Olds College Student Policies

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Olds College Student Policies

All college policies are accessible through http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/index.htm.  

The follow list represents excerpts from policies with direct links to student learning and living environments. 

TOBACCO USE – POLICY A5

Olds College is committed to providing a healthy and safe working, learning and living environment for students, employees, contractors and visitors. 

Tobacco use is prohibited in all college buildings, vehicles and equipment whether owned or leased, except as specifically allowed through signage.  Smoking is not allowed near fuel storage, hay or straw storage areas, or other areas that may present a fire hazard.  Tobacco use is not permitted during class time including during classes that are held outdoors.

Full policies details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/a-general/A5_Tobacco_Use.pdf.   

HARASSMENT - POLICY A6

The Board of Governors of Olds College is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.  Harassment undermines these values and may also constitute discrimination prohibited by human rights legislation.  Harassment has the effect or potential effect of denying individual dignity and respect, detrimentally affecting work and learning environments and interfering with or disadvantaging members of the college community in their participation in employment, education or other college-related activities.  Acts of harassment by or against members of the college community are considered serious offences.  They are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

This policy applies to all members of the college community including but not limited to students, academic and non-academic staff, visiting academics, volunteers, consultants and service and supply contractors and their employees while they are engaged in activities related to their contracts with the college.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/a-general/A6_Harassment_Policy.pdf.

CAMPUS PARKING – POLICY A14

As a client-centered institution, Olds College strives to meet the parking needs of all its client groups, within available resources and space.  The college provides accessible parking spaces in fourteen parking locations for vehicles and bicycles near centres of activity on campus.  There are parking spaces with and without plug-ins that will be made available to students and staff a monthly rate deemed necessary to maintain the parking services provided.

To ensure access and protect the safety of all, the college will allocate parking spaces and enforce their use, together with any laws and regulations related to safe transit and emergency access throughout the campus.  The collection of parking fees and fines ensure the future development and maintenance of parking lots and roadways.

Full policies details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/a-general/A14_%20Campus_Parking.pdf.

CODE OF CONDUCT – POLICY A25

Olds College expects that all students, staff, contractors and guests will pursue high standards of personal conduct while on the Olds College campuses or when participating in Olds College organized or sanctioned events.  Olds College reserves the right to apply the policy to conduct off the campus where there is a real and substantial link to the college and where the conduct:

- gives rise to a reasonable belief that the individual(s) behavior posed a substantial danger to himself/herself or others in the college community.

- gives rise to a reasonable belief that the behavior of the individual could adversely affect the college’s interests, reputation or graduates’ credentials.

- adversely impacts learning activities, living environments and business relations of Olds College.

Olds College students, staff, contractors and guests are required to be aware of the expectations of this policy and govern themselves accordingly. 

Conduct Towards Others

I will respect the rights and dignity of all persons by:

- promoting an environment that is free of any form of harassment or discrimination.

- refusing to tolerate verbal or physical abuse or the threat of abuse.

- refraining from behaviors that interfere with or disrupt the learning, living or work life of myself or others.

- treating confidential information appropriately

- encouraging others to feel welcome and safe

Personal Conduct

I will demonstrate a high standard of personal conduct by:

- refraining from possessing, consuming, or functioning under the influence of any intoxicating substance except where specifically allowed for under the policies of Olds College.

- being reliable in my commitment to participate in work, study and related activities.

- refraining from the use of a position of trust to receive special benefits or consideration, financial or material gain for myself or others.

- appropriately using any real or perceived position of authority.

- consistently practicing honesty in my academic or work life.

- supporting an atmosphere that encourages the respectful exchange and examination of diverse ideas in order to further the development of our learning environment.

Conduct Towards Property

I will respect the property of others by working to create an environment that does not condone:

- theft, vandalism or damage of property

- unauthorized use or entry to any space or property

- violation of civil or criminal statutes

Conduct Towards Animals

I will recognize that animals form a critical foundation to our learning, research, and recreational activities by:

- always treating the welfare of animals in the care of Olds College as a first priority when working with them.

- always treating animals in accordance with the regulations set out in the Animal Welfare Act, by the Canadian Council on Animal Care, or any other animal welfare regulations adopted by Olds College.

Awareness and College Community Responsibility

I will practice integrity by supporting others in adherence to this policy by:

- recognizing how this policy is connected with a number of more in-depth College policies, procedures and Provincial and Federal Legislation.

- taking responsibility for learning how related legislation, policies and procedures apply to my situation.

Attempting or assisting others to commit acts which violate this policy shall be treated in the same manner as completed violations and are subject to the same range of sanctions.  Individuals may be accountable to both external authorities and the college for acts that constitute violations of this policy.  Assessment of policy violations and related consequences can occur irrespective of any administrative, civil or criminal proceedings arising out of the same or related events.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/a-general/A25_Code_of_Conduct.pdf.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY – POLICY C15

To provide a healthy and safe environment for students, employees and visitors, Olds College is committed to the prevention of occupational illness and injury in every area of operation.

Olds College complies with appropriate health and safety legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, etc.  Olds College recognizes the need to promote, foster and maintain the health, safety and well being of students, employees and visitors and will conduct its activities in a manner which will comply with or enhance the requirements of relevant legislation.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/c-humanresources/C15_Occupational_Health_and_Safety.pdf.

ATTENDANCE – POLICY D10

Olds College students are responsible for their own education.  In order to reap the full benefits of their courses, students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes, labs, and tutorials.  If attendance plays any part in the course methodology or the evaluation of the course, it is the instructor’s responsibility to so inform students at the beginning of the course and to clearly state the requirement and the consequence for failing to attend. 

The course outline for that particular course should contain attendance requirements.  However, absence for any reason does not relieve students of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.  Absence, for any reason, does not compel instructors to re-create the missed learning experience for students.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D10_Attendance.pdf.

WARRANTY OF COURSE COMPETENCIES – POLICY D12

Olds College warranties education and training so that, if a graduate or an employer is unsatisfied that the graduate can demonstrate competencies in courses required for graduation in the program, the learner will not be required to pay tuition fees while in retraining.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D12_Course_Competencies.pdf.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT – POLICY D13

Olds College recognizes that learning is a continual process that is achieved through life and workplace experiences, or other forms of education acquired through attending an institution of one’s choice.  Olds College is fully supportive of developing ways and means to provide appropriate recognition of a learner’s experiences or education. 

Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying, assessing, and recognizing what a person knows and what skills and abilities he/she can demonstrate.  Applicants will be encouraged to apply for assessment well before registration day.  By doing so, requests will be handled in a timely fashion and decisions affecting a student’s timetable and tuition charges will be processed promptly.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D13_Prior_Learning.pdf.

DEFERRED EXAMINATIONS – POLICY D15

This policy will provide Olds College students with the opportunity to write a final examination on a date other than the preset exam date, under specific guidelines. Deferred final examinations may be granted to students who are unable to write final examinations because of personal or family illness, bereavement, severe family difficulties, religious observance or circumstances beyond their control. Deferred final examinations may differ from the original examination and may not necessarily follow the same format.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D15_Deferred_Final_Exams.pdf.

SUPPLEMENTAL EXAMINATIONS – POLICY D16
(UNDER REVIEW)

This policy provides Olds College students with an opportunity to improve their Final Grade of D or D+ to a C in order to advance to the next level without repeating a course (C or better is required if a course is a prerequisite for another course). 

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D16_Supplemental_Evaluation.pdf.

DISABILTIES – POLICY D18

Olds College is a client-centered institution, and as such, will assist students seeking admissions to Olds College full time credit programs or non-credit programs and courses offered through Continuing Education in the attainment of their educational goals. The College is prepared, within the available resources, to provide a supportive learning environment and accommodations for students with disabilities while, at the same time, maintaining the academic integrity of programs.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D18_Disabilities.pdf.

GRADING – POLICY D19

A common grading system was adopted at Olds College to ensure that students were consistently assessed and graded equitably. A clear level of achievement in each course will be recorded electronically and reported on transcripts as well as a calculated Grade Point Average (GPA). An official, sealed transcript will be provided to students once all program requirements have been met and may be forwarded to receiving institutions or employers upon the direction and consent of the student. Transcripts without the seal are considered to be “unofficial”. A subsidiary use of the transcript is to clearly indicate levels of academic performance when recognizing and rewarding both internal and external scholarships. Exceptions will only be permitted if the Board of Governors has granted approval upon recommendation from Academic Council.

With the exception of the Academic Upgrading and Apprenticeship programs which receive percentage grades, Olds College will utilize a Letter Grading System as the Standard Grading System for credit courses as defined by the following letter codes:

A student may receive the following annotations on their transcript, none of which are included in calculating the student’s GPA: 

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D19_Grading.pdf.

GRADUATION – POLICY D20

Olds College is mandated to grant parchments, including Certificates, Diplomas, Applied Degrees and Post Graduate Diplomas for those learning activities that have been approved and included in the program registry maintained by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology under the authority of the Post Secondary Learning Act, 2003 (c19.5).

Olds College may also award Certificates to learners completing the requirements for credit or non-credit programming, as approved by the Academic Council of Olds College, and offered through the Professional and Continuing Education programs of each academic school. In every case, students must complete all requirements outlined for a credential before it can be awarded.

Residency

In order to earn an Olds College credential, students are required to complete a minimum of 25% of their required credits (course load) while enrolled with Olds College.

Graduation Standards for Provincially Approved Credentials

Applied Degree

- Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better

- Completion of all required courses and credits

- Successful completion of the College Writing Proficiency Exam

- Satisfactory completion of 30 credits of Directed Field Studies in an approved employment environment.

Diploma

- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better (or as specified by a program)

- Completion of required courses and credits

- Successful completion of the College Writing Proficiency Exam

- Satisfactory completion of occupational experience and/or assignment, if required.

Certificate

- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better

- Completion of required courses and credits

- Successful completion of the College Writing Proficiency Exam, with the exception of the Meat Processing Certificate and Transitional Vocational Programs

- Satisfactory completion of occupational experience and/or assignment, if required

Post Graduate Diploma- Successful completion of all planned program components

- Successful completion of the College Writing Proficiency Exam

- Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better

Program Completion

Students who have a break in study of one-year within the five-year period will fall under the program requirements for the calendar year they re-apply.

Students requesting credit for courses previously taken at Olds College more than five-years prior will be required to apply through the Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition Policy.

Second Parchment

A student will only be registered in one program at any one time. A student may complete additional course work on top of their current course load that leads to completion of graduation requirements for an additional credential. In order to receive their second parchment the student is required to complete an Application to Graduate form for each program.

Multiple Majors

Within a program, only one parchment will be issued. Furthermore, only one major will be listed on that parchment. If a student has completed the requirements for an additional major under their program it will be listed on their transcript only.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D20_Graduation.pdf.

STUDENT ACADEMIC/BEHAVIORAL STATUS - POLICY D25
(Under Review)

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their academic status at all times by reviewing their transcript information available through the Olds College website.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 1.50 will be placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension for a specified period of time.  This may result in the student being restricted from athletic, club and leadership activities, and being ineligible for student awards.

Students who willingly and knowingly participate in dishonest academic practices will be penalized academically.  More than one act of academic dishonesty will result in a student being placed on Academic Probation or Suspension.

Students may be placed on Behavioral Probation or Behavioral Suspension for behaviors which are in conflict with the Olds College Code of Conduct or the guidelines outlined in the Olds College Residence Handbook. 

Students may be expelled for an indefinite period of time for extreme or repetitive infractions against the Olds College Code of Conduct while on-campus. 

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D25_Student_Academic_and_Behavioural_Status.pdf.

ACADEMIC/BEHAVIORAL APPEALS – POLICY D26

Olds College is a client-centered educational institution.  We are committed to processes that quickly and fairly respond to disagreements arising from decisions and rulings and other college actions affecting students.

Students have the right to appeal many decisions that affect their official academic or behavioral status.  The student initiates the appeal by contacting the Registrar (for academic suspensions) or the Chair of the Academic Council Appeals Committee (for all other appeals). 

Formal appeals will be heard by an Appeal Committee, the decision of which will be final.

Full policy details are available at http://www.oldscollege.ca/policies/listpages/d-studentacademic/D26_Academic_and_Behavioural_Appeals.pdf.