Student Expulsion Policy

The Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) is committed to taking all reasonable steps to ensure the students have the opportunity to successfully complete their programs. FESTI has a commitment to ensure that within this general framework that all students are treated fairly and equitably. Students who do not support the academic and ethical goals of the College for themselves and their fellow students may be subject to penalties, up to and including expulsion.

In general, FESTI will attempt to resolve a situation without expulsion. Verbal warning, written warnings and suspension may precede this final and most serious of actions. Where FESTI deems the integrity, safety or wellbeing of students, staff, clients, visitors and other guests is in danger then expulsion may be applied at FESTI’s discretion at any point in the process.

In conjunction with this policy, FESTI will have to ensure that students receive and are aware of its code of conduct, its academic policy, and its attendance policy.

The following outlines the conditions under which a student may be expelled with cause:

(Where FESTI has specific policy in these areas, they may reference them. Where no specific policy exists, FESTI should provide sufficient detail to allow the student to comprehend the conditions that will result in expulsion).

1.    Academic Dishonesty – students may be subject to expulsion at the discretion of FESTI for academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is any word, action or deed performed alone, or with others for the direct or indirect intention of providing an unfair advantage or benefit to self or other student(s) including:

A.    Cheating
B.    Plagiarism
C.    Unapproved collaboration
D.    Alteration of records
E.    Bribery
F.    Lying
G.    Misrepresentations

2.    Outstanding Fees – failure to pay tuition or other fees due to FESTI is considered to be theft, and students who fail to remit outstanding fees may be expelled after written warning has been provided by FESTI and the student fails to comply within the stated parameters.

3.    Code of Conduct – all students are required to adhere to FESTI’s published code of conduct. Where the violations do not have the potential to result in physical harm to persons or property, FESTI may expel a student who has received suspension for failure to comply and has since violated any of the terms of FESTI’s code of conduct. Students who are found under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or carrying weapons will be subject to immediate expulsion.

4.    Significant Omissions or Errors in Admissions Documentation – FESTI has a responsibility to ensure students have been admitted in accordance with the registration requirements for the program. Students who knowingly or in error misrepresent their applications are subject to immediate expulsion.

5.    Academic Failure – students who fail to achieve the required academic standing in their programs may be expelled from the program. FESTI may at its discretion offer alternatives to a student.

6.    Attendance – students who do not achieve the required attendance as stated in the College policy are subject to expulsion.

7.    Harassment or Discrimination – FESTI does not condone harassment or discrimination of any student, staff, client or visitors to FESTI. Students participating in harassing or discriminatory activities are subject to immediate suspension pending investigation. Expulsion is mandatory for any student who is deemed by the investigation to have engaged in harassing or discriminatory activities.

In determining what constitutes harassment or discrimination, FESTI refers to The Ontario Human Rights Code. Students requiring more specific information may refer to the specific code as posted on the Provincial web site.

8.    Misuse of College Property – College property is for the provision of College services. Students who damage, misuse, steal or otherwise use the property in a way that is prohibited may be expelled and required to make restitution.

9.    Endangerment of Staff or Students – FESTI is committed to the right of all College staff, students, clients and visitors to be safe. Students who by action or neglect in any way endanger the safety of themselves or others may be expelled.

Prior to expulsion, depending on the severity and nature of the situation, FESTI may take intermediate steps at its discretion including:

A. Verbal warning
B. Written warning
C. Suspension
D. Expulsion

Notification

Students who are subject to expulsion for any reason will be notified in writing, either hand delivered or by registered mail with return receipt. FESTI is not responsible for non-delivery by registered mail if the student has not provided a valid home address where the student currently resides.

The notification will contain a description of the basis for expulsion and the effective date. Expelled students who dispute the facts of the expulsion must appeal the decision within three days of the notification following the complaints procedure of FESTI provided to the student and providing sufficient proof to support the complaint.

Students who file an appeal and are unsuccessful are considered withdrawn from FESTI. Further appeals must be filed through the Complaints process of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, provided the students are attending a registered program recognized as being protected under the Private Career Colleges Act 2005.

Fees 

A student who is expelled by FESTI will be considered withdrawn from their program on the effective date of the expulsion. FESTI will officially withdraw the student and settlement of the student’s account will be completed under FESTI’s Fee Refund Policy.

Return of Property 

A student who is expelled is responsible for the return of any College property in his/her own possession within 10 days and will be held financially responsible for any property not returned in good condition or as outlined in the student contract. However, FESTI may not deduct from a student’s fee refund, as set out in the enrolment contract, any amount owing by the student with respect to such property.

Printable Documents

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