Academic Policies
Please see my.michener.ca for the following Academic Policies:
Academic Appeals
Academic Freedom
Academic Integrity
Academic Standing
Borderline Grades
Copyright
Copyright - Medical Radiation Sciences
Course Evaluation
Course Management
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
Distance & Continuing Education Examination/Invigilation
Guidelines for Curriculum Innovation & Approval
Instructional Equipment: Repair, Service, Maintenance, Rental, and Responsibility
Invigilation
Letter of Reference
Lost/Missing Assessments
Non Academic/Misconduct Appeal
Religious Accommodation
Transfer Credit
Tuition Fee Refund
Michener/Dalhousie Joint Program Policies
Transfer Credits
Academic Standing
Student Workload
Standards of Professional Behaviour
Commentary
The student's professional activities will be characterized by honesty, integrity, conscientiousness and reliability.
The student will recognize that his/her involvement in the health care system may put him/her in a position of power with patients. The student must not take advantage of this position to advocate for personal gain, values or beliefs.
Policy
Within Michener's programs, including clinical practice under supervision, students will, at all times, adhere to the standards of ethical behaviour for the profession as set out by the professional association Code of Ethics and the professional college Standards of Practice, where applicable.
Behaviours which are found to be in contravention of the standards of professional behaviour will be grounds for the requirement of remedial work, denial of promotion, or dismissal from the program. These standards do not replace legal or ethical standards defined by organizations or bodies such as the professional college and the professional association.
Procedure
The student will display skill at communicating and interacting appropriately with patients, families and colleagues, irrespective of race, gender, disability, political ideology, sexual orientation, religion or income.
The student will demonstrate:
- Empathy and compassion for patient and their families
- The ability to work harmoniously with the patient and all those involved in the promotion of her/his wellbeing
- Respect for the confidentiality of all patient information
- Professional independence, avoiding any compromise of professional integrity or conflict of interest
- Understanding of the appropriate requirements for involvement of patients and their families in research
- Recognition of the importance of self-assessment and continuing education
Behaviours that will be deemed unacceptable while registered as a student in a Michener program may include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Violation of the Criminal Code or Human Rights Code
- Failure to respect patients' rights
- Breach of confidentiality
- Failure to keep proper records
- Sexual impropriety with a patient
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while participating in patient care
- Acts of dishonesty such as plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation, theft and cheating
- Acts of willful damage to the property of the institutions and clinical affiliates
- Inappropriate conduct when dealing with a patient, leading to the patient's physical or emotional stress
- Unsafe practice/threatening behaviours which can be reasonably interpreted to jeopardize the safety of fellow students, faculty, staff and/or patients
- Any other conduct unbecoming of a practising health professional
Safety Precautions
Commentary
It is important for health care professionals to recognize potential hazards in the work environment and to develop safe working habits in order to protect their patients, their colleagues, and themselves. In all circumstances, common sense should prevail.
Michener safety rules are described in The Michener Institute Safety Manual. All full-time students receive this manual. Additional program-specific safety precautions will be included as part of the program content.
Policy
Food and beverages are not permitted in laboratories, the computer labs, the Learning Resource Centre, or the Anatomy and Physiology Resource Centre.
Laboratory coats are to be worn only in laboratories. They must not be worn in the cafeteria, Learning Resource Centre, or outside the building.
Contaminated coats must be changed immediately and disposed of as per the Decontamination and Disposal Procedures posted in the labs.
Shoes with full toe and heel or hospital duty shoes are compulsory in all laboratories.
Long hair must be secured so that it does not present a safety hazard. Heavy or dangling jewellery or loose clothing such as ties or scarves must not be worn when operating equipment with moving parts.
Safety goggles must be worn when working with solutions.
Students who wear contact lenses should wear glasses in laboratories involving the use of chemicals (liquid or volatile) and hazardous materials.
Procedure
Laboratory coats are available for sale in the University of Toronto Bookstore.
If you accidentally splash chemicals in your eyes or on your skin, rinse thoroughly with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and have the nurse contacted immediately.
If a visual problem is correctable only by contact lenses, the use of tight-fitting goggles and/or a face shield is recommended.
All chemical reagents are labelled with requirements for safe use.
Reporting of Incidents
Policy
Students who incur an injury or other medically related incident while at Michener must seek medical assistance immediately through the Health Nurse.
Students who incur an injury or other medically related incident while at a clinical site, including an incident that may place them at risk of acquiring a communicable disease, must seek medical attention after the patient's safety is ensured.
Procedure
Injury Incurred at Michener
The student will report the incident to the appropriate faculty member, who will file an incident report with Michener Health Services. The Health Nurse will follow up as required.
Injury Incurred at Clinical Site
The student will report the incident at the earliest opportunity to the clinical co-ordinator or delegate and to the occupational Health Nurse, where applicable. The clinical co-ordinator or delegate and/or the occupational Health Nurse at the site will inform Michener Health Services, where appropriate counselling and follow-up (including reporting to WSIB) will be provided if required. Incident reports will be forwarded to the Clinical Officer for review. A report will be filed in the student file with the Program Chair.
Incident report forms can be found on myMichener under Health Services.
Health and Safety
Commentary
Michener's primary purpose is the education and training of health care professionals. It is important that students enrolled in Michener programs/courses understand that there is a possible risk of exposure to communicable diseases. This exposure may occur when performing specific procedures (such as phlebotomy), or working with various types of specimens (including blood and body fluids), that may be used in testing procedures.
Policy
The conduct of all students and staff must ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. They will be given appropriate education, including procedures related to general infection control and precautions related to body substances.
Immunization
Policy
All students must meet Michener immunization requirements prior to the first day of classes. These requirements meet the immunization standards and associated health practices set forth in:
- The Public Hospitals Act 1990, Revised Statutes of Ontario, Regulation 965
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols published jointly by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ontario Medical Association and approved by the Minister of Health
- any future legislated changes to the Public Hospitals Act
Students are responsible for maintaining their immunizations while registered in Michener programs. This includes clinical placements.
Immunization Procedure
Once the completed Health Record and immunity blood test documents are received, it will be reviewed for completeness by the Michener Health Nurse. If necessary the student will be contacted for specific immunization requirements. Due to the nature of some of the immunizations, it is important that students start the required immunizations immediately. Students must complete the all the requirements prior to the start classes.
Students can receive immunizations through their family physician. It is expected the student incur all costs associated with immunizations.
Students are responsible for remaining current in their immunizations throughout the duration of their program. Students should ensure they have proof of their immunizations before beginning their clinical practicum. The Michener Health Nurse provides a clearance card once all medical documentation is received. Students who do not comply with immunization requirements will be unable to participate in any clinical practicum.
Strict confidentiality concerning the applicant’s state of health will be maintained.
Additional information on the Privacy Policy at Michener may be obtained by calling the Privacy Officer at 416-596-3101 or e-mail privacy@michener.ca
Specific Immunization Requirements
I. Tuberculosis
In accordance based on the above recommended guidelines, Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test) is required for all students, regardless of prior BCG inoculation.
Students are required to have a documented 2-step tuberculosis skin test done prior to the first day of classes. This can be done through a family doctor or walk-in clinic. You are required to have one TB skin test administered, and read 2-3 days later. If a negative result appears, a second TB test may be administered 1-3 weeks later.
Individuals who have a positive skin test are required to submit documentation of the results of a chest x-ray done within the current calendar year.
Students are required to have an annual TB skin test and submit documented proof when completed.
It is essential to have accurate baseline information at the beginning of your clinical placement, as this is the comparison that is used in the event of an exposure.
II. Hepatitis B
Students must have a Hepatitis B immunity blood test done to confirm the presence or absence of antibodies.
If the student is positive for Hepatitis B antibodies, the student is considered to be immune.
If the student is negative for Hepatitis B antibodies, the student is required to complete a series of three doses of vaccine in an attempt to induce seroconversion.
An initial injection of the vaccine is given immediately with subsequent injections of the mandatory 3-part series to follow 1 month and 6 months after the initial injection.
6 weeks after the last dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, students are required to complete a blood test to determine immunity and submit this blood test result to the Health Nurse.
III. Measles (Rubeola)
One of the following is acceptable:
- Persons born before Jan 1, 1970 in Canada are considered immune
- If born after Jan 1,1970: documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccines. One after the 1st birthday plus one booster dose
- Laboratory evidence (blood test) proving immunity
- If non-immune, requires 1 dose of MMR unless contraindicated
IV. Mumps
One of the following is acceptable:
- Persons born before Jan 1, 1970 in Canada are considered immune
- If born after Jan 1,1970: documentation of 2 doses of mumps vaccines. One after the 1st birthday plus one booster dose
- Laboratory evidence (blood test) proving immunity
- If non-immune, requires 1 dose of MMR unless contraindicated
V. Rubella (German Measles)
One of the following is acceptable:
- Persons born before Jan 1, 1970 in Canada are considered immune
- If born after Jan 1,1970: documentation of 1 dose of live rubella-containing vaccine
- Laboratory evidence (blood test) proving immunity
- If non-immune, requires 1 dose of MMR unless contraindicated
VI. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
One of the following is acceptable:
- Laboratory evidence (blood test) proving immunity
- If non-immune, requires 2 doses of chicken pox vaccines, given at least 4 weeks apart
VII. Tetanus/Diphtheria and Polio
- TdP booster is required every 10 years unless contraindicated
Communicable Diseases
Policy
All students are expected to be in a state of health such that they may participate in the academic program, including patient care, without posing a risk to themselves, to patients or others.
Students must comply with provincial communicable disease surveillance protocols developed under the Public Hospitals Act, Regulation 965.
During the clinical phase of programs, students are required to take part in the care of all patients assigned to their care. Patients may have various communicable diseases including Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Procedure
The student will initiate the immunization process upon acceptance into the individual program. Complete medical documentation must be submittes to the Health Nurse before the first day of classes.
Following admission, students with positive TB skin tests, students who do not develop immunity to Hepatitis B Virus after vaccination, and students with no immunity to varicella will be counseled by the Health Nurse. In addition, the Health Nurse will discuss the cases of students who test positive for Hepatitis B viral surface antigen with the Occupational Health Physician to assess the need for further counselling including that related to the ramifications regarding clinical practice.
Students may be asked to volunteer to participate in laboratory sessions involving practicing procedures on themselves and/or fellow students during the didactic portion of their programs. Students should inform Michener Health Services if they have health concerns that would preclude them from safely participating in such activities.
In some laboratory sessions, students may work with specimens supplied by external agencies such as Canadian Blood Services. These specimens have been screened for communicable diseases and are the safest specimens with which to work.
All students are expected to understand and adhere to infection control policies, including the principles of body substance precautions, when participating in the examination and care of all patients, regardless of the diagnosis.
If students are exposed to or contract certain diseases while working in health facilities, they will be required to follow OMA/OHA protocols as stated in the Public Hospitals Act. This may include providing body fluid specimens. Although health care workers are sometimes exposed to certain diseases, it is rare that a health care worker contracts a disease in the workplace.
Admitted applicants who are chronic carriers of Hepatitis B or C Virus, or who have contracted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, are required to inform the Health Nurse at the Michener Institute of their status. The Health Nurse will provide counseling and, as appropriate, will discuss the case with the Michener Institute Occupational Health Physician to establish the need for further counseling, including the ramifications of the infection on clinical practice.
Students who fail to meet these responsibilities may face sanctions under provisions of the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Michener students, as referenced on the Michener instranet, myMichener.
Attendance
Commentary
Michener believes that a student will make reasonable and informed decisions regarding his or her attendance in scheduled sessions. Attendance in lectures, laboratories and clinical education sessions is essential to the successful completion of programs of study. Both theoretical curricula, which may be presented in lectures and tutorials, and practical experience are essential to the development of effective clinical skills.
Each program provides learning opportunities to assist students in achieving the competency levels required of an entry-level professional. Achieving these levels of competency can be more readily achieved when a student participates fully in laboratory and clinical settings.
Policy
Attendance in all laboratory and clinical sessions is mandatory. Course outlines will identify the specific attendance policy.
Failure to attend scheduled laboratory and clinical sessions, except where supported with documentation of unavoidable cause, may result in the awarding of a failing grade for that course, and may result in termination from the program. Termination may occur at any point during the academic session.
Students who are in receipt of funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and are absent for four or more consecutive weeks will lose their eligibility for OSAP funding. For OSAP purposes, this is considered an OSAP withdrawal.
Procedure
When a student must be absent from laboratory or clinical sessions, that student must inform the designated program contact, or clinical co-ordinator or delegate in the case of a clinical absence. The student must inform the appropriate contact prior to 0900 hours on the day of the absence.
Student Evaluation
Commentary
The course outline will clearly indicate the requirements for a pass standing.
Policy
The final mark in each course is a composite mark reflecting the total course work, including assignments, projects, evaluations, and examinations (written, oral, and practical).
Procedure
The course outline will clearly indicate the requirements for a pass standing.
Remediation/Tutoring Services
Commentary
In the interest of supporting student success, Michener will make every effort to identify students who may be at academic risk and will assist in providing reasonable access to tutorial and other learning support services.
Policy
It is the joint responsibility of the program and the student facing academic difficulties to identify the need for remediation.
Procedure
The program will assess students in the course of the semester to determine academic progress. Faculty may approach students who are having academic difficulty or students may self-identify and approach either their program or Student Success for assistance.
Students deemed to be having difficulty in a course will meet with faculty to discuss remediation options.
The program and the student will create an action plan with defined timelines and goals.
The program may refer the student through Student Success for tutoring or other learning support services to address learning concerns. More information is available on MyMichener http://my.michener.ca/about/ss/index.php
If a student continues to experience difficulty he/she should consult with the Program Chair.
Examinations
Policy
Only students and invigilators shall be permitted into an examination room during an examination.
Procedure
Students must present a Michener photo ID in order to write examinations.
Students must arrive at the examination room at least five minutes before the commencement of the examination.
No student will be admitted into the examination room after 25% of the examination time has elapsed. Students arriving after the first 25% of the examination should refer to "Missed Compulsory Evaluations."
Students will not be allowed in the examination room after another student has left, regardless of the time elapsed.
Permission to enter an examination room after the commencement of the examination shall be at the discretion of the invigilator, regardless of the time elapsed or whether all students are still in the examination room.
If a student is late and is allowed to enter the examination room, the time allotted for completion and seat placement is at the discretion of the instructor.
Students will not be permitted to leave the examination room during the last ten minutes of the examination period.
Students will be informed as to what materials may be taken into the room. Materials not required for the examination must be placed in assigned lockers. Bags, books, notes, and any other hand-carried materials are to be deposited in areas designated by the invigilator and are not to be taken to the examination desk or table. (Handbags may be placed on the floor under the chair or in a location designated by the invigilator.)
Programmable calculators are not permitted into the examination room.
Cellular telephones, pagers, and other communication devices are not permitted in the examination room.
The invigilator has the authority to assign seats to students.
Students shall not communicate with one another in any manner whatsoever during the examination.
Students shall answer examination questions according to instructions provided on the examination papers.
The invigilator will announce the conclusion of an examination, whereupon all writing will cease. The invigilator may refuse to accept the papers of students who fail to observe this requirement.
Examination papers or materials issued for the examination shall not be removed from the examination room without the authority of the invigilator.
Eating or drinking is not permitted in the examination room.
A student found to have committed acts of plagiarism, impersonation, or cheating will be terminated from their program and from Michener.
A student who is found to be in violation of any of the examination regulations listed above will be asked to leave the examination room and may be assigned a grade of "F" for that examination.
Examination Scheduling Policy
Policy
Final examinations will be scheduled at the end of semester during a period of up to 9 days following regularly scheduled classes
A maximum of two examinations per 24-hour period will be scheduled.
Some programs schedule a composite set of examinations, held during a single day. These are designed to prepare students to sit certification examinations.
Procedure
The format of final examinations is stated in each course outline.
Examinations may be scheduled on weekends during the examination period.
It is every student's responsibility to immediately inform the Program Chair of any conflict/concerns s/he may have with an exam schedule, including the need to reschedule to accommodate for religious observance.
Missed Compulsory Evaluations
Commentary
The term "compulsory evaluation" refers to any assignment, project, laboratory exercise, clinical evaluation, or examination where the mark allotted to that evaluation forms 5% or more of the final course grade.
Policy
A student who is absent from or is late for a compulsory evaluation may receive a mark of zero for the evaluation. Michener provides a procedure to upgrade the mark in certain instances.
Absence from evaluations that contribute less than 5% of the final course mark will result in a mark of zero for that evaluation.
Procedure
Students who are late for, or who do not attend, a compulsory evaluation due to unavoidable cause must:
- Submit documentation of unavoidable cause to the course instructor as soon as is reasonably possible and no later than two working days after the evaluation date, or upon first day of return if later than that.
- Make alternative arrangements with the course instructor to:
- Take an evaluation at another time
- Be awarded a mark based on a special assignment
- Have the mark omitted from the calculation of the final grade for the course
Unavoidable cause generally includes:
- Serious illness or injury, supported by a medical certificate. An acceptable alternative to a doctor's certificate may be a consultation with and note from the Michener Health Nurse.
- Death of a member of the immediate family
- The determination of unavoidable cause is at the discretion of the faculty member in consultation with the Program Chair.
Grades
Policy
Final grades for each course are expressed as a numerical and letter grade and as a grade point, or a pass/fail grade.
Grades are not released to students who have not fully paid the required tuition/residence fees, owe money to Michener (including fines owed to the LRC), or who have not returned Michener equipment or resources.
Procedure
The final marks achieved for each course are entered onto the student's record in Student Services.
Student Services prepares individual student grade reports showing achievement by course. The grade report is not an official transcript.
The grade report is mailed to each student within two working days of the approval of final grades. Letter grades can also be viewed through IQ Web, Michener's interactive on-line student information system.
Grading Scale
Alpha Grade |
Percent Grade |
Grade point |
Standing |
A+ |
90-100 |
4.0 |
Exceptional |
A |
85-89 |
4.0 |
Excellent |
A- |
80-84 |
3.7 |
Excellent |
B+ |
77-79 |
3.3 |
Very Good |
B |
73-76 |
3.0 |
Very Good |
B- |
70-72 |
2.7 |
Good |
C+ |
67-69 |
2.3 |
Good |
C |
63-66 |
2.0 |
Satisfactory |
C- |
60-62 |
1.7 |
Marginal Pass |
D+ |
57-59 |
1.3 |
Fail |
D |
53-56 |
1.0 |
Fail |
D- |
50-52 |
0.7 |
Fail |
F |
0-49 |
0.0 |
Fail |
WF |
Withdrew/Fail |
W |
Withdrew |
EQV |
Equivalency Awarded |
PASS |
Achieved Competency |
FAIL |
Failed to Achieve Competency |
SP |
Passed based on Supplemental |
SF |
Failed Based on Supplemental |
INC |
Incomplete |
AEG |
aegrogat Standing |
AUD |
Audit |
Grade Reporting Procedures
Policy
All final grades are submitted to Student Services, who issue grade reports. Final grades are unofficial until they are approved by the Registrar.
Procedure
Course grades will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the Program using approved grade-reporting forms. Grades will be submitted no later than 10 working days after the date of a final examination, or 10 working days after the last scheduled class of a course that has no final examination.
For all fall semester courses, course grades will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the third day of the winter semester.
The Program Liaison will inform a student who receives a failing grade in a course within one working day of receipt of final grades by the Office of the Registrar.
A student who passes a supplemental examination that constitutes the sole grade for a course will receive a final grade of SP, with an associated grade point of 1.70 in the course. The passing grade for a supplemental examination will normally be 60%. Some supplemental evaluations may be for a portion of a final grade. In such cases, the final grade is calculated by including other term evaluations and noted on the transcript as the calculated mark, followed by (S).
The final grade awarded for a course in which a failed supplemental examination was written will be SF (0.00 grade point).
Other Grades
Policy
A grade of "INC" is assigned for a course when the session work or final examination is not completed based on documented unavoidable cause.
See Missed Compulsory Examinations
See Extensions in Clinical Courses
Aegrotat standing is a pass standing without an associated final grade.
No formal evaluation will be given for audited courses.
Procedure
The student and Program Chair will determine the conditions for clearing the "INC" grade.
A grade of "INC" will become a final numeric or pass/fail grade after 30 days or it will be changed to "F".
Aegrotat standing (AEG): A final grade of "AEG" may be awarded based on course activity completed to date and documentation supporting exceptional circumstances.
Audit status (AUD): A standing of "AUD" will be assigned for a student who audits a course.
Promotion
Commentary
The usual pass mark is a minimum grade of 60% (C-) in each course or a value of "Pass." Some courses require a higher level of achievement (refer to the course outlines provided at the beginning of each semester).
Policy
To pass, a student must achieve a final mark at or above the indicated pass mark in the course outline.
Students must pass every course in the current semester in order to proceed to the next semester in the program.
Students must pass all courses required in order to graduate. (See Readmission to Program.)
Supplemental Grading
Policy
A student may be provided an opportunity to improve a failing grade through an examination rewrite, extension of a clinical phase, or some other evaluation procedure.
A supplemental passing grade is the minimum pass for a course.
Procedure
Supplemental privileges are awarded at the discretion of the Program Review Committee. Students may appeal the decision to not grant supplemental privileges via the Appeal process.
An "SP" is awarded for successful completion of clinical supplemental activity.
Successful completion of supplemental activity for theoretical courses will be awarded the minimum pass grade for the course, followed by an "S."
A grade of "SF" will be assigned as a course grade based on supplemental activity resulting in a failing grade.
Supplemental Activities
Commentary
Students should begin to prepare for supplemental evaluations as soon as they are aware of the failing grade.
Policy
A student may be granted the opportunity to participate in supplemental activities to improve a failing mark. Course grades based on supplemental activity are final and cannot be appealed unless the grading practices or academic regulations of Michener have not been followed or there are extenuating circumstances at the time of the supplemental evaluation. In such cases, a student will request an Appeal through Student Services.
Procedure
The issues considered and the rationale for granting the supplemental activity must be clearly documented by the Program Review Committee and submitted to the Registrar's Office.
Supplemental examinations are prescheduled. The schedule is distributed to students at the beginning of each academic year.
If a student is not granted a supplemental, he/she may appeal the decision or the failing grade via the Appeal Process.
Extensions in Clinical Courses
Commentary
Extensions in clinical courses are usually the outcome of remediation and are discussed with students prior to being arranged.
Policy
Extensions to clinical placements may be possible to ensure that students have met all necessary competencies to graduate. These extensions are not covered by the tuition fees for the clinical semester and additional fees will be invoiced.
Procedure
The Clinical Liaison Officer will discuss the extension with the student and assist with the arrangements.
For extensions up to four weeks, there is no additional charge; for five to eight weeks, students will be invoiced $200 per week; for nine weeks to a full semester, the student will be invoiced for the total semester.
Academic Misconduct
Commentary
The Michener Institute believes that the development of self-discipline and acceptable standards of academic honesty are important aspects of the learning process. Individual students must assume responsibility for the measure of discipline and academic honesty appropriate to their role as students in a health care profession.
Policy
Plagiarism, impersonation and cheating are considered acts of academic dishonesty and will result in termination from the program.
Plagiarism is taking, using, and submitting the thoughts, writings, etc., of another person as one's own.
Impersonation is the act of representing or being represented by another person during any evaluation, examination, or assignment.
Cheating is an attempt to gain an inappropriate advantage in an academic evaluation. Examples of cheating are:
- obtaining a copy of an examination before it is officially available,
- copying another person's answer to an examination question during the examination,
- consulting an unauthorized source during an examination,
- bringing an unauthorized source specific to the subject into an evaluation.
Procedure
Written assignments will follow the Michener standard for referencing: the Vancouver or APA Style. The choice between the two styles is at the discretion of the course instructor. These referencing styles can be obtained through the Learning Resource Centre.
Incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to the Program Chair. The Chair will review the information and documentation relating to the alleged act. In the event that termination is deemed appropriate, the Chair, in collaboration with Student Services, will notify the student in writing of termination no later than three working days after receiving the report of the incident.
A student will have the opportunity to appeal the termination decision to the Academic Appeals Committee.
Harassment
Commentary
The Human Rights Code prohibits harassment on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, handicap, or record of offences. Notwithstanding the existence of this policy, every person has the right to seek assistance from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or conduct related to one or more of the prohibited grounds that has the purpose or effect of creating an environment that is intimidating, humiliating, hostile, demeaning, or uncomfortable, and any implied or expressed condition or promise for complying with a sexually orientated request.
The harassment policy is in effect regardless of the location of an incident. Michener recognizes that there is the potential that its students may be subjected to harassment while at their clinical training site. Michener requires its clinical affiliations where students are placed to have a harassment policy in operation, and acknowledges its responsibility to do all in its power to support and assist a student subjected to such harassment.
Policy
Harassment is prohibited in Ontario by the Human Rights Code and is illegal.
Each member of Michener and its community is liable for his/her own actions and has an obligation to prevent or discourage harassment and to know and understand this policy.
Individuals found to have engaged in conduct constituting harassment will be subject to progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Procedure
Michener encourages the reporting of all incidents of harassment, regardless of who the offender may be. Any individual who believes a student or colleague has experienced or is experiencing harassment, or retaliation for having reported harassment, should report it. The Senior Management Team will investigate every formal written complaint, and may strike a committee to carry out the investigation.
Confidentiality
Michener understands that it may be difficult to come forward with a complaint of harassment and recognizes a complainant's interest in keeping the matter confidential, possible, especially when disciplinary action is to be taken.
Individuals are responsible for:
- being aware of the policy and its content.
- making it clear to the person responsible for the harassment that the behaviour is offensive and unacceptable.
- seeking advice from the Health Nurse when the complainant does not want to bring the matter directly to the attention of the person responsible, or where such an approach is attempted and does not produce a satisfactory result.
Do not ignore harassment, thinking that it will go away. Ignoring the behaviour could imply consent.
Actions
Where the complainant and the Health Nurse agree that the conduct in question does not constitute harassment as defined in this policy, no further action will be taken and no record will be kept on file.
Where the complainant brings evidence of harassment but does not wish to lay a formal written complaint:
- the complainant may ask the Health Nurse to speak to the person concerned
- if the Health Nurse decides the evidence requires the laying of a complaint, the Health Nurse will issue a formal written complaint and follow the appropriate steps (even if the decision is contrary to the wishes of the complainant)
Where the complainant decides to lay a formal written complaint, the Health Nurse will:
- assist the complainant to write the formal complaint
- provide copies of the complaint to both parties
- immediately file the complaint with the Senior Management Team
- advise the person against whom the claim was laid that he/she has a right to be represented by legal counsel or other person of choice at any stage of the process
- if the complainant agrees, set up a meeting with the person against whom the complaint is laid, with the view to obtaining an apology or such other resolution as will satisfy the complainant; the Health Nurse will advise both parties that, even if the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the Senior Management Team is obliged under this policy to pursue the investigation and to take whatever disciplinary action is appropriate
- place a copy in the student or personnel file of the person against whom the complaint is laid. These records will be maintained for three years unless new circumstances dictate that the information should be kept for a longer period of time.
In a finding where the complaint of harassment is not proved, all record of the complaint shall be removed from the student or personnel file and destroyed.
Sexual Harassment
Commentary
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex. It is offensive, degrading, and threatening.
Sexual harassment occurs in the behaviour by men toward women, between men, between women, or as behaviour by women toward men. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any educational situation, employment, or business dealings conducted by Michener.
The sexual harassment policy is in effect regardless of the location of an incident. Michener recognizes that there is the potential that its students may be subjected to harassment while at their clinical training site. Michener requires its clinical affiliations where students are placed to have a harassment policy in operation, and acknowledges its responsibility to do all in its power to support and assist a student subjected to such harassment.
Policy
Sexual harassment is prohibited in Ontario by the Human Rights Code and is illegal.
Each member of Michener and its community is liable for his/her own actions and has an obligation to prevent or discourage sexual harassment and to know and understand this policy.
Individuals found to have engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment will be subject to progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Procedure
See Harassment.Threatening or Violent Conduct
Commentary
Michener is committed to providing a learning and a working environment in which all students, staff and members of its community are treated with respect and dignity. Each person has the right to learn or work in a professional atmosphere that is safe and free from any behaviour that can be reasonably interpreted as violent, harassing or threatening.
Policy
A student whose behaviour can be reasonably interpreted as violent, harassing or threatening will face disciplinary action up to, and including, termination from the program and Michener.
Procedure
The incident will be reported to the Program Chair, who will review all information and documentation relating to the alleged act. If termination is warranted, the Chair, in collaboration with Student Services, will notify the student in writing of termination no later than three working days after receiving the report of the incident
A student will have the opportunity to appeal the termination decision to the Academic Appeals Committee.
Grade Reassessment
Commentary
All final grades are reviewed by the Program Review Committee to ensure accuracy in the marking of final examinations and in the calculation of the composite mark.
Policy
A student may formally request a reassessment of a final course mark.
Procedure
It is the student's responsibility to discuss any discrepancy regarding final marks with the course instructor immediately upon receipt of the marks. If the student and instructor are not able to resolve the disputed course grade, the student may appeal the grade via the academic appeal process.
Termination from the Program
Policy
A student may be terminated for the following reasons:
- Academic failure - see Grades
- Unethical, immoral, threatening, violent, harassing or unprofessional behaviour (see Threatening or Violent Behaviour; see also Standards of Professional Behaviour)
- Plagiarism, impersonation, or cheating (see Academic Misconduct)
- Possession or use of illegal drugs or intoxication by alcohol or drugs during class or clinical hours (see Standards of Professional Behaviour)
- Exhibition of inappropriate conduct when dealing with a patient (see Standards of Professional Behaviour)
- Exhibition of unsafe practice in the classroom, laboratory, other Michener facilities, or clinical sites, which jeopardizes the safety of fellow students, faculty, staff, and/or patients (see Standards of Professional Behaviour)
- Theft or willful damage by a student to Michener property or its affiliates
Michener reserves the right to refuse future admission to any student who is terminated.
Withdrawal from the Program
Policy
A student may withdraw from the program without academic penalty prior to the midpoint of a semester. After the midpoint of a semester, a student will receive the grade WF (withdraw failing) for all courses in the semester.
The effective date of withdrawal is the date the withdrawal form is received and date-stamped by Student Services.
A student who stops attending classes and clinical education, without completing an official withdrawal form, will be considered withdrawn from the program and will receive a failing grade for each course in that session. No tuition refund will be considered.
For students in receipt of funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), the Student Services Office will notify the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of all withdrawals.
Procedure
A student who wishes to withdraw from the program must contact the Program Chair prior to formalizing the decision, to ensure that all alternatives are considered.
An official withdrawal form, available in Student Services, must be completed, signed by the student and the Program Chair, and submitted to Student Services.
An exit interview will be arranged by Student Services.
The withdrawal form initiates a refund, where applicable. For students in receipt of OSAP funding, refunds will be issued to the student's lending institution.
Students wishing to withdraw due to extenuating circumstances should refer to the Leave of Absence policy.
Readmission to Program
Policy
A student who has failed the program may apply once for re-admission to the program.
Procedure
A written request for re-admission must be submitted to the Program Chair. The Program Chair will review the written request and advise Student Services of the decision.
If re-admission is granted, the Program Chair and faculty will determine with the student the courses necessary to achieve success in the program. Normally, the student will receive credit for all courses in which pass standing was achieved within the immediately preceding three years. In cases where a course curriculum or a program curriculum is substantially different from a previously completed course or curriculum, equivalencies will be determined. Credit may not be given for the previously completed course if no equivalency exists in the new curriculum. All failed courses must be repeated. Repetition of clinical courses may be deemed necessary to maintain clinical skills and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
A student who fails Semester I must apply for re-admission to the entire program. The application will be considered together with all other applicants to the program.
A student who interrupts his/her studies or has been denied permission to proceed in Semester I by Michener is subject to the current admission requirements for the program and the current curriculum for the program.
Students in courses in part-time programs who have passing grades must apply for readmission to the program.
A student who fails Semester II or subsequent semesters must apply for re-admission within four months. A student will only be considered for re-admission if space is available within the program.
Requirements for Graduation
Commentary
A student owing fees or other debts to Michener is neither eligible to graduate nor to sit any licensing exams and will not be issued an official transcript.
Policy
A student must pass all courses with 60% or better, receive a "Pass" in all clinical placements/rotations, satisfy the 50% residency requirement, and have paid all monies owing to Michener.
Residency Requirement
Policy
At least fifty percent of a student's program credits must be completed at Michener to graduate.
Distinction Standing
Policy
A graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 (80%) or greater, who has had no supplemental activity in courses, and who has received a "Pass" without extensions or supplemental activity in all clinical courses will be awarded Distinction standing upon graduation.Transcript Information
Emergency Closures or Cancellations
Commentary
For the purposes of this policy, an emergency or crisis is an event that:
- threatens to cause or has caused substantial personal injury or distress, property damage to Michener, its students or staff
- requires that the Michener community be quickly and properly informed about events which may substantially disrupt the normal business operations of Michener
- includes severe weather conditions
Policy
The consent of the President or her/his designate is required to release staff/students or to close Michener.
Procedure
If staff members or students become aware of an emergency situation that warrants the closing of Michener, they must advise the Office of The President or his/her Vice President designate, who will assess the situation and issue any further instructions to senior management that are deemed necessary.
In the event of an official closing of Michener, the Vice President, Administration, or designate will take the following steps to ensure that the staff, students and the community are informed of this decision:
- Michener security will be notified at 416-596-3101
- Notice of the closing will be recorded on 416-596-3101
- Michener will arrange to broadcast the closing, starting at 6:00am to CFRB 1010, CFTR 680 News, Mix 99.9FM, CBC Radio 99.1FM, CityTV and CablePulse 24
The Academic Polices were accurate at the time of printing. The Michener Institute reserves the right to change these policies, and will formally notify students of any and all changes.
