Public Service
Graduate Certificate
2015-2016 Student
Handbook
Program #1274C
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning
Note: This is a companion document to the current
Conestoga College Student Guide.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................. 2
1)
WELCOME ................................................................................................................4
Conestoga Mission ............................................................................................................... 4
2)
PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM ..................................................................................4
2.1
3)
4)
5)
2
Program Faculty ..................................................................................................... 5
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ............................................................................................... 6
3.1
Program Description .............................................................................................. 6
3.2
Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................................. 6
3.3
Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design ................................................................ 7
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION ....................................................................... 8
4.1
Career Services – Program Specific ...................................................................... 8
4.2
Co-Curricular Record – Program Specific ............................................................8
4.3
Co-op Services – Program Specific .....................................................................8
4.4
Orientation – Program Specific ............................................................................9
PROGRAM INFORMATION &PROTOCOLS............................................................... 9
5.1
Academic Assistance ............................................................................................. 9
5.2
Academic Dates ..................................................................................................... 9
5.3
Academic Probation – Program Protocols ............................................................. 9
5.4
Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols ............... 10
5.5
Attendance - Program Protocols .......................................................................... 10
5.6
Awards – Program Specific .................................................................................. 10
5.7
Clearance of Academic Deficiency Program Protocols ........................................ 10
5.8
Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols ................................. 10
5.9
Co-operative Education Eligibility – Program Protocols ....................................... 11
5.10
Course Add/Drop – Program Protocols ................................................................ 11
5.11
Discontinuance - Program Protocols .................................................................... 11
5.12
Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations) – Program Protocols ................. 11
5.13
Maintaining Student Files ..................................................................................... 12
5.14
Program Transfer Protocols ................................................................................. 12
5.15
Re-admission Requirements – Program Protocols .............................................. 12
5.16
Student Representatives – Program Protocols .................................................... 12
5.17
Unpaid Work/ Education Placement and Job Shadowing – Program Protocols12
6)
FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ........................................... 12
7)
SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ............................................. 12
7.1
Basic Safety ...................................................................................................... 13
7.2
Emergency Program Protocols ............................................................................ 13
7.3
Student Protection Acknowledgement ................................................................. 13
8)
CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ........................................................ 13
9)
STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION ................................. 13
10)
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PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG ............................................................. 14
1) WELCOME
Welcome to Conestoga College, the next step in your pursuit of post-secondary
learning. The School of Liberal Studies is your gateway to a variety of opportunities.
Programs are designed to help you define your academic or career path by discovering
your passion, developing your creativity and enhancing your professionalism.
The purpose of this guide is to provide students with program-specific details and other
important information needed, - while studying in the School of Liberal Studies. The
material in this guide is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current
academic year. Students will be informed of changes as required through the
Conestoga email system. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must
check their program handbook for the current edition.
This guide must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga
College found on the website and in the student guide. The information in the Student
Guide and on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program, and will
be referred to in Phase II Orientation at the beginning of the first semester in a program.
To access the student guide, please search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
It is the responsibility of each student to review and understand this document. The
School of Liberal Studies is here to educate students on how to manage their college
experience, navigate the college systems, make informed decisions, and assume
responsibility for their academic success. If there are any questions or concerns
regarding the content of this document, please contact the Program Coordinator.
If you have any suggestions on improvements to this guide, please contact Cathy
Schmied in the School of Liberal Studies, Room 2A139 at ext. 3442, or at:
cschmied@conestogac.on.ca.
Conestoga Mission
To CHAMPION innovation and excellence in the development and delivery of education and
training.
To SERVE responsibly the diverse and ever-changing needs of the community. To
INSPIRE students and employees to strive toward their highest potential
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2) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM
Dean - School of Liberal Studies and School of Language and Communications
Studies
Chris Buuck
cbuuck@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Assistant to Dean
Mary-Lynn Dedels
mdedels@conestogac.on.ca
Academic Chair
Andrew Schmitz Ph.D.
aschmitz@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Assistant to Academic Chair:
Mary-Lynn Dedels
mdedels@conestogac.on.ca
Program Coordinator
Agnes Dufournaud
Doon Campus, Rm. 2A307
(519) 748-5220 ext. 2716
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1.1 Program Faculty
Agnes Dufournaud
Brooke Pratt
George Vandermey
Kerry Townson
Geoff Johnstone
Other Faculty
In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will
work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty from other schools
for breadth and/or/general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise
in specific areas of program focus.
Contact information for this faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related
courses.
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2) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
2.1 Program Description
Public service is service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions,
usually through employment in either a government or a non-governmental
organization.
This program provides students with the skills, knowledge and practical experience
critical to a career in public service. Students will learn about the inner workings of
government at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. The program will address
issues such as public ethics, public policy, government and public sector structures, and
public leadership and management. Through the program, students will develop skills in
critical thinking, analytical communications and public sector problem-solving. The goal
of this program is to develop the requisite soft skills to enhance opportunities for the
graduate to pursue a career as a public servant.
Program Information Length
One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2015 - Fall | Winter |
Spring/Summer
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 30
Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps
below:
1. Log in to Student Portal
2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab
3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most
current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To
find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.
2.2 Program Learning Outcomes
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Explore governmental systems and inter-governmental relations and the role that
government plays in delivering public goods and services.
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Apply systems theory models to solve public sector organizational challenges.
Assess ethical issues in the public sector.
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Develop the advanced oral and written communications and interpersonal skills
required of a public servant, including communications with the public, media and
internal stakeholders.
Develop career skills including job searching, resume writing and interview skills
specific to the public service environment.
Create and evaluate strategic plans including mission, vision and values
statements as they apply to the mandate of an organization within the public
sector.
Research legislation and regulations to guide decision-making processes and
actions within the public service environment.
Discuss the historical, social and cultural implications of the public service
workplace including unionized and multicultural environments.
Develop a personal leadership philosophy through the study of leadership
theories, models and examples.
Investigate the various human resources and financial system processes within
the Canadian public service environment.
Apply software application, information and data management skills in an
effective, legal and ethical manner.
2.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design
The following is the anticipated sequence of the program over a year implementation
beginning in August 2015. Occasionally, minor program design changes do occur and
students are notified of these changes. For example, the order in which some
academics are scheduled may serve the student’s development more appropriately if
the semester is changed. On other occasions new courses are developed and
integrated into the program as a result of recommendations.
Course Information
Course #
Course Titles
Level One
CDEV1020
Co-op and Career Preparation
COMM8080
Communication in the Public Sector
LIBS8000
Orientation to Government and Public Sector
LIBS8010
The System of Government
LIBS8055
Strategic Planning and Implementation
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Level Two
LIBS8020
The Ethical Public Servant
LIBS8030
Building Partnerships and Managing Relationships
LIBS8040
Public Sector Leadership and Organizational
Development LIBS8060
Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism
LIBS8070
Public Service Capstone Project
Level Three
COOP8040
Co-op Work Term (Public Service)
3) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s student services information: search
“Student Guide” on Conestoga's website..
3.1 Career Services – Program Specific
Refer to the link below for Career Services information. Conestoga Career Services
3.2 Co-Curricular Record – Program Specific
There are often opportunities to volunteer for events such as presentations on the
Public Service program, open houses, career fairs, etc. that will be recognized. The
CoCurricular Record, (CCR) will produce a record of volunteer hours that can be used
on your resume. Students can also volunteer during the period that they are completing
their field placement project. For more information and how to be involved with the CCR,
please email ccr@conestogac.on.ca.
3.3 Co-op Services – Program Specific
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Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you
learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op and Career Services
webpage for more details.
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The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are
required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the
supports and services provided by the Co-op Office. This job search should
start no late than December, 2015.
3.4 Orientation – Program Specific
Orientation is scheduled the week before the first fall semester of the program.
Information will be given regarding policies, procedures, timetables, and services
provided by the College to assist you in the program.
4) PROGRAM INFORMATION &PROTOCOLS
4.1 Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The
program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through
Accessibility Services. Access the Learning Commons website for detailed
information on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer
Services, Math and Writing assistance.
4.2 Academic Dates
Refer to your Student Guide for academic dates: search “Student Guide” on
Conestoga's website..
Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and
withdrawals are located in the Student Guide.
4.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols
Academic probation is seldom required in this program but could occur in the following
circumstances:
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one or more cited instances of plagiarism (see College policies , click on
Academic Administration, then Academic Integrity Policy)
for the college at lack of attendance/lack of effort in more than one course which
results in multiple failures within the eight months of the academic program •
failure of three or more academic courses within an eight month period
lack of progress in the program due to inability to complete required academic
courses
Academic probation sets out an agreement between the student and the
academic team which outlines the criteria that must be met in order to succeed.
The contract could outline a time frame for completion, expected attendance,
timely submission or assignments, or other criteria deemed important for student
success in the program.
4.4 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols
In order to graduate in the certificate program, the academic program must be
completed in 8 months and 420 co-op hours, commencing no later than October 2016,
must be completed to graduate with the co-op certification.
4.5 Attendance - Program Protocols
The normal protocol is to inform your teacher of any absence prior to the missed class.
If it is a missed test or assignment, then a medical certificate or other written
documentation may be required to validate the absence.
4.6 Awards – Program Specific
Apply using the online General Application available through your Student Portal to be
considered for awards, scholarships and bursaries available through Conestoga.
Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be sent to all full-time
Conestoga 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 at for more information.
4.7 Clearance of Academic Deficiency Program Protocols
In order to qualify for a supplemental exam or for supplemental work, a student must
1. Have achieved no less than 50% as a final grade in a course
2. Have completed all scheduled tests/in-class assignments and handed in all other
assignments during the semester
3. The student’s work must be free of plagiarism and other forms of academic
dishonesty
In order to write a supplemental, student must apply at the Registrar’s Office and pay
the required fee. This must be done within 5 business days after the final grade is
posted. The student must complete the supplemental evaluation within 15 business
days after the final grade for the course is posted.
4.8 Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols
Conestoga College student email accounts will be used to communicate to the students
via email. Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.
Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.
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4.9 Co-operative Education Eligibility – Program Protocols
Students must maintain the academic requirements of their program to remain in the
coop stream. Their eligibility to participate in a co-op work term is evaluated at the end
of the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op opportunity. See the college website
for information on co-op.
Students in this program have from April 2016 until October 2016 to finalize a co-op
placement. This co-op placement includes 420 hours. Students are then in a position to
graduate with the Public Service/Co-op certification.
4.10 Course Add/Drop – Program Protocols
See Student Forms on the Conestoga website.
4.11 Discontinuance - Program Protocols
If a student fails three academic courses within a semester, they may be discontinued in
the program. If this occurs, they can reapply for the program in the following academic
year.
4.12 Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations) – Program Protocols
Written Assignment: All written assignments should comply with format and organization
guidelines given by your instructor, as well as demonstrate clarity and good writing
mechanics. Poor writing skills and/or failure to follow instructions could adversely affect
a student’s final grade. Any assignment is expected to be handed in on time and in
class unless prior arrangements have been negotiated with the instructor. Late
assignments will be penalized 20% for the first week. Any assignment that is more than
one week late will not be accepted and the student will receive a “0”.
1) Plagiarism: Policies regarding plagiarism are clearly outlined in you Conestoga
Student Guide. Consequences for plagiarism are serious. The first incident
usually results in a “0” grade on the student’s assignment and will be
documented on his/her file. Additional incidents will have more serious
consequences. (Please refer to your Conestoga College Student Guide). If
further clarification is necessary, please consult with the course instructor/faculty
before handing in an assignment. Some courses may also have “Turnitin”
technology available to assist you.
2) In-class Activities/Learning Conversations: Regular attendance and participation
in class activities and adding to rich conversation is vital to your success. This
experiential learning will have a positive impact on your understanding of course
material and therefore cannot be replaced by make-up assignments.
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3) Missed Tests: A student is not automatically eligible to write a missed test. I most
cases, a rewrite can only be granted when written verification (such as a medical
certificate) can be provided by the student. If there is no such documentation, a
test can only be schedules at the discretion of the instructor and only to achieve
a passing grade (N.B. Rewrites of tests or assignments will NOT be allowed
merely to improve a grade)
4.13 Maintaining Student Files
Use Authorization to Retain and Use Student Material form.
4.14 Program Transfer Protocols
Use Program Application Form located on the website.
4.15 Re-admission Requirements – Program Protocols
Students who withdraw or leave the program may reapply for the next academic year.
4.16 Student Representatives – Program Protocols
Student representatives are selected at the beginning of the fall term. The student
representatives will represent the class at Program Advisory Committee meetings and
perform other duties as required.
4.17 Unpaid Work/ Education Placement and Job Shadowing – Program
Protocols
Students will be involved in a 40 hour field project during the first semester starting in
the third week of October. The placement is directly linked to the academic hours and
outcomes for LIBS8000 and LIBS8010. The students will be at their placement 2 days
per week but will be at the college to complete their other course during this time period.
The 40 hours constitutes 24 hours of course work and 16 hours of volunteer/job
shadowing activities.
5) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours access, parking, and
classroom & computer labs: Search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
6) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
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6.1 Basic Safety
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures: search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
6.2 Emergency Program Protocols
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures: search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
6.3 Student Protection Acknowledgement
A Student Protection Acknowledge confirmation pop-up will appear once an
applicant/student logs into the Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies and
procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. Policies and procedures are
searchable on Conestoga's website. Students are advised to review and comply with all
policies and procedures including the following:
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Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Recognition Policy
Academic Credential Procedure
Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure
Co-operative Education Policy
Discontinuance Policy/Procedure
Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure
Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure
Grading Procedure
Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure
Honours Policy/Procedure
Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure
Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure
Student Fees Policy
Student Feedback Policy
Violation of Academic Integrity Procedure
7) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
For a complete listing of Conestoga’s academic policies and procedures: search
“Student Guide “on Conestoga's website.
8) STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
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See Program Handbook and Authorization to Retain and Use Student Material on
Conestoga's website.
9) PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG
Revised Spring 2015
Program Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and
other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of
posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of
handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are
updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.
15