Welcome to the School of Health & Life Sciences

Conestoga's School of Health & Life Sciences offers a range of credentials to assist you in your goal of becoming a healthcare professional. From pre-health programs to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates and degrees, the School of Health & Life Sciences delivers the most up-to-date training provided by expert faculty and staff in state-of-the-art facilities. With a broad range of programs and delivery options to choose from, you can find a program that suits your needs and sets you on the path to a successful career.

Work-integrated learning is at the core of many of our programs. Whether through a field placement, clinical practicum, or co-operative education experience, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with an industry partner that will put your training into practice.

The School of Health & Life Sciences has many partnerships in industry as well as the local community and beyond.

What you learn here, counts out there – the School of Health & Life Sciences provides you with:​

• The opportunity to learn in specialized settings with real-life scenarios.
• The opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in a unique inter-professional environment.
  
• The opportunity to take advantage of state-of-the-art learning facilities and study spaces.
  
• The opportunity to become a "preferred graduate", sought after by your future employers.
  

​​​​​​1. Connect regularly to your online resources:

• Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, jsmith4567@conestogac.on.ca): This is the official communication channel for everything related to your academic requirements. Communication with faculty and staff is required to happen through your Conestoga email account. Check your school email regularly and respond as requested. 
  
• eConestoga: This is your resource for all course-based program activity and information, as well as course-based communication with the faculty.
• Student Portal: You will find your final grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting on this portal.
• Placement Health Requirements: This service provides you with the requirements to enter into practice settings.
  

2. Follow your academic schedule:

• See the Orientation Checklist prior to starting your program.
  
• Course Schedule: This is a timetable of all your classes for each semester.
• The Academic Schedule: Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located on the college website. Programs with exams outside this time will be notified individually.
  

• For BScN Students: Academic Year Schedule: Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located on the college website. Please review the McMaster University's Sessional Dates. ​
  

3. Become a health care professional:

• Act respectfully and professionally at all times, as these behaviours are the key to your learning experiences.
  
• Present in professional dress and conduct: See the Professional Conduct section for professionalism expectations for your program. Please review the Rights and Responsibilities website. ​
• Pre-WIL Health Requirements: Pay attention to the deadlines listed on your documents. Complete the tasks as required; without these, you will not be able to progress to your work-integrated learning (WIL) and program completion will be in jeopardy. 
  
• Social Media: Use responsibly and respectfully. See Standards of Conduct section of the Handbook.
  

4. Attend classes and labs to enhance your success:

• Attendance Expectations: Attendance for class, labs and placement/WIL are in place to support your learning and experiences as a future professional. See Attendance and Program Expectations section in the Handbook.
  
• Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your scheduled evaluation time. See Attendance for Evaluation section in the ​Handbook.
• Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Request must be submitted to your Program Coordinator as per course schedule. See Religious Holidays sections in the Handbook.
  

5. Take responsibility for your academic status:

• Student Records: For any questions concerning your student record, academic status and/or program withdrawals, please contact your Program Coordinator.
• 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. Please review the Credit Transfer & PLAR website for more information.
• Student Forms: To access forms, please go to the Student Forms page.
• Academic Policies and Procedures: Are found under Policies and Procedures. Please review the Rights and Responsibilities website. 
• Student Affairs Policies and Procedures: Are found on the Student Affairs page.
  

​​Communication and Contact Information

​Program Design

You can find your​ 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 School of Health & Life Sciences website. To find these courses, students need to scroll to the 'Program Courses' section.

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 and/or Academic Advisor prior to dropping a course.
   

Awards

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available through our partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and generous donors. To be considered for an award, you will need to complete the General Application form through your Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts. For more information, please visit Student Financial Services. ​​

​​​Religious Holidays

Students are supported 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(s) because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the missed work or complete alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification.

Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.

It is your responsibility to:

• Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;
• Advise the faculty that you will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday. You will also make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator 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 Program Chair.
  

Punctuality

Attendance for In-Class and Lab Evaluations 

​​Class Cancellations

Class cancellations due to faculty or staff absences will be posted on the Student Portal and or eConestoga.

​​​​​​Academic Offences and Plagiarism

Academic honesty is expected and required of all Conestoga students. It is critical that you familiarize yourself with the Academic Offences Policy described on the Policies and Procedures page. The Academic Offences Policy provides a detailed description of the following:

• Scope of academic integrity;
  
• What academic integrity means;
  
• What types of behaviours constitute a breach of academic integrity; and
  
• The penalties associated with breaching academic integrity.

Please speak with a faculty member or your Program Coordinator if you have any further questions after reviewing the policy. Please note that maintaining academic integrity is essential and that it is your responsibility to know the Academic Offences Policy.

Below are a few examples to help you avoid breaching academic integrity:

• Make sure you recognize information that requires referencing.
  
• Whenever you refer to material from another source, whether book, journal article, video, newspaper or electronic publications, you must acknowledge your source using proper citations and references. See the Student Success Services website for assistance with formatting and referencing.
• If you work collaboratively with others on an assignment, make sure you do not copy words or ideas from others intentionally or by accident.
• Read the Academic Offences Policy and make sure that you fully understand it. The policy describes additional behaviours that represent a breach of academic integrity.
• If you require more information, see the Academic Integrity website. 
  

Test Procedures

In-Person Theory Exams:

• 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.
• Faculty is responsible to advise as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.
• Faculty will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.
• During open book tests, students must bring their own course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as iPods, text messaging, cell phones, translators, will not be permitted.
  

On-Line or Remote Theory Exams:

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. Students who make personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own risk. 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.

Assignment Policies

The expectation of Health Professionals is that they complete assigned work competently and in the allocated time, or if they anticipate difficulty in meeting deadlines they take responsibility for notifying the appropriate person(s).

The following regulations regarding assignments reflect this belief and are designed to ensure that graduates of the programs meet these expectations.

• Students are required to submit all written assignments on or before the date and time specified.
• Students should anticipate problems that will necessitate an extension of time.
• If an extension of time is required, students may make this request ahead of the assignment due date to the appropriate course instructor. NOTE: An extension of time may be given at the discretion of faculty. An extension will not be given if the request is made on the day the assignment is due.
• Late assignments will be accepted but there will be a 10% penalty for each day the assignment is late up to three days. Assignments that are more than three days late will receive a grade of zero.
• All assignments must be completed. A student will not receive a passing final grade until all assignments have been submitted even if the late penalty reduces the points possible to zero. All late submissions must be turned in by noon on Friday before the week of final exams.
• Assignments are to be submitted according to the submission guidelines and in the format as outlined by the professor. 
  

Submitting Assignments Outside of Class Time

While assignments may be submitted in class or via eConestoga on the day they are due, if circumstances require that they be submitted outside a scheduled class, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Provide an electronic copy of your assignment to the faculty as per faculty instructions. 
2. Contact Faculty by email to alert them that you have submitted your assignment. 
   

Working Together on Group Assignments

Students will often work with their fellow peers on various group 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 faculty member for assistance prior to due date. 

Faculty Returning Tests & Assignments

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the Health & Life Science programs, both in courses and clinical 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 the profession. Faculty, clinical placement supervisors and cooperating instructors will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and will approach them to discuss the need for improvement. 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 Schedule and Evaluation Methods information provided in course outlines. If you are not clear about course requirements, discuss this with your faculty.

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

• Typewritten
  
• Double spaced and one sided
• Submitted using font size of 12 CPI and standard 1" margins
• Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check)
• Submitted at the beginning of class on the designated due date, unless otherwise indicated by instructor
• Formatted using APA@Conestoga
  

Cowan Health Sciences Centre and Lab Spaces

Clinical/Lab Dress Code for all students

In order to maintain all labs as safe professional spaces, appropriate dress must be worn. This dress code aims to ensure the safety of the student, faculty and staff and prepare for the clinical environment.   The dress code is designed to comply with infection control procedures, workplace health and safety considerations and professional safety.

All lab areas are covered by this policy for all programs in the School of Health & Life Sciences. Non-compliance with this dress code will result in the person being asked to leave the lab area. If during scheduled lab time, this may result in a missed lab.

Dress Requirements

• Lab coat, scrubs or clinical dress as set forth by the program (should be neat and clean). Note: the Cross Centre for Simulation Learning requires full clinical uniform to be worn
• Closed toe, closed heel shoes as per Occupational Health & Safety requirements.
• Hair tied back, up and secured.
  
• No rings, necklaces or dangling earrings (A pair of studs may be worn and a plain wedding band may be worn)
  
• Nails should be kept neat and short; artificial nails and nail polish are not allowed.
• No hats to be worn (exceptions related to the Human Rights Code).
• No denim or sweatpants
• Nametags must be worn
  
• Scented products (perfume, scented aftershave, hair products) must not be worn.
• Personal hygiene products such as deodorant should be used but unscented.
• No gum chewing is permitted in clinical, lab or community settings.

Requests for accommodations of this policy (e.g. for religious or disability reasons) will be considered within the Conestoga College Policy or Human Rights framework.

Please be reminded that the labs are a clinical setting and, as such, the requirement for proper handwashing/hygiene is in effect. While every effort is made to maintain a latex-free environment in the clinical learning centre, students must be aware that the centre and clinical placement areas are not latex-free environments.

**Please note: Lab practice expectations including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), will follow College policies and will be described and demonstrated in detail, at the semester start.

Accessing the Clinical Labs

User Responsibility in all Labs

All users will maintain the environment in a safe, clean and tidy manner:

• All equipment must be cleaned, re-stocked and re-wrapped as necessary;
  
• Beds in a low position, neatly made, furniture positioned appropriately;
  
• Handle manikins carefully;
  
• Chairs are to be stacked safely in designated areas when not in use.
  

Students will be responsible for cleaning and tidying up.

All materials borrowed by teachers and students for use in the labs must be signed for and returned to the centre in good condition within the specified time.

Purses, coats, knapsacks and extra books are to be left in your lockers.

Students are responsible for replacing damaged or lost equipment in any lab.

Rules of Engagement for Simulation Experiences

There are 3 guidelines that everyone must follow:

1. Keep it real

The simulation environment is created with actors and scenarios requiring you to keep it real. You will be expected to adhere to program standards of conduct and professional practice to model professionalism and leadership in the simulation environment at all times.

2. Respect for others and yourself

It is important to maintain a positive, respectful environment and keep actively engaged. To maintain privacy and confidentiality and out of respect for all involved; experiences and discussions related to the experiences must never be posted via social media. 

3. Constructive Reflection

This is an opportunity to improve your performance in a safe and interactive environment.  We can all learn through our actions or inactions.

Uniform Regulations

• Full, clean, wrinkle free uniform must be worn in clinical areas and simulation/science labs.
• Bottom of the pant hemline must be sewn above the sole of the shoe.
• Warm-up jackets or sweaters that coordinate with the uniform are acceptable, but must not be worn during direct care.
• Undergarments must be worn, choice and style should not create a major contrast between body colour and uniform colour.
• Head coverings must be neutral and appropriate to ensure the safety of the student and patient/client.
  
• If ¾ length shirts or t-shirts are worn under the designated uniform they must be black or grey.
• No hats to be worn.
• Religious and cultural attire will be considered on an individual basis.
• Once a uniform is worn for client care, it cannot be worn in any public place until washed. If you are not going home directly after clinical, you need to have a change of clothing with you.
  

Footwear

Uniform shoes must be supportive, clean, black or white in colour, non-mesh, and slip-resistant with closed toes and heels. The shoes worn with the uniform are not to be worn outside of the agency. Clogs (wooden or other), or any shoe without a full back are not acceptable footwear.

Identification

Conestoga identification must be worn and visible at all times in all clinical settings. Institutional Photo ID may also be required, at the discretion of the institution.

Jewelry

Jewelry can be a source of bacteria and injury to students and clients.  For these reasons the following restrictions related to jewelry are necessary:

• NO rings, other than a plain wedding band.
• NO chains - necklaces or bracelets.
• NO facial or oral jewelry.
• Watches may be worn on the wrist or uniform except when giving direct care.
• One conservative stud may be worn in each ear lobe. Dangling earrings or stretchers are not acceptable. Flesh-coloured spacers are acceptable.

Hair

When providing nursing care, it is important that hair not fall forward potentially contaminating clean/sterile areas.  For this reason, hair should be neat, clean and kept out of the eyes.  If hair is long, it should be tied back and secured. Long ponytails should be secured upon the head, and not allowed to dangle onto field of care. Students must be clean-shaven or have neatly trimmed beards and/or mustaches to facilitate respirator fit; cultural and religious practices will be taken into consideration on an individual basis.

Personal Hygiene

Students are expected to meet hygiene requirements during class, lab and placement hours.

• Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• No heavily scented perfumes, colognes, gels, and lotions.  These can cause allergic reactions, migraines and respiratory difficulty.
  

Fingernails

• Nails should be kept short, not past the fingertip, and clean.
• No nail polish, nail jewelry, acrylic or artificial nails are permitted.

Smoking

Smoking in the college buildings or clinical or community setting is against the law and may be subject to fine. 

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is not allowed in clinical, lab or community settings.

Food and Beverages

Food and Beverages are only allowed in designated areas only (cafeteria, student or staff lounge areas).

Cellphones/Smartphones

Cellphones and/or smartphones for personal use are not permitted in the clinical setting/lab and community agencies.

Dress Code for Agencies not requiring Uniforms

• Conestoga identification must be worn and visible at all times in all clinical settings. Identification must include first and last name and designation. Institutional Photo ID may also be required, at the discretion of the institution.
• Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes with closed toes and heels.
• Street clothing should be professional. The following are not appropriate for these settings: jeans, tights and leggings, sweat​pants, tracksuits, warm-up suits, ankle socks with skirts, revealing necklines or short skirts.

Transportation of Uniform to and from Clinical Settings

• It is important that your uniform be clean when arriving on the unit and that a soiled uniform (that is, one that has been worn for client care) not be worn in a public place. Uniform shoes are NOT to be worn outside of the agency.
• It is the responsibility of the student to find out the particular agency policy regarding wearing the uniform to and from the agency setting.
• In agencies that allow uniforms to be worn to and from work, the student must ensure that the uniform is covered when outside of the agency (e.g. with a knee-length coat) and that the student is travelling directly between the agency and home.
• In agencies that require the student to change at the location, the students will wear street clothes to the agency and when returning home.  The uniform is to be kept in a protective covering during transit.

Not Following Uniform and Dress Policy

Faculty/staff reserve the right to ask students who do not conform to the uniform policy, are inappropriately attired, unkempt, or malodourous, to leave the clinical, community, or lab setting.

​​​​Safe Practice

Safe practice is a hallmark of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who aims to become a healthcare professional.

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

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention:

1. Your safety begins with the use of professional attire and footwear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the college.   
2. Please help us create a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, ensuring laptop cords do not snake across walking areas, and reporting equipment or facility problems when you notice these.  
3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural 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 placement, your instructor will ensure that you know safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the instructor and Program Coordinator with the college's Occupational Health & Safety Department as required.  
5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor in charge immediately. ​​

​​​Professional Conduct - Use of technology

To support a respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placements, the use of technology for social networking can only occur during break times, before and after class, and during formal break time in field placement.

Social Media Use

As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain your professional boundaries in all communication, including social media.

According to the Ontario College of Teachers (2011), "Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the internet." The same organization also indicates that "Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or embarrassment."

• Assume the information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
• Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
• Avoid online criticism of other students, colleagues, faculty or field placements.
• Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.
• Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the expressed permission of all individuals involved.
• Make sure your on-line name and email reflect professionalism.
• Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences.
  
• Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities.
  
• Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.
  

Ontario College of Teachers. (2011). Professional Advisory-Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media. Retrieved May 12, 2015, from https://www.oct.ca/resources/advisories/use-of-electronic-communication-and-social-media

Cell Phone Policy

Students should respect their instructors, faculty and staff by not using their cell phones for personal use during class time.

Students cannot bring their cell phone or technology device(s) into a test or examination, unless required for the examination and approved by the faculty. 

In the event of an urgent need to keep your cell phone with you during a test, please speak to your faculty as soon as you enter the examination room. 

Academic Probation

Students who have been unsuccessful in their clinical 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 academic conditions. Academic conditions are designed as part of written learning contract that the student and Associate Chair create together. The goal of these measures is to allow students to continue in the program accompanied by a supportive plan for success.

Reason for Student Progress Being Reviewed by Promotion Committee

Students who fail to meet program standards will be reviewed by the Promotion Committee.

Reasons for presentation at Promotion Committee Meetings include:

• Failure of a theory course and/or practice course.
• Patterns of absence from learning environment, lab, or WIL experience, which may affect achieving program standards.
• Failure to follow through on previous Promotion Committee recommendations.

A student who has not met the standards will not be promoted to the next level of the program:

• Complete supplemental requirements for course failures (see criteria for supplemental examinations). Following successful completion of supplemental work, the highest course grade that can be achieved is the minimum passing mark for the course.
• Follow through with academic counselling.
• Follow through with health measures as recommended.
• Complete makeup work for missed learning experiences. Total time lost will be assessed on an individual basis. Additional time may be required to complete program objectives.
• Complete the requirements of Probationary Status.
• Complete compulsory practice remedial assignments.

Clearance of Academic Deficiency

A student that is unsuccessful in a course may be granted the opportunity to complete supplemental requirements. Students who are unsuccessful in a course and wish to discuss eligibility for supplemental opportunity must directly contact the course instructor within five (5) working days of receiving the final course grade.

Please note that following the end of the semester, contact with any student eligible to write a supplemental will be made either by phone or email. A specific date and time will be given to each student. If a student cannot be reached or is unavailable at the specified date and time, the student forfeits the opportunity to write a supplemental. 

Supplemental Work 

Students who have one course failure within the semester may be offered supplemental work in some courses based on eligibility criteria. The decision to offer supplemental work is at the discretion of the Chair. Supplemental work will take place in the week after the final exam week.  

Criteria for Eligibility for Supplemental Work

Eligibility for Supplemental - must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Must have passed at least one evaluation in the course in which the failure occurred. An eligible evaluation will be determined at the discretion of the program.
2. The final failing grade in a course must be no less than 50%. If the minimum passing grade for the course is 60% or higher, the minimum failing grade must be no less than 10% below that grade.
3. All other courses that term must have been passed.
4. Has not used more than 1 supplemental while in the program. A maximum of 2 supplemental work opportunities are permitted throughout the program. 
5. Must have regularly attended the failed class in accordance with the attendance expectations outlined in the Handbook.

A supplemental evaluation will not be granted for a course in which a student has received an academic offence. An academic incident resulting in a warning is not considered an academic offence. Course failures resulting from evaluations associated with in-class learning activities, practical group work and work-integrated learning components are not eligible for supplemental work.

Supplemental Result

Failure to pass a supplemental will result in either:

1. Repeating the course, if eligible.
2. Discontinuance from the program, if meets discontinuance criteria.
   

Discontinuance

Students who fail to meet the program standards (academically, clinically, or ethically) will be discontinued from the program, based on the recommendation of the Promotion Committee and agreement from the Chair. Students will be discontinued when they are no longer eligible to repeat a course based on academic regulations or as a result of failure to meet program standards for behaviour or ethics. Such students will be entitled to appeal the discontinuance decision in accordance with the College's appeal process.

Withdrawal

Students not planning to return to the program the following semester are expected to complete a Withdrawal Form available from the registrar's office, or on the college website.

​​​Graduation

Students who complete their program 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. Students will receive an invitation for convocation through the Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the winter, spring, and fall of each academic year.

​​​​Process for resolution of student concerns

To resolve any concerns that may arise during a course, clinical or field placement, or relating to the overall program, students are encouraged to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program level before proceeding to a formal appeal.

If attempts have been made for a resolution, yet no satisfactory outcome was reached, students are encouraged to refer to the Policies and Procedures​ page, and to follow the procedures outlined under the "Academic Di​​spute Resolution and A​​ppeal Proc​edure".​​

Student Concern or Issues

If any concerns or issues arise during your learning experience, our main goal is to collaborate with students, faculty and staff to resolve situations or concerns quickly and improve and optimize our processes.

Problem-solving strategy:

1. When a situation of concern arises, inform those involved in a timely manner.

2. Please see the Student Rights and Responsibilities​ website for further details on informal and formal procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues.

3. Issues and concerns related to a placement site, or its employees should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga Field Placement Supervisor or Program Coordinator, subject to the additional procedures outlined in the sections on "Professionalism" and "Concerns Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Field Placement" of your handbook. 

Student Representation

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) and Conestoga College agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/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.

​​​​​Student Consent Forms

Students are required to complete program-specific consent forms if applicable. To access the forms, students must visit the H.S. Trax home page under the Service tab on your Student Portal. 

Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Safety in the Workplace Course (OHS1320)

All students who participate in unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences during the course of their program will be required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out on WIL experience. 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 first WIL experience, you must electronically sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related to Unpaid Clinical placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) while you are on training WIL experiences. This Declaration will be placed in your student file. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration of Understanding for WSIB Coverage has been electronically signed, in the Safety in the Workplace Course - OHS1320, and visible on your H.S. Trax home page to be eligible to attend your WIL experience.

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

The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during the WIL experience.

A. Communication of General Concerns regarding Your Safety or The Safety and Care/Service for Clients

1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their WIL site on the first day of their WIL experience. The Orientation may include details of the WIL site's policies and procedures related to communication about the safety of the work environment and /or the safety and care of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
   

a. The student must immediately report these concerns to the College individual associated with the WIL experience (Clinical Instructor, Faculty responsible for your WIL experience, WIL Supervisor).

b. The Clinical Instructor /Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor will discuss this concern with Site Management

c. For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Department Chair. The Program Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact WIL site management to determine next steps.

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

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

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

C. Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during a WIL Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property

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

Additional Requirements-AODA Training

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is to ensure that all Ontarians have fair and equitable access to programs and services and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities.

All students must complete AODA training in the first semester.

Basic Safety Training

Any person who fails to comply with Health and Safety regulations or handles equipment in an unsafe or abusive manner will be asked to leave the space or location.