Program Handbook
Paralegal Program
1297
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.
Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Table of Contents
PROGRAM HANDBOOK ............................................................................................................ I
PROGRAM HANDBOOK GUIDELINES ........................................................................................ V
WELCOME .............................................................................................................................. VI
LETTER TO STUDENTS ............................................................................................................ VII
TOP FIVE EXPECTATIONS OF YOU ......................................................................................... VIII
1. USE MYCONESTOGA TO CONNECT TO: ........................................................................................... VIII
2. KNOW AND PLAN AROUND YOUR ACADEMIC SCHEDULE WITH YOUR FAMILY ......................................... VIII
3. BE THE PROFESSIONAL YOU WISH TO BECOME - FROM DAY ONE .......................................................... IX
4. ATTEND TO ENHANCE SUCCESS........................................................................................................ IX
5. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACADEMIC STATUS ............................................................................ IX
TOP FIVE RESOURCES FOR YOU ............................................................................................... X
1. YOUR TEACHING TEAM ................................................................................................................... X
2. COUNSELLING AND SERVICES FOR PERSONAL NEEDS ............................................................................. X
3. ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................. XI
4. STUDENT STUDY SPACES AND GENERAL SUPPORTS .............................................................................. XI
5. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................... XII
PARALEGAL LICENSING PROCESS .......................................................................................... XIII
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA (LSUC) REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... XIII
1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 1
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................................... 1
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES .................................................................................................... 1
PROGRAM SUMMARY MAP- SEPTEMBER 2015- JUNE 2016 .................................................................... 2
PROGRAM DESIGN FOR YOUR COHORT ................................................................................................. 3
PATHWAYS AND FURTHER POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES ................................................... 3
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................................................................ 3
2. RELATIONSHIPS ................................................................................................................... 4
COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................................... 4
Faculty Availability ................................................................................................................... 4
Full-time Paralegal Faculty ....................................................................................................... 4
Program Administrative Assistant ........................................................................................... 4
Administration .......................................................................................................................... 4
Contacting Program Staff ......................................................................................................... 5
Student E-mail .......................................................................................................................... 5
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 5
Student Concerns/Issues .......................................................................................................... 5
Student Representation ............................................................................................................ 5
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
PAC (Program Advisory Committee) ........................................................................................ 6
WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative) ................ 6
STUDENT FEEDBACK .......................................................................................................................... 7
Key Performance Indicators ..................................................................................................... 7
Student Appraisal of Teaching ................................................................................................. 7
CLASS CANCELLATIONS....................................................................................................................... 8
Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence............................................................................... 8
Class Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather........................................................................ 8
Personal notifications of class cancellations ............................................................................ 8
3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE .................................................. 9
PROGRAM STANDARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE .............................................................................. 9
Behaviour ................................................................................................................................. 9
Professional Appearance .......................................................................................................... 9
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT................................................................................................................. 10
STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ............................................................................................ 10
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM .............................................................................................. 11
COPYRIGHT – WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW .................................................................................. 12
Cumulative Copying................................................................................................................ 12
SAFE PRACTICE ............................................................................................................................... 13
STUDENT PROTECTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................... 14
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT - USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CELL PHONES....................................................... 15
Social Media Policy ................................................................................................................. 15
Cell Phone Policy ..................................................................................................................... 16
4. ATTENDANCE AND STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES ........................................................... 17
ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................. 17
PUNCTUALITY ................................................................................................................................. 17
Acceptable Reasons for Absence ............................................................................................ 17
ATTENDANCE FOR EVALUATIONS ........................................................................................................ 18
Notification procedure ........................................................................................................... 18
Notification for Absence from Evaluations ............................................................................ 19
Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation ................................................ 19
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS ....................................................................................................................... 19
DOCUMENTATION TO SUBSTANTIATE YOUR REPORTED ABSENCE ............................................................. 20
Evaluations worth less than 20% ........................................................................................... 20
Evaluations worth 20% or more ............................................................................................. 20
TEST PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................... 20
Importance of Test and Presentation Dates .......................................................................... 21
ASSIGNMENT POLICIES ..................................................................................................................... 22
Working Together on Group Assignments ............................................................................. 22
Use of Time between Classes ................................................................................................. 22
Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments .............................................................................. 23
General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work .................................................................... 23
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
General Guidelines for Submitting Written Work .................................................................. 23
Submitting Assignments ......................................................................................................... 24
Steps to Follow to Submit Assignments Outside of Class Time .............................................. 24
5. ACADEMIC PROGRESS THROUGH THE PROGRAM .............................................................. 25
ACADEMIC STANDING AND PROMOTION ............................................................................................. 25
Achievement ........................................................................................................................... 25
Course Add/Drop .................................................................................................................... 25
Academic Probation ............................................................................................................... 25
Discontinuance ....................................................................................................................... 26
Withdrawal ............................................................................................................................. 26
Program Transfer ................................................................................................................... 26
Appeal..................................................................................................................................... 26
Clearance of Academic Deficiency.......................................................................................... 27
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses.......................................................... 27
Readmission to a Program ..................................................................................................... 27
Course Exemptions ................................................................................................................. 28
PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) .............................................................. 29
PROCESS FOR RESOLUTION OF STUDENT CONCERNS .............................................................................. 29
MAINTAINING STUDENT FILES ........................................................................................................... 30
6. FIELD PLACEMENTS AND PRACTICUMS .............................................................................. 32
PRACTICUM POLICIES....................................................................................................................... 32
EXTERNAL RECOGNITION AND PRACTICUM PARTNERS ............................................................................ 32
SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE................................................................................................... 32
STUDENT CONSENT FORMS............................................................................................................... 33
WSIB........................................................................................................................................... 33
CONCERNS REGARDING STUDENT SAFETY OR THE SAFETY AND CARE/SERVICE FOR CLIENTS ........................... 33
7. STUDENT AWARDS ............................................................................................................ 40
AWARDS AVAILABLE FOR PARALEGAL STUDENTS 2015-16 ..................................................................... 40
PROGRAM REVISION LOG ...................................................................................................... 42
The information in the Paralegal Program Handbook was accurate at the time of the printing.
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Paralegal 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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Paralegal 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.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Letter to Students
Dear Paralegal Student:
Welcome. Congratulations on being accepted into this program and for taking this important
step towards becoming a licensed paralegal. You will find this program to be fast-paced, and
strongly focused on your career of choice. Our academic and skills requirements are high, but if
you apply yourself, you can be successful and prepare yourself for a rewarding career. Some of
you will need to do extra work if you don’t have a legal studies background but with serious
application I know you can be successful.
This program has been very carefully designed and updated by Conestoga College faculty acting
under the legal academic guidance of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and with input from
our Program Advisory Committee, to prepare you for a paralegal career. There’s a reason for
each of the elements of your program map, which describes your professional learning journey,
so start applying yourself from the start. Think of yourself not as a student, but as a paralegal in
training. Start asking yourself – Why is it important for a paralegal to know this?
You have a very strong group of faculty teaching in this program. If you have any questions,
please ask your faculty or Program Coordinator, Gurpreet Gill. You will find them to be very well
informed and able to provide you direction.
On behalf of the entire Paralegal Program faculty, we welcome you and I hope you find this to
be a rewarding and enjoyable program. Welcome and I hope you have an enjoyable and
successful year.
Sincerely,
Marlene Raasok, Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services
Janos Botschner, Chair, Community Safety
Paralegal Program Learning Team
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
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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Paralegal 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 See Section four 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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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Top Five Resources for You
1. Your Teaching Team
Contact Information: Is posted on 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. Counselling is free,
voluntary and confidential. 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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Paralegal 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—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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Paralegal 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 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, 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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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Paralegal Licensing Process
Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) requirements
Each student is responsible for ensuring he/she meets the requirements of the Law Society of Upper
Canada’s to become a paralegal.
One such requirement is the need for each student to complete a paralegal studies program that has
been accredited by the LSUC. There is a complete list of these programs on the LSUC website and it
includes the program at Conestoga College.
Another requirement is to write the LSUC Paralegal Licensing Examination. Each student is responsible
for dealing directly with the LSUC to register and pay for the licensing exam. The cost of the licensing
exam is not covered in the cost of the Paralegal program. In addition, you must ensure that all
documentation required to register for the exam has been assembled and then sent to the LSUC by the
LSUC deadlines.
The licensing examination occurs only a few times each year. Please consult the LSUC website for more
information.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
1. Program Overview
Program Description
This program is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to
become licensed as a paralegal in Ontario. Graduates will be prepared to be self-employed paralegals or
to work in a law firm or corporation with their own file load.
This program will appeal to current students or graduates of law-related university degrees or college
diploma programs. Those with at least 3-5 years of experience working as legal assistants or law clerks
would also benefit from the Paralegal program in order to expand their knowledge and expertise in
court and tribunal advocacy.
Program Philosophy and Values
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Expecting students to develop behaviours that are necessary in the workforce and in the
Paralegal profession, including: self-reflection, responsibility for one’s self and one’s own
actions, honesty, integrity, and punctuality.
Upholding the standards of civility and collegiality that are expected in the legal profession.
Designing courses and experiences to support students in constructing knowledge about the law.
Modeling a variety of teaching styles, providing a variety of learning experiences, and using a
variety of evaluation methods.
Modeling communication and problem-solving skills as well as professional behaviours and
attitudes required of paralegals.
Supporting the integration of theory and practice.
Providing students with opportunities to connect theory and its application in combination with
practical experience within the community.
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.
Mentoring students as they proceed through their journey of becoming a Paralegal in both the
classroom and through their practicum experiences.
Offering general knowledge and generic skills, in addition to specific vocational skills.
Applying paralegal rules of conduct within the framework of ethical and professional standards.
Demonstrating commitment to lifelong learning.
1
Program Summary Map- September 2015- June 2016
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.
Key Vertical Themes
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Development of Foundational
Integration & Application of
Application & Extension of Knowledge &
Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge & Skills for Practice
Skills to Practice
Key Horizontal Themes
Module 1 (8 wks) Module 2 (7 wks) Module 3 (8 wks)
Module 4 (7 wks) Module 5A (3 wks)
Module 5B (3 wks)
LAW8120 Ethics
LAW8270 Legal
LAW8270 Legal
LAW8250 Topical
LAW8240 Practicum
and Professional
Simulation Lab A
Simulation
Case Law Seminar
(sec 1) (120)
Responsibility (30)
(20) NEW
Lab B (20) NEW
(sec 1) (15)
Professional Practice Capacity
LAW8240
Topical Case Law
OHS1320 Safety in the Workplace
Practicum
Seminar (sec 2) (15)
(sec 2) (120)
Business
COMP8020 Legal
MGMT8210
ACCT8000 Legal
ACCT8000 Legal
Management
Comp Apps (30)
Practice Mgt (40)
Accounting
Accounting
(sec 1) (30)
(sec 2) (30)
Professional
COMM8145 Oral Communication
LAW8140
LAW8230 ADR
LAW8230 ADR (sec 2)
Practice
Communication,
(45) NEW (24 & 21h/MOD 1 & 2)
Advocacy (30)
(sec 1) (30)
(30)
Skills
Documentation, LAW8200 Legal
COMM8107
Synthesis &
Research
Communication
Presentation
(30)
and Writing (30)
REDUCED
LAW8210
Summary
Convictions (30)
LAW8110 Small
Claims (40)
LAW8190 Tribunal
Foundational Knowledge
Practice (40)
of Law (laws & statutes;
LAW8100 Intro LAW8180 Evidence
LAW8160
procedural contexts &
to Law (40)
(40)
Provincial
processes; case development)
Offences (40)
LAW8130 Admin
LAW8155
Law (30)
Landlord &
Tenant Law(30)
LAW8175 Torts and
LAW8220 (30)
Contracts (40)
Employment Law
2
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
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.
Employment opportunities
Graduates are prepared to be self-employed paralegals or to work in a law firm or corporation with their
own file load.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the
Government of Canada website.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
2. Relationships
Communication and Contact Information
Faculty Availability
Faculty offices are located in the main building on floor 3B and students are welcome to see individual
faculty to discuss course work, assignments, or any other issues. 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 may be posted. As faculty have diverse teaching schedules, it is important to make an
appointment to ensure they are available.
Telephones for internal use are located outside the entry to faculty workspace. Beside this phone will be
a faculty directory with extension numbers only. If you have an appointment with a faculty member,
please call to confirm that you have arrived. Please do not enter until you have confirmation that the
faculty member is available to meet with you. If you do not have an appointment, please call the person
you wish to meet in order to confirm availability. If you do not reach the faculty member, please leave a
message. In the interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area, please do not
wander into faculty workspaces.
Full-time Paralegal Faculty
Name
Gurpreet Gill, Paralegal Coordinator/Faculty
Phil Langlotz, Practicum Coordinator/Faculty
Extension
3917
2785
Email Address
ggill@conestogac.on.ca
Planglotz@conestogac.on.ca
Extension
3765
Email Address
jwilsonneil@conestogac.on.ca
Extension
Email Address
3421
jbotschner@conestogac.on.ca
Program Administrative Assistant
Name
Jaymie Wilson-Neil
Administration
Name
Dr. Janos Botschner
Chair, Community Safety
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
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
• Course and level
• Brief description of reason for contact
• Telephone number where you can be reached
Student E-mail
Please Note: All email communications with your instructors must go through your college e-mail
address. Use the college e-mail address ONLY when communicating with faculty. Non-college e-mail
addresses (e.g. Hotmail) are not acceptable and may not be received by your instructor’s email account.
In addition, it is the responsibility students to check their college e-mail regularly because official
communication will be via this method.
Student Engagement
Student Concerns/Issues
We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to collaborate –
students with faculty and staff —to resolve situations of concerns quickly, as close to the source of the
issue as possible, and to learn and improve from these situations.
To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees
should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga Field Placement Supervisor, subject to the
additional procedures outlined in the following Sections on “Professionalism” and “Concerns
Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement”.
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.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
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 Health & Community 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 extra-curricular
opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional 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.
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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.
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 a SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.
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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 Cancellations 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 emails 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 email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under
the Profile Tab, and change the default email address.
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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice
The Law Society of Upper Canada has established rules that set out the ethical and professional standards
for licensed paralegals. Students are expected to behave in accordance to the Paralegal Rules of Conduct
with those rules and the values they embody.
Program Standards for Professional Practice
In order to assist students with their transition from previous endeavours to the Paralegal program and to
prepare students for professional success the following characteristics of a successful student have been
identified.
Characteristics of Successful Students:
1. Successful students attend class regularly. They are punctual. If they miss a session, they feel
obligated to let the instructor know why and their explanations are legitimate and reasonable.
They make sure they get all missed assignments and understand specifically what was covered in
class.
2. Successful students speak in class, even if their attempts may feel a bit clumsy and difficult. They
ask the questions that many in the class are bound to have as well.
3. They see the instructor before or after class about grades, assignment feedback and upcoming
tests. Sometimes they have a question or comment relative to the class.
4. Successful students turn in assignments that are well-organized and thorough. They take the time
to produce a final product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in their work.
5. They are attentive in class. They do not chat, read or stare out windows. In other words, they are
respectful toward the professor and classmates at all times. They are polite and graceful, even if
they get 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.
7. The most successful students will go out of their way to find the instructor and engage him/her in
meaningful conversation.
Adapted from: Innovation Abstracts, Vol. X, No. 1
Behaviour
The legal profession often deals with serious social issues and matters of significant personal importance
to clients. It is essential to behave in a respectful, reliable and competent manner at all times and this
same behaviour is expected in the classroom.
Professional Appearance
Professional appearance is an important part of the legal work environment and proper attire is expected
of students in the Paralegal program.
Dress code policy: Students are expected to be neat and well-groomed. Inappropriate dress items
include: leggings, workout clothing, sweat pants, torn/faded jeans, flip-flops and hats or caps. Students
are expected to dress in business wear for events and guest speakers.
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Note: Students not complying with dress code will not be permitted entry to the specific event or may be
asked to leave the class. Students violating any of the above professional appearance policies may be
subject to disciplinary action.
Standards of Conduct
There are three areas of conduct to which students are expected to adhere. They are outlined as follows:
Professional Conduct, Academic Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.
Students are required to adhere in respect to Academic Policies and Procedures as detailed in Standards
of Conduct in Conestoga College’s Student Guide for the current academic year as well as the Standards
of Conduct specifically identified in this document.
In the event of a conflict between the Paralegal Studies Program Handbook & the College Student Guide,
the Student Guide will take precedence.
Standards of Professional Conduct
Throughout their program of studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional
manner and apply themselves to academic achievement.
• Students are required to uphold and promote the ethical standards of the program and the
profession.
• Students are responsible to protect the integrity of the Paralegal program and the College
community as a whole by identifying students who are dishonest and/or violate the standards.
• Students are expected to seek clarification from faculty or administration when unsure of any of
these standards.
Sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, up to and including expulsion will occur for violators of
professional conduct. Examples for which Conestoga College students have received sanctions:
• Students were found to be using forged parking passes. This is theft of services.
• Students lifting the arm of the barrier of the paid parking lot to avoid paying. This is theft of
services.
• Becoming involved in an altercation at another college and bringing the program into disrepute.
As a Paralegal student, please note that all expectations referred to above and found in the Conestoga
Student Guide apply equally to practicum experiences.
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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.
After reading this information, if you do not fully understand what is meant by academic integrity, and
what is required of 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
Milk is good for you.
General information in the public domain.
Does not require referencing.
“According to Health Canada milk beverages
Direct quote right from a published
provide the nutrients needed for healthy bones
source. Requires a reference.
and optimal health”.
Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide:
Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011
from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/foodguide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/indexeng.php
Consuming milk every day provides the nutrients Information that has been put into your
that you need for healthy bones and optimal
own words, but offers information outside
health.
of public domain related with specialized
Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide:
knowledge. Requires a reference.
Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011
from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/foodguide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/indexeng.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, or visit their
website for help.
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•
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.
•
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.
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.
a. 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 Placement supervisor 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:
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Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Recognition Policy
Academic Credential Procedure
Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure
Co-operative Education Policy
Discontinuance Policy/Procedure
Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure
Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure
Grading Procedure
Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure
Honours Policy/Procedure
Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure
Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure
Student Fees Policy
Student Feedback Policy
Violation of Academic Integrity Procedure
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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 outside of children’s play areas (indoors/outdoors) 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 device that is a disruption to the class 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 online 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 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.
8. Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.
9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague,
faculty or others.
1
Professional Advisory. 2011. Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media. The Council of the Ontario College of Teachers.
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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 they 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
In view of the learning complexities of the Paralegal Program, it is imperative that students attend all
classes and placements as scheduled. Students who are absent from class or practicum place themselves
in academic jeopardy of not meeting the learning objectives as stipulated by the program.
If extenuating circumstances require a student to miss a class, please note that it is the student’s
responsibility to share this information with faculty and to acquire any missed information.
Punctuality
In order to be respectful to both fellow students and to faculty, students are expected to arrive on time
for class and practicum.
Acceptable Reasons for Absence
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 to the professor who will consult with the
Program Coordinator and Chair if necessary.
3. Jury Duty: Any student who receives a summons for Jury Duty should bring the document to 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.
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Attendance for Evaluations
An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation 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 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 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 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 support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all evaluations at the
scheduled times.
• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation 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 or a presentation due to a religious holiday are
required to discuss the situation with faculty within the first two weeks of the semester.
• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the
Accessibility Office.
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
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The Absence Recording System shows you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that
you record your absence. (For example if you record your absence for that day at 11.00 AM the
system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11.00 AM that day.) If you are
then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring your presence to the
attention of your professor in that later class.)
The earliest that you may record your absence for a particular day is after 8:00 PM on the
preceding day
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Notification for Absence from Evaluations
Students are required to notify the program of absence from any evaluation for any reason.
• Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation.
• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned.
Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation
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You must make contact immediately with faculty to explain the reasons for your absence and to
arrange a meeting.
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 arrangements as appropriate and you will complete
any necessary forms.
Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation 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;
b. 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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Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence
Evaluations worth less than 20%
Missed evaluations 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 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 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. Examples of reasons deemed acceptable include incapacitating
illness, death of a close family member, and required court appearance.
NB: 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.
Test Procedures
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Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test
before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb
others. Once students leave the room they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty.
Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according
to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.
Faculty are responsible to advise as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items
and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.
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.
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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.
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Assignment Policies
It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due. Late marks will
be deducted from assignments not submitted when requested by faculty.
Students with extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from submitting assignments on time
must discuss their circumstance prior to the due date. They must discuss with the course faculty a
mutually agreed upon new due date that is no more than one week past the original due date. A form
entitled Student Request for Variance Form Course Schedule and Evaluation Methods will be completed
and kept on file. Please allow for time to process the request for an extension as well as a reply to
negotiate the signing of a variance form. Students who initiate this process will not experience the loss of
late marks. Students who engage in this practice more than two times during the course of a semester
will be required to meet the Coordinator to discuss academic and personal supports.
If students do not negotiate a variance, they risk having late marks deducted from the final grade. Late
marks will be deducted at a rate of one mark per day, including weekends, from the total per cent value
of the assignment.
Note: Reporting an absence on the day a written assignment is due, does not extend the assignment due
date. Under typical circumstances, late assignments will be accepted until that assignment has been
marked and returned to the class. No assignments will be accepted after the last day of the semester.
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.
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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Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments
In order to support student success, students will be given continual feedback on their progress
throughout the semester. Individual faculty will inform students in class how/when tests and
assignments and/or marks on them will be returned. 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 a faculty present. Students who have questions about
tests/assignments/grades should follow the process outlined below:
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At least 24 hours after receiving the mark and within seven days, write a note 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.
Note: Students are encouraged to keep all assignments, texts and course-related resources and materials
throughout the duration of the program.
General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work
In the Paralegal program, both in courses and field placement, 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 our profession. Faculty, field placement
supervisors and cooperating teachers will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and will
approach students 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 Schedule and Evaluation Methods information
provided. If you are not clear about course requirements, discuss 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.
Unless otherwise indicated by professors, generally, assignments should be:
• Word processed
• Double spaced and 1 sided
• Submitted using font size of 12 CPI, if word processed and proper margins
• Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check)
• 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 (see below) if references are required
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NOTE: Faculty does not assume responsibility for assignments not given directly to them in hard copy at
the beginning of the relevant course. Students should avoid handing in assignments outside the regularly
scheduled class time and should make every effort to hand assignments in person.
Submitting Assignments
It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time. Late marks will be deducted from
assignments not submitted when requested by faculty.
Students with extenuating circumstances that prevent them from submitting assignments on time should
discuss their circumstance prior to the due date. They should discuss with the course faculty a mutually
agreed upon new due date, within 1 week of the scheduled date. Students who initiate this process will
not experience the loss of late marks. If students do not negotiate a variance, they risk having late marks
deducted from the final grade. Faculty will consider the circumstances and determine whether to allow
or disallow a deadline extension.
Under typical circumstances, and where prior arrangements have been made with the instructor, late
assignments may be accepted until that assignment has been marked and returned to the class. No
assignments will be accepted after the last day of the semester.
Steps to Follow to Submit Assignments Outside of Class Time
Assignments should be submitted on their due date either in class or electronically as may be required by
the instructor. If circumstances require that they be submitted outside a scheduled class, the student will
be required to drop off the assignment into the drop box located outside of the faculty office, 3B. We
cannot assure that faculty or administrative support staff will be present to receive assignments. Please
make sure that if you are dropping an assignment off outside of class that you have indicated to your
faculty, via email, that you have dropped it off. In your email you should indicate the date and time you
dropped off your assignment. You should also provide an electronic copy of your assignment to the
faculty as per faculty instructions.
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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.
Achievement
In addition to the Academic Regulations found in the Conestoga Student Guide, the following apply to
the Paralegal Program:
•
•
Your 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 to find out about your options. Not attending a course 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 the Paralegal program you may be eligible for a course exemption. Please
note that to receive an exemption, courses must have been completed within the past 7 years and
with a mark of at least 60%.). The course content must match 80% of the Paralegal course
content. If you would like to proceed with a request for exemptions, please contact your Program
Coordinator for guidance. Exemptions will not be processed until a student starts the course. The
exemption process will take some time (2-3 weeks), and students should attend all scheduled
courses until they receive the exemption as they will be responsible for all material covered in
class should the exemption be denied.
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 demonstrated a significant lack of
professional deportment, 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.
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The Paralegal program offers each course only once per academic school year. Failure of a course will
impact your ability to graduate that year. Students will not be able to repeat a course until the following
academic year.
Discontinuance
Students who have not successfully participated in the requirements of their academic probation, who
have failed to meet the standards set out in the Conestoga Student Guide and/or the Paralegal Program
Standards and Procedures Handbook involving academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, or
unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct or have failed 2 or more of their academic courses and field
experiences may be discontinued from the Program at the end of the academic term. Students who have
not successfully completed all academic courses are not eligible to participate in the practicum
placement. Students who have been discontinued from the Program may be considered for re-entry to
the program for the following academic year. The Department will determine eligibility for re-entry into
the program on a case-by-case basis. Re-admission to the program will be based on a plan of success
developed and signed by the student, in consultation with the Program Coordinator.
Withdrawal
Students not planning to return to the Paralegal Program the following semester are expected to
complete a Withdrawal Form available from the program coordinators, the registrar’s office, or on the
college website.
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 they are 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
coordinator and/or program chair.
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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.
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses
Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, they 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) they 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 they 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.
Readmission to a Program
Students are required to apply for readmission when they have been absent from their program for one
semester or longer unless an Intention Form has been completed (returning students only), or when the
student has withdrawn or been discontinued. Upon readmission, students are placed into the current
program of study which determines graduation requirements. Students are subject to the college and
program policies and procedures in place at the time of readmission.
Students applying for readmission to Level/Semester 1 must do so through Ontario Colleges Website.
Students applying for readmission to a level beyond Level/Semester one must do so using a Conestoga
College Program Application Form. Applicable fees will be charged.
The application for readmission will be reviewed based on the student's academic eligibility, program
readmission requirements, and space availability. The student will be informed in writing of the decision
For additional information, refer to the Academic Administration page for more information on the
readmission procedure.
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Course Exemptions
While we recognize that the content of all Law Society accredited programs (whether undergraduate or
post-graduate) must meet the core competencies established by the Law Society, our program involves
accelerated delivery and also has been approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities as
an Ontario Graduate Certificate. The credential reflects the skills for learning and application required for
success in a program format of this type.
Our program may consider course exemption requests for mandatory legal courses from students who
have completed equivalent courses in a post-graduate program (e.g., masters and doctoral programs,
other graduate certificate programs) at a recognized post-secondary institution.
The principal criteria for assessing the equivalency of a course to one of our mandatory legal courses
involve: (1) proportion of match to substantive content (an 80 percent correspondence is required); (2)
level of credential (the course must be at the graduate level); and (3) accreditation by the Law Society of
Upper Canada (preferred).
All courses being considered for exemption must meet the first and second criteria. Where a course does
not meet the third criterion, program faculty will determine its correspondence on an individual basis,
with attention to: the grade attained (minimum 75 percent); the focus of the program; the
correspondence between the skills acquired within the previous program and the skills emphasized by
our program and other Law Society accredited programs, as described by the core competencies required
by the Law Society.
Once a determination has been made and approved by the Department Chair, it is final and not subject to
appeal.
Graduation
Students who have completed the Paralegal program in the prescribed sequence are automatically
registered to graduate. Students who have not completed the Paralegal program in the prescribed
sequence must “apply to graduate” during their final semester. Visit the college web site for an
application to graduate.
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PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition)
In some programs, it is possible to recognize prior learning of skills, knowledge, or competencies that
have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other
life experiences. Prior learning must be measureable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga
standards of achievement for current courses (e.g., through a challenge exam).
The core competencies for licensed paralegals, as described by the Law Society of Upper Canada, and
delivered through Conestoga’s Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, typically involve the capacity to
demonstrate skill sets such as: advocacy; trial/hearing presentations; cross examinations; and other skills
related to “thinking on one’s feet” to address complex scenarios in dynamic situations. For these
reasons, the Paralegal program does not currently grant exemptions from a paralegal course based on a
student’s prior work experience (PLAR).
Process for Resolution of Student Concerns
In order to resolve any concerns which may arise during a course, practicum 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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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
Acknowledgement of WSIB
Understanding
 signed by each student prior
to the first practicum
placements
File Location and Student Access
Retention
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.
 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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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 1 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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6. Field Placements and Practicums
Practicum Policies
1. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with all aspects of the practicum process, including
course outlines, policies, practicum requirement.
2. Students are expected to work their full shifts as assigned by the practicum agency and to
complete the practicum log form. The length of shifts can vary from practicum to practicum.
Students who will be absent from practicum are required to notify both the contact person where
they are placed and their practicum supervisor at the college prior to the start of their shift that
day. Students who require special shift considerations due to extenuating circumstances should
negotiate this with their Coordinator at the beginning of practicum.
3. Students will be required to maintain confidentially when conducting observations and/or
gathering information at their practicum sites as part of various class assignments.
4. Students are required to make up any time missed from practicum in full.
5. Students must report any potential issues or actual problems experienced during the placement
immediately to the faculty responsible for the Practicum.
6. Students must complete the minimum number of placement hours as prescribed by the Law
Society of Upper Canada in order to write the paralegal licensing exam.
7. Work opportunities following the Paralegal program may require a clear Vulnerable Sector Police
Check. Therefore, it is advised that, prior to your practicum, you obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police
Check.
Offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada
External Recognition and Practicum Partners
The Post-graduate certificate in the Paralegal Program has been recognized by the Law Society of Upper
Canada and may be presented to the LSUC as a prerequisite to write the LSUC Paralegal Licensing exam.
We are very pleased to have the support of many community partners who provide practicum sites for
the Paralegal program.
Safety in the Workplace Course
All students who participate in unpaid work placements during the course of their program will be
required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out on
placement. The course will provide students with an introduction to workplace hazards and general
safety awareness. Students will receive a Record of Completion to provide evidence of this training to
placement sites and will consent to their workplace insurance coverage.
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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.
WSIB
Prior to your first placement, you must sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related to
Unpaid Clinical Placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through the
Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities while you are on training placements. This Declaration will
be placed in your student file.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration of Understanding for WSIB Coverage is signed
and returned or you will not be allowed to attend your field experience.
Concerns regarding Student Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients
Field placement experiences provide the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your learning in the
practice environment. These practicums have been organized by your Program in partnership with the
organization where you have been placed.
The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or
issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during the practicum in a
way that supports both a solid learning experience and a constructive partnership with the practicum
site.
A. Communication of General Concerns regarding Your Safety or The Safety and Care/Service for Clients
1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their placement site on the first day of their
placement. The Orientation may include details of the placement site’s policies and procedures
related to communication about the safety of the work environment and /or the safety and care
of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the
safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
a. The student must immediately report these concerns to the College individual associated
with the practicum (Clinical Instructor, Faculty responsible for your practicum, Field
Placement Supervisor).
b. The Clinical Instructor /Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor will discuss this
concern with Site Management.
c. For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious
care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement
Supervisor will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the
Department Chair. The Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact practicum site
management to determine next steps.
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Should facility policies require that practicum students report safety or care/service concerns
immediately to practicum site management, the student should report to the Clinical
Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Officer immediately afterward.
B. Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury during a Practicum Experience
1. Should students experience personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to the
Placement Employer and Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor. The
Placement Employer will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for
transportation to emergency medical services if required. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible
Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete
an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the
College’s Occupational Health & Safety Office. Where necessary, the Occupational Health &
Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a MTCU Letter of Authorization to Represent
Placement Employer and a MTCU Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.
C. Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during a Practicum
Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property
1. Should students be involved in care/service situations where there the care/service results in a
potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of the placement site, this concern must be
immediately reported to the Practicum Site in order that care can be given. This situation must
also be reported immediately to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement
Supervisor. The faculty member will discuss this immediately with the placement site and ensure
that an incident report is completed. The faculty member must also inform the Program
Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications.
It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained regarding the
incident and to inform College officials accordingly.
2. Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical
property at the Practicum site, this concern must be reported immediately to the Practicum Site
and to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Placement Officer. The faculty member will
inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations
and implications. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Placement
Officer to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is
obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.
Course: LAW8240 – Paralegal Studies Practicum
This section describes policies related to LAW8240 Paralegal Studies Practicum. These policies are
presented as a set of questions and answers for students. This document is effective for the 2015-16
academic year. If you have additional questions, please contact your placement supervisor, Professor Phil
Langlotz.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
What is it about?
From the course outline: “The three week block placement at a local law or paralegal office exposes the
student to all aspects of the practice of a licensed paralegal. Students will be expected to employ
academic and procedural knowledge of legal concepts and procedures within the role of the paralegal by
effectively using legal precedents, resources and files in accordance with the Law Society Paralegal Rules
of Conduct and the standards of a licensed paralegal. Duties of the student while on placement will be at
the discretion of the field placement host.”
When does it take place?
For the 2015/2016 program year, the practicum will be in the first six weeks of the spring semester.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Who is eligible?
Students who successfully complete all courses in the first two semesters of the paralegal program are
eligible for a practicum placement.
What is the structure/timing? Approximately one half of the students will be on their practicum
placement from May 9 through May 27, and the remaining students will do their practicum placement
May 30 through June 17.
Why two groups?
There are a limited number of high quality practicum placements available in this region. If we send all
students out at the same time a number will likely end up in less than optimal placements. Many of our
best practicum sites will take students during both periods, enabling all students to have the best
placements available.
What happens during the three weeks when the other half of the class is on their placement?
During the three week period when you are not on your placement you will be doing three courses at the
College: legal accounting, alternative dispute resolution, and a topical case law seminar. These courses
have been chosen for this period because they are all well-suited to a compressed delivery and a small
class size.
Who will find my placement?
The College is responsible for finding you a placement that meets both the College’s and the Law
Society’s requirements.
What if I have a prior relationship with a law firm or paralegal and want to do my placement there?
Let the practicum lead faculty know the details by email by the end of November. The practicum lead
faculty will contact the licensee to confirm that they are a suitable placement (i.e. an experienced
licensee in good standing who will be exposing you to the provision of legal services within the paralegal
scope of practice); that they agree to take on this responsibility; and that they are willing to take you on
during the program’s practicum period dates.
How am I matched with a placement?
The practicum lead faculty will be matching your interests (from the questionnaire you will be completing
in November) and your work experience (from your resume) to the type of work and environment
provided by the available practicum sites. Students last year were generally satisfied, and in most cases
were very pleased with the result of this matching process.
Don’t we do interviews? Don’t I have a say?
Adding an interview process and a mutual supervisor/student matching phase could take several weeks
and add a lot of unnecessary complexity for what amounts to a very short unpaid placement. As well,
many of our practicum supervisors would not be willing or able to dedicate the time to the interview
process and would not be participating if we required them to do so. Students and practicum supervisors
were satisfied with the matching process last year. And you do “have a say” through your survey
information, your resume, and any other specific information you provide to the practicum coordinator
prior to the match.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Some employers may ask to meet with the student prior to the beginning of the placement or see the
resume of the matched student. We expect you to cooperate with such reasonable requests.
What types of placement sites do we have?
We have a variety of placement sites, from large law firms to government agencies to sole practitioner
paralegals. Most are in KW/Cambridge, with some in Guelph, and some within a half-hour drive (Milton,
Stratford, Hamilton etc.)
What if I don’t have transportation?
In the survey you will let the practicum lead faculty know of any travel restrictions. Also, if you prefer to
be placed out of town, or have a place to live for the three week period in another community (e.g.
Toronto, Hamilton, London, and Niagara Region) please let the practicum lead faculty know.
How much work is this going to be?
Your specific work assignments are up to your practicum supervisor. Both the College and the LSUC
require that you complete 120 hours. This will be done during regular 8 hour work days over the three
week period. Most placement sites engage the students in a variety of experiences from legal research to
courtroom or tribunal observation to learning routine office procedures. It is expected that you will spend
a significant amount of time working directly with your practicum supervisor (or other licensees) so you
can get a real sense of what being a legal professional is all about.
Am I getting paid for this?
No. This is a required course for your program and for your licensing process. As this placement is only for
a short period, it is very unlikely you will be making a significant economic contribution to your placement
site, and any benefit to the placement site will certainly be less than the value of your educational
experience. “Unpaid internships” are lawful in Ontario where “an individual performs work under a
program approved by a college of applied arts and technology or a university. This exception exists to
encourage employers to provide students enrolled in a college or university program with practical
training to complement their classroom learning.”
(Ontario Ministry of Labour, http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/internships.php)
What’s the critical path for this course?
October – resumes submitted (as part of your Legal Computer Applications course)
November – information sessions, student surveys taken
December – College collecting updated practicum site list and compiling survey information
March – students and practicum supervisors notified of matches, documentation provided
April – final orientation session for practicum placements (including some practical tips to ensure you get
the most out of your practicum placement)
May 9th – May 27nd – first practicum period
May 30th - June 17th – second practicum period
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What documentation is involved?
Prior to the beginning of the placement, students and practicum supervisors will be required to sign an
insurance form for the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Students will be required to keep a daily
hours log and have it signed by the practicum supervisor at the end of the placement period. Both the
student and the practicum supervisor will be completing an evaluation at the end of the practicum. The
completed and signed hours log and the evaluation forms must be provided to the practicum lead faculty
within three days of completion of your placement to get a passing grade. Students should also check
their LSUC licensing application documents for any additional requirements.
What about contact with the College during the practicum placement?
All students will be required to check in with the practicum lead faculty every week via email. The
practicum lead faculty will be available at the College throughout the placement period, as will, the
support person assigned to assist our program with the practicum.
What if something goes wrong?
The practicum lead faculty should be notified immediately of any problems with any practicum
placements by the student and the practicum supervisor. If there is a problem that you can’t work out,
the practicum lead faculty will do the following:
Discussion, problem-solving and exploration of options
1. Speak to the student and the supervisor separately to see if this problem can be easily resolved.
2. If the parties are agreeable, the practicum coordinator will meet with the student and the supervisor
together to try to resolve the issue so that the practicum can continue.
Alternative arrangements
3. If the practicum can’t continue, the practicum lead faculty will speak to the practicum supervisor to see
if alternative arrangements can be made with that site/agency, and whether the supervisor will sign for
any completed hours.
4. If the practicum can’t continue either with that practicum supervisor (or with that site or agency with
another supervisor), the practicum supervisor will make his best efforts to find another suitable
practicum placement for the student, and the student will cooperate and assist with that process if asked
to do so.
Remediation & support
5. The practicum lead faculty will engage in one-on-one coaching with the student in order to address any
concerns arising from the first practicum placement to ensure that the same issues don’t arise again. This
may involve the student being required to do some remediation work prior to beginning another
practicum placement.
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Clarifying expectations and commitments
6. If given a second practicum placement, the student will sign an individualized Student Performance
Agreement addressing any relevant issues arising from the first practicum. This agreement will also set
out specific reporting requirements to be followed during the second placement. The terms of this
agreement will be at the practicum lead faculty sole discretion.
7. The student will comply with the Student Performance Agreement and complete 120 hours (or the
balance of the placement if some hours were credited by the previous practicum supervisor) at the
second practicum placement.
8. There will be no third practicum placement provided.
9. If a second placement occurs, all practicum hours must be complete and all documentation delivered
to the College by August 15, 2016. There will be no exceptions. You will not be excused from scheduled
classes in order to complete your practicum hours.
10. Failure to complete the 120 hour practicum placement in the time provided will result in an “F” for
the course. This course will not be offered again until May, 2017. You cannot graduate from this program
without passing this course.
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Paralegal 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.
Awards Available for Paralegal Students 2015-16
The following awards* are available to the students of Paralegal Program. Students who have questions
about any of these awards should speak with their Program Coordinator. Please watch your college email
for information from the Financial Aid office concerning application deadlines, processes and eligibility.
You may obtain information about other school wide awards and scholarships from Financial Aid. You can
find the General Awards Application by clicking here.
* Note: All awards are current at time of print, subject to change.
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Award
Medallists
Prizes
Award
Value
Year or
Level
# per
year
Application
Process
Gold,
Silver,
and
Bronze
medals
Graduating
students
three
Nominated
Certificate
Graduating
students
one
per
course
Nominated
Criteria
Gold, Silver, and
Bronze medals will be
awarded to the three
graduating students
with the highest
academic averages for
all paralegal courses
(excluding “general
education” courses
and the
practicum). Students
who have been
exempted from more
than four of the
paralegal courses will
not be considered for
this award.
One Subject Prize will
be awarded for each
course in the
Paralegal Program
(excluding “general
education” courses
and the
practicum). The
award winner will be
selected by the course
instructor, taking into
account grades in that
course, overall
academic standing,
leadership, classroom
participation, effort
and professionalism.
Location
Financial Aid
or Program
Sponsored
Convocation
Program
Convocation
Program
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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016
Program revision log
Last Revised
June 16th, 2015
By Whom
Jillian Grant
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