Renewable Energy Techniques

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1530
Workforce Development

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

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

Program Handbook Guidelines

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

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

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

Welcome

Welcome to Conestoga!

We are proud of the quality programming we offer in order to meet workforce development needs in our community and beyond.  We work with industry representatives in order to provide timely, employment-ready training options for all of our students.

Our faculty members are chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their passion for teaching and learning through the sharing of their knowledge and experience.  Whether it be in a classroom on campus, hybrid or online environment, our faculty have the industry and teaching expertise to help you succeed in your educational goals.

I wish you the best in your studies and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Sincerely,

Sandra Schelling,
Executive Dean, Workforce Development, Continuing Education and Online Learning​​

Program Staff Contact Information

​​Executive Dean, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online Learning
Sandra Schelling
Doon Campus, Welcome Centre
sschelling@conestogac.on.ca

Dean, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online Learning
Tanya Kell
Doon Campus, Welcome Centre
tkell@conestogac.on.ca

Program Chair, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online Learning
Dr. Amanda S. Feeser, B.Sc. M.Sc. Ed.D.
Doon Campus, ATS Building
afeeser@conestogac.on.ca

Program Manager, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online LearningP

Kelly Stedman
Doon Campus, ATS Building
kstedman@conestogac.on.ca

Program Manager, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online Learning

Brett Gibson
Doon Campus, ATS Building
bwgibson@conestogac.on.ca

Program Administrator, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Online Learning
Crystal Duggan
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
cduggan@conestogac.on.ca

Program Coordinator
Paul Deol
pdeol@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty

Contact information for your professors will be provided on the first day of the course. 

College Email Communication Requirements

All students and faculty are assigned a Conestoga e-mail account. Conestoga College student email accounts are used for all official communication with students. Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.  Faculty and staff are only expected to communicate through your educational/professional profile as it relates to a specific course project and/or assignment. eConestoga email is course specific only therefore, college email must be used to contact faculty or other students. Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. 

If you experience issues accessing your college email, please visit the IT support page for assistance. 

College Hours

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

Program Overview

Program Description ​

This program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to effectively create, install, and maintain functional renewable energy systems. Students are introduced to the different sectors of the renewable energy field. Both theoretical and practical applications in solar power, wind, solar thermal technologies and other forms of alternative energies will be explored.

​​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 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' tab

Courses are listed by level/semester.

​Program Learning Outcomes ​

  1. Analyze technical problems through the application of the theoretical principles of renewable and clean energy systems and technologies.
  2. ​Analyze electrical and/or mechanical components, processes, and systems through the application of renewable energy principles and practices to construct various types of energy systems.
  3. Interpret and prepare blueprints, drawings, and other technical documents using industry-specific tools, practices, and procedures.
  4. Use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to identify problems with electrical and/or mechanical components of conventional, renewable, and clean energy technologies.
  5. Assemble sustainable energy systems and subsystems to meet job requirements, functional specifications, and relevant standards.
  6. Adhere to all legislation, industry standards, codes, and safe practices as they apply to renewable energy technology.
  7. Analyze techniques, approaches, materials, and technologies used in creating greener buildings and communities.
  8. Use assessment tools to evaluate locations and select appropriate applications of sustainable energy technology.
  9. Appraise how conservation and sustainable living can improve human and environmental health.​

Program Expectations 

Expectation 1

A significant amount of group work is required in this program. Individual students are expected to be full participants in, and contributors to, each group-based project/assignment within program coursework.  Individual students who fail to meet this expectation, without documented extenuating circumstances, may receive a failing grade on the project/assignment. Guidelines will be provided outlining the requirements of group work by individual faculty members. Expectations will vary among faculty and students are expected to ask questions if they are not clear.

Expectation 2

Regular attendance is encouraged. Activities may take place during class time that the student will not be permitted to complete due to absence from class. 

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

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. 

Timetable Changes 

Student requests to change or modify timetables, blocks and sections are not permitted.  Program administration may adjust timetables to accommodate for statutory holidays, room changes, faculty availability, etc.  If timetable changes occur, students will be advised.  For more information, please speak to your Program Administrator. ​

Dropping Courses

Students should consult their faculty/Coordinator/Program Administrator before dropping a course in the Student Portal. Dropped courses will appear as "W" (withdrawal) on transcripts if the student withdraws before the deadline. If the course is dropped after the deadline, the student will receive an "F" (fail) on their transcript.

Students can drop a course in the Student Portal, under the 'My Courses' tab. Students can drop all courses but the last one, as that would be considered withdrawing from the program.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​​Awards​

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.

Attendance Rules

Attendance in all classes is strongly recommended and is required for completion of any in-class evaluations. Courses delivered in a classroom or lab setting, as opposed to online, will discuss theories and concepts that all students are responsible for, regardless of their attendance. Students must report all absences before class begins by emailing their professor using a Conestoga College email account and via the Student Portal. This section is in addition to the College Attendance at Evaluations section in this handbook.

Absence for Other Reasons

Compassionate Leave
Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems will be considered. These requests will be submitted to the faculty who will consult with the Program Administrator as required.

Jury Duty

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

Other Absence(s)

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

Religious Holiday(s)   
Students are permitted by Conestoga Religious Holiday Policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or do alternate evaluations.  

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

It is the responsibility of the student to: 
a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all evaluations and other course obligations; 
b. Advise the faculty member that they will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Administrative contact within the first three weeks of the semester and before the date of evaluation that falls on the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances, must be approved by the Chair. 

Class Cancellations due to Faculty Absence

Faculty, who are absent, may or may not be informing students of class cancellations through college email and/or eConestoga in addition to the Student Portal. Students should check their college email and eConestoga for possible assigned work.


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.

Course Outlines

Course outlines state the learning outcomes that will be covered during the course. Details about the evaluation method, the weighting of assessments, and any other specific criteria required to complete the course successfully are also listed on the course outline. Students are responsible for reviewing the outline and the requirements to pass each individual course. Evaluation requirements vary from course to course. The passing grade and specific course stipulations are listed under the evaluation section of the course outline.

Course outlines are in the Student Portal under the 'My Courses' tab and posted on eConestoga. 

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 is the course schedule. Students are expected to review these documents on a regular basis and note all key dates and deliverables. An instructional plan may change with Chair's approval.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Professors or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs. Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence.

Students are not permitted to record lectures or take pictures without the consent of faculty and/or students. Content from the course is not to be posted on any external websites unless posted by faculty.

The use of an electronic translator is prohibited. Courses are taught in English and students must be able to communicate in English.

Students registered with Accessibility Services and have accommodations for approved electronic devices are permitted to do so with the faculty's knowledge. 

Practices within the Classroom

Faculty responsibilities: 

  • Provide students at the start of each course an instructional plan, which indicates the due dates for all assessed items (assignments, tests, exams, case studies, presentations etc.) and the respective weighting of each item toward the student's final grade.
  • Return assessed items promptly and review with students – generally, students cannot retain their tests/examinations/assignments and should review thoroughly at this time. It is the student's responsibility to ask questions regarding the assignment with the faculty member outside class time if required.
  • Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss performance or questions with respect to their coursework and assessed items.
  • Respond to student emails within a 48-hour period during business hours.
  • Ensure course outcomes are covered in the assessment method. 
Student responsibilities: 
  • Attend classes on time.
  • Report an absence before class begins through standard communication methods by logging in to the student portal or eConestoga. 
  • Attend and participate in lectures, presentations, group work, field trips or other activities related to the course/program.
  • Adhere to all deadlines for assessed items, and write final exams as indicated on the IP. 
  • Submit coursework in the requested format, described by the faculty member in the rubrics or guidelines, by the specified deadline. Maintain academic integrity on all assigned work and tests/examinations.
  • Behave in a polite, ethical, professional, and respectful manner toward all faculty, students, employers, and colleagues both on and off campus.
  • Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in submitted course assessments and do not engage in plagiarism.
  • Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of assessments, before the deadline, and provide required documentation.
  • Use Conestoga email to communicate with faculty, not personal email or eConestoga, unless directed otherwise by faculty.
  • Check Conestoga email on a regular basis. 
  • Be a positive ambassador for the program and the college.

Grading

Students can access interim grades throughout the semester on eConestoga. Final grades are submitted by faculty, approved by the Chair, and posted on the Student Portal within 3-5 business days after the final examination or assignment due date.

The following grading system will be employed by faculty in reporting student achievement to the registrar's office. Specific programs/courses may require different minimum standards of achievement.

The following applies to course grading:

  • Please refer to the course outline for the minimum passing grade requirement.
  • If a course is repeated, the most recent grade will be used to compute the program GPA. However, both grades will show on the student's academic transcript.
  • If the first course taken is a failure and the same course is repeated and it is also a failure, only the most recent failure will be used in the calculation of their GPA.

Guidelines for Submitting Assignments and Late Policy 

Each faculty member will inform students of their guidelines for submitting assignments. For example, a case study format may differ for all faculty. Each faculty member will inform students of their late submission policies. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the course requirements and due dates for each of their courses as listed in their instructional plan.

  • 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. 

  • If an assignment is submitted after the due date/time, without an extension approved at least 24 hours in advance, late penalties will be applied as follows: 
    • 1 day late - 20% cumulative penalty
    • 2 days late - 40% cumulative penalty
  • Assignments later than two (2) calendar days will not be accepted and a grade of zero (0) will be applied.

Exam/Test Rules for Students 

Failure to follow examination/test rules or instructions will result in immediate confiscation of the test or exam and a grade of zero may be assigned to the exam/test. The candidate may be subject to further disciplinary action as per Conestoga College academic integrity policy.

  • Once the exam/test has begun, candidates will not be permitted to leave the room except in an emergency. 
  • In case of emergency please follow the instructor's instructions. 
  • Once you leave the exam/test room you may not be re-admitted. 
  • Please refer all questions, comments or concerns to the instructor, not classmates. 
  • Communication between students is not permitted. You will receive a warning once if you attempt to communicate with fellow exam/test takers. Subsequently, you will be asked to leave the room and your test will be collected and marked only to the point to which it has been completed. 
  • Exam/test takers will be allowed to have a clear bottle of water with the label removed. No other personal items will be permitted including electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, MP3 players, iPods, etc.) on or near where the exam/test is being taken. 
  • If scratch paper is needed for exam/test, this will be provided by the instructor, students will not be able to use their own scratch paper. 
  • All backpacks and/or bags must be kept at the front of the classroom.  

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 and Promotion ​

Students registered into a full-time program are registered into a specific program design, tied to the year in which they start their program. Students can reference their specific program design through the Student Portal, under the My Courses tab by clicking the progress report button.

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.

Program designs list courses in specific levels in order to assist students in choosing the courses required. It is recommended that students enrol in courses listed in the level in which the student is currently registered in, based on their program design. 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 when they have met those requirements.

Academic decisions are made at the end of each semester of the program, until the program is completed. Students will be advanced to the next level if the required courses have been successfully completed.

Students who are missing significant courses from any level, especially pre-requisite courses, may not be advanced into the next level or they may be discontinued from their program if the student has a total of three or more failures in their current program.  Students may 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

Registration for failed courses begins on the first day of classes through the Student ​Portal.​ Students may be limited to a maximum number of total courses to take per semester.  Please consult with the Coordinator and/or the Student Success Advisor for an academic plan to clear failed courses. 

Academic Probation

When a student is carrying two 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 and/or Student Success Advisor.

Students will remain on academic probation until all 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.

​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 resulting from changes in the program of study.​​

​Supplemental Evaluations

The School of Workforce Development does not have supplemental evaluations.

Discontinuance

A student can be discontinued from their program by the School of Workforce Development for either academic or non-academic reasons, as set out in the Discontinuance Procedure. You will be Academically discontinued from your program if you have three outstanding failed courses (not including General Education electives) at the end of any academic semester.

You will also be discontinued if you fail the same course twice if it is a core course within your program.

You must also complete your credential within 5 years of starting the program or you will be discontinued. Discontinuance decisions for academic reasons are made at the end of each academic semester.

Withdrawal

Students considering withdrawing from a program should communicate with their student success advisor prior to withdrawing.  In order to formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Program Withdrawal form on the  Student Portal by selecting the "Services" tab, "My Forms" button . It is your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of and adhere to deadlines for withdrawal.

Program Readmission Requirements

If you are discontinued or if you withdraw from the program with outstanding failed courses, you must be out of the program for a year before you can reapply for admission.  It is highly recommended that you make up the lesser of all or two failed courses on a part-time basis (you cannot enrol in these courses before the first week of the semester and enrolment depends on prerequisites being met and the course not being full) before attempting re-admission.

Readmission is not guaranteed.  Previous course performance will be considered in evaluating the request.  In addition, the Program Standard regarding Admission with Advanced Standing must be adhered to.

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.​​

Equipment and Facility Information

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. 

Required Supplies and eText

Your program may be designated as an eText program.  Please access details on the program-specific webpage on the Conestoga College Corporate site. 

For students where eText does not apply, any required materials for a course are listed on the course outline. Failure to obtain the required materials may result in unsuccessful grades in the course.

Laptop Requirements
All students entering this program must have a laptop computer that meets the minimum specified requirements. All students must own and maintain their laptops.

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

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

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

Equipment Supplies and Texts ​

For the most current listing of the required textbook for each course, please visit the college bookstore.

​​​​Physical Protection / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is the responsibility of the individual student. 

For classes with a shop component, the following are the minimum PPE requirements:

  1. CSA-approved (Omega Symbol required​) steel-toe work boots or shoes
  2. CSA-approved clear-lensed safety glasses

Other physical protection requirements in the shop include:

  1. Long pants must be worn (shorts or capris are not permitted)
  2. No loose coats or clothing items
  3. Long hair must be tied back
  4. No rings, bracelets, or loose jewelry ​

Any additional personal protective equipment requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course. Faculty and staff will monitor the student's compliance with college and class-specific safety requirements and may restrict access to the shops if safety policy and requirements are not followed.

Basic Safety

Students are required to sign a Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (CCITAL) Acknowledgment of Safety Training and Responsibilities Form (if applicable to program), which will be provided by the faculty at the start of the program.

In situations where an individual's behavior, whether or not it is suspected to be the result of substance use, is deemed to pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, the individual's faculty member or supervisor has the right to limit participation in academic or workplace activities. Conestoga's Substance Use Guidelines were developed to ensure that the college is in compliance with provincial and federal legislation regulating the use of both legal and illegal substances. The college recognizes the risks associated with substance use and is committed to providing education on harm-reductive use and prevention as well as individualized support for members of our college community. 

​Emergency Procedures

For life-threatening emergencies, from any landline:

DIAL 9 (for outside line), then dial 911.

Notify the Security Office at ext. 5555 whenever emergency response personnel are contacted. The Security Office should also be contacted whenever there is an individual requiring medical attention that is not life-threatening or whenever there is a minor injury and no medical attention is required. The Medical Care Clinic is in Room 1A102 at the Doon Main Building, or can be contacted at (519) 748-5220 ext. 3679. 

There is an Emergency Guide located on Conestoga College's webpage for information on how to respond to emergency situations.

Faculty will discuss the following at the beginning of each level:

  1. Fire Exits - the closest fire exit and any alternates

  2. Fire Alarms - the location of the nearest pull station

  3. First Aid Locations – usually the closest Security Desk/Office

  4. Telephones - the nearest telephone to report accidents, illnesses, or emergencies

  5. First Aiders - identify lab faculty and staff who are trained in first aid

All accidents and injuries must be reported within 24 hours to the program chair or program manager and an Incident Report Form will be completed and submitted to the Occupational Health and Safety Office.

Students are encouraged to download Conestoga's free mobile safety app, which features emergency contacts, safety tips, a personal safety toolbox, and maps.

A student who does not follow appropriate safety measures and puts themself and/or others at risk, may be asked to leave the shop by the faculty, technologist, or staff. It will be the student's responsibility to make up for the content missed while away from the shop.

Student Engagement

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.

​Student Feedback

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

Student Appraisal of Teaching 

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 5 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. Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete a SAT form during their Continuing Education course.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

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

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

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

Web-based Tools

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

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

Accommodation Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

Program Handbook Revision Log

​​Revision DateSummary of changes​
​01/08/2014Original handbook creation
01/07/2015Updated per CCQI
04/12/2016Updated for the 2016/17 academic year​​​​
​07/2018​Updated for the 2018/19 academic year​​​​
07/2019 Updated for the 2019/20 academic year​​​​
​07/2020
​Updated for the 2020/21 academic year
​07/2021
Annual updates​
​06/2022Annual updates
​05/2023​Annual updates

Renewable Energy Techniques