Know Your College Rights

Knowing your rights and responsibilities helps protect you and keeps you secure while studying in Ontario.

Check out our guide below to learn your rights and responsibilities when it comes to college, and the available resources to support you along the way.

College Rights & Responsibilities Policy and Procedures

All students at Conestoga College have rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities help to outline expectations for how our community interacts. For example:

Students can expect to learn and work in an environment that is safe and respectful of their well-being and dignity — these are rights.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that treats the college community with respect and dignity — these are responsibilities.

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO) supports students and employees in upholding the expectations outlined in Conestoga College's Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedure. They address reports of rights and responsibilities violations and help students and employees to resolve concerns and disputes.

Beyond this, the College has implemented the following additional expectations for students to ensure a positive and inclusive online environment. To view the full guidelines, see Student Expectations for Online Engagement.

College Rights & Responsibilities Policy and Procedures

As a Conestoga student, the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedure provides 5 main rights of students. These rights are listed below, along with an explanation of what they mean.

Right to Learn

The right to protection and accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (subject to limitations), such as for a documented physical, learning, medical, mental health, or religious requirements.

The right to receive academic information that may be necessary to understand the requirements to successfully complete the course or academic program, and the right to use facilities designated by the college as available for student use.

The right to view submitted coursework, and to have the evaluation explained and reassessed, when appropriate.

The right to use facilities designated by the college as available for student use.
Right to be Safe

The right to learn and work in an environment that is safe, secure, free from harassment and/or discrimination, and to be treated with respect and dignity.
Right to be Informed

The right to inquire and be informed about the rules and regulations of the college that affect students, including all policies, procedures and regulations.

The right to confidentiality and access to personal records as provided for under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The right to have a support person present at meetings with the college.
Right to be Heard

The right to express personal opinions and views, subject to the general law and laws of defamation.

The right to self-identification and expression of personal and cultural identity and traditional knowledge without fear of reprisal.

The right to make a complaint and/or inquire about academic or other college matters and to receive a response, without fear of reprisal.

The right to be informed of, and be able to respond to, allegations of unacceptable behaviour or any conduct for which sanctions are imposed.

The right to form, join, or take part in a lawful group or organization in accordance with student responsibilities.
Right to Appeal

The right to request an appeal regarding matters which may affect academic status and/or promotion.

The right to submit a challenge regarding the formal process taken and/or decision imposed by the college that could be considered unfair, unsubstantiated or detrimental to academic success.

Student Responsibilities at Conestoga College

Similar to the rights students are provided, there are also expectations known as responsibilities that students must adhere to. These responsibilities apply to students at any college-owned or operated facility or college-sponsored/affiliated activity. Additionally, these apply to students when behaviours are substantially linked to the college and may have implications for students, employees, or the college’s educational mission. This includes incidents on and off campus, or through electronic means (social media, text, email, video, etc.).

There are three specific responsibilities of students outlined in Conestoga’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and Procedure. These responsibilities are listed below, along with an explanation of what they mean.

Respect for Persons

Students have the responsibility to respect the well-being and personal worth and dignity of all college students, employees, and affiliated members. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Being mindful of personal well-being and initiating appropriate steps for self-care;

• Behaving in a way that does not harm, or threaten to harm, another person’s physical or mental well-being; including harassment or discrimination (see Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy for definitions);

• Considering and respecting diverse perspectives and the ideas of others, even when conflicting with your own; and

• Refraining from using information and communication technologies to engage in deliberate, repeated and/or hostile behaviour that has a negative impact on another person’s dignity, causes harm, or makes a person feel unsafe.
Respect for College Learning and Working Environment

Students have the responsibility to actively contribute to a positive learning and working environment while on campus or participating in any learning experience associated with the college. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Refraining from disrupting or interfering with college activities or impeding the educational objectives of the college;

• Using alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products, ceremonial medicines, or any other permitted substance responsibly and only in designated areas while on college property or participating in college activities;

• Requesting and receiving approval through Security Services to possess any item that could reasonably be considered a weapon (otherwise, weapons are prohibited);

• Acting honestly in all academic matters and being honest when dealing with other members of the college community;

• Complying with program and professional standards in related field(s); and

• Complying with the direction of any college official who is acting in the proper performance of their duties and participating in any investigation as deemed appropriate or necessary by Security Services.
Respect for Property, Facilities and College Reputation

Students have the responsibility to respect college property and facilities as well as the property and facilities of employers and community partners. In addition, students have the responsibility to represent the college in a positive manner. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Refraining from using or taking property without appropriate permission;

• Being respectful and accountable when using, borrowing, and/or returning the property of the college or members of its community;

• Behaving in a way that obeys the rules and regulations of college-owned or operated facilities and other off-campus, non-Conestoga facilities while engaged in learning activities on their premises; and

• Demonstrating sound judgment and positive leadership when representing the college at all college-sponsored or affiliated events.

Additional Student Responsibilities at Conestoga College

While not specifically included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and Procedure, here are additional responsibilities to be aware of as a student at Conestoga College.

Responsibility to Ensure a Positive and Inclusive Online Environment

Be polite and respectful in all of your communications. Do not harass or cyberbully others.

For example, don’t send multiple emails to Faculty members in a short period of time because you haven’t heard back and are nervous – ensure there is an appropriate amount of time between follow-ups, and ensure you remain polite throughout your interactions.
Responsibility to Act with Honesty and Academic Integrity

Students are expected to act honestly in all academic matters and to be honest when dealing with other members of the college community. This includes, but is not limited to, tests, assignments, work-integrated learning, and research.

At Conestoga, you are expected to understand the different types of academic misconduct. It's your responsibility to avoid actions that might lead to an academic integrity violation. If you're ever unsure, talk to your professor.

You can learn how to protect yourself from being accused of academic misconduct on the Academic Integrity Office website.

Other College Policies and Procedures to Be Aware Of

To exercise the rights provided to students through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and Procedure, it is important to know what policies and procedures are in place at Conestoga College. The following is a list of commonly referenced policies and procedures, and why you may wish to review them:

Other Policies and Procedures

Policy/Procedure Name	Purpose of Policy and Procedure	Why you may want to Review them
Academic Appeal Policy Procedure	Outlines the types of academic-related decisions that can be appealed, the potential outcomes, and the steps to take to file a formal appeal.	To learn the process to appeal an academic decision, such as grades, discontinuance, an academic integrity violation, and more. To learn the available outcomes of an academic appeal.
Academic Integrity Policy Procedure	Ensures that all academic activities and scholarly work are conducted fairly and honestly, including the process for how warnings and violations are issued.	To understand what constitutes an Academic Integrity warning and/or violation. To learn the process for how a warning or a violation is issued.
Academic Advancement & Achievement Policy	Outlines a consistent, equitable, and transparent process for how students progress or not in their program through to graduation.	To review definitions like Academic Standing, Discontinuance, Program Design, and more. To learn about the responsibilities of Deans, Chairs, Faculty, and the Registrar, related to student progression. To understand the expectations of how a student completes a program, including failed courses, extended time to complete a program, minimum average to continue, and more. To learn about program withdrawals, discontinuances, and graduation requirements, including levels of distinction.
Convocation Procedure	Outlines the requirements for graduating and participating in a convocation ceremony.	To determine if you have met the eligibility requirements to graduate.
Discontinuance Procedure	Outlines the procedure for how a student is discontinued from their program.	To understand the process that takes place to issue a discontinuance.
Grading Procedure	Ensures there is a fair and consistent approach to assessing and documenting academic achievement.	To learn and understand the grading system used at Conestoga College.
Readmission Procedure	Outlines the procedure for being readmitted to a program after withdrawal or discontinuance.	To learn about the options available and the required steps to be readmitted to a program.
Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance Policy Procedure	Ensures that students who want to observe recognized religious holy days or days of spiritual observances are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in the accommodation of students' religious or spiritual observances.	To learn what days of significance are recognized for accommodation purposes. To understand the process for requesting an academic accommodation for days of significance.
International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure	Outlines the procedure and consequences for an international student-initiated withdrawal from level one of a program or a currently enrolled international student who is in the process of extending their study visa.	To understand the steps necessary to withdraw and receive a refund. To understand the potential consequences of withdrawing.
Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure	Outlines the procedure and consequences for a student-initiated withdrawal. NOTE: this procedure does not apply to Apprenticeship or McMaster BScN programs.	To understand the steps necessary to withdraw and receive a refund. To understand the potential consequences of withdrawing based on the time it is initiated.
Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure	Outlines the expectations for how and when invoices are issued for tuition, and when and how payment by students is required.	To understand the college’s procedure for invoicing for tuition and fees and payment.
Supplemental Policy Procedure	Outlines when students may have the opportunity to raise their grade to a minimum passing grade under specific circumstances.	To learn the circumstances under which a student can complete a supplemental to achieve a minimum passing grade. To understand the procedure for how to request and complete a supplemental, if eligible.
Evaluation of Student Learning Policy Procedure	Ensures a coordinated and consistent institutional approach to the evaluation of student learning.	To learn about the expectations applied across the institution for the evaluation of student learning. To understand the process in place to ensure consistent evaluation of student learning.
Course Delivery Procedure	Outlines the expectations for how the college delivers a course to students, including online platforms.	To understand the expectations of how a course is delivered and the materials a student should be provided with.
Student Accommodation Policy Procedure	Ensures accommodations are available to students with permanent and temporary disabilities to allow equal opportunity to pursue academic success.	To learn about the expectations of the college and a student in requesting and receiving an accommodation. To understand the procedure for obtaining an accommodation.
Discrimination & Harassment Prevention Policy Complaint Against Employee: link Complaint Against Student: link	Outlines expectations and ensures the College community has the right to a work and study environment that is safe and respectful, free from discrimination, hate and harassment.	To learn what constitutes discrimination and harassment. To understand the procedure for filing a complaint.
Sexual and Gender-based Violence Policy and Procedure	Outlines expectations and ensures the College community has a culture and climate that is safe and respectful, and the procedure for disclosing and reporting sexual and gender-based violence.	To learn what constitutes sexual and gender-based violence and the supports available. To understand the procedure for filing complaints.
Acceptable Use of Technology Procedure	Outlines the expectations of ethical and lawful use of technology at Conestoga College.	To understand how technology must be used at Conestoga, including hardware, software, and networks.
Free Speech Policy	Outlines the expectations and limitations of what constitutes free speech and ensures that respectful and diverse discourse is allowed.	To learn about the limitations on free speech. To understand the expectations for its application to the campus community.
Student Housing Policy	Outlines the principles, commitments, and resources to support students in securing suitable housing both on and off campus.	To learn the types of supports and resources Conestoga is committed to provide for on and off-campus housing.
Student Mental Health Policy	Ensures the consideration of student mental health is included across all aspects of campus culture, including services, teaching practices, administration, and commitment to high-quality academic programs.	To learn about the College’s goals in providing mental health support. To understand the programs and services provided, and the limitations of mental health supports.

Escalating Issues Above the College Through Ombudsman

In the case where you believe you need to escalate an issue above Conestoga College, you can submit a complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman. The Ontario Ombudsman is an independent official who investigates complaints about publicly funded organizations, like Conestoga College. Even if the Ombudsman cannot help you, they may be able to direct you to those who can.

Before going to the Ombudsman, you must exhaust all appeal options within the College. Typically, the Ombudsman only steps in when the College has not followed a procedure properly, or there is no procedure to follow. However, once you do appeal to the Ombudsman, no new evidence can be introduced. To learn more about how to file a complaint through the Ombudsman, visit the Ontario Ombudsman website.

College Rights & Responsibilities Resources

Get Information
- Student Rights & Responsibilities Procedure: Conestoga’s Student Rights & Responsibilities Procedure outlines expectations for how our community interacts, this is essential to understand while at Conestoga College. Learn more by visiting: SRRO - Rights & Responsibilities.
- Conflict Resolution Flow Charts: Conestoga’s Student Rights & Responsibilities Office (SRRO) offers online flow charts for conflict resolution, informal conflict resolution, and formal conflict resolution at: SRRO – Finding Resolution.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Conestoga’s Student Rights & Responsibilities Office (SRRO) has an online FAQ section to provide answers to common student inquiries on: SRRO - Frequently Asked Questions.
- Academic Integrity Office: Conestoga’s Academic Integrity Office (AIO) offers several useful tips for protecting your academic integrity, understanding penalties, and more by visiting: AIO - Academic Integrity.
- College Policies: Conestoga College has policies for several areas of student life, including a Grading Procedure. To learn more about the various policies and procedures, please visit: Conestoga College - Policies.
Get Support
- SRRO Support: Conestoga’s Student Rights & Responsibilities Office (SRRO) offers remote and in-person support for conflicts involving students, barriers to access and inclusion, bullying, harassment, discrimination, procedural fairness, and disruptive student behavior. To learn more, visit the SRRO website.
- Student Success Advisors (SSAs): SSAs can help students navigate academic policies and procedures, and the college in general – including understanding college systems, policies, and procedures. Current students can book an appointment and learn about SSA drop-in services on the Student Success Portal.
- CSI Advocacy: CSI’s Advocacy department can help students explore the policies and procedures that exist in the college and provide assistance with referrals. Students can email CSIAdvocacy@conestogac.on.ca to request assistance.
- Legal Care Program: Conestoga College students who did not opt-out of the Legal Care Program fee can access a legal consultation service to consult a certified lawyer regarding any legal question. Request legal support via the Studentcare contact form.
- Ontario Ombudsman Office: This is a free resource for anyone in Ontario who has a problem with a provincial or municipal government service, including Ontario’s Colleges. They can help resolve complaints, investigate issues, and make recommendations to improve public services. Visit their website: Ontario Ombudsman.