Academic alert

Purpose and process

Preamble

Students and staff at Durham College are partners in the teaching/learning process and are jointly committed to academic excellence. The effectiveness of the educational process depends upon the provision of an appropriate environment and opportunities for learning. Within the college community, the student's most essential right is the right to learn. The College has a duty to provide for the student those privileges, opportunity and protection which best promote the learning process in all its aspects. The student for her or his part, has responsibilities to other members of the college community, the most important of which is to refrain from interference with the rights of others.

Purposes of Academic Alert form

The purpose of the Academic Alert form is threefold.

1. To foster student success by alerting students to behaviours (attendance, lateness, missing appointments with program dean or designate) which may affect their academic progress.
2. To alert students to behaviours (disruptive classroom behaviours, coming to class unprepared and, thus, holding back the rest of the group) that may affect the academic progress of others
3. To identify and document behaviours (e.g., plagiarism, academic dishonesty) which compromise academic integrity and for which disciplinary action is being taken.

It is essential that all behaviours which fall under the categories above be documented.

Process

1. A faculty or staff member encountering any of the behaviours above or any other behaviours requiring documentation or further action initiates an Academic Alert form and meets with the student to discuss and complete the form.
2. An Academic Alert form should be completed within two (2) college days of the behaviour(s) occurring.
3. A copy of the completed Academic Alert form should be signed by the student, faculty or staff member and dean or designate
4. A copy of the signed form is to be kept in the student's file in the School office
5. A copy of the signed form is given to the student. The intent is that the Academic Alert will be discussed with the student, and the student will have the opportunity to include his or her comments; however, if the student is not available or refuses to discuss the behaviours, a copy will be mailed to the student.
6. In consultation with the dean or designate, the faculty or staff member determines whether a copy of the alert should be forwarded to the vice-president, Academic and/or to the director, Student Rights and Responsibilities.
7. Tracking - An academic database is under development and may be used to track student behaviours resulting in Academic Alerts.