Standards of Conduct section of the Handbook.

4. Attend To Enhance Success

Attendance for class, labs and field placement supports student learning and your experience as a future professional.

  • Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your scheduled evaluation time. See attendance for evaluation section in the handbook.

5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status

Make yourself familiar with what is expected of you, and if you have questions, ask.

  • Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.
  • Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Refer to the Credit Transfer & PLAR​ website.
  • Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures. Please read and understand the Rights and Responsibilities website. 

Letter to Students

​Dear Students,

Welcome to the Management in Community Services Program! You have worked hard to be accepted into this program at Conestoga College and we commend you on your success.

This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the Management in Community Services Program. Reading, understanding and following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your continued success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your year at the college. If you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask the Faculty, Program Coordinator or Chair for an explanation.

Use the index in this handbook as your guide and the contents as your continuous reference as you proceed through the program. The Management in Community Services Program Learning Team will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours.

In addition to this Program Handbook, the Conestoga Student Guide outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. This handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga Student Guide.

We are here to help you have a successful year. Should you experience difficulty or need assistance in any area of your studies, please come and speak with us, and we will work with you to help you reach your career goal.

All the very best to you in your studies.

Sincerely,


Lorri Sauvé, Chair, Human Services

Goranka Vukelich, Executive Dean, School of Community Services
Management in Community Services Program Team

Relationships

Your Program Team

Your program team includes faculty, staff and administrators who are committed to your success. If you have questions about your progress in the program, course work or field placement, please take the time to connect with them.

Communication and Contact Information

Administration

Name

Email

​Jess Balzer
Program Assistant, Human Services
PAC Assistant, Community Services
​jbalzer@conestogac.on.ca
​Heather Kerr 

Program Coordinator

hkerr@conestogac.on.ca

Lorri Sauvé, Chair
Human Services

Lsauve@conestogac.on.ca

Goranka Vukelich, Executive Dean
School of Community Services

gvukelich@conestogac.on.ca

Office Hours

Most professors will outline their office hours in the first class. These times may also be posted for students to consult with their professors about any academic issues or to receive assistance related to coursework. If students anticipate a need for additional time, they are asked to make an appointment. In general, faculty members are very accommodating and are very willing to spend time to address student concerns.

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 Email

All students are supplied with a college e-mail address. Please use this method when communicating with college faculty and staff ONLY as non-college e-mail addresses (e.g. hotmail) are problematic.  Students are expected to check their college e-mail regularly as most official communication will be via this method. 

Posted Information for Students

Marks are obtained through the Student Portal on the College's Website. The Student Portal is also the site where students can obtain their timetable and other college-wide notices. eConestoga is the online educational complementary forum through which Conestoga offers online courses, hybrid courses and course-related information. As such, for some courses, you can obtain assignments, lecture notes, links, etc. as they pertain to your course. The eConestoga site will also have a bulletin board where students can post topics and issues of interest so long as this is done respectfully and does not violate the Student Guide. 

Student Success Advisor

No matter your campus, school, or program, there is a Student Success Advisor (SSA) available to support you. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program.

You can sign in to the Student Success Portal to book an appointment.

Student Success Advisor, School of Community Services
Ramona Sipos

rsipos@conestogac.on.ca

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

Program Overview

Program Description

Community Service Organizations in Canada continue to evolve to meet the diverse and changing needs within our communities. Succession planning is a key requirement for most organizations, creating a demand for skilled managers in the not-for-profit sector. This Ontario College Graduate Certificate Program is uniquely designed for emerging managers in the not-for-profit sector. Graduates attain knowledge and skills not covered in other management programs, setting them apart from others applying for similar jobs. For those with experience in the field of community services, this program will provide you with the skills that may lead to a promotion or enhance your abilities in your management role. You will have the opportunity to gain skills in community development and engagement, program design and evaluation, and project management. Human resources, financial management, principles of management, as well as sponsorship and fundraising will also be addressed in the context of not-for-profit leadership.

In this program, you will enhance your understanding of community-based social policy and public administration and gain perspectives on social, cultural and political issues with a focus on equity, inclusion and diversity. Through a variety of projects, case studies, presentations and interactive learning opportunities, you will apply the skills required to be a supervisor, manager and or leader. You will produce individual work, as well as work in groups with a diverse cohort of students who bring a wide breadth of experience to the classroom. This graduate program includes a work placement experience allowing you to gain practical experience to be “job ready” for government, community-based, and or social service-based organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

The following program learning outcomes identify what students will know and learn by the end of their program:

  • Explore the strengths and weaknesses of management/supervisory styles and implications of various styles for organizational life.
  • Apply community leadership skills to encourage participation, development, and sustainability in a community or organization within the not-for-profit sector.
  • Use project management tools and techniques to complete events or projects within their scope.
  • Implement strategies to support fundraising or fund development activities that meet the organizational needs of a not-for-profit organization.
  • Apply various design, development, and quality assurance processes to measure the success and sustainability of community programs.
  • Manage the finances of a not-for-profit organization or program considering risk, investments, and fiduciary responsibilities necessary to meet its goals.
  • Contribute to the management of human resources including volunteer and/or staff recruitment, training, performance appraisal and total rewards to promote volunteer and/or staff retention within an organization.



Program Design for Your Cohort

Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the 'Program Courses'.

General Education Electives

Students are required to complete General Education elective courses as part of their program requirements. General Education elective course requirements are listed at the bottom of the progress report, which is found on the Student Portal under My Courses. The progress report indicates the level/semester in which the course must be taken. Students are responsible for adding General Education electives into their schedule for the designated semester. Eligible courses are posted each semester by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies on the College's elective website. For more information and to view the current elective course offerings, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma. Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.ca

Required Supplies and Textbooks

This program has been designated as an eText program. Please access details on the program-specific webpage.

Any required materials for a course are listed on the course outline. Failure to obtain required materials may result in unsuccessful grades in the course. It is strongly recommended that students purchase their supplies, textbooks, etc., which are above and beyond the cost of their tuition, to increase their success within their program.

Laptop Requirements

All students entering the Management in Community Services program must have a laptop computer that meets the minimum specified requirements. All students must own and maintain their laptops.

The college provides registered students with wireless and hardwired internet access, access to free software downloads and server- based access to several program-specific software applications while on campus. Additionally, open access computer labs with all required software are available for all students.

During the first week of the program, students will be instructed on how to download certain software products and how to access other products through the college server.  

Students must bring their laptops on the first day of classes.

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access. 

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

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.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca. 

The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.

For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.

If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.

Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.

Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.

For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.

Awards

​​​Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the Student Financial Services on Conestoga's website.


Attendance and Program Standards

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters!  Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc...). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.  

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

  • To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
  • If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

  • The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
  • The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
  • If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
  • As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.


Religious Holidays

Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification.
Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.

It is the responsibility of the student to:

a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;

b. Advise the Faculty member that they will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing within the first three weeks of the semester and prior to the date of assessment that falls on the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair.

Class Cancellations

Class Cancellations Due to Faculty Absence

All class cancellations due to Faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to Faculty absences.

Although the formal notification comes through the portal, faculty may also elect to post an absences on eConestoga. 

Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations

Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to Faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service.

To subscribe:

  • Log in to the Student Portal
  • Select Notifications under the Profile tab
  • Select the method by which you would like to be notified
  • Click Update

Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address.

Program Standards for Professional Practice

The Management in Community Services Program provides both academic study and professional training to prepare students for careers working in the field. Throughout the program, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply themselves to academic achievement. Professionals function in an independent and interdependent environment. The fundamental responsibility of the student is to gain additional knowledge and skills to have competent Management in Community Services knowledge upon graduation. As professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a Conestoga Management in Community Services student, there are three areas of conduct you are expected to follow; Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.

As a student of Conestoga College you are a member of the College community and as such you have received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights and Student Responsibilities. It is essential that you review this section and familiarize yourself with these responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program Coordinator.

In addition to all Student Responsibilities found in the Conestoga Student Guide, Applied Research and Analysis for Public Policy - Health and Community Care students have the following obligations:

  • Complete the learning objectives, tests, assignments and all other forms of student work, with honesty and professional integrity.
  • Attend class as scheduled.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour while attending class.
  • Protect the integrity of the Program and the College.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of all classroom experiences.
  • Seek clarification from faculty/administration when unsure of any of these standards.

Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones

To support a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking should only occur during break times, before/after class, outside of children's play areas (indoors/outdoors) and during formal break time in field placement.

As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including Social Media.

Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts.

  1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.
  2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
  3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
  4. Avoid online criticism of other students, colleagues, professors or field placements.
  5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.
  6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.
  7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
  8. Make sure your on-line name and email reflect professionalism.
  9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others. 
Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:
  1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities
  2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student, nor will they accept any invitations to your personal sites 

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.

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities. 

By having and applying an Academic  Offences Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Copyright at Conestoga 

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Use of Time between Classes

Students are encouraged to use breaks between classes for personal needs (food, washroom, phone calls, emails, etc.) but also for group work, studying, connecting with Faculty, field placement associates, etc.

Test and Evaluation Procedures

Importance of Test and Presentation Dates

Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester.  Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the College, the program, or the Faculty may require changes to the course schedule.  If this occurs, students will be notified.

Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. There will be NO special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments, or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with Faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Services Office.

Test Procedures

  • Students are encouraged to arrive early for in person tests. Late arrivals must enter quietly. Late arrivals must abide by the test end time assigned by faculty and will not receive any extra test writing time.
  • Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others. Once students leave the room they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty.
  • Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.
  • The faculty is responsible for advising students of any materials permitted for access during the test period.  For in person tests/exams, personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.
  •  Faculty will advise of seating arrangements for students during the test/exam period.
  • During open book tests/exams, students must bring their own approved course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as but not limited to iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, etc. will not be permitted. Faculty will advise of specific expectations for in person, remote online tests/exams including access to approved course materials and resources and approved use of electronic devices during the test period.  
  • All tests/examinations are to be completed independently. Collaboration during remote online and in person testing/exams is not permitted unless otherwise advised by faculty.
  • You are expected to behave as a professional during the writing of tests. Please refrain from talking and ensure that you are not late for the test. If these behaviours occur, students may be asked to leave the test situation.

Assignments and Group Work 

Assignment Policies

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due at the beginning of class. Late marks will be deducted from assignments not submitted when requested by 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%

Assignments that are received more than 20 days late will receive a mark of 0, will be reviewed and offered feedback.

Students experiencing extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from meeting assigned due dates may have the opportunity to negotiate a different due date providing they meet the following conditions:

  • They discuss their circumstance with the course faculty at least 3 business days prior to the due date
  • They negotiate a new due date that is mutually agreed upon.

NOTE: Reporting an absence on the day a written assignment is due, does not extend the assignment due date. In addition, the required submission of an assignment for one course does not, in any circumstances, warrant absence from another course.

No assignments will be accepted after the last day of the semester.

Steps to Follow to Submit Assignment Outside of Class Time 

Assignments are to be submitted electronically to the appropriate eConestoga course drop box on the day they are due., If circumstances require that an assignment be submitted outside a scheduled due date, please alert your faculty member by e-mail and follow through on the submission of your assignment as per faculty instructions. 

Working Together on Group Assignments

Students will often work with their fellow peers on various assignments/projects throughout the program. Assignments can include any number of things:  Small group work, debates, class discussions, experiential exercises, presentations, field trips.  Some assignments will count for marks; others are intended to enhance learning or to make a concept clearer and more applicable.  Students are encouraged to participate and take advantage of the learning, because working in groups is a reality in the workplace.

Assignments are often done in a collaborative capacity, that is, students will likely be working as part of a small group.  This can be fun and interesting and sometimes frustrating for some. Tensions can arise if any one member does not perform adequately.  Students are therefore encouraged to develop a clear group contract for use in their group work.

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 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 will be shared. 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 seven days, write a note to the Faculty, indicating the area(s) of clarification required,
  • Initiate a meeting with the faculty to discuss,
  • Have pertinent information (assignment, mark sheet, etc.)for the appointment.
Note: Students are encouraged to keep all assignments, texts and course-related resources and materials throughout the duration of the program.

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the Management in Community Services program, both in courses and field placement, 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. Faculty and Field Placement Associates will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and will approach students to discuss the need for improvement. Students may be referred to the Library Services to help them improve the quality of their written work.

General Guidelines for Submitting Written Work

For specific course requirements, refer to the Course Schedule and Evaluation Methods information provided. If you are not clear about course requirements, discuss with individual faculty. Unless otherwise specified, all assignments, tests, examinations are expected to be completed independently. Students are required to use spell-check and grammar-check to assist with the editing of written work. The Library Services 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;
  • Submitted using a font size of 12, if word processed and proper margins;
  • Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check);
  • Submitted with a cover page (see the Virtual Library Services for resources);
  •  Electronically uploaded to the appropriate eConestoga course site drop box on the designated due date, unless otherwise indicated by professor;
  • Handed in using formatting APA@Conestoga (https://apa.conestogac.on.ca/), citing, and referencing (see Virtual Library Services).

NOTE: Faculty does not assume responsibility for assignments improperly uploaded or not submitted directly to the relevant course assignment drop box. Students should avoid handing in assignments outside the assigned due date and should make every effort to hand assignments in as instructed by your professor. 

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

Progression Guidelines

Each program has very clear guidelines about how students successfully progress through their course of study. These guidelines are found in this program handbook. They include information about what may happen should you fail courses or field placement, how you could recover these courses, and what your options may be if recovery is not possible. We encourage you to review these guidelines in order to understand them. If you have any questions about them, please connect with a member of your program team. Remember, we are all here to help.

In order to resolve any concerns which may arise during a course, field placement or relating to the program overall, students are encouraged to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program level prior to proceeding to a formal appeal.

If attempts have been made, and a successful resolution has not been reached, students are encouraged to refer to their Conestoga Student Guide, and to follow the procedures outlined under the "Academic Dispute Resolution and Appeal Procedure​."​

Academic Standing and Promotion

The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations, policies and procedures. The Conestoga Student Guide is available on the college website and by visiting the "Student Guide" tab in your Student Portal.

Post-secondary education (especially at the College level) is oriented toward two general goals.  One is to give students the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to achieve success in the workplace.  The other is to stimulate a work ethic that promotes responsibility, respect and routine.  Both of these purposes are directed at helping students to become competent professionals in their respective fields.  In this regard, students are required to meet many expectations.

Although each professor will have guidelines for tests, assignments and papers, the following provides some general guidelines. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with individual professors for any variation from these overall guidelines.

In addition to the Academic Regulations found in the Conestoga Student Guide, the following apply to the Management in Community Services Program:

Achievement

Students must attain a minimum "C" or 60% passing grade in all core courses.

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.

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. 

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 the 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 within 10% of the passing mark of the course and no lower than 50%.
  2. No academic offences in the course.
  3. Evidence of passing at least one evaluation in the course.

Procedure

  1. An eligible student will be contacted by the program and will be provided details of the supplemental process.
  2. Student will receive a supplemental form and will need to pay through the student portal the additional 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.

Academic Probation

Students who have been unsuccessful in 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 a 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.

Promotion through the Program

Promotion is the advancement from one portion of the program to another (i.e. semester to semester or year to year) after a process of evaluation has been completed to assure that minimum standards have been met or surpassed.  Promotion is based on academic achievement as well as meeting personal and professional performance standards.  In addition, a passing grade for field placement performance is required.

Promotion reviews occur at the end of semester 1 and 2 and decisions are made by the full program team including Faculty members, Program Coordinator, and Department Chair. 

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 Management in Community Services Program Handbook involving academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, or unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct, or have failed 50% or more of their academic courses 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 1 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. At the discretion of the Program Coordinator, students may be given permission to attend the part-time program.    

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 and/or program chair. 

Withdrawal 

Students not planning to return to the Management in Community Services 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. 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. 

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.

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 be able to graduate. Please seek support of your Program Coordinator if you are concerned about your eligibility to graduate.  

 

Work-Integrated Learning Experiences

​Student Consent Forms

Students are required to complete program specific consent forms. To access the forms, students need to visit the WIL Document Services Community in myConestoga and click on the Consent Forms tab. 

Safe Practice

Safe practice is a hallmark of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a professional.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that has been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:

  1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the college. 
  2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring laptop cords do not snake across walking areas, and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them.
  3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioral conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.  
  4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors. If you have a field placement, your Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Preceptor will ensure that you are aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the college's Occupational Health & Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment. 
  5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-in-Charge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve how to avoid these areas of concern for the future.

Work Experience

The work experience is a mandatory part of the program design that is required for successful completion of the program. Students complete the work experience in level 2 of the program. Students will receive assistance from the Placement Coordinator in securing suitable work experience opportunities.  

Safety in the Workplace Course (OHS1320)

All students who participate in 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.

Student Engagement

Conestoga 101

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga, a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately one hour to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help you transition to Conestoga.

​​Student Feedback

​Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.

All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator(s) of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator(s) will select which student(s) will represent the program at PAC. Student attendees are important members of the PAC and are expected to be present at all meetings and are responsible for preparing and submitting a report based on guidelines provided by the program coordinator.

Students who participate in PACs will receive credit on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR) . Your CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved Co-curricular experiences at Conestoga.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures". 

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:         
  • Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
  • Academic Offences Policy & Procedure ​
  • Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
  • Convocation Procedure
  • Co-operative Education Policy
  • Discontinuance Procedure
  • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
  • Grading Procedure
  • Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
  • Readmission Procedure
  • Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
  • Student Expectations for Online Engagement
  • Student Feedback Policy
  • Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.​​ 

Web-based Tools

​Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student. 

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Program Handbook Revision Log

​​Last Revised
By Whom
June 24, 2019
Julia Rodricks
​August 18, 2020
​Ashitha Jacob
​July 16, 2021
​Liz Oliveira
​June 20, 2022​Jess Balzer
​June 1, 2023​Cindy Wang
Management in Community Services