SUGGESTED POINTS FOR FACULTY TO REVIEW
WITH STUDENTS EACH SEMESTER
Many faculty already deliver a “script” containing much of the information listed below.
You may want to adapt this guide to suit your own classroom circumstances. Delivering
this information raises students’ awareness of expected behaviours and College policies.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating and Plagiarism are major academic offences and carry serious penalties. If
students are found cheating and/or plagiarizing, an “Academic Dishonesty Report” will
be completed. For a first offence, students will receive a grade of “0” for that
particular piece of work. In order to track the number of offences, the offence will be
recorded as a comment on the student’s academic record. This comment is removed
upon graduation. For any second and subsequent offences, the penalty is
immediate expulsion from the college for the remainder of that semester or longer,
depending on the circumstances. (you may also wish to provide examples of what
constitutes cheating and plagiarism).
Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Seneca grants students, clients and employees the privilege to use its information
technology services, facilities and equipment to further learning, teaching and working.
All employees and students of Seneca College are responsible for obeying Provincial and
Federal laws/regulations as well as College policy concerning the use of information
technology services, facilities and equipment. Violations of this policy include, e-mail
misuse, using technology for non-academic purposes taking up student lab time,
serious incidents of hacking, and viewing, distributing and or creating offensive
messages or information.
Discrimination/Harassment
All Senecans have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from
discrimination, harassment and/or violence. Language or activities that defeat this
objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and will NOT be
tolerated.
Punctuality
Please show consideration for your classmates and respect for your Professors by
arriving on time to class. If you know in advance of a class that you are going to be
late, please let your Professor know. We ask you to arrive on time for classes so as to
minimize disruption to your classmates and your Professor. Should you arrive late due
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to unavoidable circumstances, please enter the class quietly and take the first available
seat.
Cell Phone Usage
As a courtesy to your fellow students and Professors, please turn off your cell phones
while in class or any learning environment (e.g., Learning Commons). If, in the case of
an emergency, the cell phone must remain on, please notify your Professor before class
begins. If you are expecting an emergency call and your phone rings, please leave the
class as quickly as possible, complete the call outside the classroom and then return to
the class quietly.
Respect
Seneca College is committed to maintaining an environment in which all students are
able to pursue their educational goals. Every Senecan is expected to show respect for
each other, their students, professors, college employees and facilities. With everyone’s
co-operation, we can make Seneca a great place to learn, live and work. (refer to
poster in classrooms and labs)
Student Rights & Responsibilities
There is a code of conduct at Seneca called the Student Rights & Responsibilities. It
sets out what you can expect from others by way of behaviour and what the
behavioural expectations are of you. If you have concerns about your rights, you can
get help through Student Services. On the other hand, if you act in a way that violates
the responsibilities, you will be subject to discipline under the policy. Examples of
behaviour that violate the Student Rights & Responsibilities are – verbal abuse, assault,
threats, classroom disruption, etc.
You will find more information on these and other important items in your Student
Handbook (show students a copy) which can be obtained from Student Services.
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SENECA COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS & TECHNOLOGY
Policies and Procedures Related to Student Conduct
Students and staff have a “right to work and study in an environment that asserts the worth and
dignity of every individual” (Board of Governors, 1984) and which facilitates and encourages
learning.
The following is a brief summary of the policies and procedures that support a positive working
and learning environment at Seneca College.
A. Student Rights & Responsibilities
The Student Rights & Responsibilities provides the basis for behaviour which will nurture an
environment of mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person in the Seneca
community. Student Rights & Responsibilities violations are dealt with by the Director of
Student Services, and records of such violations are maintained by the Director.
A copy of the Student Rights & Responsibilities policy is available on-line at
www.senecac.on.ca/student/needs_rights or from Student Services or Security. Further information
or advice related to Student Rights & Responsibilities issues is available by contacting Alan
Stelnick, Manager, Student Rights & Responsibilities, at Ex. 2950, Christine Blake-Durie,
Manager, Student Services, at Ex. 3019, or Vicki Milligan Carter, Director, Student
Services, at Ex. 2658.
Examples of behaviour that should be reported under the SR & R include –








Verbal threats or abuse (in person, by telephone, or electronically)
Physical threats or assault
Possession of a weapon
Damage to college or other people’s property
Misconduct resulting from drug or alcohol abuse
Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
Repeated cell phone use in class or labs that disrupts the learning environment
Habitual interference with the work or classroom environment
Disruptive behaviour IS NOT –




Cultural differences
Non-threatening eccentricity or weirdness
Most disagreements or differences of opinion
Situational frustration, e.g., the person who is demanding after being rudely shunted through
six offices where no one has (a) listened (b) helped, or (c) suggested anything better than a
referral to yet another office
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
Individuals who need more time for special reasons, etc.
Deal with disruptive behaviour by –





Defusing the situation wherever possible
In an emergency situation, contact Security immediately
Speaking directly with the student or students who are disruptive, explaining your
expectations and the consequences if the behaviour persists; document any incidents and
followup discussions; if the behaviour persists, refer the matter to Student Services
Assist the student directly to get the help he or she needs; don’t send the student away to seek
assistance
Call on the resources available as outlined in this document
A copy of “Dealing with Disruptive Student Behaviour” is attached to this document and is also
available from Student Services or the Centre for Professional Development.
B. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES
It is the Policy of Seneca College that all employees and students have a right to work and study in an
environment that asserts the personal worth and dignity of each individual.
In order to achieve this objective, Seneca College will not tolerate any form of discrimination and/or
harassment in its employment, education, accommodation or business dealings. Every member of the
college community has the right to file a complaint of discrimination/harassment through the College’s
Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
Board of Governors, Seneca College 1998
Discrimination against, or harassment of, any employee, group of employees, student or group of
students, on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed
(religion), sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offenses, marital status, family status, the
receipt of public assistance in the area of housing accommodation, mental or physical disability,
union or non-union membership, political affiliation, and student/staff/faculty associations
defeats this objective and will not be tolerated by the College.
This policy shall apply where there exists a negative work or study environment or potential
adverse impact on an individual’s work or study performance, or on their work or study
environment. Incidents occurring off-campus which have no or little likelihood of any impact on
the work/study environment at the institution should be pursued through the Human Rights
Commission or other external procedures. Harassment and/or discrimination that occurs oncampus, off-campus at College-related social functions, in the course of work or academic
assignments/placements off-campus, during work or academic related travel, by telephone and/or
electronic communication is included.
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Seneca College is committed to preventing behaviour which results in discrimination and/or
harassment, as defined in this policy and the Ontario Human Rights Code, of any member of the
College Community.
In addition to the education, monitoring and enforcement of the Discrimination and Harassment
Policy and Procedures, the Centre for Equity and Human Rights also provides educational
workshops and seminars on human rights, sexual assault, education equity, personal safety and
related equity issues within Seneca. The Centre maintains a library of Human Rights resources
at the Newnham Campus, which can be accessed by the college community. As part of the
Centre’s intake process, individual concerns not related to the Centre are referred to the
appropriate department, school or external agency.
Every member of the College community is encouraged to seek advice or assistance from
the Centre for Equity and Human Rights if they believe or perceive they have knowledge of
discrimination and/or harassment.
Newnham Campus - Room 3141 – Ex. 2078
Seneca@York - Room 1185 – Ex. 3088
King – Room 210 (by appointment – Ex. 2078)
Website – www.senecac.on.ca/equity
E-mail: human.rights@senecac.on.ca
C. Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Protocols
It is the Policy of Seneca College that all members of the Seneca Community are responsible for
obeying Provincial and Federal Laws/regulations and College Policy concerning the use of
information technology services, facilities and equipment.
Any materials which may violate a person’s right to work and study in an environment free from
discrimination/harassment are not to be stored, displayed, transmitted or otherwise linked to
Seneca College information technology services, facilities and equipment. Protocols are handled
by the Centre for Equity and Human Rights, in conjunction with Information Technology and
Telecommunication Services.
Violations of this policy include e-mail misuse, using technology for non-academic purposes
taking up student lab time, serious incidents of hacking, and viewing, distributing and/or creating
offensive messages or information.
A copy of the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy is available on-line at
www.senecac.on.ca/equity or in print form at the Centre for Equity and Human Rights.
For further information, contact the Centre for Equity and Human Rights at Ex. 2078 or
the Computing Security Officer at Ex. 2129.
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D. Academic Policy – Cheating and Plagiarism
The Academic Policy applies to all programs offered by Seneca College in all locations and,
among other things, includes information related to incidents of cheating and plagiarism.
Appendix E of the Academic Policy sets out the procedure to follow in the event you suspect a
student of cheating or plagiarizing. Copies of the Academic Policy are available from
Registration at each campus, and the policy can also be seen online at
http://www.senecac.on.ca/home/academic_policy/.
Deal with incidents of plagiarism by –





Meeting with the student(s) to discuss the suspected copy
If you are not satisfied with the student(s)’ explanation, record the incident, with evidence
attached, on an “Academic Dishonesty Report” and forward it to the Program Coordinator or
Student Advisor
A Promotion Committee will review the circumstances of the incident and report its decision
to you and to the student
Plagiarism offences will be recorded as a comment on the student’s transcript; the penalty for
the first offence is a grade of “0” on the work in which the offence occurred; the penalty for
the second offence is immediate expulsion from the college for the remainder of the semester
or longer, depending on the circumstances
Students may appeal the decision as set out in the Academic Policy
Deal with incidents of cheating by –

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
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
If you observe a student attempting to copy from another student, relocate the offender and
warn that a second offence will result in forfeiture of the examination opportunity
If the student persists in his/her attempt to copy from another student, complete an
“Academic Dishonesty Report” and forward it to the Program Coordinator or Student
Advisor
If you observe a student using materials not listed as permissible aids, take the student aside,
explain what has been observed, and request to see the materials
If you suspect that the materials are not permissible or if the student refuses to produce the
observed materials, advise the student that he/she cannot continue writing the exam
Retain the evidence of the alleged cheating and the student’s incomplete exam and escort the
student from the room once he/she has signed out
Avoid a confrontation with the student over what you suspect to be a cheating incident; if the
student refuses to produce the suspected materials and incomplete exam, allow the student to
remain to avoid disrupting other students
Record the incident, with evidence attached, on an “Academic Dishonesty Report” and
forward it to the Program Coordinator or Student Advisor
A Promotion Committee will review the circumstances of the incident and report its decision
to you and to the student
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

Cheating offences will be recorded as a comment on the student’s transcript; the penalty for
the first offence is a grade of “0” on the work in which the offence occurred; the penalty for
the second offence is immediate expulsion from the college for the remainder of the semester
or longer, depending on the circumstances
Students may appeal the decision as set out in the Academic Policy
For more information about the Academic Policy, call the College Registrar, Eileen Burns,
Ex. 2451.
E. Personal Safety/Security Threats Policy
All Seneca employees and students have the right to work and study in a safe environment, free
from violence or the threat of violence. An individual who believes that his/her safety/security is
threatened or who becomes aware of a safety/security threat to any other person should
immediately obtain help from Site Security, the Campus Safety Designate, or the Police.
A personal safety/security threat is defined as a situation which may be in the form of an
assault, sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, threat of assault, uttering threats of
death/damage, harassment (criminal) of an individual, or any other action that would
constitute workplace violence as determined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Campus
Designate
Ext. #
Alternate
Ext. #
Buttonville
Dominic Totino
4250
John Pizzin
4250
Don Mills
Laura Flanagan
7206
Donna Sloan
7203
Jane
Ken Ellis
4354
Malcolm Archer
4374
King – Garriock
Judith Limkilde
5000
Mary-Ellen Clare
5003
Newnham
Les Huggins
2667
Kim Mulroney
2669
Richmond Hill
Patricia Holtzman
4337
Marilyn Holt
4332
Seneca @ York
Jocelyn Piercy
3701
Robin Richardson
3033
Woodbine
Lisa Cunliffe
7182
Virginia DiMonte
7124
Yorkgate
Leolyn Hendricks
4755
Linda Zanussi
4753
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Satellite Locations:
Campus
Designate
Ext. #
Alternate
Sandra Bartley
221
N/A
1200 Eglinton
416-510-3002
Marilyn Kisluk
Direct
N/A
155 Gordon Baker
Rd
Jennifer Dale
4001
Tisha Scott
10 Milner Road
Business Court
416-299-6625
Preeti Sharma
Direct
N/A
Bayview
905-780-9622
Tim Clark
300
Lina Fusina
357
Markham
905-948-9622
Keri Brooks
229
Kathy Creighton
238
Newmarket
905-773-7141
Judy Christen
236
Stan Ryba
232
5353 Dundas,
Etobicoke
416-232-0225
Ext. #
4003
For more information or advice or to obtain a complete copy of the Personal
Safety/Security Threats Policy & Procedures, please contact Les Huggins, Manager of
Security at Ex. 2667 or Susan Vallance, Director, Centre for Equity and Human Rights at
Ex. 2083.
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DEALING WITH DISRUPTIVE STUDENT BEHAVIOUR
The Student Rights & Responsibilities policy (available on-line at
www.senecac.on.ca/student/needs_rights or in print form from Student Services or Security)
provides the basis for behaviour which will nurture an environment of mutual respect for the
dignity and worth of each person in the Seneca community. For example, Section 2.3 states that
“A student shall not obstruct or disrupt, or attempt to obstruct or disrupt any College activities.”
The intent of this paper is to provide some guidelines for faculty in dealing with student
behaviour that is disruptive to the teaching and learning process. However, complaints of
discrimination and harassment or perceived violations of the Discrimination and Harassment
Policy should be immediately referred to the Centre for Equity and Human Rights.
Steps to Take in Dealing with Student Misconduct
Please refer to the attached Policies and Procedures Related to Student Conduct.

Any concerns for the safety of yourself and/or your students should be immediately
reported to College Security. Examples of behaviour in this regard include 
verbal threats or abuse (in person, by telephone or electronically)

physical threats or assault

possession of a weapon

damage to college or other people’s property

misconduct resulting from drug or alcohol abuse

Disruptive behaviour that does not pose an immediate threat should be handled in a
progressive disciplinary manner. You may seek advice from Student Services or from
the Student Advisor, Program Coordinator or Chair for the program at any point in the
process.
Suggested steps to take include Step 1 - Usual classroom management techniques (see “Tips for Classroom
Management” on page 11 of this document)
Step 2 - Verbal warning to the disruptive individual(s), clearly stating the expectations
and consequences of continued similar behaviour. Document the incident and action
taken for your file. Advise the student(s) that a report will be retained in your file but if
the behaviour persists, the report will be given to the Student Advisor, Coordinator or
Chair.
Step 3 - If the disruptive behaviour persists, ask the student(s) to see the Student Advisor,
Program Coordinator or Chair who will follow up with a letter of warning to the
student(s) or by filing a complaint under the Student Rights & Responsibilities. The
student(s) will be given an opportunity to give his or her side of the story.
Step 4 - If the disruptive behaviour persists, a complaint should be filed with the
Department of Student Services (Ex. 2950) under the Student Rights & Responsibilities.
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
Sanctions against students for disruptive behaviour (e.g., letter of warning in official
student file, behavioural contract, suspension, etc.) should follow the principles of
procedural fairness as provided for in the Student Rights & Responsibilities policy.
Types of Disruptive Behaviour
Student behaviour that is disruptive to the teaching and learning process may include one or
more of the following:

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
inappropriate talking or interrupting during class
disrupting the class by consistently arriving late
cell phone ringing or talking on cell phone during class
moving about during the class in a disruptive manner
monopolizing class time (e.g., inappropriate questioning)
argumentative with the professor or other students
acting immaturely (e.g., making weird noises)
deliberately not being attentive (e.g., reading a newspaper during class)
Possible Reasons for Disruptive Behaviour
Considering what is at the root of the disruptive behaviour can sometimes help to solve it.

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confusion about course work or professor’s expectations re assignments, etc.
lack of interest/ability
immaturity
boredom
peer pressure
personal problems
Possible Solutions might include:

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
asking the disruptive student(s) to help you understand what they think is the cause of
their behaviour.
small discussion groups to apply the theory being presented
pairing up of advanced students with weaker students for small group work
vary teaching methodology in order to accommodate different students’ learning styles
referral of students to Learning Centre for additional help
opportunity for students to seek clarification about professor’s expectations both in class
and during office hours
rearrange seating of students
referral of students to Student Advisor, Program Coordinator or Chair for clarification of
program requirements
opportunities for advanced students to engage in self-directed learning
referral of students to Counselling
use of a variety of approaches and changing pace of teaching/learning activities
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Tips for Classroom Management
Remember, “The best approach to classroom management is prevention.” (Hunter)

State clear expectations and consequences at the beginning of the semester (and review
these as appropriate throughout the semester) based on the premise that they are adults,
including what you are prepared to do and what you expect of them. Refer to the
suggested script on page 1 of this document. Reference to the Student Rights &
Responsibilities can include a statement to the effect that you will treat students with
respect and that you have the same expectation of them. For example, you might state
that punctuality is important and that you will be punctual and you have the same
expectation of them. You may also want to add that if a student arrives late with a valid
reason, he or she should come into the class without disrupting others and accept
responsibility for getting the work missed at another opportunity. Ask the students to
agree with you to adhere to the policy. If a problem begins to arise, remind the students
of your agreement.

Problems of disruptive behaviour should be dealt with as they occur, keeping in mind
possible reasons and solutions for the disruptive behaviour. Sometimes, it is appropriate
to speak to the whole class about the disruption (i.e., it is the class’s problem), and ask
the class what they would like to do about the problem. If it is one or a few students in
particular who are being disruptive, it is important to speak directly to those students,
advising them of your expectations and consequences if the behaviour persists. It is
important (essential) to speak to the disruptive student(s) in private either by asking them
to step outside the classroom or to see you during your office hours.

Progressive disciplinary action in the case of disruptive behaviour should be taken and
may consist of verbal warnings, request to leave the classroom for the remainder of that
session, referral to the Student Advisor, Program Coordinator or Chair. Document your
actions for your own records.

If the disruptive behaviour persists beyond the classroom management attempts at
resolution, contact the Department of Student Services (Ex. 2950).

It is important to remain calm when addressing adult learners; if you are emotionally
upset, it is wise to delay the confrontation for a brief period until you are in control of
your emotions and can discuss the issues calmly.
For individual or group consultation on classroom management techniques, call Katharine
Janzen, Director, Centre for Professional Development, Ex. 2080. For workshops and
seminars related to classroom management, access the CPD website at
www.senecac.on.ca/cpd/.
For additional information or assistance with respect to Student Rights & Responsibilities,
call Vicki Milligan Carter, Director, Student Development, at Ex. 2658, or by e-mail at
vicki.milligan@senecac.on.ca.
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SENECA COLLEGE
STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
INCIDENT REPORT FORM
Please return this form and any additional information to the Manager, Student Rights
& Responsibilities, Room 2420, Newnham Campus, or by e-mail to
alan.stelnick@senecac.on.ca or by fax to 416-491-7379.
PARTY #1 (COMPLAINANT)
Last Name _________________________ First Name _________________________________________
(required information)
Address _______________________________________________________________________________
Phone No -Home _____________________________ Other -Business /Cell ________________________
Seneca ID (check one)
 Student
Student No ___________________________________________ (required information)
 Employee
Dept ______________________ Ext. No ___________________ (required information)
 E-mail address ____________________________
PARTY #2 (RESPONDENT)
Last Name ________________________________ First Name __________________________________
Student - Yes _____ No _____ Student # (if known) _______________________________________
Additional Information: (if known)
Program ___________________________________
Telephone # _________________________
Other ________________________________________________________________________________
PARTY #3 (2nd RESPONDENT – if applicable)
Last Name ________________________________ First Name __________________________________
Student - Yes _____ No _____ Student # (if known) _______________________________________
Additional Information: (if known)
Program ___________________________________
Telephone # _________________________
Other ________________________________________________________________________________
DATE AND LOCATION OF INCIDENT
Date: ______________ Time: _________ Campus: ___________________ Room # _____________
Seneca Security Contacted:
Police Contacted:
Yes ______
Yes _______
No _______
No _______
WITNESSES TO INCIDENT
Please list the names and telephone numbers (or method of contacting) any witnesses to the incident.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT
On the back of this form, please describe your complaint in as much detail as possible. Attach an additional sheet if
necessary.
I understand that it may be necessary to contact other individuals in order to follow up on this complaint and that the
respondent is entitled to details of the incident contained in this complaint. Otherwise, this complaint will be treated
confidentially and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
____________________________
Signature of Complainant
______________________
Today’s Date
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT
Personal information is collected for the administrative, investigative and decision-making purposes of the College
under the authority of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Act, R.S.O. 1990, and Regulation 770, as well as the
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, specifically Sections 21 and 39.
If you have any questions regarding the collection and use of personal information,
please contact the Co-Ordinator, Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection,
Jane Wilson, at (416) 491-5050, ext. 7177.
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