Preamble
Durham College is an adult educational institution mandated to provide lifelong learning and career-oriented education and training opportunities to students and clients. The College is a corporation established under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
It is governed by the Board of Governors, which has the authority to conduct college affairs, including implementation of procedures, which affect quality and accountability of academic programs and services.
Our academic policies and procedures are founded on, and guided by, our values and mission to be a leader in higher learning providing exceptional service to our students, colleagues, employers and communities. As learning is a dynamic commodity, the College reserves the right to alter the content of this document. The College will endeavour to inform students of all changes. It is the students' responsibility to attend classes regularly to receive this information.
The academic policies and related procedures reflect our commitment to meeting educational and training needs by delivering accessible, quality education, training and services, and by providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Such policies and related procedures also set out the expectation that students, staff, employers and the community recognize the College environment as one which clearly supports the concepts of accountability and equitable treatment of all, while also creating and maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment.
Purpose
- The Academic Policy and related Procedures articulate the expected attitudes and behaviours required of staff and students to provide quality and accountable educational and training opportunities.
- The Academic Policy and related Procedures provide the framework to ensure fair and equitable treatment of students, staff, campus guests and partners.
Policy statements
- The mission and values of Durham College will be used as guidelines when implementing and enforcing all academic policies and procedures.
- Adherence to the academic policy and related procedures is expected:
- On all campus locations; and
- At all times when representing Durham College as a student.
- To provide academic excellence through accountable educational and training opportunities, Durham College defines the academic roles and responsibilities of staff and students. Students and staff at Durham College are partners in the teaching learning process and are jointly committed to academic excellence.
- All students whether full or part time are subject to and must abide by the academic procedures as stated. If variations occur, students will be notified via subject and program materials.
- Curriculum is established and reviewed in compliance with program standards issued by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and/or other governing bodies as appropriate. The program development team also consults with advisory committees, employers, and other related constituent groups to provide an external perspective. All programs at Durham College will undergo a comprehensive review involving internal and external stakeholders once every four years.
- Every subject at Durham College has a detailed subject outline that is made available to students during the first week of scheduled classes. The subject outline is a contractual agreement that defines the subject content and evaluation criteria. Once approved, subject outlines may not be altered except as defined in the procedure section of this document.
- Durham College provides students with the opportunity to review assessments after results have been released by the faculty member.
- Students, as members of the campus community, have both rights and responsibilities.
- The college encourages the development of knowledge, values, behaviour and attitudes that foster respect, integrity, accountability and trust among all members of the campus community.
- Students have the right to appeal decisions made by the college. The appeal process and procedure must be followed. The decision of the Appeal Committee is binding on all parties.
Financial implications
The financial benefits of complying with these policies:
- Students will be satisfied with their education and treatment at Durham College. They will recognize a positive return on their investment in their education;
- Satisfied students will result in improved KPI ratings, which in turn will result in increased government grants and the perceived value of a Durham College education;
- Satisfied students will improve the reputation of Durham College leading to higher enrolments;
- Community partners will benefit from high quality, job ready graduates; and
- Clear policies and procedures will diminish or reduce misunderstandings that lead to high cost resolutions.
Legal, human rights and equity implications
Students, staff, employers and the community have a right to learn in a quality, accountable and equitable environment. A safe and respectful learning environment will be maintained.
