Program Handbook
Pre-Health Sciences Program
#1214
Doon Campus
School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services
Conestoga College
Academic Year 2015/2016
This is a companion document to the current Conestoga Student Guide
This document can be found on the program shell of eConestoga and the program specific page
online.
Revised June 25, 2015
Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Table of Contents
PROGRAM HANDBOOK .................................................................................................................. I
PROGRAM HANDBOOK GUIDELINES .............................................................................................. V
WELCOME .................................................................................................................................... VI
TOP FIVE EXPECTATIONS OF YOU ................................................................................................ VII
1. USE MYCONESTOGA TO CONNECT TO: ................................................................................................... VII
2. KNOW AND PLAN AROUND YOUR ACADEMIC SCHEDULE WITH YOUR FAMILY ................................................. VII
3. BE THE PROFESSIONAL YOU WISH TO BECOME - FROM DAY ONE ............................................................... VIII
4. ATTEND TO ENHANCE SUCCESS ............................................................................................................ VIII
5. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACADEMIC STATUS ................................................................................. VIII
TOP FIVE RESOURCES FOR YOU .................................................................................................... IX
1. YOUR TEACHING TEAM .........................................................................................................................IX
2. COUNSELLING AND SERVICES FOR PERSONAL NEEDS ...................................................................................IX
3. ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES ........................................................................................................................ X
4. STUDENT STUDY SPACES AND GENERAL SUPPORTS ..................................................................................... X
5. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS .......................................................................................................................XI
LETTER TO STUDENTS .................................................................................................................. XII
1.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................1
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 1
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................................ 1
PROGRAM OUTCOMES ............................................................................................................................. 2
PROGRAM SUMMARY MAP – 2015/2016 INTAKE........................................................................................ 3
PROGRAM DESIGN FOR YOUR COHORT ........................................................................................................ 5
PATHWAYS AND FURTHER POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................... 5
2. RELATIONSHIPS ..........................................................................................................................6
COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 6
Faculty Commitment to Success ..................................................................................................... 6
Contact Information and Availability ............................................................................................. 6
Faculty Availability.......................................................................................................................... 7
Contacting Program Staff ............................................................................................................... 7
Student E mail ................................................................................................................................. 7
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 8
Student Concerns/Issues ................................................................................................................. 8
Student Representation .................................................................................................................. 9
PAC (Program Advisory Committee) ............................................................................................... 9
WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Healthcare Student Collaborative) ...................................... 9
STUDENT FEEDBACK ................................................................................................................................. 9
Key Performance Indicators ............................................................................................................ 9
Student Appraisal of Teaching ...................................................................................................... 10
CLASS CANCELLATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 10
Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence ................................................................................... 10
Class Cancellation due to Inclement Weather .............................................................................. 10
Personal notifications of class cancellations ................................................................................ 10
3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ....................................................... 11
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT – ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ............................................................... 11
Student Expectations .................................................................................................................... 11
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS (AND EMPLOYEES) ..................................................................... 11
PROFESSIONALISM ................................................................................................................................. 12
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM ..................................................................................................... 13
COPYRIGHT – WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ......................................................................................... 15
Cumulative Copying ...................................................................................................................... 15
SAFE PRACTICE...................................................................................................................................... 16
STUDENT PROTECTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................. 17
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT - USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CELL PHONES ............................................................. 18
Social Media Policy ....................................................................................................................... 18
Cell Phone Policy ........................................................................................................................... 19
4. ATTENDANCE AND STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES .................................................................. 20
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY .............................................................................................................. 20
Acceptable Reasons for Absences................................................................................................. 20
Student Absences from Classes and Labs ..................................................................................... 20
ATTENDANCE FOR EVALUATIONS /ASSESSMENTS ......................................................................................... 20
Notification for Absence from Evaluations ................................................................................... 21
Notification Procedure .................................................................................................................. 21
Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation/Assessment: ................................ 22
Religious Holidays ......................................................................................................................... 22
DOCUMENTATION TO SUBSTANTIATE YOUR REPORTED ABSENCE .................................................................... 23
Evaluations/Assessments worth less than 20% ............................................................................ 23
Evaluations/Assessments worth 20% or more ............................................................................. 23
USE OF TIME BETWEEN CLASSES ............................................................................................................... 23
TEST AND EXAMINATION POLICIES ............................................................................................................ 24
Test/Examination Writing Protocol .............................................................................................. 24
Importance of Test and Presentation Dates ................................................................................. 25
ASSIGNMENT POLICIES ........................................................................................................................... 25
Submitting Assignments ............................................................................................................... 25
Policy about Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments ............................................................. 26
Working together on Group Assignments .................................................................................... 26
Course Grades ............................................................................................................................... 26
General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work ........................................................................ 26
General Guidelines for submitting written work ........................................................................ 26
5. ACADEMIC PROGRESS THROUGH THE PROGRAM ..................................................................... 28
ACADEMIC STANDING AND PROMOTION .................................................................................................... 28
PROMOTION STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................... 28
Reason for Student Progress Being Reviewed by Promotion Committee ................................. 28
Supplemental Work and Program Standards ............................................................................... 29
• Promotion and Supplemental Procedure ............................................................................ 29
Discontinuance ............................................................................................................................. 29
Criteria for Eligibility to write Supplemental Examinations.......................................................... 30
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses ................................................................ 30
Course Add/Drop .......................................................................................................................... 31
Academic Probation...................................................................................................................... 31
Withdrawal ................................................................................................................................... 31
Program Transfer.......................................................................................................................... 31
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Appeal ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Clearance of Academic Deficiency ................................................................................................ 31
Readmission into Program ........................................................................................................... 32
Application to Future Programs ................................................................................................... 32
Graduation .................................................................................................................................... 33
PROCESS FOR RESOLUTION OF STUDENT CONCERNS ..................................................................................... 33
MAINTAINING STUDENT FILES .................................................................................................................. 34
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS ................................................................................................ 36
6. LABORATORY PRACTICES .......................................................................................................... 37
STUDENT CONSENT FORMS ..................................................................................................................... 37
LABORATORY SAFETY INFORMATION.......................................................................................................... 37
SCIENCE LABORATORY DRESS CODE .......................................................................................................... 37
CLINICAL LEARNING CENTRE .................................................................................................................... 38
Accessing the Clinical Learning Centre ......................................................................................... 38
User responsibility regarding Clinical Learning Centre Maintenance .......................................... 38
7. STUDENT AWARDS ................................................................................................................... 40
PROGRAM REVISION LOG ............................................................................................................. 41
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
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.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Welcome
To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services
Your Bridge to Practice
What Can This Mean For You?
The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be.
The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for the day
when you will be in these real-life situations.
A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the school.
You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues.
An opportunity to take advantage of the state of the art facilities, social and study spaces in
our Cowan Health Sciences Center, as well as other unique learning resources such as the Motz
Emergency Service Bays in the WREMS Station and the Child Development Centre on the Doon
Campus
Your goal of being viewed by employers as a “preferred graduate” is up to you; your professors,
technologists, administrative staff and College services look forward to supporting you as you
journey from day one to your graduation.
vi
Top Five Expectations of You
1. Use MyConestoga to Connect To:
Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, jsmith4567@conestogac.on.ca)
• This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it
regularly and respond as requested.
eConestoga: (Desire to Learn)
• This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based
communication with your faculty.
• Make eConestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity.
Student Portal:
• Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.
Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to “Services” and find “Practicum Services Link”)
• Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your
practicum.
2. Know and Plan around Your Academic Schedule With Your Family
Course Schedule:
• Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind.
• Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work
place schedules).
• Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your
Program Coordinator).
The Academic Year has critical dates: Please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when
you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester
ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next
semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal,
are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the
Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.
Fall 2015
Dates
Winter 2016
Dates
Fall Orientation Week
Fall Semester Classes
Start
Last Week of Semester
Intersession (no classes)
Aug 31 – Sept 4
September 8
December 14-18
Dec. 21-Jan 1/16
Winter Orientation
Winter Semester Classes
Start
Study Week
Last Week of Semester
Intersession (no classes)
January 4
January 5
February 15-19
April 18-April 22
April 25 – May 6
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Top Five Expectations of You
3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One
Civility, respect, and professional behaviors will be key to the quality of your learning experience—
and a future employer's first and lasting impression.
Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations
for your program. The college’s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community
at Conestoga.
Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to
progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information
in the Student Portal)
Social Media: Use responsibly –don’t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools
that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook)
4. Attend To Enhance Success
Please Review Attendance Expectations in Section 4 of the Handbook: Attendance for class, labs
and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional.
Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible
for a repeated evaluation.
Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program
Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester.
5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status
Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program
withdrawals, go to the Registrar’s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator.
Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.
Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between
programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation
agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more
information.
Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page.
Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures.
Student Affairs Polices & Procedures: May be found at the Student Affairs page.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Top Five Resources for You
1. Your Teaching Team
Contact Information: Is posted in eConestoga and in your Handbook (Section two in the Handbook)
Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired
resource is available.
Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days.
Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team
(contact information in Section two of the Handbook)
2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs
College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational
goals—for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues,
family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly
if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your college success. To make an appointment,
visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the
counselling services website for more information.
Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454
Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment. 519-748-5220 ext.
3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.
Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to
finance your post-secondary education.
CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga
students.
Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their
website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some
same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site.
Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom
and computer labs.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Top Five Resources for You
3. Accessibility Services
Students with Documented Disabilities are encouraged to book an appointment with Accessibility
Services to access accommodations –EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will
be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information.
Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities:
Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped –accessible washrooms are
located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on
adaptive technology aids.
4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports
Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing)
Student Lounge Space –Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging
stations are located throughout these areas.
Student Meeting Room Space—Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18
and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs.
General Access Computers and printers are located in two areas:
• 1st Floor –in the student lounge area with photocopier
• 2nd Floor—at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area
Open Access Lab –2nd Floor, 2F18.
This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is
open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist.
Lockers—are available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so
that you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click
here.
Information Technology-- New ITS HELP DESK—1st Floor Ewing (provides supports & general
assistance with college-related needs such as Email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless
printing. Go to the Web IT Service Desk for more information.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Top Five Resources for You
5. Services for Students
Library Resource Centre: Located on 2nd Floor B Wing; Go to the Library Resource Centre page for
more information.
International Education Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to
you.
Learning Commons: Your one-stop resource for academic services and resources, such as Math,
Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through
MyConestoga.
Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page or Connect to
MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record.
Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries apply
early to increase your chances.
Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for
your program and general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1.
Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source
of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out
the Co-op and Career Services site for more information.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Letter to Students
Dear Pre-Health Sciences Program Students,
Welcome to the Pre-Health Sciences Program.
We are excited that you have accepted the offer of admission into our program, and look forward to
working with you to help you realize your dream of pursuing a career related to the health or life
sciences.
This program is designed to prepare students for application into Conestoga College’s School of
Health Sciences, 4-year degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Applied Health
Information Science) and 3-year advanced diploma (Respiratory Therapy) programs. Graduates may
also apply to all of our 2-year Health Science diploma programs. You will be introduced to the Health
Sciences field and the college workload, and will gain various skills in order to enhance your future
career opportunities. We look forward to working with you throughout this program to help you
achieve your goals.
This program handbook has been prepared to provide further information regarding academic
standards, regulations, policies, procedures and general program information specific to Pre-Health
Sciences. The Pre-Health Sciences program faculty will refer to this handbook often. Please note that
general college information can be found in your online Conestoga College Student Guide. This
information applies to all college students regardless of program. You can find the student guide by
following the link on the "admissions" page of the Conestoga College Website. Please take the time
to familiarize yourself with the contents of the guide and if you have any questions or concerns or
come across something that you do not understand, please ask a faculty member, your Program
Coordinator or the Program Chair for clarification. It is your responsibility as a student to know and
follow program and college policies and procedures.
We are here to help you successfully complete this program. If you experience difficulty or require
assistance in any area of study, please speak with a faculty member or your Program Coordinator and
we will do all we can to provide you with the necessary skills and support to help you achieve your
goal.
This is going to be a very exciting year. We look forward to helping you prepare for your future
vocational program.
We look forward to meeting and working with you. All the best to you in your studies.
Sincerely,
Marlene Raasok (Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services),
Curt Monk (Chair, Informatics & Life Sciences),
Pre-Health Sciences Program Coordinator / Faculty
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1. Program Overview
Program Description
This one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas and Degrees certificate program offers two
semesters of full-time study. The program curriculum is designed for students who wish to concentrate
on the health-sciences field and prepares students for application to Conestoga College's School of
Health Sciences advanced diploma or degree programs (Respiratory Therapy, McMaster University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science degree, etc.). Students
wishing to enter Biotechnology Technician, Fitness and Health Promotion, Hearing Instrument Specialist,
Pre-Service Firefighter, Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker, Paramedic, and Occupational
Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant programs are still able to do so by taking either the one-year
Pre-Health Sciences or upon completion of this one-year Pre-Health Sciences certificate program.
Students will be introduced to the health-sciences field, to college life and college workload, and will be
able to increase their competitiveness to support their application to health sciences advanced diploma
or degree programs.
Program Philosophy
Students are, “the embodiment of incredible possibilities. I see imaginatively what they might become
if they choose. I may [by teaching] invite them to activate possibilities they may not have envisioned”
(Jourard, 1971).
As faculty, we believe that students deserve to be treated with respect. As a student, it is important
that you understand that you are capable of success, and that we want to help you to succeed.
We believe that adults benefit greatly from a safe, nurturing classroom and a teacher who truly cares
about their success. Caring about student success means that teachers should acknowledge different
learning styles and interests.
We understand that you are working hard to achieve your goal of preparing to enter a healthcare
career program. Because of this, we aim to engage you with knowledge and skills that you will be able
to apply in your future program. As faculty, we believe that if we are not pointing out connections to
our learners, then it will be difficult to engage and motivate our students.
Conestoga College’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas and Degrees Program incorporates the
above philosophy into our program by:







Accommodating individual situations, as appropriate for emerging adult learners
Encouraging and expecting students to develop behaviours necessary in a professional
educational setting, including: responsibility for self and one’s own actions, honesty, integrity,
and punctuality
Designing courses and lab experiences to support students in obtaining the skills necessary to
succeed in future programs.
Providing a variety of learning experiences, and using a variety of evaluation methods
Engaging students actively in their learning process
Recognizing and appreciating the different styles and approaches to learning that an emerging
adult learner may use/exhibit (multiple intelligences)
Building on previous successes in order to enhance confidence of the student as a learner
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Program Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Discuss basic scientific concepts (in biology, physics, chemistry), particularly as they relate to
the human body and its care.
Discuss the Canadian Health Care System and the role of the various careers within that
system.
Develop insight into both self and society through general knowledge gained in a wide range
of subjects.
Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to advance
communication competence to a level required for entry into the health care delivery field.
Employ critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
Evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal
and social responsibility as a citizen and a health care worker in society.
Develop basic vocational skills required to succeed in Health Science careers.
Apply personal success strategies in order to enhance career opportunities.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Program Summary Map – 2015/2016 Intake
Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components:
1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and
capabilities through your program journey.
2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop
program capabilities.
3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and
your journey from one semester to the next semester and ultimately to your readiness to
graduate.
Semester 1
Engagement into College
Education for Post-Secondary
Success for Health Related
Disciplines
Science
Semester 2
Demonstrating Academic
Preparedness for Diplomas and
Degrees
Human Biology I
Human Biology II
Introductory Chemistry
Chemistry of Biological Molecules for
Pre-Health Advanced
Biological Sciences
Math
Communication
Understanding
Expectations and
Opportunities in
Health Care
Physics I - Mechanics
Physics II for Pre-Health Sciences
Mathematics I for Pre-Health
Advanced
Mathematics II for Pre-Health
Advanced
College Reading and Writing Skills
English II for Health Sciences
Computer Software Applications
Interpersonal and Group Dynamics
Success Strategies For Health Care
Careers
Cultural Diversity for Health Sciences
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
The following table outlines the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program.
Semester
1
1
1
1
Course Code
BIOL1025
CHEM1001
MATH1175
COMM1085
HEAL1470
1
1
BIOL1040
2
CHEM1030
2
2
2
MATHH1185
COMM1200
BIOL1010
2
LIBS1140
2
2
Course Name
Human Biology I
Introductory Chemistry
Mathematics I for Health
Advanced
College Reading & Writing Skills
Success Strategies for Health
Care Careers
Program Option (see below)
Total Hours for this level
Human Biology II
Chemistry of Biological
Molecules for Pre-Health
Mathematics II for Health
Advanced
English II for Health Sciences
Hours
60
45
Prerequisite
45
45
45
45
285
BIOL1025
Human Biology I
CHEM1001
Introductory Chemistry
MATH1175
Mathematics I for Pre
Health Advanced
COMM1085
College Reading &
Writing Skills
45
60
45
45
Introduction to Biological
Sciences
Cultural Diversity for Health
Sciences
Program Option (see below)
Total Hours for this level
Total Hours for Program
45
45
45
285
570
Program Options:
Semester
1
1
2
2
Course Code
COMP1076
PHYS1115
COMM1030
PHYS1170
Course Name
Computer Software
Applications
Physics I
Interpersonal and Group
Dynamics
Physics II for Health Sciences
Prerequisite
Hours
45
45
45
PHYS1115
45
Note:
Students who re-take a course due to failure will be out of sequence with the rest of their cohort, and
availability of courses required for certificate completion cannot be guaranteed.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Program Design for Your Cohort
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’.
Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities
Pathways within Conestoga College:
• Biotechnology Technician
• Hearing Instrument Specialist
• Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Assistant
• Paramedic
• Personal Support Worker
• Practical nursing
• Pre-Service Firefighter
• Respiratory Therapy
• Bachelor of Nursing (McMaster)
• Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a
degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga
programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.
There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying at
Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after
graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways
information is available on Conestoga’s website.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
2. Relationships
Communication and Contact Information
Faculty Commitment to Success
The Pre-Health Sciences Sciences Program faculty members are here to support you in acquiring an
excellent education, a broad skill-set, and the confidence to move into a Health Science Program upon
completion of this Pre-Health Sciences Certificate Program. Ultimately, your success in this program
rests with you; however, your teachers are committed to doing their best in supporting you
throughout your studies.
The Program Faculty are well-equipped to provide you with a high-level of education. He/she is welltrained with diverse educational backgrounds, teaching experiences, work, and research experiences.
Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from this supportive and experienced staff as you
progress throughout your studies.
Contact Information and Availability
Curt Monk
Chair of Informatics and Life Sciences
cmonk@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 2379
Catherine Skimson
Program Coordinator
cskimson@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 2760
Melissa Hakkers
Program Assistant
mhakkers@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220, ext. 2454
Claudia Schubert
Faculty
cschubert@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3825
Larry Malek
Faculty
lmalek@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3975
Ken Diplock
Faculty
kdiplock@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3138
Janice Gaspar
Faculty
jgaspar@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext. TBD
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Faculty Availability
The Pre-Health Sciences Sciences Faculty Office is located at 2C18. Students are welcome to see
individual faculty to seek extra help, and discuss coursework and assignments. If you have an
appointment with a faculty member, please use the phone on the wall outside of the office to call to
confirm that you have arrived. Please do not enter until you have confirmation that the faculty
member is at their desk. If you do not have an appointment, please call the person you wish to meet
with to confirm that he/she is present and can see you; if you do not reach them, please leave a
message. In the interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area, please do not
wander into faculty work spaces looking for them.
During the first several days during the start of the semester faculty will explain how you can contact
them outside of class time. Individual faculty timetables are posted on the portal. As faculty have
diverse teaching schedules and other commitments, it is best to respect their office hours or make an
appointment to ensure he/she is available.
Contacting Program Staff
When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use e-mail or telephone. Your
message should include the following information:
• First and last name
• Student number
• Course
• Brief description of reason for contact
• Telephone number or email address where you can be reached
• Note: All students are supplied with a college e-mail address. Use the college e-mail address
when communicating with faculty. Non-college e-mail addresses (e.g. Hotmail, Gmail etc.) are
not acceptable. Students are expected to check their college e-mail regularly as most official
communication will be via this method. You can forward emails.
Posted Information for Students
Program and course-related information will be posted through the eConestoga Learning
Management System. It is the responsibility of the student to check this site regularly.
Student E mail
All students are supplied with a college email address. Use the college email address or eConestoga
email ONLY when communicating with faculty. Non – college email addresses (e.g. Hotmail) are not
acceptable. Students are expected to check their college and eConestoga email accounts regularly as
most official communication will be via this method.
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Student Engagement
Student Concerns/Issues
We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to set up a
collaborative environment among students, faculty members and your program coordinator, in order
to resolve situations of concern quickly and to learn and improve from these situations.
To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means:
When a situation of concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the individuals
involved. This is the most important area for effective problem solving.
**Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start.
Please see the “Student Concerns/Issues” section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities chapter of
the College Student Guide for further details to be followed for the informal and formal procedures for
the resolution of concerns and issues.
Who Do I Talk To?
•
Faculty
Course related questions •
•
Course related concerns
Coordinator
Program related
questions
•
Program related
concerns
Other
Academics and Learning
• Bookstore
• eConestoga
• LRC
• Learning Commons
•
Course related grades
•
Non-assessment class
absences
•
Program related grades
(adjusted/calculated)
Computer Services
• IT (email, log in, etc.)
•
Accommodation forms
•
Academic Counselling
•
Assessment related class
absences
Student Supports
• Accessibility Services
• Counselling Services
• Health Services
•
Academic
Administration
(add/drop, withdrawal
forms etc.)
Campus Services
• Locker
• Printing
• Public Transit
• Parking/Security
Financial Aid/Awards
• Scholarships
• OSAP
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Student Representation
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.
PAC (Program Advisory Committee)
Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry
and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss
the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the
program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their
industry.
At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The
coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student representatives
are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines
provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are
expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions.
WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Healthcare Student Collaborative)
Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional
growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting
extracurricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Interprofessional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to
‘learn with, from, and about’ each other.
Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social
sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group regularly
engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case studies
and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the WIHSC
website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as how to get
involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work with upon
graduation. For more information, please contact your program coordinator.
Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our
opportunities for student feedback include:
Key Performance Indicators
All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic
goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to
the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve
quality.
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Student Appraisal of Teaching
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 an SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.
Class Cancellations
Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence
All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side
of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only
general notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences. Faculty who will be absent will not
be informing students of class cancellations through the eConestoga Learning Management System.
Class Cancellation due to Inclement Weather
College closure due to inclement weather will be announced on local radio stations (92.9; 88.3; 1460;
96.7, 105.3, and 1240). It is up to Associate Faculty and students to listen for campus closures. If the
college is closed a message will be left on the campus switchboard after office hours. A notice will also
be placed on the college website.
Personal notifications of class cancellations
Students have the option of receiving special e-mails or SMS text messages notifying them of class
cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe
to this special 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
Note: To change the e-mail address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses
under the Profile Tab, and change the default e-mail address.
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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice
Standards of Conduct – Academic, Social and Professional
Student Expectations
• Students are required to adhere to the published Standards of Conduct (Academic and
Social) in Conestoga College’s Student Guide for the current academic year.
• Students have the responsibility to protect the integrity of the Health & Life Sciences and
Community Services Programs and the college community by behaving and interacting in
such a way that demonstrates respect and professionalism.
• Students are to interact with peers, faculty, and the wider college community in a way that
fosters trust, respect, and collaboration.
• Students continually strive to improve the acquisition of knowledge.
• Students understand, uphold, and promote ethical standards.
• Students seek clarification from faculty/administration when unsure of any of these
standards.
• Please note that most health care environments are now scent-free to accommodate
clients with allergies. As you are preparing for a career in health care, and as we do have
students with scent sensitivities, students in the Pre-Health Sciences Sciences Program
may not wear colognes or perfumes to class.
Faculty will accept, fulfil, and enforce these expectations. Anyone who believes that a faculty member
has violated these standards may confidentially initiate a complaint to the Program Chair.
In the event that a student violates the Student Code of Conduct, the offense will be dealt with
according to the procedure outlined in the Student Guide.
Characteristics of Successful Students (and employees)
In order to assist students with their transition from previous endeavours to their studies in the
Respiratory Therapy program, and prepare students for professional success in their chosen fields of
study, the following characteristics of a successful student have been identified as follows:
1. Not surprisingly, he/she attend class-regularly. Moreover, he/she is on time. If he/she misses a
session, he/she feels obligated to let the instructor know why and their excuses seem legitimate
and reasonable. He/she makes sure he/she gets all assignments he/she missed and understand
specifically what was covered in class.
2. Successful students speak in class, even if their attempts are a bit clumsy and difficult. He/she ask
the questions that many in the class are bound to have, provided he/she is listening.
3. He/she sees the instructor before or after class about grades, comments made on their papers and
upcoming tests. Sometimes he/she just wants to ask a question or make a comment relative to the
class discussion.
4. Successful students turn in assignments that look neat and sharp. He/she take the time to produce a
final product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in their work.
5. He/she is attentive in class. He/she doesn’t chat, read or stare out windows. In other words, he/she
is polite and graceful, even if he/she gets a little bored.
6. All work and assignments are turned in on time, even if not every one of them is brilliant. Successful
students seem driven to complete all work.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
7. The most successful students may well end up at the instructor’s office door at least once during the
semester. He/she will go out of their way to find the instructor and engage him/her in meaningful
conversation.
From: Innovation Abstracts, Vol. X, No. 1
Professionalism
As a Pre-Health Sciences Program student or faculty member, it is important to present oneself in a
professional manner. A professional demeanour and appearance are important in establishing effective
working relationships. Professionalism constitutes your overall attitude and presentation. In all courses
with a laboratory component you will be assessed based on your professionalism according to the
following expectations:
Attire
Attitude
Teamwork
Organization
Conduct
Expectation
To dress professionally means to dress tastefully and respectfully and to
adhere to the standards of health and safety. In all laboratory settings the
specific recommendations outlined in section 7.3 are to be followed.
It is expected that you will treat your experience in this program similar to
that of a workplace. Thus, as you interact with peers and faculty your attitude
and behaviour should reflect that of a positive, hard-working professional.
Working alongside others is an integral part of health care professions. You
are expected to demonstrate effective teamwork strategies including taking
on roles as a leader and as a member in group situations. You are to respect
your colleagues and interact in a positive, encouraging, productive, and
collaborative way.
Time-management and organization are of utmost importance throughout
this program. Within the laboratory you must keep a neat and tidy workspace
and demonstrate appropriate time-management and organizational skills
allowing for completion of tasks in a timely and effective manner.
Your conduct within the laboratory environment must adhere to standard
health and safety protocols and the additional regulations of the specific labs
used for the Pre-Health Sciences Program. All food and drink is prohibited
from the lab. There are to be no interactions that could pose a safety threat,
such as horseplay or excessive noise.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic honesty is expected and required of all Conestoga students. In order to maximize your
success as a student, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy found
in the Conestoga Student Guide. This guide has been provided to you during orientation and is
available on the college website. The Academic Integrity Policy provides a detailed description of the
following:
• Scope of academic integrity,
• What academic integrity means,
• What types of behaviours constitute a breach of academic integrity,
• The penalties associated with breaching academic integrity.
If after reading this information, you do not fully understand what is meant by academic integrity, and
what is required by you to maintain academic integrity, please speak with a faculty member or your
program Coordinator. Please note that maintaining academic integrity is very serious, and that it is
your responsibility as a Conestoga student to know the Academic Integrity Policy and to initiate help if
you do not fully understand it.
Below are a few hints to help you avoid breaching academic integrity.
• Make sure that you recognize information that requires referencing.
Example
Required Referencing
General information in the public domain.
Milk is good for you.
Does not require referencing.
“According to Health Canada milk beverages
provide the nutrients needed for healthy bones and
Direct quote right from a published source.
optimal health”.
Requires a reference.
Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk
and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guidealiment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php
Consuming milk every day provides the nutrients
that you need for healthy bones and optimal health. Information that has been put into your own
Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk
words, but offers information outside of
and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from
public domain related with specialized
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guideknowledge. Requires a reference.
aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php
• Whenever you refer to material from another source, whether book, journal article, video,
newspaper, or electronic publications, you must acknowledge your source using proper
citations and references. The APA style is the format most often used in the health and social
sciences. Please visit the Conestoga Learning Commons for assistance with the APA format.
•
If you work collaboratively with others on an assignment, including in class assignments that
expect independent submission, make sure that you do not copy words or ideas from others
intentionally or by accident.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
•
Make sure that you read the Academic Integrity Policy located in the Conestoga Student Guide,
and that you fully understand it. The policy describes additional behaviours that represent a
breach of academic integrity.
Plagiarism exists when:
• The work submitted or presented was done, in whole or in part, by an individual other than the
one submitting or presenting the work.
• Parts of the work are taken from another source without reference to the original author e.g.
copying a paragraph, a page, a sentence, and someone’s ideas.
• The whole work, e.g. an essay or assignment, is copied from another.
• A student submits or presents work in one course which has also been submitted in another
course (even though it is completely original with the student) without the knowledge of/or
prior agreement of the professor involved.
While it is recognized that scholarly work often involves reference to the ideas, data and conclusions
of other scholars, intellectual honesty requires that such references be explicitly and clearly noted.
Cheating affords unfair advantage to the person over his/her classmates and misrepresents that
person’s ability. There is a societal expectation that a standard has been met upon graduation and that
the graduate is capable of meeting the expectations of the employing agency. An employing agency
could have serious doubts about the standards of the school when a graduate is shown to be
incompetent at the agency.
Cheating harms you, faculty, students, employers/clients, and the profession. Grades obtained in the
preparation for your career must honestly reflect your achievement.
Cheating exists when:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Copying from another student's paper.
Using materials during an examination that have not been authorized.
Collaborating with another student during an examination without permission.
Falsification of an exam, record or report.
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing or soliciting contents of an exam or any assignment.
Taking a test for another student or permitting another student to take a test for one's self.
Attempting to bribe a professor to obtain a passing grade or better grade on an exam or
course.
• Any student who helps another student to cheat is as guilty of cheating as the student he/she
assist.
In the event that a student violates the academic integrity policies of Conestoga College, penalties will
be administered according to the nature and seriousness of the offence. Academic dishonesty is a
serious offence and will result in a minimum penalty of receiving a mark of zero on the compromised
work and a maximum penalty could result in removal from the program (please see Conestoga
College’s Student Procedures Guide for details). A record of the offense will be permanently
maintained in your student file at the registrar’s office.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Copyright – What Students Need to Know
Photocopying and scanning at Conestoga are governed by the Copyright Act, an agreement with
Access Copyright, and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ Fair Dealing Policy.
Under the terms of our Access Copyright license which gives the broadest permission:
You can photocopy or scan the following:
• Up to 10% of most published works
• One chapter that is greater than 10%, but no more than 20% of the book
• One article, short story, play, poem or essay from a book, magazine or journal issue containing
other works
• One newspaper article or page
• One entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary, annotated bibliography or similar reference work
• One drawing, sculpture, painting, print, architectural work of art or work of artistic
craftsmanship from a larger volume containing other works.
Cumulative Copying
If you copy 10% of a book today, 10% next week, 10% the week after that, and so on, this is called
cumulative copying and it is not allowed. The copy limits apply to an entire academic year, so once
you reach the limit for an item, you can’t copy more until the next academic year.
You cannot copy or scan the following:
• Workbooks or study guides that are intended for one-time use
• Instruction manuals
• Sheet music and original artistic works including photographs or prints
• Advertisements
• Business cases
• Any of the items on the Access Copyright Exclusions list
You can find all of this information and more on the Copyright for Students web page.
If you have any questions about copyright or the limits of copying on campus, contact Tessa Dueck,
Copyright Technician, at tdueck@conestogac.on.ca or 519-748-5220 ext. 3604.
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Safe Practice
Safe practice is part of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a
professional.
There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that
have been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around
you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.
The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:
1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your
attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the College.
2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring lap top cords do not
snake across walking areas and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them.
Concerns such as these in the Cowan Health Sciences Center may be reported to the Customer Service
Desk in the Cowan Health Sciences Center.
3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural conduct
may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in
a lab, class or experiential learning activity.
4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors.
If you have a practicum, your Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty member will ensure that you
are aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving
by the Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the College’s Occupational Health &
Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer
become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require
that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment.
5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-inCharge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve about how to avoid these areas of
concern for the future.
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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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones
To ensure a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the
use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking can only be used during break times,
before/after class and during formal break time in field placement.
Laptops and other forms of technology can be used in the classroom when the use pertains to the content
and processes of learning facilitated by the professor. Faculty reserve the right to remove and hold any
technology devise that is a disruption to the class processes of teaching and learning until the end of class.
Please note that social networking sites e.g. Facebook, Twitter etc. are not be used as outlets to harass
any members of the college community. Any violation in the matter will be dealt with through the
college’s Student Code of Conduct Policy as found in the Student Guide. Faculty reserve the right to
remove and hold any technology device that is a disruption to the class processes of teaching and
learning until the end of class.
Social Media Policy
•
•
Social media has many advantages for a professional. It can be used to network, to resource
information and keep current
As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all
communication, including Social Media.
BE AWARE:
• “Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and
live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of
content posted, even when deleted from on-line profiles. Once information is digitalized, the
author relinquishes all control.”
“Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or
embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may intend
to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone can
access the user’s musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered,
forwarded and misquoted. 1
Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential
employer were to see your posts.
1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to
remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood
2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
4. Avoid online criticism of about other students, colleagues, professors or field placements.
5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.
6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express
permission of all individuals involved.
7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
1
Professional Advisory. 2011. Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media. The Council of the Ontario College of Teachers.
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8. Make sure your on-line name and E-mail reflect professionalism.
9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer,
colleague, faculty or others.
Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:
1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities
2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a
‘friendship” status online is unacceptable.
Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages
when you are a current student (Keep faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have
graduated or after you have left the college)
Cell Phone Policy
Students should respect their professors and other instructors by following program policy and not use
their cell phones for personal use during class time. This is representative of the professional manner
in which you are expected to act as you prepare to enter the workforce.
Students should refrain from bringing their cell phone into a test or examination. Phones should be left
in your locker or left in your bag at the front of the classroom. In the event of an urgent need to keep
your cell phone with you during a test (parents with young children, students experiencing a family
emergency, etc.) please speak to your professor as soon as you enter the examination room. Those
who have been permitted to bring a phone into the classroom will likely be asked to either leave the
phone with the professor, or he/she may be permitted to leave their phone out on their desk where it
is visible to the professor and proctors. In any case, students are not permitted to touch or answer the
phone without raising their hand to ask for the professor/proctor’s permission. If you are found to
have a cell phone in your possession during an examination that has not been declared, you will be
asked to leave the examination room, and will be given a zero on the assessment.
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4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies
Attendance and Punctuality
In light of the learning complexities and emphasis on skills obtained in the lab setting, it is imperative
students in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas and Degrees program attend classroom, and
lab as scheduled. Health & Life Science Programs are centered around a competency-based curriculum
with defined learning objectives, which place a great deal of emphasis on the theoretical and practical
skills required to succeed. Therefore, students who are absent from class or lab place themselves in
academic jeopardy of meeting the competency based learning objectives as stipulated by the program
outcomes.
In order to be respectful to both fellow students and to faculty, students are expected to arrive on
time for class and labs.
Acceptable Reasons for Absences
1. Illness: Students experiencing health concerns that prevent attendance should notify their
professor of their absence in advance and be prepared to present a certificate from a physician
in the event of missing any form of assessment.
2. Compassionate Leave: Request for Leaves of Absence to attend to family illness, death or
family problems are considered. These requests will be submitted the Program Coordinator
who will consult with the Program Chair if necessary.
3. Jury 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 assess if it can be arranged to have
the subject excused if such duty interferes with the progress in the program.
Note: Scheduled vacation and work commitments are not acceptable reasons for missing or
rescheduling a test/examination or any other type of evaluation.
Student Absences from Classes and Labs
Students are expected to attend all classes and labs as scheduled by the program. If unable to meet
these obligations, the student must meet with their teachers to discuss how the learning objectives
are to be met for the particular class and lab experiences that were not attended. Students missing a
significant number of classroom and/or practice experience jeopardize their ability to pass the courses.
Students are responsible for completing any missed work as a result of an absence. Please note: some
labs will not be available for make-up and therefore you will receive a mark of zero on the missed lab.
Attendance for Evaluations /Assessments
An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation, lab or any other formal assessment that
requires your presence in a class or lab. Evaluations are critical components of each course and overall
success for you in your Program.
The School’s approach to requirements for attendance at evaluations/assessments reflects the
expectation that as emerging professionals, students must demonstrate a professional attitude and
attention to evaluations, in the same manner that expectations for future work as professional will
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
require attention to workplace procedures. Consequences for missed evaluations are balanced against
reasonable support where it is warranted.
In order to support student success:
• Evaluation/assessment and presentation dates are scheduled and communicated at the
beginning of each semester.
• Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program or the faculty that
may require changes to the course schedule will be communicated to students in writing.
In support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all
evaluations/assesesments at the scheduled times.
• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation/assessment dates
or assignment deadlines do so at their own risk.
• There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work,
family commitments or vacation plans).
• Students who wish to reschedule an evaluation/assessment or a presentation due to a religious
holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty within the first three weeks of the
semester.
• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the
Accessibility Office.
Notification for Absence from Evaluations
Students are required to notify the program coordinator of absence from any evaluation/assessment
for any reason.
• Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation. Students must log their
absence in the Student Portal prior to the evaluation/assessment.
• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned.
Notification Procedure
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 professor will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance
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
a.m. the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. 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 Professor in that later class.)
• The earliest that you may record your absence for a particular day is after 8pm on the
preceding day
• Failure to report your absence from an evaluation/assessment in this manner will result in a
mark of zero being assigned for that evaluation/assessment.
•
Please note that it is advisable to keep a copy of your absence notification verification email.
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Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation/Assessment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
You must make contact immediately with faculty to explain the reasons for your absence and
to arrange a meeting. Please copy your program coordinator on any email correspondence.
If there is a concerning pattern of absence you will be asked to meet with the program
coordinator. This may result in the need for you to provide documentation verifying the reason
for your absence, in accordance with the requirements specified in sections below titled
“Evaluations worth 20% or more” and “Evaluations worth less than 20%”
Faculty will then make alternative evaluation/assessment arrangements as appropriate and
you will complete any necessary forms.
Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation/assessment as scheduled.
If the evaluation is to be conducted in the testing center, you will be asked to show your
student card before you are permitted to write the test.
Tests will be made up In the College Testing Centre in the following week, or by individual
arrangements with program faculty.
Religious Holidays
Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious
holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work
requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity
to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification.
Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
– see http://www.thecouncil.on.ca/articles/150
It is the responsibility of the student to:
a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;
Advise the faculty member that he/she will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized
religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first 3
weeks of the semester and prior to the dare of assessment that falls on the religious holiday.
Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence
Evaluations/Assessments worth less than 20%
Missed evaluations/assessments worth less than 20% of the student’s final grade will be rescheduled
once per program semester subject to proper communication described above.
Once per program semester means that only one absence for an evaluation/assessment will be
accepted across all courses in a program for a semester. Implications of major illnesses or personal
circumstances impacting several course evaluations at one time will require discussion with the
program coordinator prior to faculty arranging alternative evaluations.
If an evaluation cannot be rescheduled (for example an experiential activity or participation in a group
presentation) reallocation of marks will be determined by faculty. This will be documented on an
interview record and signed off by both faculty and student.
If more than one evaluation that is worth less than 20% is missed, documentation requirements for
evaluations worth 20% or more apply.
Evaluations/Assessments worth 20% or more
Any student who misses an evaluation worth 20% or more will receive a mark of zero unless the
reason for missing the evaluation and the accompanying documentation verifying the reason for the
absence are deemed acceptable by the program coordinator. Examples of reasons deemed acceptable
include incapacitating illness, death of a close family member, and required court appearance.
If an evaluation is missed due to illness, the health care professional attesting to the illness must have
firsthand knowledge of the situation and direct involvement with the treatment / management of the
condition. For example, a note from a clinic provided by a physician seeing the student for the first
time, after the illness has resolved, is unlikely to meet the program standard for documentation.
Documentation must be provided to the program coordinator who will then notify the student’s
instructors that acceptable documentation has been received. The coordinator will not disclose the
reason for the absence unless asked to do so by the student.
Use of Time between Classes
Students are encouraged to use breaks between classes for personal needs (food, washroom, phone
calls, emails etc.) but also for group work, studying, connecting with faculty, field placement
supervisors, etc.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Test and Examination Policies
Tests must be written at the scheduled time. Students will receive at least one week’s notice before a
major test/examination and are expected to be available at the scheduled time. It is Pre-Health
Sciences program policy that no re-writes or make-up tests be allowed.
Please note that some tests are scheduled outside of regular class hours. The dates and times of such
tests are usually made available to students within the first two weeks of classes, but students will be
given at least three weeks’ notice for such tests. Students are expected to be available at the
scheduled time.
Test/Examination Writing Protocol
•
•
•
•
•
•
Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If he/she finish a test
before that time, he/she may review their answers but are expected to sit quietly and not
disturb others. Once students leave the room he/she may only re-enter when invited back by
Faculty.
Students will be dismissed at predetermined times (e.g. every 15 minutes).
Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed
according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.
Faculty will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.
During open book tests, students must bring their own course materials (books, notes,
Learning Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials.
Electronic devices, such as, iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, will not be permitted.
Admittance to the test/examination is made following presentation of the photo I.D. to a
proctor.
•
No personal belongings other than what is required for the test will be permitted in the
examination room. For example, books, binders, pencil cases, purses, bags, coats, electronic
equipment etc. must be left in a locker or vehicle. Please note that hats may not be worn
during the exam.
•
No talking during the test/examination is allowed.
•
Do not begin until instructed to do so.
•
Before leaving, submit all examination materials.
•
Students arriving late to write tests will not be granted an extended time for writing. The test
must be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
•
Be sure to follow the directions accurately for completion of the Answer Sheet. Students are
responsible for their own errors.
•
Only the specified calculator will be allowed for use during and test/examination.
Accommodations in the examination procedure are made by Accessibility Services for students as
prescribed by the Accessibility Services Department. English as a second language is not considered for
Accessibility Services. No dictionary or any other accommodation will be made for ESL students.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Importance of Test and Presentation Dates
Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Unplanned extenuating
circumstances involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course
schedule. If this occurs, students will be notified.
Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make
personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own
risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family
commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a
religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of the semester.
Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the
Accessibility Services Office.
Assignment Policies
Assignments are due at the time and date specified by the professor of a course. It is the policy of the
Pre-Health Sciences program that late assignments will not be accepted and the student will receive
a grade of zero.
If a student requires an extension for an assignment for a valid reason, the student must contact the
professor at least 24h (preferably longer) before the assignment is due to request an extension.
Extensions are granted at the discretion of the professor, and cannot be assumed. Please note that
professors may not check their email or voicemail on weekends. Students may not assume that he/she
will receive an extension unless the professor has replied to their request and granted the extension in
writing.
Submitting Assignments
The expectation of Health Professionals is that he/she complete assigned work competently and in the
allocated time, or that he/she anticipate difficulty in meeting deadlines and notify the appropriate
person(s).
The following regulations regarding assignments reflect this belief and are designed to ensure that
graduates of the programs meet these expectations.
• Students are required to submit all written assignments on or before the date and time specified.
• Students should anticipate problems that will necessitate an extension of time.
• If an extension of time is required, students will make this request in writing at least 24 hours
ahead of the assignment due date to the appropriate Instructor. Please copy the program
coordinator on any such requests.
• Late assignments will receive a grade of zero.
NOTE: An extension of time may be given at the discretion of faculty.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Policy about Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments
In order to support student success, students will be given continual feedback on their progress
throughout the semester. All tests and assignments will be graded within two (2) weeks of the date on
which they were written/due. Please note that some tests will be returned to students and some may
be retained by faculty. Under no circumstances are students to enter the offices of faculty or look
through papers on a desk without the faculty member present.
Students who have questions about tests/assignments/grades should follow the process outlined
below:
• At least 24 hours after receiving the mark and within seven days, write a note (or email) to
the faculty, indicating the area(s) of clarification required,
• Initiate a meeting with the faculty to discuss
• Bring pertinent information (assignment, mark sheet, etc.) to the appointment.
Working together on Group Assignments
Students will often work with their fellow peers on various assignments/projects throughout the
program. Each group member is responsible for ensuring that he/she has an equal role in the group.
All students in the group should review the completed work before it is submitted/presented. When
issues/concerns arise during the group process, it is the responsibility of group members to contact
the course professor for assistance prior to due date.
Course Grades
Students should track their grades on eConestoga throughout the semester and contact your
instructor if an error has occurred. Final grades will be available via the Student Portal within five days
of the final exam in your program. Students should check their final grades for accuracy. The official
final grade for the course is the one posted on the Student Portal.
Note: Final grades will not be adjusted at the end of a course. The grades you earn throughout the
semester are reflective of your ability. Bonus assignments are not given to allow students to improve
their grades.
General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work
There are continuous requirements for written work in a variety of formats (papers, assignments,
forms and plans, handouts, etc.). It is expected that all students will meet the standard of English
required within the profession. Faculty will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and
will approach them to discuss the need for improvement. Students may be referred to the Learning
Commons to help them improve the quality of their written work.
General Guidelines for submitting written work
For specific course requirements, refer to the course outlines provided. If you are not clear about
course requirements, discuss this with individual faculty. Students are required to use spell-check and
grammar-check to assist with the editing of written work. The Learning Commons will be an invaluable
resource to students who require assistance in organizing and writing an assignment with correct
spelling and grammar.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Unless otherwise indicated by professors, generally, assignments should be:
• Word processed
• Double spaced and one sided
• Submitted using font size of 12, and proper margins
• Written in a grammatically correct manner
• Handed in securely fastened with a cover page indicating the course name, faculty's name,
student's name, section and date submitted
• Handed in at the beginning of class on the designated due date in class, unless otherwise indicated
by professor
• Handed in using the APA@Conestoga format if references are required
NOTE: Faculty does not assume responsibility for assignments not given directly to them in hard copy
at the beginning of the relevant class. Students should avoid handing in assignments outside the
regularly scheduled class time and should make every effort to hand assignments in to professors in
person.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
5. Academic Progress through the Program
Academic Standing and Promotion
The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations,
policies and procedures. The Conestoga Student Guide is available on the college website and by
visiting the “Student Guide” tab in your Student Portal.
Promotion Standards and Procedures
Promotion is the advancement from one portion of the program to another 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. Requirements of each course
must be met for graduation. At the end of the academic year, there will be a review of all course
requirements in relation to the program standards.
Reason for Student Progress Being Reviewed by Promotion Committee
Students who fail to meet program standards will be reviewed by the Promotion Committee.
Reasons for presentation at Promotion Committee Meetings include:
•
•
•
•
Failure of a theory course and/or practice course.
Patterns of absence from class or practice, which may affect achieving program standards.
Excessive accumulated absences from class, lab or practice.
Failure to follow through on previous Promotion Committee recommendations.
A student who has not met the standards will not be promoted to the next level of the Program. The
Promotions Committee may decide such a student should be discontinued or may require the student
to complete one or more of the following, or an alternative as deemed appropriate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complete supplemental requirements for course failures (see criteria for writing of supplemental
examinations). Following successful completion of supplemental work, the highest course grade
that can be achieved is 55%.
Follow through with counselling (academic and/or personal).
Follow through with health measures as recommended.
Complete makeup work for missed learning experiences. Total time lost will be assessed on an
individual basis. Additional time may be required to complete program objectives.
Complete the requirements of Probationary Status.
Complete compulsory practice remedial assignments.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Supplemental Work and Program Standards
Students who do not meet the minimum pass grade for a course may be eligible to write a supplemental
examination in that course. A supplemental fee must be paid at the registrar’s office prior to arranging
the supplemental with the faculty/coordinator.
•
Promotion and Supplemental Procedure
PERSON
ACTION
Grants or denies permission for supplemental work.
Promotion Committee
Meets with the student.
Program Coordinator/Instructor
Student
Completes the supplemental form with criteria.
Reviews the recommendation of the Promotion
Committee.
Takes completed Supplemental Form and payment to
Registrar’s Office.
Brings pink copy of Supplemental Form for admission to
supplemental as well as photo ID
Sets date for supplemental examination.
Program Chair/Program
Coordinator/Instructor
Notifies student and Registrar's Office of result of
supplemental work.
Failure to successfully complete requirements of the promotion committee will result in
discontinuance from the program.
Discontinuance
Students who have two or more failed/missed/dropped courses in either level one or level two of the
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas and Degrees program will be discontinued at the end of the
semester/program. Please note that a student will not be allowed to take a semester two course if
he/she fail the prerequisite from semester one. As a result, students will not be able to complete the
program requirements and will not be eligible to graduate. Because the Pre-Health Sciences program
is oversubscribed, students who cannot graduate will be discontinued.
Students who have been discontinued and wish to complete the credential may:
1. Apply for admission to the program.
a. Students applying for year one level one must apply through OntarioColleges.ca
b. Students applying for level two may do so using the internal Program Application form
available from the registrar's office.
2.
Register for courses through Part Time (Day) Studies Registration the next time the course(s)
is offered. Registration is on a first- come first-served basis and payment is required upon
registration. Please note that the courses will not open to part-time registration until the first
day of classes, once all full-time students are registered.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
3.
Register for courses online through Continuing Education. Continuing Education offers
courses throughout the year and registration on a first-come first-served basis. Students
should check with their program coordinator to ensure courses are equivalent before
registering for an online course.
Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are
accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the
program of study. There is no guarantee that a student will be able to complete their certificate if
he/she have failed courses.
Note: McMaster University will not accept students into their B.Sc.N program if he/she take longer
than eight months to complete the Pre-Health Sciences program.
Criteria for Eligibility to write Supplemental Examinations




A student may not write more than two supplemental examinations during the course of the
Pre-Health Sciences Program.
The student must indicate an intention to clear an academic deficiency within five (5) working
days after the final grade is posted.
A student who attains a course grade of LESS than 50% will NOT be offered a supplemental in
that course.
A student must pass the supplemental examination in order to receive the passing minimum of
55% in the course.
NOTE:
• A fee is to be paid to the Registrar’s Office for supplemental work.
• If the student is successful in completing the supplemental work for the course, the failing course
grade will be upgraded to the minimal passing grade of 55% for the Program.
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses
Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, he/she will be
on “special timetables”. Prior to the beginning of the semester, students should attempt to add missed
courses from a previous semester by logging in to the Student Portal and following the instructions to
register for courses. If students are not able to add courses on their own (because of a timetable
conflict or full course section) he/she must seek assistance from their Program Coordinator during the
“Special Timetable Registration” initiated by the college. Dates, times and locations of Special
Timetable Registration periods are posted in the student portal in advance of the beginning of each
semester. Students must attend this meeting where he/she will receive further guidance regarding this
academic status from their Program Coordinator.
Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are
accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the
program of study. 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.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Course Add/Drop
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 recommended that students
consult their program coordinator/academic advisor prior to dropping a course.
Academic Probation
Students who have been unsuccessful in their field experience, have failed two or more academic
courses, and/or have required considerable testing/assignment variances may be recommended for
Academic Probation. Academic probation allows students to be promoted to the next level with a
special timetable or with academic conditions. Special timetables and academic conditions are
designed as part of written learning contract that the student and program coordinator create
together. The goal of these measures is to allow students to continue in the program accompanied by
a supportive plan for success.
Withdrawal
Voluntary withdrawals from the Program are supported from an academic perspective. Students
assess their own capabilities in meeting the academic requirements of a program and may decide to
withdraw. Extended personal leave of absence could result in a student's withdrawal from the
program due to the loss of study time. Financial constraints may be a further reason for program
withdrawal. For these and other reasons, voluntary withdrawals are approved and supported with the
option of re-applying for admission through OCAS.
Program Transfer
Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet with the program
coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing
and submitting a program application form to the Registrar’s Office. If considering transferring to a
program outside the school in which he/she is currently enrolled in, students may want to discuss
options with a career advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and
where courses numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades
are met.
Appeal
Students have the right to appeal any academic decisions as set out in the Conestoga Student Guide. It is
recommended that students begin this appeal process by first meeting with the faculty and/or program.
Clearance of Academic Deficiency
Please refer to Conestoga Student Guide for the procedure and criteria regarding Clearance of
Academic Deficiency. Please note that following the end of semester, contact with any student eligible
to write a supplemental will be made either by phone or email. A specific date, time and room number
will be given to each student. If a student does not respond to this contact, the student forfeits the
opportunity to write a supplemental test. The maximum number of supplemental opportunities during
the program is two per student.
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Procedure
1. Promotions Committee grants or denies permission for supplemental work.
2. Program Coordinator contacts student and sets up a time to meet and fill out the Supplemental
Request Form.
3. Student brings form and pays additional fee for supplemental work at the Registrar’s office.
4. Student receives supplemental work from Program Coordinator.
5. Student completes supplemental work (test or assignment) in accordance with the times and
dates given by the Program Coordinator.
6. Student meets with Program Coordinator to submit assignment.
7. Supplemental work is assessed and the Registrar’s Office is contacted with the result.
Readmission into Program
Students may be readmitted to the Pre-Health Sciences Sciences program after being discontinued or
after voluntary withdrawal by re-applying for admission through Ontario Colleges. As only full-time
students are accepted into the program, students may be required to re-take courses he/she have
already passed.
Application to Future Programs
Students must apply to future programs through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) or
through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). Generally, these applications are due on
February 1st each year, but early acceptances go out on that date, so students are encouraged to apply
as early as November.
Students who require midterm grades to be sent to another institution must notify their program
coordinator at least 10 days before the deadline for submission of these grades. Conestoga College
does not provide official transcripts at midterm, so these grades are “unofficial” and may or may not
be accepted by the requesting institution.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that he/she have met the requirements for admission
to future programs, both at Conestoga and at other institutions to which he/she is applying. Students
must also ensure that he/she know the deadline for applications, admission tests such as the HOAE,
transcript submission, etc.
Students may receive a conditional offer of admission to another program while he/she are still
registered in the Pre-Health Sciences Sciences Program. If this is the case, it is the responsibility of the
student to ensure that he/she know what the conditions are and that he/she meet those conditions.
Offers will be rescinded if the conditions are not met. If the student has any questions regarding the
conditions, he/she need to contact the registrar’s office and ask specifically about their own case (i.e.
do not ask generic questions). Note that everyone’s conditions are different, so you must ask
specifically about your own situation.
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Graduation
Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation
ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the
advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a
program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date
are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the registrar’s
office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed
in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.
Process for Resolution of Student Concerns
In order to resolve any concerns which may arise during a course, field placement or relating to the
program overall, students are encouraged to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program level
prior to proceeding to a formal appeal.
If attempts have been made, and a successful resolution has not been reached, students are
encouraged to refer to their Conestoga Student Guide, and to follow the procedures outlined under
the “Academic Dispute Resolution and Appeal Procedure” section.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Maintaining Student Files
1. Official records of each student’s education are maintained electronically by the Registrar. Academic
records are also maintained by the College regarding Course Outlines to support the level of
achievement in a particular course.
2. Administrative records related to your experience in the Program are maintained to demonstrate
compliance with external and college requirements. This information is as follows:
Student Information
Pre Practicum Health
Requirements
• per copies of information
received from students
File Location and Student Access
In Health Tracker, by individual student
access
**accessed through My Conestoga
•
Each student has his/her own
information on the Health Passport
for provision to practicum agencies
as required.
Acknowledgement of WSIB
Understanding
• signed by each student prior to
the first practicum
placements
Retention
 For the duration of a
student’s time in the
Program
• By the Program, by the Program
Assistant responsible for Placements
• For the duration of a
student’s time in the
Program
• In Program File with Program
Assistant
• For the duration of a
student’s time in the
Program.
Student Consents Signed on
Admission (per Student Handbook)
• Student Consent for Release of
Information
• Student Understanding of
Professional Standards
• Student Understanding of
Safety Requirements
3. Academic Files are set up as required for a student to document important matters relevant to a
student’s progress or to document and monitor resolution of concerns.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Student Information
A. Documents related to academic
progress
• Correspondence regarding course
equivalencies
• Correspondence re
supplementary examinations
• Learning Contracts
• Disabilities Information & plans
B. Records of Competency Attainment
C. Documents related to areas of
Concern
• Interview Records, with
supporting email documentation
as appropriate
• Student Code of Conduct
• Incident Reports
• Letters/emails of significant
concern and replies
• Appeals
File Location and Student
Access
• In Student File,
maintained by the
Program Coordinator,
initially, and then filed for
safe-keeping during the
student’s time in the
Program –maintained by
the Program Assistant
Retention
For one year following
graduation
As above
As above
As above
As above
4. Students may review the contents of your Academic file by:
•
•
Requesting this in writing to the Program Coordinator
Reviewing the file in the presence of the Coordinator
5. At the end of one year, the contents of your file will be destroyed through the College’s process for
purging confidential documents.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Additional Information for Students
Below is information to supplement the information found in the Conestoga Student Guide.
•
Your Conestoga Student Guide provides detailed information about dropping courses. If you
are planning to drop a course, you must do so within the time period. If you have missed that
time period, please see the Program Coordinator and he/she will advise you as to your options.
Not attending does not constitute an official dropping of a course and will result in a grade of
“F”.
•
If you have completed courses from a college or university that you think may be very similar in
content to courses in this program you may be eligible for a course exemption. (Please note
that to receive an exemption, courses must have been completed within the past five years and
with a mark of at least 65%.). If you would like to proceed with a request for exemptions,
please contact your Program Coordinator for guidance. Please note that exemptions will not be
processed until a student is registered in the program. The exemption process will take some
time (two-three weeks), and students should attend all scheduled courses until he/she receive
the exemption as he/she will be responsible for all material covered in class should the
exemption be denied.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
6. Laboratory Practices
An important piece of your Pre-Health Sciences training involves laboratory participation. When
working in a laboratory environment, safety and professionalism are of the utmost importance.
Student Consent Forms
Students are required to complete program specific consent forms. To access the forms, students
should go to the Practicum Services Community on myConestoga and open the Consent Forms
tab. Students can then electronically sign-off all applicable consent forms after reading each
document.
Laboratory Safety Information
A science laboratory safety manual will be provided during the first week of classes, along with some
basic safety instruction. Students are expected to study the manual and complete a safety test.
Students must achieve 100% or better on the test before being allowed to participate in laboratory
activities. This test is to be completed online, and will provide a record of safety training. Further
information will be available at the science classes.
Students must also complete the acknowledgement of safety training and responsibilities form prior
to being able to participate in labs
It is expected that students will act with common sense and follow laboratory safety rules and
procedures whenever he/she are in a science laboratory.
Science Laboratory Dress Code
Attire in the laboratory must be professional and adhere to standards of health and safety.
Students must wear a white lab coat or lab jacket at all times in the laboratory. Please note that
Conestoga College's Health Sciences programs require laboratory attire with short or 3/4 length
sleeves. If you wish to keep your lab coat for future years, it is suggested that you purchase an
appropriate on. No caps or hats are to be worn in the lab. Long hair must be tied back, off the collar
and controlled securely. For safety reasons, shoes must have closed toes and heels. High heeled shoes
and flip-flops are not acceptable even if they have closed toes (i.e. wear sensible shoes..). Long pants
must be worn in the laboratory. Shorts, skirts, and capris are not appropriate attire. Depending on the
nature of the experiment being performed, safety glasses/goggles and/or laboratory gloves may be
required. As in all health care environments, colognes, perfumes and aftershaves are not to be worn in
the lab.
Requests for accommodations of this policy (e.g., for religious or disability reasons) will be considered
within the framework of the Conestoga College Policy for Human Rights. Such requests must be made
to the program coordinator or chair at the beginning of the semester, and not at the beginning of a
laboratory period.
Faculty reserve the right to ask students who do not conform to the uniform policy to leave the lab
setting.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Clinical Learning Centre
For students wishing to practice their lab skills or review laboratory materials, there is a Pre-Health
Sciences table set up in the Clinical Learning Centre in room 2F18. Many (but not all) of the lab materials
will be placed in the open access lab after all classes have completed the lab work, and will remain there
for one week after the lab.
While in the Clinical Learning Centre, you may interact with students in other programs, but please be
respectful of their need to practice skills for their own program of study. If he/she does not have time to
show you something or explain what he/she is doing, be respectful of this and do not interrupt their
work.
Please note that the Nurse Technologists in the Clinical Learning Centre are there to assist students who
are in the nursing programs and do not necessarily know what Pre-Health Sciences students are doing.
For example, he/she cannot assist you with microscope work.
The same safety rules and dress code apply to the Clinical Learning Centre, as in the science labs. Please
use common sense and act professionally while you are in the centre.
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas and Degrees students must wear their lab coat, as would be
worn during a science lab, including closed-toed shoes
Accessing the Clinical Learning Centre
The Clinical Learning Centre has been set up largely for nursing practice. As a Pre-Health Sciences
student, please do not touch any of the equipment that is not set up specifically for you.
Pre-Health Sciences Students do not normally need to book use of the Clinical Learning Centre. However,
no more than 6 Pre-Health Sciences students should be in the room at any given time. If there is
someone waiting to use the equipment that has been set out for Pre-Health Sciences students, please
limit your time to no more than 20 minutes. If there is nobody waiting for the equipment, you may use it
for as long as you wish. If you are waiting, please quietly go into the room to inform students that you
are waiting, and then wait outside in the Agora.
Use of the Clinical Learning Centre after hours may be booked if previously arranged with the course
instructor, who will arrange it with security. When arriving after hours, the student will need to report to
Security Services to be admitted to the centre. A student using the Clinical Learning Centre after hours
must be accompanied by another student in the same program i.e., "Buddy System". Students may not
bring family or friends outside of the program to the lab. All students must leave the centre by 11:00
p.m. Please notify Security when leaving the centre.
The centre must not be left unattended during after-hour use.
User responsibility regarding Clinical Learning Centre Maintenance
All users will maintain the environment in a safe, clean and tidy manner:
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Students will not handle any equipment that has not been put out for their course.
All equipment must be cleaned and put away after use
Chairs are to be stacked safely in designated areas when not in use.
Students will be responsible for cleaning and tidying up.
Purses, coats, knapsacks and extra books are to be left in your lockers.
Students are responsible for the replacement of damaged or lost equipment in Clinical Learning
Centre e.g.: student dropping a microscope.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
7. Student Awards
Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to
Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have
established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for an award, complete the
General Application available through your Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete
the application are sent to all full-time students’ email accounts in the fall semester (Deadline: First
Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the Student Financial
Services on Conestoga’s website.
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Pre-Health Sciences Program Handbook 2015-2016
Program Revision Log
Last Revised
June 22, 2015
June 25th, 2015
By Whom
Nicole Dorscht
Cathy Skimson
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