Public Relations - Integrated Communications (Optional Co-op)

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1478
Interdisciplinary Studies

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

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

Program Handbook Introduction

​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

Welcome to Conestoga College, the next step in your pursuit of post-secondary learning. The School of Interdisciplinary Studies is your gateway to a variety of other college programs in the fields of Health Sciences, Community Services, Business, Information Technology, Engineering, and Media and Design.  It can also be your gateway to degree-level academic learning at either colleges or universities, if that is your goal. In particular, the General Arts and Sciences programs are designed to offer you a firm academic foundation in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and to help you define your academic or career path by discovering your passion, developing your creativity, enhancing your professionalism, and augmenting your post-secondary academic achievements.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important information needed, while studying in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. 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 changes as required through the Conestoga email system. 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, and will be referred to in Phase II Orientation at the beginning of the first semester in a program.

​It is the responsibility of each student to review and understand this document. The School of Interdisciplinary Studies is here to educate students on how to manage their college experience, navigate the college systems, make informed decisions, and assume responsibility for their academic success. If there are any questions or concerns regarding the content of this document, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Program Academic Team

Shawn Brake 

Dean, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
sbrake@conestogac.on.ca​

Shannon Todd
Academic Chair  
stodd@conestogac.on.ca

Erin Kelly
Program Manager
ekelly@conestogac.on.ca

Jen West
Administrative Assistant to Academic Chair
jwest@conestogac.on.ca

Cynthia Breen

Program Coordinator
cbreen@conestogac.on.ca

In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty with particular expertise in specific areas of program focus from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and other schools within Conestoga College. Contact information for this faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.

Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols

Faculty will post course content, assignments, and general announcements on eConestoga. Students should check eConestoga daily to stay up-to-date.  

Students should use their Conestoga College (Outlook) email when communicating with faculty and coordinators.

College Hours

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

Program Overview

Program Description

Graduates of the Public Relations - Integrated Communications program will deal with the needs of organizations to develop and execute integrated communication plans that inform, motivate, and gain support from the public and contribute to organizational communications objectives. 

This integrated communication process relies on writing clear, targeted communication strategies and preparing professional digital, print and graphic communications. Students will also conduct research with an emphasis on analysis and the implications of public relations, marketing, advertising, social media, personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing and branding. The final semester includes an individual client-based capstone project that links learning with real-world application. The importance of professional ethics and practices, professional development, and professional societies in integrated communications will be emphasized throughout the program.

The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Coordinate and contribute to the planning of public relations activities, including the development of clear, measurable communication objectives and project or tactical budgets and selection of strategies, tactics, tools and resources to manage a range of stakeholder relationships and issues and achieve organizational objectives.
  • Coordinate, contribute to and adapt the implementation of strategies and tactics and the management of budgets and resources to achieve communication objectives and meet activity guidelines and requirements.
  • Write and edit clear, accurate, targeted copy aligned to organizational objectives, appropriate for the chosen channel(s) and to a specified deadline.
  • Produce effective, accessible, and timely print, digital and multimedia communications, independently and collaboratively, to manage specific stakeholder relations and/or issues and achieve organizational objectives.
  • Use research results and analytical skills to guide the development of communication objectives and public relations activities, evaluate their impact, and support organizational objectives and stakeholder relationships.
  • Engage stakeholders by adapting language, tone and presentation style to the public relations purpose, situation, audience and channel(s).
  • Comply with and support others to work in accordance with relevant professional association and industry codes of ethics, public relations professional standards and practices, and legal obligations, protocols and policies.
  • Monitor emerging social and economic trends, and local, national and global issues to guide the planning and implementation of public relations strategies and tactics and support organizational effectiveness, stakeholder relationships and ongoing personal professional development.
  • Assess the selection and implications of current and emerging technologies on the quality and delivery of public relations activities and on organizational effectiveness.
  • Select strategies and tools to build and manage stakeholder relationships to support public relations activities, organizational objectives and career development.
  • Create strategic integrated plans that include multiple communication disciplines and align with organizational goals.
  • Implement strategic integrated communications plans using professionally recognized frameworks and best practices.
  • Evaluate the impact of strategic integrated communications plans to support continuous personal and organizational improvement. 

Program Expectations

This graduate-level program prepares students for the workplace. Employers expect our students to graduate with certain skills and abilities.  To ensure that you will meet both the program requirements, and what employers expect, please note:

  • Punctual and full attendance is expected at all classes. An absence must be explained, just as you would at work.
    • Class time involves much more than mini-lectures – it includes opportunities to practice applying the skills students are expected to develop for entry-level positions in the communications field.
  • Students will apply the Canadian Press Style Guide to writing. 
    • Writing expectations are high as expected by employers who hire graduates – this is a communications program.
  • Assignment deadlines are to be respected.  Late assignments will be penalized with a grade of zero.
    • At times, students will learn to juggle multiple projects, just as they will at work. Good time management will be critical to a student's success.
  • Do not talk with other students or on the phone when the teacher is speaking. 
    • Such behaviour is considered rude and it is a distraction to others. Only one person should be talking when class is in session, unless you are directed by the teacher to engage in a group discussion.
  • Avoid use of cell phones or laptops, unless you have been directed to do so by the teacher. 
    • While these tools can help learning, they can also be a distraction. No social media posting or reading during class time. Use your breaks to catch up
  • Graduate students are expected to know how to properly cite copied work. 
    • Plagiarism can result in a 0 on assignments. Repeated offences can result in expulsion.

Students who ignore these expectations may be required to meet with the faculty and/or coordinator for possible student conduct violations.

Professionalism

The Integrated Communications program will reinforce professional standards of behaviour in the communications field.  It is expected that students will conduct themselves as professionals at all times, including in their emails to faculty and their interactions in the classroom with faculty and with classmates.

The class will bring together a group of people with varied backgrounds and experiences. It is expected that all will treat each other with respect.   Your classmates may be in a position to influence a hiring decision about you in the future (it has happened among alumni from this program). Consider this as you approach and work with others in the class.

When it comes to providing a job reference for graduates, faculty can only speak to what they see in the classroom – attendance, attentiveness to assignment directions, ability to meet deadlines, and how a student gets along with others.

Professional Associations 

Canadian Public Relations Society

International Association of Business Communicators

Program Design

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

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

 Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through Accessibility Services. Access the Learning Commons website for detailed information on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math and Writing assistance.

Program start and end dates, holidays, and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the Student Portal under the "My Courses" tab.​

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

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. 

Co-operative Education

Applying to the Co-op Stream (starting with the 1901 cohort and subsequent cohorts unless otherwise noted):

  • All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Not every student who meets academic eligibility requirements will be admitted to the co-op stream.
  • To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 80% session weighted average with no failed or dropped courses during the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op work term.

To participate in a co-op work term, students must (starting with the 1901 cohort and subsequent cohorts unless otherwise noted):

  • Successfully complete the Co-op and Career Preparation modules (CEPR8200/CDEV1020).  Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation will not be permitted to search for co-op employment nor will they be able to participate in a co-op work term.  Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation more than twice will not be permitted to continue in their co-op program.
  • Be enrolled full-time (full-time = 70% of the hours, or 66 2/3 % of the courses in the current session/level of the Program Design.)  Exceptions will apply to those students who have been granted special timetabling based on formal identification of barriers or challenges for which accommodation is required. Academic eligibility requirements must still be met prior to being granted access to seek a co-op work term.
  • Must have successfully completed all level 1 prior to any given work term (regardless of the level the student was placed in advanced standing).
  • Students (even those on special timetables) will not be permitted to complete a co-op work term until conditions above are met and all course deficiencies are cleared.
  • Co-op work terms may need to be re-sequenced to allow academic deficiencies to be cleared or in the event a student changes cohorts (i.e. graduation is delayed by one year or more). Students may not repeat a passed work term.
  • Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
  • Meet program specific co-op work term eligibility requirements.
  • Academic eligibility for a co-op work term is based on the term that occurs two terms prior to any work term.    
  • Students may only defer one work term regardless of the reason(s) (e.g. failed or missed work term).
  • Students who do not successfully complete their deferred work term will be removed from the co-op stream.
  • Since only one work term may be failed/deferred regardless of the reason(s), should a subsequent work term be missed/failed/unsecured (not successfully completed for any reason) the student will be immediately removed from the co-op stream.
  • Students who are discontinued are not eligible for co-op work terms.

For additional information please refer to the Co-operative Education Regulations and Guidelines: Student Regulations, Procedures and Supports found by:

  1. Login to MyCareer 
  2. Select Co-op 
  3. Select Co-op Resources 
  4. Select Co-op Policies 
  5. Select Co-operative Education Regulations, Procedures and Supports for Students

Please Note:

  • Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment.   Visit Co-operative Education for more information. 
  • The College cannot guarantee co-op employment.  All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • In order to participate in a WIL experience/Co-op work term, students must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
  • If students are unable to complete their co-op requirements, in order to be eligible to graduate from the non co-op stream, they must take the Career Development (CDEV) course found in the co-op design of their program. (1901 cohort and subsequent cohorts unless otherwise noted)

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 Program

You can add your electives through your student portal and drop courses from your portal in GAS.

Log in to the Student Portal

  1. Click on the "My Courses" tab
  2. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listing.
  3. Click the red 'X' to drop a course

​It is strongly recommended that students consult their program coordinator/academic advisor prior to dropping a course.  Adding and dropping courses can affect tuition fees and OSAP eligibility.  

Visit the Credit Transfer Office for information on credit transfers and exemptions.  Students must see their coordinator to drop a requried course.  Courses may not be offered during any semester and are subject to availability.

​Instructional Plans

Instructional plans will be provided to students on eConestoga. All assessment dates and deadlines will be posted on the instructional plan, including assignments, tests/quizzes, midterms, presentations, etc. This information acts as a guide to the course and will include a course schedule, which may be subject to change by faculty. Students are expected to review these documents, in coordination with the course outline, on a regular basis and note all key dates and deliverables.

​​Assessments - Late Submissions

Each faculty member will inform students of their guidelines for submitting assessments and any late submission rules in their Instructional Plan. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the course requirements for each of their courses. If an extension of time is required, the student must make the request to the appropriate faculty member in advance of the due date. Approval of the request is at the discretion of the faculty member.

Program Transfer Protocols​

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, 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 transfer credit is given if passing grades are met.​

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.

​​​Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information. Visit the myLearning page through Student Success Services​ for information on accessibility accommodations and other services such as study skills, peer support, and math and writing tutoring. 

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 Financial Aid and  Student Awards Office on Conestoga's website for more information.

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.

Reasons for Absence 

Illness

If a student is suffering from any condition that would impair their ability to perform their academic work or the nature of the health issue would also place other students/employees at risk, it is generally recommended that the student take a day or several days off until the illness is resolved.

Compassionate Leave 

Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are usually granted. These requests will be submitted to faculty who will consult with the Program Coordinator/Chair if necessary. 

Jury Duty 

Any student who receives a summons for jury duty must submit the document to their respective faculty as soon as possible. The faculty will consult with the Chair to determine what arrangements can be made to have the student excused from submission of assignments, if such duty interferes with the progress in the program. Students may also be required to engage in activities in the evening or weekends using eConestoga. 

Religious Holidays

Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. The student must seek accommodation for religious observances 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.

Other Absence(s) 

Student absence(s) must be supported by formal, original documentation.

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.

Evaluations

All assignments should comply with format and organization guidelines given by your professor. All assignments should be handed in on time unless prior arrangements have been negotiated with the professor. 

Late Policy

Conestoga College and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies are committed to supporting students in their learning. We recognize that deadlines for coursework assignments, quizzes, and specified exam dates help prepare students for their career fields through the recognition of demands and expectations (which often need to be prioritized), and in the development of time management skills. Meeting coursework deadlines in a timely manner also enables students to demonstrate to their employers that they are able to produce finished work of acceptable quality within a given time period.

Students are encouraged to complete assignments well in advance of the due date. We are committed to supporting students in their learning experiences, and in responding to individual extenuating circumstances as they arise. Students are reminded that Conestoga College has a network of student success services available including the Learning Commons, Learning Resource Centres, and counseling and support services to assist them.

We are aware that occasionally events or circumstances occur which are beyond a student's control. In these circumstances, we recognize that clear and consistent policies and procedures help our students identify their options and required processes. The following policies apply in most circumstances:

  • Assignments are due at the start of class on the due date specified by the instructor in the Instructional Plan or the deadline set by the dropbox in eConestoga;
  • Extensions must be negotiated at least 24 hours in advance. Extensions are at the sole discretion of the Professor. 

Because you have access to all due dates from the first day of class exceptions to these rules are for validated absences only.

Should students need support with absences (such as illness requiring the care of a doctor prescribing your time off, compassionate leave, court or legal duty, or retroactive absences) students must connect with Accessibility Services for support. 

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.

Academic Standing Decision and Promotion

A student's academic achievement is based on the promotion guidelines established by the program. An academic standing decision is assigned by the Program Coordinator to the student record. The students record will indicate:

  1. Eligible to Continue
  2. Special Timetable - Same Level
  3. Academic Probation
  4. Decision Pending
  5. Discontinuation 
  6. Graduate
  7. Required to Withdraw

These decisions are made at the end of each academic semester, until the program is completed. The Program Coordinator and/or Student Success Advisors are available to discuss academic standing, progress planning, and eligibility to graduate. 

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all program requirements for the credential completion are fulfilled. A student must pass every course in the program design in order to receive their credential, including program options,  field placements, coops and electives, where applicable. 

When a student fails or drops any course in the program, this action may:

  • impede the students ability to continue on in the program
  • increase the number of semesters required to complete and graduate from the program 
  • limit the students ability to take higher level courses where the student is missing the pre-requisite course requirements

Core courses are designed to be completed in a specific order and not all courses are offered every semester. Please consult the progress report on the student portal for course requirements.

A student who has previously withdrawn from the program (de-registered), upon re-application to the program will be placed in the appropriate level for the current program design. This can result in additional courses required for completion in the current program design. Students who complete the last semester of their program as a part-time student outside of the program must complete and submit an application to graduate to notify the college of program completion.

Program Progression​

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs 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.

Promotion Standards

Students registered into a full-time program are registered into a specific program design, tied to the academic  year in which they start their program. Academic decisions are made at the end of each semester of the program, until the program is completed. Students can reference their specific program design through the Student Portal.

The program design lists all of the program courses in specific levels to assist students in completing the required courses. Some courses in higher levels require previous courses to be completed as a pre-requisite. Students will be promoted to the next level of study in their program once they have met those requirements.

Students actively registered in a full-time program who take longer than the prescribed program length are responsible for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program design.

Students who are missing significant courses from any level, especially pre-requisite courses, may be placed on probation and will be limited in their course selection until they successfully complete the required pre-requisite courses for the program. An academic plan can be created to assist students with getting back on track in their program. Please consult with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Success Advisor to create an academic plan if required.

Clearance of Failed Courses

A student can work towards correcting failed course(s) by retaking those courses as soon as possible. Students may be able to sign up and take one or more failed courses at an additional fee. Please consult with the Program Coordinator and/or a Student Success Advisor for an academic plan to clear failed courses. 

Notes: 
A failed Gen Ed elective may be cleared by passing another Gen Ed elective. 
A failed Program Option (in years 3 and 4) may be cleared by passing another Program Option.
A failed non Gen Ed course that is no longer part of the program design can be cleared by passing another pre-approved business-related course. 

Academic Probation

When a student is carrying three or more failed courses in the program in which they are registered, the student will be placed on academic probation at the end of each academic semester. Students on academic probation will be monitored by their Program Coordinator.

Students will remain on academic probation until all but two outstanding failures in their program have been cleared. While on academic probation, the student must meet with their Coordinator or Student Success Advisor prior to the beginning of each semester to establish an academic plan. This will provide better opportunities for the student to be successful. 

Students will continue to be on academic probation as long as they have more than two outstanding failed courses. 

Re-admission to a Program

A student who has been discontinued for academic reasons from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies will only be considered for re-admission into their program if:

  • The student has cleared all but two of the outstanding failures, or
  • The student has been out of the program for one academic year; or
  • At the discretion of the School.

Once the student has met a minimum of one of the above criteria, then the student must re-apply to the program. If the student is re-applying to year one, level one, they must apply through Ontario Colleges. If the student is re-applying to level 2 or beyond, they must submit a completed Conestoga College Advanced Standing program application form to the registrar's office and pay the application fee. Re-admission to a program is not automatic. In all cases, re-admission to programs in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies will be at the discretion of the School.

Students who have been discontinued from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies must meet with the Program Coordinator or Student Success Advisor to discuss the student's plan to return to full-time studies. An academic plan will be prepared and a learning contract will be completed before the student's application for re-admission will be considered.

Students are strongly encouraged to clear their failed courses first. Students do not need to clear failed courses that are not part of their current program design. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the program coordinator or student success advisor to discuss a re-admission strategy. 

Student Representation – Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI)

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student and/or faculty meeting provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.​

Graduation​

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study, including co-op placements if applicable. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the registrar's office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.

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.

Conestoga 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

July 2023
July 2022
July 2021
June 2020

June 2019

Public Relations - Integrated Communications (Optional Co-op)