conestoga college late assignment policy

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Late assignment submission

I couldn't submit my assignment worth 25% of my final grade on time, is there any chance i can submit it somehow? Professor said it will be complete zero.

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• Academic Integrity
• Library & Learning Services Home
• Library & Learning Services
• Penalties for Academic Incidents
• About Academic Integrity
• IMPORTANT NOTICE: Launch of New Website and Retirement of Current Site
• Changes to the Employee Portal
• Turnitin Feature - Artificial Writing (AI) Writing Detection
• Unauthorized Collaboration
• Misrepresentation
• Copyright Infringement
• Aiding, Abetting & Unscholarly Behaviour
• Facilitated Academic Misconduct
• REMOVED: Citing & Referencing Omissions
• Procedure for Academic Incidents
• Academic Integrity Action Plan
• Academic Resources
• Understanding Resources and AI Tools
• Avoiding Academic Integrity Violations & Infographics
• Student Rights & Appeal
• Policies & Procedures
• Faculty Drop-in Hours
• Email Templates to Students
• Ethical Uses and Considerations of Artificial Intelligence
• Prevention & Educational Opportunities
• Investigation Support
• Appeal Process
• FAQs about Filing Academic Incidents
• Test Your Knowledge
• Statement of Commitment

Penalties for Academic Offences

The College implements a progressive and incremental approach to penalties, which are based on the severity of the incident. If a student receives multiple offences, typically, the academic penalties will increase. As of May 2024, if a student has already received a warning or received an offence for their first academic incident, students can only receive an offence for any subsequent academic incidents.

All academic incidents, warnings or offences, do not appear on student transcripts.

Types of Academic Penalties

• Rework and resubmit the assessment. The new submission is graded and an appropriate late penalty is applied.
• Rework and resubmit the assessment up to a passing mark (if not submitted by faculty assigned date, mark = 0).
• Partial marks on the assessment with no opportunity to resubmit.
• Loss of an alpha grade on the assessment.
• Zero when the assessment value is less than 10%.
• Fail on a pass/fail assessment.
• Loss of an alpha grade in the course.
• Zero when the assessment value is between 10-19%.
• Zero when the assessment value is greater than 20%.
• Zero in the Course.
• Suspension from Conestoga College.
• Discontinuance from Conestoga College.

Types of Academic Incident that May Receive a Warning

• Copyright Infringement.
• Not maintaining security of work.
• Improper behaviour during a testing situation.
• Loaning work to someone else.
• Unauthorized collaboration.
• Copying from others or self-copying.
• Unauthorized aids and assistance.
• Unscholarly behaviour.

Please be aware that students may also be issued an offence for one of these academic incidents. As of May 2024, students can only receive a warning as their first academic incident. If a student receives an offence for their first academic incident, they can only receive offences moving forward.

Types of Academic Incident that Must Receive an Offence

• Aiding and Abetting.
• Contract Cheating.
• Misrepresentation and Fraud.
• Plagiarism.
• << Previous: Procedure for Academic Incidents
• Next: Student Support >>

Academic Appeals

The academic appeal process is here to ensure that when you do not agree with an academic decision or grade, you have the ability to raise your concern in a timely, fair, and impartial manner. 

Click the button below for the step-by-step academic dispute resolution and appeal procedure. 

You can submit an academic appeal to dispute:

• A decision to deny evaluations through the portfolio or challenge process
• An academic promotion decision such as discontinuance
• A final grade, including a failed PLAR challenge
• An evaluation worth 25% or greater in a course
• A sanction assessed under the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy
• A sanction assessed under the Academic Integrity Policy

Through this process, everyone involved has responsibilities, including you:

Student responsiblities .

• Retain and provide relevant work returned to you related to the appeal

Faculty Responsibilities

• Reply and attempt to resolve student concerns
• Participate in the inquiry conducted by the Chair or Deans
• Participate in the hearing conducted by Registrar or designate

Excutive Dean/Dean Responsibilities

• Participate in the process in accordance with Step 3
• Discharge their respective responsibilities fairly and according to established time frames

Academic Team Responsibilities 

• Participate in the process in accordance with the procedure
• Participate in the inquiry by the Registrar or designate in accordance with Step 4

Registrar/Designate Responsibilities 

• Make appeal request form available to students
• Facilitate orientation for members of the appeal panel
• Ensure policy and procedure is published
• Administer pre-hearing matters in accordance with guideline
• Act in an advisory role to students, faculty, chairs, executive deans/deans, and members of appeal panel
• Direct the response of an appeal panel decision to the student and the appropriate Conestoga personnel

Academic Appeal Resources 

How can a csi student advocate help.

For support with academic appeals, please fill out the form by clicking the button below. For general advocacy-related inquiries, please email CSI’s Advocacy Department at  [email protected] . If you are ready to file an appeal and do not need support from a Student Advocate, log in to the student portal, select "my services", "my forms", and choose the Appeal Request form.

Creative Industries Academic Handbook

2024/25 | conestoga college.

Creative Industries

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Academic Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this academic handbook is to provide students with important information relating to their  academic journey. Academic handbooks are updated annually and are applicable to all new and returning  students for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur outside  of the annual update through college email. Students must check their academic handbook for the current  edition. ​

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

The college website provides information regarding  Student Services ,  Safety and Security ,  Student Rights  and Responsibilities , and more. 

Contact Information and Communication Standards

​​placement/co-op office ​, college email communication requirements.

Conestoga College student email accounts are used for all official communication with students. Faculty and staff are only expected to communicate through college email and/or eConestoga regarding specific program/course inquiries/concerns. Faculty are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. ​

Students are expected to check their student email accounts regularly.  ​

​ When corresponding with anyone at the college, please include your student number and program information. Emails  are responded to during business hours. Please allow for a response within 2 business days. Abusive language and/or  repeated emails will not be tolerated and are a violation of the Student Expectations for Online Engagement . ​

​ If you experience issues accessing your college email, please visit the  IT support page  for assistance. Students are  accountable for ensuring a functioning college email account.

College Hours

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

For additional information regarding hours of operations and campus locations, please visit the College website .

Academic Information for Your Studies

Conestoga 101.

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga , a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately 90 minutes to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help set you up for success as you transition to Conestoga.

School Programs

Current program design.

• Log in to Student Portal​
• Click on 'My Courses' tab​
• Select 'View Progress Report' button​

General Education & Interdisciplinary Electives

Students are required to complete General Education/Interdisciplinary elective courses as part of their program  requirements. General Education/Interdisciplinary 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/Interdisciplinary  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 for non-degree programs, visit  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma . ​

For more information and to view the current elective course offerings for degree programs, visit  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree . ​

Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies:  [email protected] ​.

Degree Minors

Conestoga College's degree students may be able to apply their interdisciplinary electives toward a minor  within their degree program. A minor acknowledges additional learning within a specific discipline that a  student achieves while completing their degree. A minor can help recognize the additional interests a  student may have and can help differentiate a job seeker from their competitors. Successful completion of  a minor will be identified on the student's official transcript. ​

​ For more information, please click here:  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree/minors

Course Outlines ​

Instructional plans ​.

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

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 Texts ​

Please see course outlines and instructional plans, found on eConestoga , for details on program/course supplies and textbooks ​

Required supplies, textbooks, and other materials for a course are listed on the course outline. Students  are responsible for purchasing other supplies,  etexts , or hard-copy texts as required by the course. Get  your personalized booklist through the  Conestoga College Bookstore .

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website .

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

Course Add/Drop

• Log in to  Student Portal . ​
• Click on 'My Courses' tab. ​
• Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. ​
• If a course withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline date, a dropped course will be recorded  as a "W" (withdrawal) on the transcript. ​
• If a course withdrawal is processed after the deadline, an "F" (fail) will be recorded on the  transcript. ​

Pre-arranged Timetables ​

Students in a block-scheduled timetable can add or drop courses via their Student Portal, provided the  course fits into their timetable, and there is space in the section they wish to join. If a block change is  available, there will be a 'change block' button available in the Student portal. If this button is not  available, block changes are not permitted. Course sections and blocks that are full are not accessible to  students.  ​

Timetabling Assistance ​

Students who are out of sync with their program design may require assistance in planning and selecting  courses for their next semester in order to meet program requirements. Some courses are a pre-requisite  for a subsequent course. Student Success Advisors are available throughout the academic year to meet  with students to review their course and program options. Please book an appointment via the  Student  Success Portal  for assistance.

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: [email protected].

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 Office at: [email protected]

​Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another Conestoga program, it is recommended that the student meet with the Student Success Advisor or Program Coordinator of the other program to confirm admission eligibility. Admission to a newly-chosen program by a student who has withdrawn or was discontinued from their original program will be dependent upon:

• meeting all newly-chosen program admission standards
• competition with other candidates
• availability of space in the program cohort

Students who decide to change programs and wish to transfer into Level One of another program must apply through OCAS.

Students who decide to change programs and wish to transfer to a level beyond Level One of another program (i.e. advanced standing) may do so by completing an Advanced Standing Application Form and submitting it to the Registrar's Office.

If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled in, students may want to discuss options with a Career Advisor via the Community Career Centre .

When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another, and where courses numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met. Please discuss with a Student Success Advisor to confirm course transferability.

Attendance and Your Success

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

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 yourself 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

• Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence' tab.
• 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).
• Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
• Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
• You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

• The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
• The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
• If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
• As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

Reasons for Absence ​

Compassionate leave ​, jury duty ​, other absence(s) ​, religious holy days and spiritual observances.

• 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 holy day. ​
• 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 holy day. Exceptions based on extenuating  circumstances must be approved by the Program Chair.

Emergency Closures

If a campus is closed:.

• Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the online instructor. 

Scheduled in-person examinations and severe weather conditions

• Classes commencing prior to 5:59 p.m. - by 6:15 a.m.
• Classes commencing from 6:00 p.m. onwards - by 4:00 p.m.
• Emergency Situations - as needed. 

Evaluations

Working together on group assignments ​, evaluations (deadlines, tests, examinations), appropriate/inappropriat​e content, evaluation feedback, 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.

Academic Assistance​ ​

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The Program Coordinator  and/or Student Success Advisor can advise on specific program and course information, as well as on the  wide range of supports available at the College. Conestoga's Student Success Services Department can  provide assistance with  Counselling ,  Accessible Learning , and  Career Services . 

​ Student Success Advisors ​

Student Success Advisors (SSAs) are available to support you.  Support is available for all campuses, schools, and programs. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting  your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program. ​

​ You can sign in to the  Student Success Portal  to book an appointment.

Accessible Learning

Awards, scholarships and bursaries.

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships, and academic grants available to  Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have  established with local business and industry leaders.   ​

​ To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your Student Portal.   Notifications and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in  the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in  February).   ​

Visit the  Financial Aid and Student Awards Office  on Conestoga's website.​ 

Academic Expectations for Your Studies

Professionalism and student expectations, rights and responsibilities  .

• Student Rights include the right to learn, to be safe, to be informed, to be heard and to appeal.    
• Student Responsibilities include respect for persons, respect for college learning and working environment and respect for property, facilities and college reputation.   

Professionalism  

Professionalism  expectation s  , personal device and  social media   usage  .

• Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.  
• Assume that 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, professors or WIL experiences.  
• Avoid impulsive or inappropriate comments.  
• Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.  
• Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.  
• Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.  
• Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.   
• Do not take or post any pictures during WIL experiences or involved in lab activities  
• Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.  

Classroom Practices  

Faculty responsibilities:  .

• Provide to 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 are not able to retain their tests/examinations/assignments and should review thoroughly at this time. It is the responsibility of the student to ask any questions regarding the assignment with the faculty member outside class time during posted office hours, if required.  
• Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss performance or questions in respect to their coursework and assessed items.  
• Respond to student emails/voicemails within 48 business hours.  
• Ensure course outcomes are covered in the assessment method.  

Student responsibilities:  

• Attend and participate in lectures, labs, presentations, group work, field trips or other activities related to the course/program.  
• 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.   
• The use of an electronic translator is prohibited. Students must be able to communicate in English.  
• Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Faculty or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs.     
• Adhere to all deadlines for assessed items.   
• Write final exams as per the schedule posted by the Program Coordinator/Faculty.   
• Please consult with the Program Coordinator/Faculty regarding final exam dates and times.  
• Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence and a grade of zero.    
• Submit coursework in the requested format, described by the faculty member in the rubrics or guidelines, by the specified deadline.  
• Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in submitted course assessments and not engage in plagiarism.  
• Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of assessments, prior to the deadline and provide required documentation.  

Professionalism

"Professionalism as a personal characteristic is revealed in an attitude and approach to an occupation that is commonly characterized by intelligence, integrity, maturity, and thoughtfulness" (Chief Justice of Ontario Advisory Committee on Professionalism, 2002, p. 1).

Social Media Use and Considerations 

As part of the School of Creative Industries you will have courses that require you to use Social Media as a professional tool. As such students are expected to separate their personal Social Media use from their educational and professional use. One of the easiest ways to do this is to create a separate profile for school and career.

​If you are working with School of Creative Industries or your program's social media or web-related platforms, all posts and updates must be done in a professional manner adhering to the social media guidelines above.

Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts!

"Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of content posted, even when deleted from on-line profiles. Once information is digitalized, the author relinquishes all control."

"Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may intend to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone can access the user's musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered, forwarded and misquoted.*

*Professional Advisory. 2017. Maintaining Professionalism-  Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media.  The Council of the Ontario College of Teachers.  

Please respect the fact that your Faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student  (Keep Faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have graduated or after you have left the college).

Figure Drawing and Life Model Classes

With respect to our figure drawing models, all technical devices (including cell phones) must be kept in your bag or pockets while the model is working. If you need to use your device during the figure drawing session, please leave the room or wait until the break. Use of an unauthorized device in a life drawing class when a model is present may result in an academic offence and a mark of zero.

Working Outside of Scheduled Class Time

What is academic integrity.

Academic integrity  means the degree to which the outcomes of learning activities or scholarly work have authenticity and align with formal goals and objectives established by the College. It includes acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities including but not limited to course work, work integrated learning, academic documents, and research. All members of the Conestoga community are responsible and accountable for upholding academic integrity.

As a current Conestoga student, you are expected to understand what constitutes an academic incident and to avoid any activities that may lead to an academic incident.

By having and applying an Academic Integrity 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.

Other forms of Academic Misconduct

There are other ways a student might cheat, including, but not limited to, Contract Cheating , Unauthorized Collaboration , Aiding and Abetting , and using Unauthorized Aids and Assistance . It is important to familiarize yourself with potential ways of cheating in order to know how to avoid it. For help, please contact the Academic Integrity Office  for guidance and support.

Copyright at Conestoga 

• Canadian  Copyright Act
• Fair Dealing
• Conestoga  Copyright Policy

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)

GenAI tools are prohibited from being used for assignments unless you are specifically authorized to use GenAI tool for an assignment by your professor.

Please visit Conestoga's Gen AI for Students  website to learn more.

Academic Concerns During a Course​

Student representation - csi ​, academic progress through your studies, academic progression.

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the  Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy .

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as Promotion with Good Academic Standing, Promotion on Probation, Graduation, and Discontinuance.

Promotion on probation refers to students who do not achieve the minimum overall acceptable achievement for progression as identified in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy . Students who progress on probation can register in the next Term, but course registration is subject to course prerequisites.

• First Probation: Students on probation for the first time are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to map out a Learning Plan and discuss strategies they can use to support their success.
• Consecutive Probation: Students on probation for a second consecutive Semester must meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract.  

Discontinuance

A student can be discontinued from their program for either academic or non-academic reasons, as set out in the  Discontinuance Procedure . 

• Academic Discontinuance  may occur when a student fails to meet the specified academic Progression Requirements of their program.
• Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and Procedure
• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure

Supplemental Assessment

A student who has failed a course may be provided an opportunity to complete a supplemental assessment if they have met the established criteria in accordance with the Supplemental Assessment Policy and Procedure .

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. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under  Academic Dates .

Readmission

If you are discontinued or if you withdraw from the program, you must reapply for admission in accordance with the Readmission Procedure . Readmission is not guaranteed.  

Progression Requirements

Some programs may require a higher minimum standard than those   indicated  in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy  due to the nature of their program, including but not limited to, accreditation or regulatory requirements. These minimum standards are documented in the  School of Creative Industries Progression Requirements Guide .

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study, including co-op placements if applicable, in accordance with the  Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy . This also includes meeting the minimum Program GPA. This minimum Program GPA is listed in the  School of Creative Industries Progression Requirements Guide . Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study.

Equipment and Facility Information

Smoke-free environment.

Smoking is not allowed in any Conestoga building. Help keep the environment clean by using the waste receptacles when you smoke outdoors. To provide unobstructed entry to the college for visitors and non-smoking employees and students, all campus entrances have been designated smoke-free.

Use of Food and Beverages in Classrooms and Labs

It is the responsibility of senior management to ensure that the academic environment is clean and conducive to learning. The following policy statements will be adhered to regarding the use of food and beverages in classrooms and labs:

• There is no food permitted in any classroom or lab. Beverages are permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs, containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Beverages (including water) are not permitted in health sciences skill labs. For health and safety reasons, instructions will be established by faculty and management within designated shop areas, such as Electrical, Metal Machining, and Woodworking.

It is the responsibility of instructional staff and management to ensure that the policy is adhered to by students. 

Design Kits and Program Supplies

Information regarding required design kits and/or program supplies will be communicated in course outlines.

​​​​​​​Equipment and Facilities Sign-Out and Use ​Policy

All currently registered School of Creative Industries students may borrow equipment and access facilities free of charge. Prior to borrowing any equipment, students must have completed the Health and Safety Training module, which is administered in the first two weeks of classes. 

Equipment and Facilities Sign-Out is: 

Access to Equipment

School of Creative Industries reserves the right to adjust the order of equipment sign-out requests as required. The Equipment Room Technician, School of Creative Industries Technologists, Faculty and staff reserve the right to query the student on correct and safe use of equipment and reserve the right to deny student access to equipment at their discretion.

• In-class instruction
• Other program delivery requirements 

Recording Media

Reserving equipment for sign-out.

It is the responsibility of the student to  never leave the equipment unattended , either on campus or at off-campus locations, as it could be stolen.

If the equipment is found unattended, a fee of $50 will be charged to the student and the sign-out will be immediately revoked.

Equipment signed out overnight must be always secured. Leaving equipment in a vehicle is not secure. Equipment must be brought indoors and secured in a residence or locked office.

It is the responsibility of the student to check the operation of all gear at the time of sign-out and to make sure that the correct gear and accessories (lights, batteries etc.) are included in the sign-out before leaving the Equipment Room.

Many projects that are assigned will be group projects. If the group wants to share responsibility for the equipment, everyone in the group should sign out the equipment.

Equipment Room Hours of Operation

Late returns.

Students who return equipment late will be charged a late fee of $25 per business day.  

If the equipment is not returned within:

• 5 business days - OneCard/Fob access will be de-activated and the Chair notified.
• 10 business days - it will be considered a violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy, and Campus Security will be informed to take further action to retrieve the equipment and related costs.
• End of the semester - grades will be withheld and forward progress in the program will be suspended. Those who are not in good financial standing with the College are not eligible to graduate.

Loss or Damage

Should there be any resulting dispute, the School of Creative Industries will ask that an external Conestoga reviewer be brought in to review and determine the outcome.​

If a student is assessed to have been fully responsible for the damage or loss of School of Creative Industries equipment, or if their maliciousness is deemed to have resulted in damage or loss of School equipment, or if leaving the equipment improperly secured resulted in damage or loss, then the student will be required to pay 100% of the replacement cost of the equipment.

If a student is assessed to have been partially responsible for the damage or loss of School of Creative Industries equipment, such as an unforeseen accident, or demonstrably inadequate in-class training on the proper use of equipment, then the student will be required to pay 50% of the replacement cost of the equipment.

Equipment Faults, Damage or Loss

A Student Responsibilities violation may result if the damage or loss is determined to be a result of malicious or negligent behaviour.

Technical equipment faults will not necessarily result in extensions to project deadlines. Please discuss with appropriate Faculty.

Access to Facilities

Only School of Creative Industries students and their pre-approved talent may use the facilities. Security Officers have the right to ask others, and students who are violating the rules, to leave.

School of Creative Industries Technologists, Faculty and staff reserve the right to question the student on correct and safe use of the facility and equipment and reserve the right to deny student access to the facility and equipment at their discretion.

Access Hours to Facilities

In-class instruction and other program delivery requirements have priority access to facilities.

After hour access and weekend access requires that all School of Creative Industries students sign-in with Security.

Access to the School of Creative Industries Facilities

Access to the School of Creative Industries facilities is gained through OneCard or Fob access.  Fobs can be obtained from the Equipment Room with specific Faculty permission.

The student who signs out the Fob is fully responsible for the Fob during the length of time it is signed out and the student is fully responsible for the activities that take place in the School of Creative Industries facilities. 

Lost Fobs must be reported to the Equipment Room technician ASAP so the Fob can be deactivated. The lost Fob replacement fee is $20.

All Fobs must be returned to the equipment room at the end of the academic year, or a $20 replacement fee per Fob will be levied, and grades will not be released.

Reserving/Booking of Facilities

Student responsibility – facility booking.

• the time frame of the booking is respected;
• the facility and the equipment are used in a safe, respectful, and professional manner; and
• the facility is returned to its original clean and organized state for the next scheduled booking.

On entering the facility, students are expected to check the following:

• the facility is in a clean and organized state;
• equipment appears to have been properly put away and undamaged by the previous user; and
• all equipment normally kept in the facility is accounted for.

Any issues should be documented (including photos, as appropriate) and reported to [email protected] .  If a safety hazard or issue is encountered, the student should report the issue to Conestoga College Security immediately.

Photo, Audio and Filming Guidelines

It is imperative that every student review the School of Creative Industries Standard Filming Protocol in this Handbook. It provides clear guidelines as to the student's responsibilities when filming, and provides useful guidance regarding appropriate activity for photography and audio recording. 

​​​​School of Creative Industries Standard Filming Protocol​​​

As part of exercises and assignments within the School of Creative Industries, students may be asked to produce creative works on video.  

Students are advised that they must avoid creating and filming any scenes which may cause a level of misunderstanding or distress to the public, the production team, or members of the school community.   These include mock scenarios, unusual behaviour, or other disturbances to regular day-to-day activities that may cause members of the public to contact emergency or police services.  

Th erefore, the following scenarios are not permitted: 

• the use of a real weapon
• the use of a prop weapon
• pyrotechnics
• filming of nude scenes

In addition, where filming includes the following:

• filming on streets - action, people or cars in the streets
• people in water
• ​fistfights or other violent activity
• foot chases
• police cars and/or actors in police uniforms
• ​​working with minors / children
• night shooting
• loud scenes in public, including mock protests
• blocking sidewalks
• use of special parking permits
• use of generators
• potentially illegal activity, such as drug deals or kidnapping​

Students must review the scene and filming plan with their professor, and adhere to all industry protocols, which may involve obtaining appropriate permits for such activity.  Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list , and reviewing your script and filming plan with your professor is highly recommended. 

If permits are required, a written request must be sent in advance to the applicable municipal services.  Applying for such permits may require approval from the School of Creative Industries, and/or proof of insurance. Students are therefore advised to request any such approvals from their professor and the Program Manager for the School of Creative Industries well in advance of the planned filming activity (a minimum of 5 business days).​​ 

It is also highly recommended, and in some municipalities required, ​ that students go door-to-door in the affected filming area, and provide residences and businesses written notice of the date and time ​of filming​.  Please note that, in some instances, non-compliance with filming guidelines could result in the issuance of tickets to the students under municipal nuisance or other bylaws. ​ Such fines will be the sole responsibility of the students. ​

Work Integrated Learning

Student health & safety .

All students within the School of Creative Industries are required to complete the Health and Safety Training module provided by their program.

As members of the School of Creative Industries, students have a responsibility to keep the learning and workspaces safe. The Ontario Health and Safety (OHS) Act applies to all persons, including students who are on co-op work terms, unpaid field placements, and work study.

You have the right to refuse to do unsafe work and you have a duty to report unsafe conditions.

Co-operative Education

Student feedback.

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

Ontario College Student Experience Survey​

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.​

Early Course Check-in

Direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course provides valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga. The Early Course Check-in is a short 5 -10 question survey that occurs during week 5 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom.

​Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)​

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching and course structure. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.​

The  SAT is 30-40 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.​

​All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.​

Each academic 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 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.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on an annual basis. Students are advised to review and comply with all Conestoga policies and procedures. ​ ​ All Conestoga academic policies and procedures are listed on the  College website . 

Academic Handbook Revision Log

Created Spring 2024

• © Conestoga College. All rights reserved.

• Awards Tool
• Copying Content
• Syncing Gmail Calendar with eConestoga
• Syncing iCal with eConestoga
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• eConestoga Community Shells
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• Grades Setup
• Merging Courses
• Publishing Your Grades
• Quiz Submission Views
• eConestoga Student Reference
• Special Access in eConestoga Quizzes
• eConestoga Common Student Problems

Submit an Assignment

The Assignments tool is used to submit documents documents to your instructor for grading.

The Assignment submission folders in your course can usually be found in two places:

• Open the Content area of your course, then click on the Evaluations folder.
• Click Course Tools at the top of your course, then choose Assignments .

Assignment Instructions

The rubric that will be used to grade the Assignment will usually be displayed when you click on the Assignment.

• Go to Course Tools -> Assignments .
• Click on the submission folder that corresponds with your assignment.

• Click the Add a File button and follow the prompts to attach your file(s).
• If needed, type any Comments you wish to send to your instructor along with the file.
• When you're done, click Submit .

Submission Restrictions

• You can attach multiple files to the same Assignment submission.
• Each attachment can have a maximum file size of 2GB.
• Most Assignment folders will let you attach any type of file. In certain cases, your instructor may restrict you to specific file types. Details will be in the instructions on the Assignment submission screen.
• Most Assignment folders will let you submit as many times as you need to. If you upload the wrong attachment, you can usually just submit again with the correct file. However, some instructors may disable this option.

Submission Confirmation

After you submit your Assignment file, there are two ways that you can confirm that it was received by the system:

• A "Submission Receipt" e-mail will be sent to your student e-mail address.
• If you can't find that e-mail, you can check manually:
• Find the Assignment folder you submitted to.

• If your submission was received, you will see a record under the Completion Status column.

If you don't see either of these records, then your submission probably wasn't received. Try submitting again.

Applied Computer Science & Information Technology Academic Handbook

2024/25 | conestoga college.

Applied Computer Science & Information Technology

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Academic Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this academic handbook is to provide students with important information relating to their  academic journey. Academic handbooks are updated annually and are applicable to all new and returning  students for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur outside  of the annual update through college email. Students must check their academic handbook for the current  edition. ​

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

The college website provides information regarding  Student Services ,  Safety and Security ,  Student Rights  and Responsibilities , and more. 

Contact Information and Communication Standards

​​placement/co-op office ​, college email communication requirements.

Conestoga College student email accounts are used for all official communication with students. Faculty and staff are only expected to communicate through college email and/or eConestoga regarding specific program/course inquiries/concerns. Faculty are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. ​

Students are expected to check their student email accounts regularly.  ​

​ When corresponding with anyone at the college, please include your student number and program information. Emails  are responded to during business hours. Please allow for a response within 2 business days. Abusive language and/or  repeated emails will not be tolerated and are a violation of the Student Expectations for Online Engagement . ​

​ If you experience issues accessing your college email, please visit the  IT support page  for assistance. Students are  accountable for ensuring a functioning college email account.

College Hours

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

For additional information regarding hours of operations and campus locations, please visit the College website .

Academic Information for Your Studies

Conestoga 101.

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga , a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately 90 minutes to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help set you up for success as you transition to Conestoga.

For a complete list of the full-time programs in the School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology, please see the programs tab of the  School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology  webpage.​ ​ For a complete list of the part-time programs and courses (including micro-credentials) in the School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology, please see the link below:​ Programs | Continuing Education | Conestoga College

Current Program Design

• Log in to Student Portal​
• Click on 'My Courses' tab​
• Select 'View Progress Report' button​

General Education & Interdisciplinary Electives

Students are required to complete General Education/Interdisciplinary elective courses as part of their program  requirements. General Education/Interdisciplinary 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/Interdisciplinary  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 for non-degree programs, visit  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma . ​

For more information and to view the current elective course offerings for degree programs, visit  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree . ​

Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies:  [email protected] ​.

Degree Minors

Conestoga College's degree students may be able to apply their interdisciplinary electives toward a minor  within their degree program. A minor acknowledges additional learning within a specific discipline that a  student achieves while completing their degree. A minor can help recognize the additional interests a  student may have and can help differentiate a job seeker from their competitors. Successful completion of  a minor will be identified on the student's official transcript. ​

​ For more information, please click here:  https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree/minors

Course Outlines ​

Instructional plans ​.

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

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 Texts ​

Please see course outlines and instructional plans, found on eConestoga , for details on program/course supplies and textbooks ​

Required supplies, textbooks, and other materials for a course are listed on the course outline. Students  are responsible for purchasing other supplies,  etexts , or hard-copy texts as required by the course. Get  your personalized booklist through the  Conestoga College Bookstore .

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website .

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

Course Add/Drop

• Log in to  Student Portal . ​
• Click on 'My Courses' tab. ​
• Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. ​
• If a course withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline date, a dropped course will be recorded  as a "W" (withdrawal) on the transcript. ​
• If a course withdrawal is processed after the deadline, an "F" (fail) will be recorded on the  transcript. ​

Pre-arranged Timetables ​

Students in a block-scheduled timetable can add or drop courses via their Student Portal, provided the  course fits into their timetable, and there is space in the section they wish to join. If a block change is  available, there will be a 'change block' button available in the Student portal. If this button is not  available, block changes are not permitted. Course sections and blocks that are full are not accessible to  students.  ​

Timetabling Assistance ​

Students who are out of sync with their program design may require assistance in planning and selecting  courses for their next semester in order to meet program requirements. Some courses are a pre-requisite  for a subsequent course. Student Success Advisors are available throughout the academic year to meet  with students to review their course and program options. Please book an appointment via the  Student  Success Portal  for assistance.

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: [email protected].

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 Office at: [email protected]

​​Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet with the Student Success Advisor.  Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a  program application form  to the registrar's office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled, students may want to discuss options with a career advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met.  Program transfers are not guaranteed, and are subject to program capacity, suitability and other criteria. Additional information for career or academic advising is available from faculty, program coordinators or career advisors in the Welcome Centre or on the Conestoga website. 

Attendance and Your Success

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

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 yourself 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

• Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence' tab.
• 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).
• Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
• Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
• You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

• The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
• The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
• If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
• As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

Reasons for Absence ​

Compassionate leave ​, jury duty ​, other absence(s) ​, religious holy days and spiritual observances.

• 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 holy day. ​
• 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 holy day. Exceptions based on extenuating  circumstances must be approved by the Program Chair.

Emergency Closures

If a campus is closed:.

• Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the online instructor. 

Scheduled in-person examinations and severe weather conditions

• Classes commencing prior to 5:59 p.m. - by 6:15 a.m.
• Classes commencing from 6:00 p.m. onwards - by 4:00 p.m.
• Emergency Situations - as needed. 

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. At the sole discretion of the professor, proctor or invigilator, you will be required to leave the room. You may also be subject to further disciplinary action as per Conestoga College academic integrity policy.

• In case of emergency please follow the instructor's instructions. 
• Once you leave the exam/test room you may not be re-admitted outside of approved washroom breaks. 
• No submissions will be accepted after the allotted examination time has expired.
• 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.
• Exam/test takers will be allowed to have a clear bottle of water with the label removed.
• No 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. 
• No use of smart devices will be permitted unless explicitly allowed by the professor. Such arrangements must be made prior to the evaluation date.
• All backpacks and/or bags must be kept at the front of the classroom.  

Evaluations

Working together on group assignments ​, assignment submission standards.

Course evaluation criteria and weighting is specified in the course outline and due dates are communicated via the course instructional plan, subject to communicated deadline changes during the progression of the course.

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.
• 3 days late: 100% cumulative penalty.  

Each project has a clearly defined set of dates for its deliverables. If, for a legitimate reason, any student who does not believe that a project cannot be completed on time, must formally request an extension to the due date from the project leader at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled end of project. Approval of the request for extension will be considered by the faculty team, but is not automatic.

Software Deliverables

Final grade of incomplete.

With approval by a Chair, a final grade of Incomplete will only be given in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of faculty and program coordinator and per applicable School and College policies. 

If a student has been given an Incomplete for a course, it is expected that the student shall complete the remedial work by the agreed-upon deadline. Failing to do so may result a failing mark of F.

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.

Academic Assistance​ ​

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The Program Coordinator  and/or Student Success Advisor can advise on specific program and course information, as well as on the  wide range of supports available at the College. Conestoga's Student Success Services Department can  provide assistance with  Counselling ,  Accessible Learning , and  Career Services . 

​ Student Success Advisors ​

Student Success Advisors (SSAs) are available to support you.  Support is available for all campuses, schools, and programs. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting  your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program. ​

​ You can sign in to the  Student Success Portal  to book an appointment.

Accessible Learning

Awards, scholarships and bursaries.

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships, and academic grants available to  Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have  established with local business and industry leaders.   ​

​ To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your Student Portal.   Notifications and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in  the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in  February).   ​

Visit the  Financial Aid and Student Awards Office  on Conestoga's website.​ 

Academic Expectations for Your Studies

Professionalism and student expectations, rights and responsibilities  .

• Student Rights include the right to learn, to be safe, to be informed, to be heard and to appeal.    
• Student Responsibilities include respect for persons, respect for college learning and working environment and respect for property, facilities and college reputation.   

Professionalism  

Professionalism  expectation s  , personal device and  social media   usage  .

• Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.  
• Assume that 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, professors or WIL experiences.  
• Avoid impulsive or inappropriate comments.  
• Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.  
• Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.  
• Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.  
• Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.   
• Do not take or post any pictures during WIL experiences or involved in lab activities  
• Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.  

Classroom Practices  

Faculty responsibilities:  .

• Provide to 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 are not able to retain their tests/examinations/assignments and should review thoroughly at this time. It is the responsibility of the student to ask any questions regarding the assignment with the faculty member outside class time during posted office hours, if required.  
• Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss performance or questions in respect to their coursework and assessed items.  
• Respond to student emails/voicemails within 48 business hours.  
• Ensure course outcomes are covered in the assessment method.  

Student responsibilities:  

• Attend and participate in lectures, labs, presentations, group work, field trips or other activities related to the course/program.  
• 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.   
• The use of an electronic translator is prohibited. Students must be able to communicate in English.  
• Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Faculty or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs.     
• Adhere to all deadlines for assessed items.   
• Write final exams as per the schedule posted by the Program Coordinator/Faculty.   
• Please consult with the Program Coordinator/Faculty regarding final exam dates and times.  
• Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence and a grade of zero.    
• Submit coursework in the requested format, described by the faculty member in the rubrics or guidelines, by the specified deadline.  
• Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in submitted course assessments and not engage in plagiarism.  
• Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of assessments, prior to the deadline and provide required documentation.  

What is Academic Integrity?

Academic integrity  means the degree to which the outcomes of learning activities or scholarly work have authenticity and align with formal goals and objectives established by the College. It includes acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities including but not limited to course work, work integrated learning, academic documents, and research. All members of the Conestoga community are responsible and accountable for upholding academic integrity.

As a current Conestoga student, you are expected to understand what constitutes an academic incident and to avoid any activities that may lead to an academic incident.

By having and applying an Academic Integrity 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.

Other forms of Academic Misconduct

There are other ways a student might cheat, including, but not limited to, Contract Cheating , Unauthorized Collaboration , Aiding and Abetting , and using Unauthorized Aids and Assistance . It is important to familiarize yourself with potential ways of cheating in order to know how to avoid it. For help, please contact the Academic Integrity Office  for guidance and support.

Copyright at Conestoga 

• Canadian  Copyright Act
• Fair Dealing
• Conestoga  Copyright Policy

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)

GenAI tools are prohibited from being used for assignments unless you are specifically authorized to use GenAI tool for an assignment by your professor.

Please visit Conestoga's Gen AI for Students  website to learn more.

Academic Concerns During a Course​

Student representation - csi ​, academic progress through your studies, academic progression.

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the  Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy .

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as Promotion with Good Academic Standing, Promotion on Probation, Graduation, and Discontinuance.

Promotion on probation refers to students who do not achieve the minimum overall acceptable achievement for progression as identified in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy . Students who progress on probation can register in the next Term, but course registration is subject to course prerequisites.

• First Probation: Students on probation for the first time are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to map out a Learning Plan and discuss strategies they can use to support their success.
• Consecutive Probation: Students on probation for a second consecutive Semester must meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract.  

Discontinuance

A student can be discontinued from their program for either academic or non-academic reasons, as set out in the  Discontinuance Procedure . 

• Academic Discontinuance  may occur when a student fails to meet the specified academic Progression Requirements of their program.
• Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and Procedure
• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure

Supplemental Assessment

A student who has failed a course may be provided an opportunity to complete a supplemental assessment if they have met the established criteria in accordance with the Supplemental Assessment Policy and Procedure .

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. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under  Academic Dates .

Readmission

If you are discontinued or if you withdraw from the program, you must reapply for admission in accordance with the Readmission Procedure . Readmission is not guaranteed.  

Progression Requirements

Some programs may require a higher minimum standard than those   indicated  in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy  due to the nature of their program, including but not limited to, accreditation or regulatory requirements. These minimum standards are documented in the  School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology Progression Requirements Guide .

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study, including co-op placements if applicable, in accordance with the  Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy . This also includes meeting the minimum Program GPA. This minimum Program GPA is listed in the  School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology Progression Requirements Guide . Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study.

Co-operative Education

The Co-operative Education Department provides services and supports to co-op students throughout their co-op experiences. For more information regarding services or to connect with your Co-op Advisor, please refer to the  Student Success Portal . 

For Co-op Eligibility Requirements, please review the  School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology Co-operative Eligibility Guide .

Equipment and Facility Information

Smoke-free environment.

Smoking is not allowed in any Conestoga building. Help keep the environment clean by using the waste receptacles when you smoke outdoors. To provide unobstructed entry to the college for visitors and non-smoking employees and students, all campus entrances have been designated smoke-free.

Use of Food and Beverages in Classrooms and Labs

It is the responsibility of senior management to ensure that the academic environment is clean and conducive to learning. The following policy statements will be adhered to regarding the use of food and beverages in classrooms and labs:

• There is no food permitted in any classroom or lab. Beverages are permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs, containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Beverages (including water) are not permitted in health sciences skill labs. For health and safety reasons, instructions will be established by faculty and management within designated shop areas, such as Electrical, Metal Machining, and Woodworking.

It is the responsibility of instructional staff and management to ensure that the policy is adhered to by students. 

Labs and Virtual Infrastructure

Student feedback.

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

Ontario College Student Experience Survey​

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.​

Early Course Check-in

Direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course provides valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga. The Early Course Check-in is a short 5 -10 question survey that occurs during week 5 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom.

​Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)​

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching and course structure. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.​

The  SAT is 30-40 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.​

​All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.​

Each academic 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 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.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on an annual basis. Students are advised to review and comply with all Conestoga policies and procedures. ​ ​ All Conestoga academic policies and procedures are listed on the  College website . 

Academic Handbook Revision Log

Created Spring 2024

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