Code of conduct for students

Preamble

Durham College is an adult educational institution mandated to provide life long learning and career-oriented education and training opportunities to students and clients. The college is a corporation established under the Charter for Community Colleges.

It is governed by the Board of Governors, which has the authority to conduct college affairs, including implementation of policies and procedures which affect members of the college community.

Implicit to this document and the Durham College Student Rights and Responsibilities procedures is the presumption that as adults, students are responsible for their actions and choices.

Upon enrolment all students are automatically bound by this code, as well as all other rules and regulations of Durham College.It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is fully aware of all academic and nonacademic regulations.

Definitions

Purpose

The purpose of this code is twofold:

1. The Code of Conduct for Students and the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedures make explicit expected attitudes and behaviours consistent with the values of Durham College.
2. Adherence to this code will also prepare students for the nonacademic behavioural expectations of future employers, consequently augmenting the mission of Durham College.

Policy statements

1. Students, as members of the campus community, have both rights and responsibilities. These are more specifically explained in the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedures.
2. Mission Statement
   Please refer to the web site at www.durhamcollege.ca to view the mission statement.
3. The Code of Conduct for Students and the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedures are expected to be adhered to:
   1. on all campus locations; and
   2. at all times when representing Durham College as a student.
4. The college encourages the development of knowledge, values, attitudes and behaviour that foster respect, integrity, accountability and trust among all members of the campus community.
   
   In order to ensure all members of the campus community benefit from this code, individuals are encouraged to use appropriate college procedures. (See "Policy and Procedures" section in the student handbook for additional information.)
5. As members of the college community students have a responsibility to:
   1. Respect the rights and freedom of all members of the campus community to work and learn without unreasonable or threatening disruption or hindrance;
   2. Be familiar with and obey the general law of the land;
   3. Know and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and all other regulations specified by Durham College and its campus partners; and
   4. Be knowledgeable of college regulations; ignorance is not a defence against disciplinary action.
6. Code of Conduct for Students expectations
   Students are expected to demonstrate at all times:
   1. Integrity
      1. Behave fairly and honestly with others;
      2. Complete college or college-related documents honestly; and
      3. Refrain from plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty.
   2. Respect for:
      1. Person(s)
         1. The physical and emotional well-being of others;
         2. The dignity and worth of all members of the campus community; and
         3. The rights of others to receive instruction and to use campus premises without unreasonable disruption, disturbance, hindrance or threats to their personal safety.
      2. Property
         1. Campus property and equipment (campus property includes all areas included under policy statement); and
         2. The personal property of all members of the campus community.
      3. Laws and regulations
         1. Know and comply with the law of the land while in attendance on all campus properties or clinical or field placement agencies;
         2. The general law of the land includes the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as other statutes and regulations including the Human Rights Code; and
         3. Know and comply with all Durham College and campus regulations.
   3. Accountability
      Students are expected to:
      1. Accept responsibility for their actions;
      2. Know and comply with all college regulations and program specific academic policies and procedures;
      3. Promptly identify any personal barriers to academic success and seek assistance from appropriate college staff;
      4. Demonstrate a constructive approach when attempting to resolve differences;
      5. Comply with college and/or field placement and/or clinical agencies expectations and objectives including for example: dress code; and
      6. Maintain regular and punctual attendance and comply with the objectives of Durham College and its educational partners.

Financial implications

Noncompliance with college values by some students may lead to an increased withdrawal rate by other, impacted students.

Misuse of college equipment may lead to needless costly repairs.

Legal, human rights and equity implications

All students h ave a right to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Abuse of the rights of others may lead to legal action.