Dear Students,

Welcome to the Mental Health and Substance Use graduate certificate program. This new program has been carefully designed to prepare you to be a collaborator and a leader of positive change in an evolving inter-disciplinary, inter-professional and cross-sectoral field. This field is confronting significant challenges at the local, regional and global levels. The capacity of organizations, communities and systems to address these challenges will require individuals capable of engaging in the collaborative, solution-focused practice, involving complex issues and changing needs.

The program examines diverse perspectives and approaches to mental health and substance use. You will have opportunities to consider new perspectives, develop new skills and abilities, and apply your learning in the classroom and the community. Each of you will bring your unique background and set of perspectives to your studies. These perspectives will help you explore the subject matter of this program with your colleagues in ways that can be mutually beneficial, helping you to develop your own critical perspective on key issues informed by theory, evidence, and scholarship.

We wish you the very best in your studies.

Sincerely,

​Communication and Contact Information

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.

Program Description

The Mental Health and Substance Use graduate certificate program will provide future human and health service providers with the knowledge and applied skills needed to move into service and program planning, delivery and evaluation roles related to persons who experience mental health and/or substance use concerns. As providers in these sectors work increasingly across boundaries to address the complex and intersecting needs of these populations, students will learn how to examine and address service quality at the practice, program and system levels. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community collaboration, public participation, social inclusion, and advocacy in their work with persons experiencing complex conditions. Integrative themes of self-determination, capacity building, resilience, recovery and empowerment will be examined from person-centred, community-based and population-oriented perspectives. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Assess the multi-level risk and protective factors to determine the potential impact on persons, communities and populations at risk for mental health and substance use problems
• Adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards, including policies and best practices as they relate to mental health and substance use problems.
  
• Integrate theory and empirical evidence to develop strategies to address service gaps and promote mental health and well-being for populations and people with complex needs.
• Assess personal and inter-professional capabilities used to advance system and service improvements for populations at risk for mental health and substance use problems.
• Design mental health and substance use policy, programs and services using population health planning frameworks to align with the needs of people with mental health and substance use problems
• Reflect critically on the ideas, interests and institutions that influence societal responses to inform policy and programming decisions
  

Program Standards for Professional Practice

Standards of Conduct can be found in the workplace, so it is not surprising that Conestoga College, and more specifically, the Mental Health and Substance Use program has standards of conduct.

In the event of a conflict between the Mental Health and Substance Use Student Handbook and the College Student Guide, the Student Guide will take precedence.

Students are required to adhere in 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.

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

• Students are required to uphold and promote the ethical standards of the program and the inter-professional field it supports.
  
• Students are responsible to protect the integrity of the Mental Health and Substance Use program and the College community as a whole by identifying students who are dishonest and/or violate the standards.
• To commit to completing the learning objectives with integrity.
• To complete work that is your own - not plagiarized – please familiarize yourselves with College policies on academic integrity.
• To commit to attendance of classes, labs, community experiences and field placement. When unable to attend, an attempt to communicate the reasons for failing to attend is expected.
• To demonstrate professional behaviour while attending class, labs, community experiences and field placement as well as in program-related electronic communications.
  
• To promote excellence, integrity and honesty.
  
• To maintain service user confidentiality except when required by law or professional expectations.
  
• To identify students who are violating ethical guidelines and standards.
  
• To seek clarification from faculty or administration when unsure of any of these standards.
  

Expectations of Faculty:

• Faculty will accept, fulfil, and enforce the professional standards of ethical practice.
  
• Anyone who believes that a faculty member has violated these standards may confidentially initiate a complaint to the Program Chair.
  

Examples of Violations of Ethical Practice

It is expected by society, and by ourselves that professionals do not, and will not lie, cheat, or steal. To lie is "to utter falsehood with an intention to deceive" (Webster's Dictionary).  Lying is not only immoral but has the potential to be dangerous.

Unethical Behaviour in Such Circumstances Includes, But Is Not Limited To:

• Reporting false client information
  
• Lying about task completion
• Intentional failure to identify breaks in procedure
• Recording false data in a client's file
• Intentional failure to report breach of policy or practice
• Withholding information from/or providing false information to Faculty, Coordinators, Chairs or other College personnel

To steal is "to take or appropriate another's property, ideas, etc. without permission, dishonestly or unlawfully" (Webster's Dictionary). To steal is to perform a criminal act, punishable in the criminal courts of our country. To steal is to destroy the trust bond between client and social service worker, between student and student, and between student and Faculty.

Unethical Behaviour in These Circumstances Includes, But Is Not Limited To:

• Unauthorized possession of examinations or answer keys
  
• Theft from a client, peer, staff person or college personnel
  
• Misuse of any client medication
  
• Taking or misappropriating any supplies from a field placement setting
  

To plagiarize is "to take, pass off as one's own, the ideas, writings, etc. of another" (Webster's Dictionary). To plagiarize incorporates the immoral acts of lying, cheating and stealing.  It includes using someone else's material without giving them the credit. To copy a chapter from a book, an article, a paragraph, a sentence, a care plan, or someone's client study is to plagiarize.

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, punctuality, appropriate classroom decorum, commitment, and respect.

Show respect…

• For fellow students - every student has something valuable to offer to each course. Listen to what others have to say. Racist, sexist or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated.
• For school property – please adhere to the College policy regarding food and beverages in classrooms.
• For professors and guest lecturers - late arrival, unnecessary talking or disturbing behaviours in class (e.g. sleeping or misuse of electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computer programs) are disruptive to the learning environment. Class disruptions are not allowed. Students responsible will be asked to leave.
• For yourself – Attendance is critical to success and is a significant component of professionalism.  Responsible submission of all class assignments is expected.

Mental Health and Substance Use Professionalism

The learning environment is a professional environment. As such, we encourage students to act as professionals, as they would in the work environment. This entails being punctual, prepared, engaged and respectful both within and outside of the classroom. 

As students progress through the program and prepare for placements and careers, consistent improvement and attention to professionalism is expected. Grading will reflect increasing expectations of professionalism each year.

Policy Elaboration

The College affirms the following general principles of rights and responsibilities as guides for individual action within this community.

a) Each individual must accept responsibility for their actions and values, and for recognizing that such actions and values reflect upon the whole community. 
b) All persons must endeavor to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with respect for others and a thoughtful consideration for the needs of the academic community and society in general. 
c) The educational function depends upon honesty, integrity and respect for the preservation, communication and pursuit of knowledge. 
d) Each person is encouraged to learn and practice the art of thoughtfully examining issues, expressing views, both individually and as a group member, in a manner that is consistent with the educational purposes of the College. 
e) The College community recognizes the need for the development of personal ethics, and moral standards and philosophies. The members of this community should be committed to broad personal growth and development, realizing that each individual has both the freedom and the obligation to make ethical and moral choices and to accept the attendant responsibilities. 

Professional Appearance

Appropriate dress is expected in all classes of the Mental Health and Substance Use program, as this helps you explore and adapt to the norms of most of the careers students aspire to enter following graduation.  During special events (e.g. field trips, agency visits, etc.) as well as guest lecturers, students are expected to dress in a professional manner. Neat, professional casual appearance is an important part of the day-to-day work world for which students are preparing. 

Ear buds:  Listening to recreational music/materials during class is prohibited.

General Dress Code Policy: In general, students should always be dressed appropriately for class. 

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.
  

Test and Evaluation Procedures

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the Mental Health and Substance Use 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 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 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 font size of 12, if word processed and proper margins.
• Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check).
  
• Handed in  with a cover page indicating the course name, faculty's name, student's name, section and date submitted;
• Electronically uploaded to the appropriate eConestoga course  drop box on the designated due date, unless otherwise indicated by professor;
• Handed in using the APA@Conestoga (https://apa.conestogac.on.ca/) formatting, citing, and referencing.
  

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 Professor in person.

Steps to Follow to Submit Assignments 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 email and follow through on the submission of your assignment as per faculty instructions.

Deadlines

Students must meet the deadlines for all course assignments. Penalties may be assessed for a late submission. Students should refer to individual course outlines for the specific requirements of each course.

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 faculty to see and discuss their test results. Students should consult with their faculty 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 wasn't posted. Do not wait until the end of the semester to check why you're 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 Mental Health and Substance Use 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.

Late Policy

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%

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/mature behaviour inside and outside of the classroom in the following ways: participation/engagement, punctuality, appropriate classroom decorum, commitment, and respect.

Professionalism Grading: If a student obtains two or more zeros in any of the categories in a professionalism grading rubric, an overall grade of zero for professionalism may be assigned.  This grade may also be assigned for serious behaviours or conduct that overrides other professionalism categories.

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. Under no circumstances are students to enter the offices of Faculty or look through papers on a desk without a Faculty present. 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 a note 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. 

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 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. 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 apply through 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.

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 Mental Health and Substance Use Program Handbook involving academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, or unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct or have failed 50% or more of their 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 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.
Students can be discontinued according to the following reasons:

• For failure to meet academic program standards by failing 50% or more of their courses in a full semester or academic year.
• For violating documented ethical standards of practice.
• For inappropriate behaviour that jeopardizes the study or safety of other students.
• Failure to meet placement health requirements to secure acceptance at any prospective placement host agency.

Procedure

1. The professor notifies the promotions committee of the reasons a student is suggested to be discontinued.
2. The promotions committee reviews the reasons and recommends discontinuance.
3. The Program Coordinator and/or Department Chair meet with the student to explain the reason(s) for discontinuance and complete the Discontinuance Form. A copy of the form is forwarded to the Registrar.
4. The registrar forwards the student a letter outlining the discontinuance and explains the steps involved in requesting an appeal.

Withdrawal

Students not planning to return to the Mental Health and Substance Use 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 and/or Chair.

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.