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Standards: Programs consist of a variety of academic components as described in the following list:
Core subjects refer to the specialty training and knowledge you need for your career. You must achieve a minimum of 65% in core subjects.
Non-core subjects refer to training and knowledge required to ensure you have the basic skills required for employment. You must achieve a minimum of 50% in non-core subjects.
Apprenticeship Programs refers to the Provincial Apprenticeship Trades programs, which require a minimum of 70% in all subject areas. Provincial Apprenticeship Trades programs also require a set number of accumulative training hours. Further information regarding this requirement is available at each campus.
Work Term refers to a professionally arranged on-site training period, which provides you with an opportunity to gain experience in your field. Work terms are a valuable component of your program as they offer you an opportunity to gain experience, to get to know people in your field of study; in some instances work terms have led to employment opportunities. Students are typically not paid during their work term experience; however, some hosts may choose to do so. If the work term is a required component of your program, you must successfully complete it in order to graduate. The work term evaluation will be completed by the work term host in consultation with campus work term personnel. Work terms must be completed during the academic period indicated in your program outline, unless other arrangements are approved by campus administration in consultation with your instructor and work term personnel. Your instructor and work term personnel will provide you with the details of the work term process and the details of work term monitoring as this component of your program draws near.
Practicum refers to projects, assignments, seminars, etc., assigned by instructors in addition to duties assigned by hosts while in the field. Please refer to your program outline to see if the practicum component is relevant to you.
Related Training refers to components such as professional certifications, workshops, conferences, etc. If they are part of your training program, they may offer you the opportunity to network with others in your chosen field and/or to gain required certifications. These components help to increase your employability.
Expenses incurred (i.e., board, medicals, clothing, travel etc.) for work terms, practicums and related training outside of Academy Canada are the responsibility of the student.
Course Outlines: Course outlines will be distributed to students during the first week of classes for each individual course. These descriptions will give students a brief overview of topics to be covered during the course and the evaluation scheme to be followed.
Course Exemptions: You must request exemptions, in writing, according to the following deadlines:
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Semester Courses – No later than three weeks after the start date of each semester.
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Term Courses- No later than five days after the start date of each block.
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Trades Programs – No later than one day after the start date for that course.
Forms are available from the Registrar. Requests must be accompanied by an official transcript and course description from the post-secondary institution where the course was completed. For each course you receive an exemption, your transcript will read TC (Transfer of Credit). Marks from other institutions will not be calculated into your final average. Exemption requests are forwarded to the campus Principal for review. The Principal may consult with an instructor or curriculum personnel. Refunds are not applicable to courses from which you have been exempted. High School or Adult Basic Education courses do not qualify for exemption requests (the only exception would be from some Advanced Placement courses). Course exemptions should not exceed more than 20% of the program. The 20% maximum course exemption policy does not apply to Apprenticeship Trades programs. In the case of an Apprenticeship Trades course, the student must have mastered in excess of 70% in each of theory and practical components of the course.
Trades students seeking an exemption from Mathematics 1060 may voluntarily challenge an ACCUPLACER online test. Students who achieve a Total Right Score of between 65-92 may be exempted from Mathematics 1060. The ACCUPLACER online test must be written prior to the start date of Mathematics 1060.
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR): Academy Canada’s PLAR process provides students with an opportunity to document or demonstrate that they have achieved in excess of 70% of the objectives of a given course. In the case of Apprenticeship Trades courses, the student must have mastered in excess of 70% in each of theory and practical components of the course. This comprehensive systematic process of evaluation can be initiated by applying for PLAR through our Registrar's office. All applications must be accompanied by a $50 assessment fee.
Test Schedules: Tests are scheduled by your instructor. Our instructors strive to establish test dates as early as possible in order to assist you in planning your time effectively.
Missed Test Policy:
(a) If you are going to miss a test, you must inform your instructor before the test is scheduled to begin. It is at the instructor’s discretion to determine if the reason you give is valid. Please be prepared to supply supporting documentation, if requested.
(b) If you have been given an excused absence from a test, you must write the test within the week of your return according to a schedule defined by your instructor.
(c) Instructors are not permitted to allow rewrites to “boost” marks.
(d) Our College recommends that our instructors schedule missed exams after regular class hours.
Submission of Assignment Policy:
(a) Ample time will be given to complete out-of-class assignments and such assignments are expected on the given due date.
(b) Unless excused by the instructor (for serious medical emergencies, etc.) 5% per day, including weekends, will be deducted for each day an assignment is late to a maximum of seven days and are not accepted after the end date of the term or semester. As assignments are normally given well in advance, it is anticipated that few exceptions will be granted.
Supplementary Exams: Supplementary exams provide students with a second opportunity to meet the minimum pass mark for a course. They are not a right but a privilege. They are granted at the discretion of your instructor and administration. In deciding whether to permit a supplementary exam, the administration, in consultation with your instructor, will consider such things as:
your attendance, the focus and content of the course, past academic performances, your commitment to the program, etc. Except in exceptional circumstances the following requirements must be met:
1. Students must have attended 50% + 1 of all classes.
2. Students must have obtained a minimum grade of no less than 15 points below the pass grade of the course.
The grade achieved in a supplementary exam will appear on your transcript along with the original grade received in the course unless otherwise agreed to by administration in consultation with your instructor. Each supplementary exam you write costs $20. This non-refundable fee is payable before you write the exam. These exams are scheduled as determined by the administration of each
campus. A supplementary exam must be completed within 30 days of the end date of the course. Supplementary grades are indicated with an asterisk on your transcript.
Re-reads: Re-reads refer to an opportunity to have an evaluation re-assessed. Request forms are available through the Registrar’s office. Each re-read will cost $20; this charge may be credited to your account or refunded should your mark increase. Re-reads must be requested within 30 days of the end date of the course in which the evaluation was completed.
Progress Reports: You will receive a progress report approximately every four months. These reports are completed by your instructor. Academic performance, attendance, reliability, peer relations and commitment to the program are examples of the areas in which you will be assessed in the progress report. Students who are not meeting standards set by the College are placed on probation. Such individuals will be required to meet with campus administrators to discuss means of improving performance.
Tutorial Services: Students experiencing academic difficulties may be eligible for tutoring services. Please see campus administration for tutoring request procedures and an application form. To be eligible a student must commit to a high standard of effort and attendance.
Attendance: Employers expect perfect or near-perfect attendance and our instructors require the same. To monitor your performance, daily attendance records are kept on file. Students who receive financial assistance from a sponsoring agency should consult with their counselor in order to determine conditions that may apply to them. The following policies apply to all Academy Canada students:
1. Students are expected to attend all classes, labs, field trips, etc., in which they are registered. Evaluation in any course is cumulative and based on class assignments, participation and examinations. Your instructor will inform you about course evaluation schemes.
2. Excused absences will be granted by the instructor for illness when accompanied by a doctor’s note stating the number of days approved for sickness. As well, excused absences are granted for bereavement, family illness and other causes as approved by the instructor.
3. Students must telephone the campus before the start of class to inform the instructor of any absence. All required documentation (doctor’s notes, etc.) must be presented to the instructor immediately upon returning to class.
4. Non-emergency medical visits should be scheduled after class hours.
5. If unexcused absences hinder academic performance in any given month, the student may be required to report to the Registrar’s Office. Should absenteeism and academic performance continue to fall below standards, the student will be required to justify their continued enrolment to the College’s campus administration.
6. Where a student misses a period of time through illness, they are still enrolled at Academy Canada and will be charged accordingly. However, where a student will miss a significant period of time due to illness, they may be eligible for a medical leave of absence.
7. Tardiness and leaving class early will be treated in the same manner as unexcused absences.
8. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on any work missed because of absences.
Excessive absenteeism results, in most cases, in a student's inability to maintain the academic standards set by our College.
Student Medical Leave:
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Upon notification of approval or disapproval, the Registrar (or campus designate) will notify the appropriate offices and individuals (Principal, Vice-Principal, current instructors, business office) so that implications for the student’s situation can be assessed. These individuals will provide necessary information directly to the student, where applicable.
Academic Probation: A student who is unsuccessful in a course(s) will be placed on academic probation. If you subsequently pass a supplementary exam in the given course(s), this designation will be removed. Otherwise you will stay on academic probation for the term and be required to meet with your instructor-advisor and campus administration to develop goals for improved academic performance and develop a plan to complete outstanding courses from the previous semester.
Should you satisfactorily complete the current term’s courses, you will be allowed to continue in your studies but will be required to meet with your instructor-advisor and campus administration to develop a plan to complete the outstanding courses(s) from the previous term. However, should you continue to fail course(s) while on academic probation, you may be dismissed from the program.
Notwithstanding Academy Canada’s policies, funding agencies, including Canada Student Loans, have a right to revoke financial assistance for students who do not maintain satisfactory academic standards.
Punctuality: Instructors differ in the way they handle students who are late. Late students cause a disruption. Your instructor will clearly state their classroom policy regarding tardiness. Please respect their guidelines.
Academic Dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism - presenting the work of others as your own
2. Cheating
a) using unauthorized aids, assistance or materials
b) assisting others in cheating
c) re-submitting, without the instructor's permission, your own work or that of others for which credit was already obtained in another course.
The consequences of plagiarism or cheating will range from a zero grade on an evaluation to suspension and potential dismissal depending on the severity of the situation.
Withdrawal: As per the “Private Training Regulations” students wishing to withdraw from their program of study (including those withdrawing within the first twenty-one calendar days from the commencement of their program) are required to provide proper notice to the college. Proper notice is defined as a clear written notification of the student’s intention to discontinue. This notice must be delivered to the Registrar either in person or by registered mail. Statements submitted verbally, by regular mail, by fax or by third parties are not acceptable and will not constitute a withdrawal.
Dismissal: A student may be dismissed from Academy Canada if one or more of the following situations arise:
1. A student breaches Academy Canada’s Academic Dishonesty Policy.
2. A student has been placed on probation and has not met Academy Canada academic standards in two consecutive terms (see Academic Probation Policies).
3. A student demonstrates other inappropriate conduct including, but not limited to, willful disruption of class, discrimination, sexual harassment, abusive or threatening language or gestures, injury to persons or damage to property, theft, the use or distribution of illegal drugs and/or the consumption or distribution of alcohol.
4. A student breaches Academy Canada’s Improper Computer Usage and Pornography Policy.
5. Where a student discontinues attending classes, fails to provide proper notice and fails to adhere to their defined tuition payment schedule the College may dismiss that student once their account becomes delinquent.
6. A student fails to adhere to Academy Canada’s tuition payment policy.
These policies apply on campus and during all Academy Canada activities off campus.
Disciplinary Procedures: Academy Canada subscribes to a process of progressive discipline. Where disciplinary action is required, consequences can include verbal or written reprimand, grade of zero on an examination, suspension or dismissal depending on the severity of the situation.
Appeals Committee: Students who have been dismissed from Academy Canada have an option to appeal the decision. A letter of appeal may be forwarded to the Board of Directors for review. The Board of Directors will review the situation and render a decision. In some cases, the Board may choose to meet with appropriate personnel and render a decision to all parties.
Complaint Resolution Process: Students with concerns should make all reasonable attempts to resolve the issue directly with the instructor or other members of the College staff. If the concern is unresolved, the student should forward their concern in writing to the campus Principal or Vice-Principal. The administrator will make every effort to respond to the students’ concerns within 2-5 school days or in some cases immediate attention may be required. This process may involve utilizing the services of internal or external persons. The administrator may arrange an independent review of the issue by one or more individuals and may also consult with Department of Education personnel during the review process.
In the event that the complaint involves an administrator, the student should make all reasonable attempts to resolve the issue with the administrator. If the concern is unresolved, the student should contact Academy Canada’s Board of Directors, in writing, which will initiate a process similar to that outlined above. Students are encouraged to exhaust these internal mechanisms before referring the complaint to the Department of Education or other external agencies.
Improper Computer Usage and Pornography: The following are computer rules that affect all Academy Canada students. Violation of these regulations may constitute grounds for disciplinary action including dismissal.
1. Students are not permitted to use chat line software of any type (this includes ICQ, Microsoft Chat and Netscape Chat, etc.).
2. Use of Academy Canada Internet connection to access pornographic, violent or otherwise objectionable material is strictly prohibited. Possession of such material on school property is also forbidden.
3. Downloading of “hacking” software or instructions is not permitted.
4. Affecting another computer system in any way - planting viruses or sending “nukes” - is considered sabotage and will result in severe repercussions.
5. Accessing computer systems belonging to instructor(s) in any Lab/Classroom is strictly prohibited. Use of these systems without permission will be perceived as intent to obtain unauthorized material.
6. Downloading and installing any computer programs from the Internet are not permitted without instructor permission.
7. Establishing a “Full Control” network share, into which anyone can drop files, is forbidden.
8. Students are responsible for all materials existing on their systems.
9. Use of non-school software or CD burners is strictly forbidden without the permission of campus administration.
10. Students are responsible for all materials attached to their Internet accounts. A proxy server will log every site a student will access on the Internet. Academy Canada will have a record of every student's Internet history.
Please understand that these rules are for the protection of every student at Academy Canada. These precautions will ensure that no one can implicate you in any questionable situation.
GENERAL POLICIES
Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics and Sexual Harassment: Academy Canada students and staff are expected to adhere to the college’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics and Sexual Harassment Policy. These specific policies can be found on your classroom bulletin boards or received from the campus administration upon request.
Confidentiality: Academy Canada will handle all student records in a confidential matter while ensuring that they are properly stored and maintained. Administrative and Instructional staff members at Academy Canada will be permitted access to all or part of a student’s record in order to carry out the
duties of his/her position at the college. Upon completion of your program of study you are entitled to an official transcript of academic achievement if the college has received payment of all fees. Official transcripts will be withheld for non-payment of fees.
Dress Code: At Academy Canada, we require all students to dress appropriately for a professional College environment. Although some programs (i.e. Hairstylist, Esthetics, Shop Trades, etc.) have specific dress codes, most permit casual attire. Please note that your instructor may establish specific classroom policies that apply to dress. It is expected that students will dress appropriately when visiting outside organizations or groups. While on work terms, students are required to adhere to the dress codes of the work term hosts.
Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the College. Students are asked not to smoke on or around campus entrance areas.
Telephone Calls: Students will not be called out of class for personal calls, except in an emergency. In most cases, a message will be posted on the bulletin board or monitor space set aside for this purpose. The telephone at the front desk is unavailable for students’ use. There are pay phones located at each campus for personal calls.
Photocopying: Photocopier services are available on campus for a small fee.
Equipment: The equipment at our College has been obtained to help train you. Many of these pieces are very costly to replace. College equipment is never to be removed from the campus premises without permission from administration and should always be handled with the utmost care and caution.
Cafeteria: Each campus provides food services in our cafeteria areas.
Hours: Students will generally have 25-30 hours of structured academics per week (science lab, computer lab, research and tutorial times or applied learning may require additional hours depending on your program.). Your classes will generally be scheduled between 8:00 am and 6:30 pm depending on your program and may vary throughout the year depending on the courses you require. While exceptions will vary, Campus Administration reserves the right to schedule classes outside these hours.
Change of Address: We like to keep in touch with all of our students, both current and graduated. Therefore, we will be asking you to provide us with your hometown address and current address. If you change your address, please let us know. Correspondence, including your diploma, will be forwarded to the address we have on file for you. Academy Canada also has an active Alumni Chapter. Students are encouraged to join this association and ensure that we keep your current contact information (including email address) on file while you are enrolled and after graduation.
Personal Belongings: Unfortunately, even in the friendly environment of Academy Canada, we have been victims of theft. As a result, we strongly advise that you do not leave valuables, including textbooks, in your classroom without supervision. Academy Canada does not assume responsibility for missing books, personal items, etc. For the convenience of students, lockers are available in a variety of sizes for a fee. You may rent lockers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Activities: Academy Canada welcomes student involvement in campus activities and we encourage you to take part. Students are invited to plan and organize events in conjunction with their homeroom class on behalf of the student body. If you have any ideas for social events, we would love to hear from you!
Unscheduled Closing Times: Campus administration reserves the right to close the campus and cancel classes in the event that inclement weather or other circumstances warrant. Students will be notified of such closures through public service announcements on local radio stations.
Hours of Operation: For detailed hours of operation, please contact your campus administrator.
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