Policy Primer for New Faculty

The following policies and procedures are a subset of the policies at Durham College that are more likely to directly affect faculty. Each policy is summarized below to provide a quick way to identify ones faculty may want to familiarize themselves with. All of the policies can be found on ICE and on the DC website.

Students and Marks

Aegrotat

A student who cannot finish their evaluation assignments for valid reasons can get a compassionate pass called AEG provided they meet certain criteria.

Grade appeals

A student can appeal a final grade starting with an informal process with their faculty and progressing to a formal hearing with an Academic Appeals Committee.

Grading and promotion

This policy sets out the basic rules around grades. It has the formula for the GPA and defines Incomplete/Complete, Withdrawal, Internal Credit, Audit, Exemption, Academic Probation, honour rolls, and the posting of grades.

Missed final examinations

A student can apply to defer/reschedule the writing of one or more final exam(s) during a single exam period.

Faculty Responsibilities

Accessible format course materials for students with disabilities

This policy describes the faculty responsibility to provide accessible materials for students registered with the Access and Support Centre (ASC) as part of an accommodation for their needs. Faculty collaborate with the student and/or their advisor.

Copyright fair dealing

The concept of fair dealing is defined in this policy as it pertains to the copyright act. It defines what can be used as teaching materials without seeking copyright permission.

Course outlines

This policy defines the scope of a course outline and the process to follow if changes need to be made once the academic year has begun. Course outlines are binding on students and faculty.

Learning management system usage

The LMS is DC Connect and is expected to be used by all faculty. Levels of usage may vary from course to course but the procedure defines the minimum threshold; News, Calendar, contact information, grade book, course outline, content. Faculty should seek to expand their use of DC Connect in providing feedback, course content and increasing student engagement.

Responsible conduct of research

This policy articulates Durham College’s commitment to promote and protect the quality, accuracy, and reliability of research and scholarly activity that creates opportunities for inquiry and enhances learning for students.

Student Responsibilities

Academic integrity

Academic integrity and academic dishonesty are defined and the process and consequences of violations are described in this policy. The process for investigation and penalties are outlined.

Student conduct

This policy provides a framework for addressing non-academic misconduct by students. It describes making a complaint, the investigation process, and possible resolutions, informal and formal.

Students at academic risk

The college provides academic support to students who, for a variety of reasons, may be at risk in their programs.

Credit Transfer and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Credit transfer

This refers to an acknowledgement of course credits at another institution or another program at the college.

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)

A student may possess the knowledge or skills taught in a course even though they haven’t taken a formal course in the topic. They can challenge a course and receive a credit for it. Whether or not a course is eligible for PLAR is indicated in the course outline