Academic Sector Semester Completion Plan November 2017 Post-Secondary Programs Student Plan
Dear Student: Welcome back! The College Administration, Faculty, and Support Staff are looking forward to supporting you with the completion of a successful semester! In collaboration with student leadership teams, the College has developed a plan to help you successfully achieve your learning outcomes for the fall and winter semesters. You will find attached important information that will assist you in understanding the modifications moving forward. It is extremely important that you focus and work hard to achieve the learning objectives. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to College staff for assistance. Sincerely, Waseem Habash Vice President, Academic November 2017 Page 2
Fall Semester Completion Information Classes will commence on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. Student success is our number one priority. Assessments will not be scheduled during the first week after the work stoppage. This includes assignments, tests, projects, presentations, or any materials where student grades will be assigned. This will also include any work that was assigned prior to the work stoppage. Faculty are to provide a revised course syllabus to students during the first week back. Due to changes to the academic calendar, the College has committed that those students with prior travel commitments will be provided with optional dates for tests/exams/assignments/submissions. This is to support fairness and student success. Supporting documentation must be provided to the College as verification. All your final exams will now be scheduled between Tuesday, January 16 and Saturday, January 20, 2018. The College will be open during the holidays, December 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2017 to allow student access for support services. If needed, tutoring sessions will be provided during this time. Students in their graduating year will meet the necessary learning outcomes of their program credentials and will be workplace ready. Student progression will be based on: Demonstrated competencies and skills to meet the required Ministry learning outcomes; Substantial completion of the published College learning outcomes per the course outlines, which is consistent with existing course equivalency criteria and Ministry guidelines; Efforts will be made to accommodate all students. Learning facilities (labs, etc.) will be made available to students on evenings and weekends to the extent that safety and security will allow. Per course outlines, assessment quantity and frequency can be adjusted by faculty to support student success, e.g. reduction of the number of assessments in the semester to combine outcome evaluations. November 2017 Page 3
Operational Plan 1. Academic Calendar Revisions Please note the academic calendar for the fall semester has been revised: Fall semester classes have been extended to January 15, 2018, with exams taking place January 16 to 20, 2018. The winter semester will commence on January 22, 2018, and will be 13 weeks in duration. The winter semester will conclude as originally scheduled. March Break will take place as originally scheduled (March 12 16). The College will be open on December 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2017 to provide student support in preparation for exams. A revised summary of the fall and winter semesters is attached as Appendix A. 2. Academic Calendar Exceptions Academic calendars may be revised for accredited programs, accelerated program deliveries, and collaborative programs, which must be approved by the Chair; Associate Vice President, Academic; and Vice President, Academic on a case-by-case basis. 3. Program Learning Outcome Contingencies - Although not all Teaching Contact Hours will be recovered, all contingency plans at the program and course-level should be guided by the completion or coverage of program and course learning outcomes and required competencies. 4. Course Learning Outcome Contingencies Some courses may require additional hours. Should additional hours be required, you will be notified during the first week back to classes. 5. Course-Level Assessment Schedules Where possible, course-level assessment schedules will be amended to provide faculty and students adequate time to conduct the remaining course assessments. 6. Course-Level Assessment Revisions Where needed, assessment modes may be modified and re-weighted to serve approved program and course-level completion plans. 7. Mid-term Status Faculty will endeavour to provide you with your mid-term status as soon as possible. November 2017 Page 4
Appendix A Fall and Winter Semester Completion Plan Ac vity Classes Commence Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Semester End Date Monday, January 15, 2018 Exam Week Tuesday, January 16, 2018 to Saturday, January 20, 2018 Number of Weeks Added Back to Semester 4 weeks Fall Instruc onal Weeks (Including Exam Week) 14 weeks Holiday Break Date Grades Due January 22 and 23, 2018 End-of-Term Processes January 24, 25 and 26, 2018 Winter Semester Start Date January 22, 2018 March Break Yes (Week of March 12, 2018) with the exception of the Collaborative Nursing program, which is scheduled February 19th - February 23rd. Winter Semester End Date April 20, 2018 Winter Exam Week Monday, April 23 to Friday April 27, 2018 Winter Instruc onal Weeks (Including Exam Week) 13 weeks Grades Due May 2, 2018 End-of-Term Processes May 5, 2018 Start of Spring Semester May 7, 2018 Notes: The holiday break will commence on December 23, 2017 and students will return to scheduled classes on January 2, 2018. The College will be open on December 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2017 to provide student tutoring and support. Yes November 2017 Page 5