BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
International Business Management (IBM)
#1172C
Doon Campus
School of Business & Hospitality
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced
Learning
Program Handbook
2015-2016 Academic Year
This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide.
Last revised in June 2015
Table of Contents
Executive Dean’s Welcome ...........................................................................................................................1
1.
PROGRAM INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................2
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................2
Program Overview ....................................................................................................................................3
Program Learning Outcomes ....................................................................................................................4
Program Full-time administrators, support staff and faculty ...................................................................5
Program Standards ...................................................................................................................................6
2.
EVALUATION .........................................................................................................................................7
Interim Mark Disagreements ....................................................................................................................7
Assignments ..............................................................................................................................................8
Extra Credit ...............................................................................................................................................9
Grading Policy ...........................................................................................................................................9
Academic Integrity Policy..........................................................................................................................9
3.
PROGRAM/COURSE DELIVERY ........................................................................................................... 10
Method of Course Delivery .................................................................................................................... 10
Case Study Format ................................................................................................................................. 10
Practices within the Classroom .............................................................................................................. 10
Student Code of Conduct ....................................................................................................................... 11
Academic Dates...................................................................................................................................... 11
Academic/Student Services ................................................................................................................... 11
4.
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE ..................................................................................................................... 12
Student Absence during Evaluations ..................................................................................................... 12
Reporting Absences from Evaluations ................................................................................................... 12
Acceptable Reasons for Absence ........................................................................................................... 12
Class Cancellations due to Faculty Absence .......................................................................................... 13
5.
PROMOTION ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Promotion Committee ........................................................................................................................... 14
Examinations, Promotions, and Graduation – Baccalaureate Degree Program Policy ......................... 14
Academic Standing Decision .................................................................................................................. 15
Adding/Dropping Courses ...................................................................................................................... 15
Course Failures - Supplemental Work ................................................................................................... 15
Students Repeating Courses .................................................................................................................. 16
Independent Study................................................................................................................................. 16
Academic Probation and Discontinuance .............................................................................................. 16
Course Exemptions and Prior Learning Assessments ............................................................................ 17
Co-op Eligibility ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Graduation ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Appeal .................................................................................................................................................... 18
6. GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................... 19
Degree Consent...................................................................................................................................... 19
Theft and Tampering, Loss or Destruction of College Property ............................................................ 19
Emergency Telephone Messages ........................................................................................................... 19
Emergency Instructions ......................................................................................................................... 19
Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Communication and emailing requirements ......................................................................................... 20
Library Resource Center (LRC) ............................................................................................................... 20
Attending Campus after Normal Hours ................................................................................................. 20
Program Advisory Committee (PAC) ...................................................................................................... 20
Feedback for Faculty .............................................................................................................................. 21
Student Forum ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Program Evaluation................................................................................................................................ 21
Letters of Reference............................................................................................................................... 22
Parking ................................................................................................................................................... 22
Policies and Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 22
Recording Devices .................................................................................................................................. 22
Revision Log ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Appendix 1 ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Conestoga’s Student Protection Acknowledgement ............................................................................. 23
Executive Dean’s Welcome
The School of Business and Hospitality is one of Ontario’s premier
business schools. We offer many options, opportunities and
pathways to complete, specialize or expand your education, fulltime or part-time. Students have a choice of programs to fit most
areas of business or hospitality today, comprised of
apprenticeships, one-year certificates, two-year and three-year
advanced diplomas, as well as graduate certificates and several
degree opportunities with specializations available. The School
offers bachelor’s degree programs in International Business
Management and Accounting, Audit and Information Technology.
Our graduates have the ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom and labs to the
real world immediately. We know this is of paramount importance in the rapidly changing
world of business of today. The School of Business and Hospitality teaches more than just
business skills, culinary competencies and management theories. Here at Conestoga, you will
learn the critical thinking skills required to solve problems at a fast pace and the ability to shape
your career in a positive way. Each faculty member has significant industry experience that will
help you acquire the valuable hands-on experience you need. Whether your passion is
marketing, culinary skills, accounting, supply chain or hospitality, businesses value employees
who can be productive on the first day they arrive in their new role. At Conestoga you will learn
to be that person.
We encourage you to contact us for more information about how the School of Business and
Hospitality can provide you with the skills and abilities that will give you the competitive
advantage required to make you a success.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Sincerely,
Gary Hallam, Executive Dean
School of Business & Hospitality
Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 1
1. PROGRAM INFORMATION
This Guide has been prepared to provide information about academic standards, regulations, procedures,
and processes specific to the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - International Business
Management Degree at Conestoga– Doon Campus and related School of Business and Hospitality practices.
Reference this handbook throughout your program. Students are expected to review and monitor their own
progression through the program requirements via their Student Portal. The Program Coordinator and
faculty members are available for academic counseling throughout a student’s progression in a program. For
this degree program webpage click on this link.
General information about the college can be found on the website and in the student guide. This
information applies to all students regardless of program and will be referred to in your Student Orientation
sessions. It is the responsibility of each student to review this document and if there are any questions, speak
with the Program Coordinator of the International Business Management Program.
For all policies and procedures related to academic matters, click on this link. Students can refer to these for
guidance. Refer to Appendix 2 for all information related to student protection.
Introduction
Whether your dream is to work globally or locally, the dynamic International Business Management degree at
Conestoga will put you on the right track. This four-year, co-op BBA program is designed to prepare students
to handle managerial issues in Human Resources and Operations Management requiring contextual
knowledge of international business practices. The goal is to provide graduates with the ability to bring
people, process and technology together to achieve improved performance in business, whether that business
operates in the domestic or international arena.
This International Business degree program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Management, meaning
graduates of this program will have met all the requirements for the C.I.M. designation once they have
completed two years of managerial work experience. The program also receives course exemptions from the
Forum for International Trade and Training (FITT) and Human Resource Professional Association (HRPA)
towards their industry credentials. Visit your program home page for information.
Program Intent
A BBA program aims at developing a student's intellectual ability, critical thinking and managerial skills
through an appropriate blend of business and general education. The program assists the student in
understanding and developing the unique qualities required to successfully contribute to business functions,
an organizational unit or an enterprise. The Case Study Method is used throughout the program to bring real
life situations to the classroom. Cases incorporate the international flavour of the program. Working with
industry partners in years 3 and 4, plus the extensive co-op experience, provides the student with practical
experience and exposure to current issues. These experiences build on the strong theoretical grounding of
years 1 and 2.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 2
What do we recommend that you do to be a successful student?
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attend classes and be on time
log on to the Student Portal to report an absence due to illness, court requirements or a
death in the family before the start time of your class
obtain from classmates any assignments or notes that you have missed due to an absence
be prepared for class, with the ability to ask questions and participate in classroom discussions
submit assignments on time that are presentable in a business environment
behave in an ethical and professional manner; not engage in academic dishonesty (cheating)
on assigned work or on tests/examinations
be polite and respectful of faculty and other students and to employers and colleagues both on and
off the campus
be able to communicate effectively in English - reading, writing, listening and speaking
be an ambassador for the program and Conestoga.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business Management offers over 3500 hours of
applied learning, centered on business management with an international flavour. It is geared to motivated
individuals looking for challenging careers in industry. As the student works through the four years of
increasingly demanding analysis and case application, he/she will progress from the basics to more advanced
analysis and critical thinking. In years 3 and 4, students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas:
Marketing management, Human Resource Management or Supply Chain Management. Students must take at
least two courses in the same second language during their program and are recommended to continue that
language to a more advanced level. To provide breadth of learning in this program, courses in liberal studies
are available in a variety of subject areas. In addition, generic skills are taught, and practiced, throughout the
curriculum. For a complete list of courses in the program design please visit the program’s web page.
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’.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 3
Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
1. Develop operating programs, policies and practices which are aligned with overall organizational goals and
objectives in both domestic and international settings.
2. Critically assess a business situation to identify both domestic and international opportunities and
constraints.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills involved with managing global business
functions by applying the skills and knowledge within a variety of management disciplines.
4. Design, implement and monitor initiatives geared towards improving the quality, effectiveness and
efficiency of employees, processes, functions or businesses.
5. Develop cross functional business processes which address stakeholder needs and which utilize financial,
human and capital resources to improve productivity, innovation, quality and customer satisfaction in a
socially and ethically responsible manner.
6. Foster a positive employee relations climate through the situationally appropriate and effective design
and implementation of human resource programs and policies that recognize and value a diverse
workforce.
7. Identify opportunities for risk avoidance programs and apply risk management techniques to specific
business situations.
8. Develop situation-specific metrics to track the performance of employees, processes, functions or
businesses.
9. Manage employee and organizational information and administration systems through the effective use
of information technology which is culturally, legally and ethically appropriate.
10. Develop operating policies and procedures which are legally compliant and ethically and culturally
appropriate.
11. Communicate effectively in either domestic or international settings.
12. Apply the concepts of human relations, organizational behaviour and leadership to the development and
enhancement of multidisciplinary teams in culturally appropriate ways.
13. Apply the principles and skills of business management and leadership in either domestic or international
situations.
14. Adhere to professional codes and standards.
15. Develop plans for lifelong learning and professional development.
16. Apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours gained through the program in both co-op work
terms and the integrated project work.
17. Demonstrate an understanding of essential employability skills including: group dynamics, critical and
creative thinking skills, communication and ethical reasoning skills, and an ability to apply these skills in a
variety of contexts.
18. Evaluate one's own performance citing areas of strength and areas for improvement.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 4
Program Full-time administrators, support staff and faculty
Name
Gary Hallam
Gary Szczerbaniwicz
Gillian Oldfield
Phone
ext. 3251
ext. 2553
ext. 3634
Office
1B52
1B52
1B47
Iulia Vajda
Dr. Oded Tal
Sara Woods
Position
Executive Dean
Chair
Academic and Student
Success Advisor
Assistant to the Chairs
Program Coordinator
Co-op Advisor
Email address*
ghallam@conestogac.on.ca
gszczerbaniwicz@conestogac.on.ca
goldfield@conestoga.on.ca
ext. 2327
ext. 3346
ext. 3756
1B52
ivajda@conestogac.on.ca
1B46
otal@conestogac.on.ca
Doon Welcome Centre swoods@conestogac.on.ca
Anna Bortolon
Dr. Jane Gravill
Dr. Steve Hummel
Dr. Sunil Rajapaksege
Dave Slichter
Rob Sloan
Dr. Kate Toth
Dr. Hoa Trinh
Dr. Yuanfang Lin
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
ext. 3351
ext. 3134
ext. 3894
ext. 2165
ext. 2361
ext. 3497
ext. 3179
ext. 3389
ext. 3180
1B46
1B43
1B46
1B46
1B46
1B44
1B46
1B46
1B46
abortolon@conestogac.on.ca
jgravill@conestogac.on.ca
shummel@conestogac.on.ca
srajapaksege@conestogac.on.ca
dsclichter@conestogac.on.ca
rsloan@conestogac.on.ca
ktoth@conestogac.on.ca
htrinh@conestogac.on.ca
ylin1@conestogac.on.ca
*all email addresses end with conestogac.on.ca.
Other Faculty
In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you over
the course of your four years in the program. These include faculty from other Schools for breadth courses, as
well as faculty with particular expertise in specific areas of the program. Contact information for these faculty
members will typically be provided in the first week of classes.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
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Program Standards
Standard 1
A student entering year 1 must successfully complete all courses including three co-op placements. This is a
graduation requirement. Students will pay co-op fees for all three opportunities. The exception will be if a student
elects an international study activity or work term. This must be approved by the Chair and the student will be
required to complete two of the three placements plus the international activity to replace the third co-op
experience. The payment of three co-op fees will still apply.
Students bridging into year 2, must successfully complete all courses, complete three co-op placements plus all
additional courses as specified in writing by the Program Coordinator. This is a graduation requirement. Students will
pay co-op fees for all three opportunities. The exception will be if a student elects an international study activity or
work term. This must be approved by the Chair and the student will be required to complete two of the three
placements plus the international activity to replace the third co-op experience. The payment of three co-op fees will
still apply.
Students bridging into year 3, must successfully complete all courses, complete two co-op placements, plus all
additional courses as specified in writing by the Program Coordinator. This is a graduation requirement. The
exception will be if a student elects an international study activity or work term. This must be approved by the
Chair. Students will pay co-op fees for two opportunities.
Standard 2
A student is expected to apply theory and skills in an ethical, competent and professional manner in accordance
with the level identified in the course learning outcomes.
Standard 3
A significant amount of group work is required in this program. Individual students are expected to be full
participants in, and contributors to, each group-based project/assignment within the program coursework. Individual
students who fail to meet this expectation, without documented extenuating circumstances may receive a failing
grade in the project/assignment. Guidelines will be provided outlining the requirements of group work by individual
faculty members. Expectations will vary among faculty members, and students are expected to ask questions if they
are not clear. Marks may be adjusted by the faculty member for group members if for example, a peer evaluation
was completed by all members or if members were to indicate their work/contributions through the course
eConestoga site.
Standard 4
Students must take a minimum of two courses in the same second language as two of the electives. Students are
encouraged to take the same language at an advanced level to increase their linguistic competence.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 6
2. EVALUATION
Evaluation is a continuous process that assesses student performance. Evaluation can be towards grades or to
improve your learning in preparation for an assessed item. Students should consider all forms of assessment equally
important, as ultimately these will help the student achieve their final grade. Completing in-class activities, engaging
in discussions, and participating, although they may not contribute directly to a final grade, help the student progress
towards satisfactory achievement. Obtaining a BBA requires participation, discussion, critical analysis, and debates as
would be required in a successful business organization. Students should consider their studies as the training for a
career path as a successful business leader as well as for further studies. Academic grades will play a crucial role in
obtaining entry to a Master’s program.
Methods of Evaluation include:
• tests and examinations, both written and computer-based
• presentations
• assignments such as business plans, journals, logs, portfolios
• case studies
• co-op evaluations
• employer evaluations in the consulting projects
• self-evaluations, and evaluations of others, primarily found within group work
*Note: No collaboration is permitted during assessments without the express consent of the faculty member.
Methods of recording results of evaluation are:
• Transcripts, which include hours and grades for each student, retained and produced by the Registrar’s Office.
These are official documents indicating a student’s academic history.
• Evaluation reports by partnership organizations and co-op employers
• Progress reports – obtained by the student in the portal. These are unofficial results of student progress.
NOTE: As a condition of program review and accreditation of the International Business Management Degree, the
program is required to retain examples of student work in each of the courses. Due to this requirement students will
be required to complete a consent form during orientation. This form will be retained for the duration of enrolment
(Appendix 1).
Interim Mark Disagreements
If a student wishes to dispute a mark obtained during the course (assignment, lab, midterm exam, etc.), he/she
must first meet with the faculty member to discuss the situation. In cases where a satisfactory outcome cannot be
achieved the Chair of International Business Management Program should be consulted for discussion (refer to
student concern procedure).
Examination Procedures
Final examinations take place during weeks 15-16 of the semester. The time and location of the exam will be
indicated on the degree exam schedule, which is published by week 12. Exams can be scheduled from Monday
through to Saturday. There are no classes during final exam week with the possible exception of your Liberal
Studies course. Students must be available during the entire examination schedule. Failure to attend an exam will
result in a mark of ‘0’unless the absence is due to illness, court requirements, or a death in the family. Students
must notify the faculty member before the start of the exam.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 7
The following rules generally apply to all examination situations.
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Students are required to bring their college ID cards to all exams and to display their cards on the desk during the
exams. Faculty must send all students without ID cards to the School of Business and Hospitality office to obtain
an identity verification form.
Books, mobile devices, bags, coats, hats, pencil cases, etc. must be placed in accordance with the directions of
the faculty member/proctor.
Purses and wallets may be placed on the floor underneath the student's chair.
Students must wait until the invigilator directs them before starting their exam.
Students are not permitted to talk after the exam has started, except to the invigilator.
Students will not be permitted to enter the exam room after 30 minutes have passed from the start time of the
exam.
Students may not leave the exam room until 30 minutes have passed, from the start time of the exam.
A student is not permitted to leave the exam room and return to continue writing unless escorted during their
absence.
The invigilator has the authority to assign seats.
Students are not permitted to leave in the final 15 minutes of the exam. This is to minimize disruptions.
No unauthorized software is permitted in computer exams.
Mobile devices must be turned off or be on silent. These devices cannot be used for calculations in an exam
setting.
Students will be responsible for their own errors in completing the ScanTron Sheet.
Accommodations are made for students who have special needs, as prescribed by the Student Accessibility
Department. English as a second language is not a special need and therefore no dictionary or other
accommodations will be made for students whose first language is not English.
Assignments
Each faculty member will inform students of their policy regarding assignments not submitted when due. If an
extension of time is required, the student must make this request to the appropriate faculty member well in
advance of the due date. Approval of the request is at the discretion of the faculty member.
Written Assignments:
a. Students are required to submit all written assignments on or before the date specified. Failure to meet the
deadline will result in a late penalty. Your faculty member will advise you of their late submission penalty policy on
their Instructional Plan.
b. Students should anticipate problems that will necessitate an extension of time and speak to the faculty member in
advance of the due date. This does not necessarily mean that the student will receive an extension.
c. Unless otherwise specified by your faculty member, assignments must:
 be in the format specified by the faculty member
 include references in the proper format
Co-op assignments/reports must be completed according to the standards sheet provided and within the
allocated time unless other arrangements have been made with the Co-op advisor.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
Page 8
Extra Credit
There are no extra credit assignments permitted in the IBM program.
Grading Policy
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The minimum passing grade for a course is 60%.
If a course is repeated, the highest grade will be used to compute the program GPA.
All courses will appear on the academic transcript. A passed course does not remove a failed course when successfully
completed.
Students who are permitted to write a supplemental exam receive a maximum mark of 60, if the supplemental is
passed. If the supplemental is not passed, the failing mark will be recorded.
Students who are eligible for an independent study will receive the mark obtained for the course.
The grading system for the BBA is found in the Student Guide under Academic Regulations.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity is expected and required of all Conestoga students. Students are responsible and accountable for
personally upholding that integrity and for maintaining control of their own work at all times so that breaches of this
policy are less likely to occur. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students found guilty of violating
Conestoga’s academic integrity principles will be disciplined in accordance with this policy. Please click on the link to
obtain further information on our Academic Integrity Policy:
http://www.conestogac.on.ca/policies/app/integrity.pdf
A student guilty of violating the Academic Integrity Policy will be subject to a penalty appropriate to the nature and
seriousness of the offence. A record of all such cases will be kept in the Office of the Registrar. Subsequent offences
by the same individual will be subject to more serious penalties than the one(s) previously imposed. Please click on
the link for a detailed description of the penalties associated with the violating our Academic Integrity Policy:
http://www.conestogac.on.ca/policies/app/violationintegrityproc.pdf
International Business Management Degree Handbook
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3. PROGRAM/COURSE DELIVERY
Method of Course Delivery
Courses will be delivered in face-to-face formats. Students are expected to attend class and converse with the faculty
member and other students to achieve the learning outcomes. There will be requirements for students to complete
work outside of class both individually and in a group. The online responsibilities of the student are the same as
those for in class. If a task requires group involvement, the students must arrange among themselves suitable times
and methods to meet.
If for any reason a faculty member is absent from class, work may be assigned online, through the Learning
Management System (LMS). Alternatively, the missed class may be rescheduled.
Students, who need to repeat failed courses or enroll in new courses that are not currently offered, may be required
to take courses in formats other than classroom delivery. These must be approved prior to registration by the
Program Coordinator. The method of delivery may be online or hybrid, or at another institution in a classroom
delivery format. Regardless of delivery, students are expected to purchase the required resources. Failure to
purchase the textbook is not a reason for appeal in the case of a course failure. Students who buy a used copy of a
textbook, which is not the current edition as indicated on the course outline, are responsible for identifying changes
and obtaining information from their peers.
Case Study Format
Case studies are used extensively in the program. According to Mauffette-Leenders, Erskine, and Leenders (2007), “A
case is a description of an actual situation, commonly involving a decision, a challenge, an opportunity, a problem or
an issue faced by a person (or persons) in an organization” (p. 2). The purpose of a case is for you to step into the role
of one of the decision makers.
As the focus of each course is different, the format for the case studies will vary. It is the responsibility of the student
to ensure he/she fully understands the requirements set by the individual faculty member. Faculty members will
provide details on the evaluation of the case.
Practices within the Classroom
Work that is completed to the required standard or above is in the interest of both the faculty member and the
student. The responsibilities of the faculty member are:
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Providing to students at the start of each course, the due dates for all deliverables (assignments, tests, exams,
case studies, presentations, etc.) and the respective weighting of each element towards the student’s final mark.
Deliverables may include unannounced quizzes/tasks which form part of a larger element (i.e. Assignments).
Meeting outcomes as indicated on the course outline.
Evaluating work based on the outcomes indicated on the course outline.
Returning deliverables within one week (and before any major assessment activity, e.g. mid-term) and reviewing
with the students. Any questions should be raised with the faculty member during the review.
Promptly record and make visible to the student the grade for each scheduled evaluation. This recording of the
grade will occur through the Student Portal or Learning Management System (LMS) on an ongoing basis as well as
for the cumulative or current grade/status.
International Business Management Degree Handbook
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Responding to student requests for consultations to discuss performance with respect to their coursework and
deliverables.
Responding to student emails within a 24-hour period during business hours.
Providing a learning environment that is in accordance with AODA policies whenever possible.
The responsibilities of the student are:
• Submitting coursework, completing projects, and writing exams indicated on the schedule provided by the
faculty member.
• Accessing their course outline as found on the Student Portal.
• Submitting coursework in the format and meeting the requirements described by the faculty member and rubrics
or guidelines.
• Attending and participating in lectures, online discussions, presentations, group work, field trips or other
activities related to the course.
• Fully disclosing and referencing all sources used in their work and not engaging in plagiarism.
• Advising faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of work as outlined in course schedules and
providing appropriate documentation.
Student Code of Conduct
Students must follow the Student Code of Conduct found in the Conestoga Student Guide.
It is expected that faculty members will accept, fulfill, and enforce the standards of conduct.
Academic Dates
Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal are located in the Student
Guide. Course changes (add/drop) may also be made through the Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.
Academic/Student Services
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program coordinator/academic
advisor and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding/dropping courses,
special timetabling, etc. 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.
Please refer to the Student Guide for information on Student Services including Accessibility, Counselling, Learning
Commons, Student Financial Services and Student Life.
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4. ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE
Attendance in all classes is strongly recommended and in some courses may be necessary in order to achieve
a passing grade. As the delivery of your courses is primarily in a face-to-face format, concepts may be
discussed or highlighted that you will not be aware of due to your absence.
Student Absence during Evaluations
Students are expected to attend all tests/examinations/assessed items set by the program. A student who is
absent from an assessed item (test, examination, presentation, handing in work) must present appropriate
documentation before a make-up of the assessed item will be considered. These assessed items are indicated
on your course schedule. Examinations are held during weeks 15 and 16 of the semester and students are
expected to be present.
Failure to report your absence from an evaluation prior to the activity will result in a mark of zero for that evaluation. You
must record your absence prior to the start of the class. Failure to provide supporting documentation for an absence will
result in a mark of ‘0’ for that item.
Reporting Absences from Evaluations
Log into the Student Portal and click on the Absence tab and indicate that you will be absent from class on a day that has an
evaluation.
You will receive a confirmation email that you have recorded your absence for that day.
Note: Your faculty member will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance in class, and
because you have entered your absence using the online Absence Recording System on the Student Portal.
The Absence Recording System shows you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you record your absence.
(For example if you record your absence for that day at 11.00 AM the system will show you as being absent for all classes
starting after 11.00 AM that day. If you are then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring your
presence to the attention of your faculty member in that later class).
Note: It is also recommended that you send an email using your Conestoga email account to your faculty member advising
them of your absence for the class, the reason for your absence and the anticipated duration of the absence.
Acceptable Reasons for Absence
• Illness: Log your absence on the Student Portal and submit documentation from your physician on return to
class to your faculty member. In the case of a final examination, it is also recommended that you email your
Program Coordinator.
• Compassionate Leave: Request for Leaves of Absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are
granted. These requests will be submitted to the faculty member who will consult with the
Coordinator/Program Chair if necessary.
• Court and Legal Duty: Any student who receives a summons for Jury Duty should bring the document to the
Program Coordinator who will consult with the Chair to determine if arrangements can be made to have the
student excused from submission of assignments if such duty interferes with the progress in the program.
Students may also be required to engage in activities in the evening or weekends using eConestoga.
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• Absences during co-op must meet the requirements of the Conestoga Co-op Department and the host
organization.
• Late submission of student work will follow the School of Business and Hospitality guideline of 10% each day to a
maximum of three calendar days. Work will receive a mark of ‘0’ if submitted beyond three days. Alternatively,
some faculty members may indicate there is no late submission permitted. In this case, the student will
automatically receive a mark of 0 for the late submission. If there are extenuating circumstances, the student
must inform his/her faculty member prior to the submission deadline. When a student has requested an extension
due to individual circumstances, and provided relevant documentation in advance of due dates and the reason for
absences is in accordance with current College policies, the faculty member will make arrangements to
accommodate the student without penalty. The accommodation may require the student to come to the college
at non-scheduled times. For example, students who are given permission to make up tests will write on a
designated evening.
• As student work can be submitted electronically, a ‘day’ includes both school days and weekends/holidays/nonclass days. For example, a student who fails to submit their work on Thursday would have up to and including
Sunday to submit the work.
Class Cancellations due to Faculty Absence
All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side of the first page
which you will see after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only notification of class cancellation a
student will receive.
Faculty who are absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the eConestoga Learning Management
System. They may, however, assign work through eConestoga.
Students have the option of receiving emails or SMS text messages to their smart phones, notifying them of class
cancellations due to faculty absences (select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address). To
receive personal notifications students must subscribe to this service.
To subscribe:
• Log in to the Student Portal
• Select Notifications under the Profile tab
• Select the method by which you would like to be notified
• Click Update.
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5. PROMOTION
Promotion is the advancement by a student from one level of the program to the next after a process of evaluation,
which ensures that specific program objectives have been met. Promotion is based on academic achievement.
Promotion review occurs at regular intervals based on curriculum design. Some courses are a pre-requisite for a
subsequent course. The minimum passing grade for a course is 60%.
Promotion Committee
The Promotion Committee is composed of the Chair of the Program, the Program Coordinator and the
faculty team members for that particular semester. The Committee meets at the conclusion of every semester,
and at the call of the Program Coordinator or Chair.
The Promotion committee will make a determination from the list which follows:
1. Continuation/advancement to the next level
2. Complete supplemental work (Independent Study or Supplemental Exam) for course failures (see criteria for
writing of supplement examinations)
3. Repeat the course at the earliest opportunity
4. Be placed on academic probation
5. Discontinuance from the program with a possibility of re-entry
6. Discontinuance from the program with no possibility of re-entry
7. Recommendation to move to a different program
Examinations, Promotions, and Graduation – Baccalaureate Degree Program Policy
Refer to the college website Baccalaureate Degree Promotion and Graduation Policy for specific information
regarding this policy.
These policies are defined to meet the requirements of the Post-secondary Education Quality Assessment Board
(PEQAB). Should the Board revise its requirements these college policies will be reviewed. In addition, changes may
be made due to decisions made by Conestoga’s Degree Management Committee. Any changes will be reflected in
this web document, by email from your Program Coordinator or through the orientation period.
Policy Elaboration:
1. Graduation from a Baccalaureate Degree program requires a minimum program GPA of 2.5 or a
weighted average of 65% and completion of all courses and modules including the required co-op
semesters and second language requirement.
2. For programs with a Foundation Module, the requirement for passing the Foundation Module is successful
attainment of the course outcomes (Pass).
3. In degree programs where there is the opportunity for eligible students to bridge/transfer into an upper year
of the program and where bridging modules/courses are an entrance requirement to the upper years of the
program, students must successfully complete the bridging modules/courses to be admitted into the upper
years of the degree. Definition of successful completion, either as a percentage or a Pass, is determined by the
respective Schools.
4. The minimum passing grade for a course is 60%.
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Academic Standing Decision
Based on a student’s academic achievement and following the promotion guidelines established by the program,
an academic standing decision is assigned to the student record indicating progress/promotion/graduation.
• Program promotion guidelines will be communicated to students in writing by the respective program
• Academic teams will communicate the conditions for probation
Procedure:
1. Academic decisions will be made at the end of each academic semester for the International Business
Management program. The academic decision will be one of the following:
a) A student with a program GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 or a weighted average of 65%, with two or less
failed and/or dropped courses, will be promoted to the next level.
b) A student with a program GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 or a weighted average of 65%, with more than
two failed and/or dropped courses, will be placed on probation.
c) A student with a program GPA lower than 2.50 and a weighted average less than 65%, with two or less
failed and/or dropped courses, will be placed on probation.
d) A student with a program GPA lower than 2.50 or a weighted average less than 65%, AND three (3) or
more outstanding failed or dropped courses, will be discontinued.
2. A course that has been failed is considered un-cleared until the student receives a passing grade. A failed
course must be cleared through one of the following methods:
• Repeat the course
• Take a supplemental exam (if your final course mark is 50 or greater and you meet all other criteria – please
see below)
• Complete supplemental work as per the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy
• Complete an independent study and achieve a passing grade
• Pass a pre-approved equivalent course.
Adding/Dropping Courses
You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program you are in:
1. Log in to the Student Portal
2. Click on the “My Courses” tab
3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings
It is strongly recommend that students consult their Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.
Course Failures - Supplemental Work
In conformance with the college policy on Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy students may be eligible for
supplemental work if their grade is no more than 10 marks below the passing mark for the course. The passing
mark for each course is 60%.
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Please note the following:
• A student may write only one supplemental exam per semester.
• Only one supplemental course is permitted per course over the entire program.
• The maximum grade that can be achieved on a supplemental exam is 60% - if the student does not pass the
supplemental exam, the original mark remains.
• A student must follow the School of Business and Hospitality procedure when registering for a supplemental
exam. Failure to meet the deadline for registration and payment will result in the student being denied the
opportunity to write the supplemental exam.
• An Academic Dishonesty infraction in any course during the current term will prevent the student from
writing a supplemental exam at the end of the term.
Students Repeating Courses
A student who has contacted the faculty member and determined that he/she is ineligible for a supplemental exam
or a student who has failed a supplemental exam should repeat the course at the earliest possible time. The
student must contact the Program Coordinator with the details of the course in order to obtain a special timetable.
Timetabling conflicts due to students taking courses in multiple years are often unavoidable. Students should note
that a single failure might result in an additional year to complete the degree.
Independent Study
A student who has taken a course and failed may be eligible for an independent study. Students should speak with the
Program Coordinator to determine their eligibility and if the course will be offered in this format. A course fee must be paid
to enroll in the course. An independent study is an option for students who have taken the course previously in the entirety
and have completed 70% of the assigned work. Students who withdrew from the course are not eligible. There is no
guarantee that an independent study course will be offered each year.
Generally, the independent study will take place during the spring/summer session, usually over five to six weeks, and will
involve assignments and a comprehensive exam. Students must have all course notes.
Academic Probation and Discontinuance
Program standards and outcomes are developed which define the expected academic performance requirements
of students who are progressing through a program. These standards/outcomes provide the academic team with a
basis for decisions regarding the promotion of the students. Students who fail to meet the documented
standards/outcomes of performance will be discontinued from the program. Refer to the Baccalaureate Degree
Promotion and Graduation Policy.
Students will be evaluated based on program standards/outcomes, which are well defined for the program and for
each course. Students who are assessed as failing to meet program standards/outcomes (academically, practically
or ethically) will be discontinued from the program on the recommendation of the Promotion Committee. Such
students are entitled to appeal the discontinuance decision in accordance with the College’s appeal process found
in the Student Guide.
For the purposes of determining academic probation and discontinuance both failed and dropped courses will be
treated the same. A course dropped prior to the program withdrawal refund deadline will not be considered an
outstanding dropped course. Multiple failures of the same course will count as one course in these calculations
until the failure is cleared, at which point the initial failure(s) will no longer be included in the calculation of the
GPA.
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A student will be placed on probation if:
a) They have 3 or more cumulative failed or dropped courses, or
b) They have a cumulative average which has dropped below 2.5 GPA and a program average below 65%
c) They have multiple academic offences and/or a student code of conduct violation or have failed to act in a
professional and ethical manner.
Consequences of academic probation
• The maximum number of courses that the student will be allowed to take is one course less than the prescribed
number of courses according to the program design. In special circumstances, based on the Academic Team’s
recommendation, the Program Coordinator may approve a full course load.
• While on academic probation, the student must meet with their Program Coordinator prior to the beginning of
each semester to establish an academic plan. This will provide better opportunities for the student to be
successful. A student's timetable will not be accessible until the student meets with the Program Coordinator. It is
recommended that students complete failed courses first.
• The student will not be eligible to participate in a co-op work term if they were on academic probation two terms
prior to the work term. Refer to the Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Procedure.
While on academic probation students may be required to meet certain conditions as specified by the Program
Coordinator.
Students will be discontinued if they have had academic offences and/or a student code of conduct violation
necessitating discontinuance, or:
• A program or sessional GPA of less than 2.50 and a weighted average of less than 65%, and
• Three (3) or more outstanding failed or dropped courses.
Consequences of being discontinued:
• The student will be discontinued from the program immediately and all course enrolment will cease.
• The student is permitted to take a maximum of three courses per term on a part-time basis.
• The student can re-apply to the program only after clearing all the failed/dropped courses. The student will be
required to pay an application fee and moved to the current program design.
• The academic record for the student will indicate that he /she has been discontinued from the program
• A student who has been discontinued twice will not be able to return to the program.
Notes:
A breadth elective may be cleared by passing another breadth elective.
A core course that is no longer part of the program design can be cleared by passing another pre-approved businessrelated course.
Course Exemptions and Prior Learning Assessments
You may request an exemption for a course by filling out an exemption form and having it signed by the faculty
responsible for the course at the beginning of the semester or from the Program Coordinator at the beginning of the
program (after consultation with the academic expert in the subject matter). You will need to provide the following
information:
a) An official transcript – an official academic record produced by the Office of the Registrar of the previous
institution which includes all courses and the final grade. This transcript bears the official seal and signature of
the Office of the Registrar.
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b) T h e c ourse outline of the previous course
Please note the following, for core courses:
• Theory based courses must have been taken within the last seven years.
• Computer based courses must have been taken within the last three years.
• Course content must be an 80% match or more.
A student should be referred to the Program Chair if he or she has
• Transcripts from an unrecognized institution
• Transcripts from a foreign institution
• Considerable work experience which may be eligible for a Prior Learning Assessment – the experience will be
assessed for its learning value against course degree outcomes.
Co-op Eligibility
Participation in co-operative education work term is a requirement of the International Business Management
program.
Eligibility to participate in a co-op work term will be determined by the Academic Team based on the student’s
academic standing at the conclusion of the semester that occurs two academic semesters prior to the co-op work
term. For example, the student’s eligibility to participate in a level 5 semester co-op work term will be determined by
their academic standing at the end of the level 3 academic semester.
Graduation
To graduate from the program students must complete all courses within their program design and the specified coop work terms. Students must complete two language courses in the same second language as electives. The
program must be completed within seven (7) years of its start (refer to the Baccalaureate Degree Promotion and
Graduation Policy). A leave of absence must be approved by the Program Coordinator.
For bridging students, the required bridging courses must be completed prior to entry. The Program Coordinator will
indicate if any additional full courses are required in the degree in addition to the year 2, 3, and 4 courses for twoyear business diploma holders and courses in year 3 and 4 for three-year business diploma holders.
Students who wish to take time off from the program with the intention of returning must have prior approval
from the Program Coordinator. If a student does not receive approval, he/she may not be admitted until space is
available. Graduation requirements may change during the student’s absence.
Graduation from the BBA requires a minimum program GPA of 2.5 or a weighted average of 65% and completion
of all courses, graduation requirements, and Co-op semesters. Students who have bridged into an upper year
must have completed all bridging modules/courses.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs 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. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs
must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
Appeal
A student who wishes to appeal an academic decision, such as a final course grade or discontinuance from the
program should refer to the Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy.
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6. GENERAL INFORMATION
Degree Consent
Conestoga College has been granted consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this
applied degree for a five-year term starting July 19, 2013. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the
program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time
frame. Application to the Ministry for renewal of the consent to deliver is a prescribed and cyclical requirement for
all degree programs at all Ontario colleges.
Theft and Tampering, Loss or Destruction of College Property
Theft, tampering, loss and/or destruction of college equipment are a serious offence. Theft of personal or college
equipment should be reported to Security Services immediately.
Students found stealing or tampering with college property will be dealt with under the Student Code of Conduct
and may also face criminal charges.
Emergency Telephone Messages
Sometimes it is necessary for family members to contact you. To aid us in locating you, please ensure that your
family members know your program name, school and campus. This information will be required when the
individual calls.
During Class Period: Call the School Assistant – Iulia Vajda at (519) 748-5220 ext. 2327
After Hours: Call the Security Office at (519) 748-5220 ext. 3357
Emergency Instructions
Faculty and students must discuss the following at the beginning of the program:
1) Fire Exits
2) Fire Alarms
3) First Aid
4) First Aiders
the closest fire exit and one alternate fire exit
the location of the nearest fire alarm
Health Services (DOON) Rm 1A102 – ext. 3254 or 3679
Security Services ext. 3357
identify any trained first aiders in your class
Please refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.
Bibliography
Properly cite (e.g., APA format, Chicago Turabian) any reference material that has been mentioned in the report
(including textbooks, journals, and websites). Any material taken from a resource must be referenced. Otherwise,
the work has been plagiarized.
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Communication and emailing requirements
Conestoga College student email accounts are used to communicate with students. Students are expected to
regularly check their student email accounts. Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email
addresses.
Library Resource Center (LRC)
The contact person in the LRC for students in the School of Business and Hospitality is:
Woodley, Christopher
Library Resource Centre
cwoodley@conestogac.on.ca
Doon
(519) 748-5220 ext. 2330
Further information can be found on the web at http://www.conestogac.on.ca/lrc/
Attending Campus after Normal Hours
The College hours of operation at the Doon campus are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Conestoga College recognizes that in some programs of study students may require after-hours access to classrooms
and labs. The college maintains this after-hours access in accordance with the academic needs of individual
programs. The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right.
If you require after-hours access you must contact Security in advance, with your photo identification and signed
paperwork from the faculty member approving this access. The guidelines are:
• you be in the designated room with another person who you know
• that you inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations
• you have your student identification card available
• you notify Security if you leave
• you do not move furniture and if you do so, replace in preparation for classes the next day
Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) which is made up of industry and academic
representatives. They meet two to three per year to discuss the direction that industry is heading and any
improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps us ensure that what you are learning is
relevant to industry.
Current students are also part of the PAC as representatives of their year group. At the beginning of each year, the
Program Coordinator will ask for expressions of interest from the students. The Academic Team will decide which
students will represent years 1, 2, 3, and 4. The student representative is expected to attend all PAC meetings. Prior
to the meetings, each student representative must submit a report based on guidelines provided by the
Chair/Coordinator. This report will form the basis of discussion in relation to the student experience in the program.
Students are expected to be professional, dress in business like attire and engage in discussions.
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International Business Management - Program Development Advisory Committee 2015
Name
Company
Alain Francq
Arvinder Magon
University of Waterloo
Denise Cormier
Ihor Stech
Jenny McGeachy
Jim Pryce
John Tennant
Nancy Buck
Robert Jonker
Ted Cross
Ted McKechnie
Consultant
Christie Digital Systems Canada Ltd.
Kitchener Waterloo Hydro
Deloitte & Touche LLP
W2N2 Partnership
Desire 2 learn
Fanshawe College
E.B. Cross and Company
The Davies Company
Consultant
Feedback for Faculty
The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course.
Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information, to use for improving
teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each has two courses
selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years.
Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional
Research. The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER all
marks for the semester have been collected.
Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion of each
Continuing Education course.
CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty meeting,
provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an
opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.
Student Forum
Each year, generally during the winter semester, there will be an opportunity for the degree students to attend a Student
Forum. At the forum students will have an opportunity to express their views on all areas of the college. Prior to the forum,
students will be asked to submit questions. The forum is not the venue for discussing specific faculty members or classroom
issues.
Program Evaluation
All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities. This is done in February of each year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are
developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus you are on and the program/school
you are in is collected so that we can continually improve the quality at Conestoga.
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Letters of Reference
Students may request personal letters of reference from their faculty members. The letter will reflect the faculty
members’ personal opinion. The Registrar’s Office will supply a statement in relation to meeting graduation
requirements only.
Parking
Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for parking at the College, on Co-op experiences and
other related activities and for payment of parking fees. Parking at Conestoga is on a first-come basis and is available
on-line from mid-June. A notice will be posted on the Conestoga home page.
Policies and Procedures
All relevant policies and procedures are found in the Student Guide or at https://www.conestogac.on.ca/policies/.
Recording Devices
Students are not permitted to record lectures or take pictures without the consent of the faculty member. Content from the
course is not to be posted on any external sites unless done so by the faculty member.
Revision Log
June 2015: IBM Handbook 2015-16 v1.
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Appendix 1
Conestoga’s Student Protection Acknowledgement
Student Protection Acknowledgement confirms that applicants are aware of Conestoga’s policies and procedures
pertaining to academic matters. Conestoga will be implementing an electronic capture of Student Acknowledgement
via the Student Portal.
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear after the applicant logs in into the Student
Portal. A PDF will direct applicants to the location of related policies, procedures and program information.
Applicants will confirm that they have been duly informed by Conestoga and attest to that fact by clicking the
acknowledgement box provided in the popup. Date and time of the applicant’s acknowledgement will be captured in
the Student Portal database. Conestoga will be able to run reports as necessary.
Once the acknowledgement box has been clicked, the applicant may proceed to enter the Student Portal and go
about their business. An email will be automatically generated and sent to the applicant acknowledging their
acknowledgement. The Student Protection Information pdf will be resent within the email for their reference.
The Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear to all applicants and students (not just
the degree applicants) once per academic year.
In addition to this process, program completion requirements are addressed at Student Orientation sessions and are
included in the Schools’ program-specific handbooks.
Students are expected to review and monitor their own progression through the program requirements via their
Student Portal.
Program Coordinators and faculty members are available for academic counseling throughout a student’s
progression in a program.
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STUDENT PROTECTION INFORMATION
All students should be aware of Conestoga’s policies and procedures pertaining to academic matters. Policies,
procedures and program information are available through the following:
Conestoga Website http://www.conestogac.on.ca/
Policies and Procedures Webpages via https://www.conestogac.on.ca/policies/
Research Policies and Procedures via https://www.conestogac.on.ca/research/policies/forms.jsp
Fulltime Program Webpages via http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/index.jsp
Degree Program Webpages via http://www.conestogac.on.ca/degrees/index.jsp
Student Guide http://www.conestogac.on.ca/registrar/studentguide.jsp (also available in print)
Student Portal https://portal.conestogac.on.ca/StudentPortal/Default.aspx
Full-time Calendar (available in print)
Program- specific Handbooks (Degree Program Handbook pdfs are available on Degree Program Details page)
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