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Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students who register at the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution.

1. STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

  • A learning environment providing:
    • Respect and fairness from faculty, staff and fellow students;
    • Freedom from harassment; and
    • Preservation of student dignity.
  • Reasonable access to statements of policies, procedures and guidelines of the College and student organizations.
  • Reasonable and legitimate access to the College buildings and facilities.
  • Have the privacy of their student records protected and personal access provided in accordance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
  • Challenge the accuracy of an evaluation following the procedures outlined in the College’s Student Appeal Procedure.
  • Reasonable amount of student support.
  • Be informed of the requirements of their courses and programs. This should include:
    • A course outline.
    • Methods of evaluation.
    • A description of assignments and when they are due.
    • Attendance requirements.
  • Appropriate instruction/facilitation of learning in all courses.
  • Confidentiality of evaluations. Have assignments, essays, exams returned in a reasonable amount of time. The instructor will consult with the students if a delay is to be expected.
  • Expect reasonable access to faculty members for assistance with courses or academic problems.
  • Reasonable notification of class cancellations.

2. STUDENTS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO: 

  • Conduct themselves in a manner which reflects a positive image on FESTI in official and extracurricular events.
  • Attempt to resolve academic and personal problems by communicating with the appropriate personnel.
  • Observe nonsmoking regulations as posted.
  • Keep the College informed of their current mailing address and any change of name.
  • Familiarize themselves with course requirements.
  • Observe all health and safety procedures.
  • Maintain a satisfactory academic standing.
  • Be punctual and regular in attendance.
  • Students are also expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. In the event that a student fails to maintain his/her responsibilities and is suspected of academic or non-academic misconduct as defined below, he/she may be subject to the Student Discipline Procedure. Misconduct will include, but is not limited to:

2.1. Academic Misconduct, including;

  • Conduct disruptive to class.
  • Failure to follow program or course objectives Dishonesty in academic matters including cheating, etc.
  • Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
  • Cheating on examinations by the use of crib notes, unauthorized use of an electronic device, copying from another paper either before or during the examination, or by any other means.
  • Theft of examinations.
  • Deliberately allowing another student to copy one’s work.
  • Plagiarism including the submission of the work of others, published or not, in whole or in part without acknowledgement or proper documentation.

2.2. Non-Academic Misconduct, including;

  • Failure to obey College employees in the performance of duties.
  • Misuse of fire or safety equipment including signs and notices.Threatening to subject or subjecting any student, staff member or College visitor to physical or mental harassment, indignity, injury or violence.
  • Directing abusive language, indecent or libelous statements, unfounded allegations or statements harmful to personal dignity towards students, staff members or College visitors.
  • Violating the harassment policy of the College.
  • Irresponsible behavior on College premises.
  • Use/possession of illegal drugs on College premises.
  • Threatening to or damaging, destroying, or moving without permission, any College controlled property or property belonging to a student, staff member or visitor to the College.
  • Neglecting safety procedures or intentionally creating safety hazards.
  • Behavior which is unlawful.

3. STUDENT DISCIPLINE

3.1 General Statement:

Students who do not comply with College policies, regulations and procedures may be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the guidelines of this policy.

3.2. Preamble:

All students should conduct themselves in accordance with College policies, regulations and procedures. In cases where student misconduct occurs, discipline will be applied in a manner consistent with the Student Discipline Policy. Consistent application of this policy ensures that students are aware of the range of disciplinary actions that may be applied by the College.

3.3. Guidelines:

  • Any College employee has the authority to verbally warn a student. An instructor will send the student to visit the Chief Instructor who has the authority to suspend a student on a temporary basis if the student’s behavior warrants such action.
  • The Chief Instructor or designate shall, in consultation with Deputy Fire Chief have the authority to:
    • Place a student on disciplinary probation.
    • Require the student to withdraw from a course. Failure to meet conditions specified in the disciplinary letter shall result in removal from the program.
  • Instructors will be copied on written communications relative to disciplinary action as appropriate to the specific misconduct.
  • The Registrar will maintain the official file containing all written communications relative to disciplinary action.
  • A student who believes that they have been inappropriately reprimanded, placed on disciplinary probation, suspended or expelled may initiate an appeal in accordance with the Student Appeal Policy.

4. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS 

One or more of the following disciplinary actions may be imposed at the discretion of the College. No particular order need be followed.

  • Disciplinary Probation: The student receives written notification of the misconduct which will include specific written conditions and a time frame for the probation which must be met by the student if they wish to continue in the College. Students who meet the specific conditions within the specified time frame shall have the probation lifted.
    • Failure to meet the conditions shall result in a review of the case and may result in suspension from the College.
  • Mark Reduction: The student is subject to a mark reduction on an assignment or examination, or final grade.
  • Restitution: The student pays for damages incurred.
  • Suspension: The student is suspended from a program or the College for a specified period of time.
  • Expulsion: The student is expelled from the College indefinitely and shall be withdrawn from all learning activities.
  • Verbal Warning:    The student receives verbal notification of the misconduct and the implications of further misconduct. The student shall be permitted to continue in learning activities at the College.
  • Written Reprimand:    The student receives written notification of the misconduct and the implications of further misconduct. The student shall be permitted to continue in learning activities at the College.

5. STUDENT GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL 

5.1. General statement:

To provide guidelines for students who disagree with the actions of the institution.

Disagreements between a student and an employee of the College are normally resolved informally between the individuals involved or with the intervention of other College employees. Occasionally, this informal process is not effective and the student needs access to a formal process by which the disagreement can be resolved in a fair and unbiased manner. The Student Grievance and Appeal Procedure provides a formal mechanism for hearing grievances and dispute resolution within the college.

5.2. Definitions:

  • Grievance: A complaint lodged with the expectation for resolution.
  • Appeal: To formally challenge a disciplinary or academic action.
  • Disciplinary Action: Action(s) taken by the institution to discipline students who do not comply with College policies, regulations or procedures.
  • Balance of Probabilities: A standard of proof based upon the premise that the decision rendered will be in favor of the party that presents the position that has the greater probability of being true.
  • Student: An individual who has been admitted to a college program and paid registration fees and is currently attending classes.
  • Decision Maker: An employee of the college.
  • Supervisor: The term supervisor refers to a department head, Chief Instructor, Deputy Chief

5.3. Guidelines:

  • It is expected that most student concerns will be resolved informally by approaching the decision maker(s).
  • Students needing assistance with grievances or appeals may request help from Standards Officer.
  • The Standards Officer is available to offer guidance to all participants in the Student Grievance and Appeal process, including students, decision makers and their supervisors. The Standards Officer is responsible for the coordination and orientation of the Student Grievance and Appeal Panel and to ensure that the process for grievance and appeal is adhered to. In the event that the Standards Officer is unavailable, an alternate will be determined. A student who is appealing a disciplinary action shall not be subject to that disciplinary action until the appeal decision is final. However, if the Standards Officer and Dean/Manager deem that the student’s presence will compromise the learning environment and/or constitutes a safety concern, disciplinary action will proceed.
  • Timelines for appeal may be adjusted by the mutual consent of the student and the employee.
  • Where the grievance or appeal involves several students, they may take a group approach.
  • The student may invite a support person(s) to be present at any meeting or hearing in the student appeal process.
  • Strict propriety and confidentiality shall be observed regarding information received and discussions that take place.
  • In most cases, more information must be brought forward in order for the appeal to continue to the next level.

6. FORMAL GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCEDURES: 

6.1. Level One

  • The student(s) will provide a written and dated “Student Grievance and Appeal” form to the employee or designate within 4 working days of the decision being rendered.
  • The decision maker will meet with the student within one working day of receiving the Student Grievance and Appeal form from the student
  • The decision maker will complete the bottom half of the Student Grievance and appeal form, upholding or revising the original decision, with reason(s) and return a copy to the student within one working day of meeting with the student.

6.2. Level Two

  • If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, a further appeal to the Chief Instructor must be made within two working days as stated in the form.
  • The student will update the Student Grievance and Appeal form and deliver to the Chief Instructor outlining the basis for the appeal and the resolution sought.
  • The Chief Instructor will meet with the student within two working days following receipt of the form. A student support person/and or the decision maker may be asked to join the meeting.
  • The Chief Instructor will provide a written decision, with reason(s), within one working day of meeting the student.

6.3. Level Three

      If the student wishes to appeal the matter further:

  • He/she will meet with the Standards Officers for guidance within three working days as specified by the Chief Instructor in the completed form. Should the appeal go forth, the student will also prepare a report to be provided to the Student Grievance and Appeal Panel.
  • The Standards Officer will advise the student of the date, time and place of the hearing by the Student Grievance and Appeal Panel. The hearing will be convened no later than four working days after the student meets with the Standards Officer. All information pertinent to the case will be packaged and distributed to appeal participants.
  • A decision will be rendered in writing to the student by the Chair of the Panel within one working day of the hearing.

7. GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PANEL 

The panel will be composed of seven individuals – three students, two faculty, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief.

7.1. Conduct of Student Grievance and Appeal Panel:

  • If any member of the Panel is in a conflict of interest relative to a specific appeal, the member will disqualify himself/herself from hearing that appeal. The student has the right to challenge the bias of any Standing Member before the appeal procedure begins. In any cases of conflict of interest, or personal involvement in the situation, the replacement member(s) may be appointed by the Chair.
  • The Vice chair will act in place of the Chairperson in their absence.
  • Quorum will be two students, one faculty, one administrator and the chair
  • A simple majority of votes will prevail for voting purposes.
  • The chairperson is non-voting unless called upon to break a tie.
  • Panel members shall observe strict propriety and confidentiality regarding information received and discussions that take place.
  • The student appeal policy is an internal review process of the College and legal counsel is not allowed to attend meetings that are part of this process.
  • The standard of proof applied to decisions made by the Student Appeal Panel will be a balance of probabilities (see Definitions).
  • The official record will contain the final decision of the Student Appeal Panel as well as the completed Student Appeal forms.
  • The official record of student appeal decisions will be maintained by the Standards Officer for a period of five (5) years from the date the decision is communicated.
  • Members of the panel are prohibited from consulting or meeting with the student or employee/supervisors prior to the meeting.

8. GRADING SYSTEM 

8.1. General statement:

FESTI uses numeric values for reporting Academic grades. Practical testing is a pass/fail. Final grades will be indicated using numerics.

8.2. Guidelines:

The method that is used to determine final grades is mandated by our standards office. This method must be communicated by instructors to their students at the beginning of every course. Details must also be documented in the course outline.

9. SECURITY OF STUDENT INFORMATION          

9.1. General statement:

To protect the privacy of the student, the College must acquire written consent of a student prior to release of any personally identifiable information contained in the official student record. The College may release general statistical information to appropriate government agencies. Exceptions will also be made in emergency situations involving perceived danger to persons.

9.2. Guidelines:

  • No information regarding a student’s status or official academic record will be released by an individual other than the Chief Instructor.
  • The following information is a matter of public record and may be released by the Registrar’s Office without prior consent of the student:
    • Confirmation that a student is/was registered at FESTI
    • The dates of enrolment
    • The program taken
    • The diploma or certificate received
    • If other information is requested, it will only be released upon the written consent of the student.
  • Information regarding a student’s name and program number is provided on the Nominal Role is for the confidential use of the Instructor.
  • The Chief Instructor may exercise discretion in releasing information to law enforcement officials in situations that warrant release of information.
  • The College recognizes the privacy and the confidentiality of student’s records/files. Release of information contained in these files is subject to the following guidelines:
    • Upon request, the Registrar will provide students with the opportunity to view information on their student file.
    • Faculty and administrative officers of the college who have a legitimate interest in the material and demonstrate a need to know shall be permitted access to view the academic records of any student. (Such legitimate interest is presumed in the case of faculty members coordinating the student’s program, serving on committees of selection or appeals).
  • The official student academic record, supporting documents, and other student files are confidential and shall be the administrative responsibility of the Registrar.

10. ELECTRONIC DEVICE USE  

10.1. General statement:

To provide guidelines on the use of electronic devices (including cell phones, computers, calculators, iPods, etc.) during class time.

  • The use of electronic devices is prohibited in the classroom and exam rooms unless expressly authorized. Unauthorized use may result in confiscation of the equipment and/or disciplinary action.
  • Students will restrict their computer work to authorized use only in the classroom and exam rooms. Authorized use is dictated by coursework and instructor guidance. Unauthorized use includes checking email messages, playing games, blogging, and opening software that is not required at the time for the class or the exam.

11. ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY GENERAL STATEMENT:

To provide guidelines that reflects the underlying principles of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and to apply them in a manner appropriate to FESTI.

11.1. Definitions:

FESTI is committed to the protection of the privacy of those who work and study here. We adhere to the principle of freedom of information.

  • Personal information: Means recorded information about an individual, including:
  • The individual’s name, home or business address, home or business telephone number;
    • The individual’s race, national or ethnic origin, color or religious or political beliefs or associations;
    • The individual’s age, sex, marital status or family status;
    • An identifying number, symbol or other particular assigned to the individual;
    • The individual’s fingerprints, blood type or inheritable characteristics;
    • Information about the individual’s health and health care history, including information about a physical or mental disability;
    • Information about the individual’s educational, financial, employment or criminal history, including criminal records where a pardon has been given;
    • Anyone else’s opinions about the individual and the individual’s personal views or opinions, except if they are about someone else.

12. PROTECTION OF PRIVACY  

12.1. Collection and Accuracy of Personal Information

FESTI shall collect and record only personal information needed for the provision and administration of college programs and services. Every effort will be made to ensure that the information collected is accurate and complete.

 12.2. Use of Personal Information

FESTI shall not use personal information in its custody or under its control except:

  • For the purpose for which it was collected or compiled or for a use consistent with that purpose.
  • For statistical analyses.
  • If the individual the information is about has identified the information and consented, in the prescribed manner, to the use.

13. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION 

Disclosure of information means the release of information in a record to someone other than to the employees of FESTI.

14. RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF PERSONAL INFORMATION 

The College shall take reasonable precautions to protect the security of records containing personal information. Records are retained for a period of 5 years.

Click here for printable PDFs, and Student Grievance and Appeal forms

Click  for printable pdfs, and Student Grievance and Appeal forms.

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