S2 – Student Discipline

Owner: VP, Academic
Approver: Senior Academic Committee
Effective: January 3, 2023
Replaces: June 20, 2014

See the S2 – Student Discipline Procedures ›

1. Preamble

1.1

Red River College Polytechnic Students are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with College policies and procedures, and for acting in a manner that is respectful of other students, employees, contractors, visitors and the physical property of the College.

1.2

Unless otherwise specified, Student conduct that is in breach of College policies, including conduct that breaches behavioral expectations or Student academic or non-academic responsibilities, will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with this Policy.

2. Purpose

2.1

The purpose of this Policy is to set out the general process for reviewing alleged breaches of College policy by Students, and the disciplinary measures that will be imposed to address such breaches where they have been substantiated.

3. Application

3.1

This Policy applies to Students of the College, as well as employees of the College responsible for reviewing alleged breaches by a Student of their academic or non-academic responsibilities.

4. Definitions

4.1 Balance of Probabilities

Is the standard of proof in civil matters, such as a workplace or administrative investigation. It means that a set of facts is more likely than not to have occurred. A determination of a breach of College policy is made on the balance of probabilities (i.e., is it more probable than not that the alleged act was committed, based on the facts and evidence).

4.2 College Authority

Refers to the individual who has been given authority by the College to make certain decisions in the course of their duties. For example, in a disciplinary matter, the College Authority might be the Program Chair or Dean imposing discipline as a result of a finding of Student misconduct.

4.3 College Matter

Includes any activity, event, or undertaking in which Student participates, which has a substantial connection to the College, such as:

College-related activities or events, including but not limited to:
1. any activity or event on property owned or controlled by the College;
2. the leasing of space, including student residence rooms, on property owned or controlled by the College;
3. the offering of any service by the College, including educational services;
4. student experiential learning placements, practical, or clinical training;
5. College research activities, whether on or off any College campus;
6. social events or networking, where matters regarding the College or members of the College community are a significant focus of the activity;
7. College field trips, service-learning activities and similar activities.
Activities or events involving members of the College community, where the actions of those members of the College community may reasonably reflect upon or affect the College, including but not limited to:
1. writings, photographs, artwork, audio or video recordings, and/or electronic communications, including communications through social media, where matters regarding the College or members of the College community are a significant focus of the communication;
2. matters of off-campus conduct that have, or might reasonably be seen to have, an adverse effect on the proper functioning of the College or the rights of a member of the College community to use and enjoy the College’s learning environment.

For greater certainty, Students can still be considered to be engaged in a College matter even when they are not physically present on campus. This can include:

while engaged in remote teaching or learning, whether by video, phone, message board, internet chat or some other mode of communication;
when corresponding with other members of the College community including Students, faculty, or staff, whether by email or another method, electronic or otherwise (including social media);
when attending video meetings or calls with students, colleagues or staff;
when using online learning platforms;
at conferences or other off-campus events or meetings.

4.4

Discipline refers to a disciplinary action implemented by a College Authority in accordance with this Policy. Discipline may amount to punitive/corrective action or supportive action.

4.5

Student for the purposes of this Policy, refers to an individual who:

is a current Student at Red River College Polytech;
has previously studied at Red River College Polytech within the last 12 months.

5. Policy — General

5.1

Where it is alleged that a Student has breached their academic or non-academic responsibilities as set out in Policy S1 – Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, Policy S4 – Academic Integrity, Policy H1 – Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment, Policy G5 – Sexual Violence as it relates to a College Matter, or any other policy relating to student conduct, an appropriate review of the matter will be undertaken.

NOTE: Specific procedures for investigating alleged breaches of the Policy H1 – Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment and Policy G5 – Sexual Violence are contained in those policies. This Policy does not replace the procedures set out therein.

5.2

Students are entitled to procedural fairness at all stages of the review process, and in relation to any discipline imposed as a result of a finding of a breach of College policy. Procedural fairness is contextual and involves the following key components:

Notice: a Student whose rights are affected by a decision shall be informed of the matter;
Opportunity to be heard: the Student shall be given a reasonable opportunity to have their perspective heard and considered (in writing or orally, at the discretion of the decision-maker and in accordance with the Procedures);
Impartial decision-maker: the decision-maker shall act in a manner that is fair, unbiased and open-minded;
Reasons for decision: the Student shall be informed, in writing, of the decision reached, and the reasons for the decision.

5.3

The College Authority responsible for review the matter shall adhere to the principles of procedural fairness as set out above and shall comply with the Procedures associated with this Policy.

5.4

Upon determination that a contravention of College policy has occurred, the College may take disciplinary action as outlined in this Policy and associated Procedures. This does not preclude the initiation of criminal, civil or other legal charges initiated outside the College.

5.5

Red River College Polytechnic does not tolerate violent and threatening behaviour in our environment and will immediately respond to any such incidents and impose appropriate consequences. Removal from a course practicum, clinical course or other form of experiential learning activities, or removal from a program or the College campus will be immediate for violent incidents, or if the safety of College staff, students or any other community member is threatened. Incidents involving violence or threats of violence must be promptly reported to Security Services.

6. Responsibilities

6.1

Students, like all members of the College community, have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with all applicable College policies and for conducting themselves in accordance with said policies.

6.2

The College has the overall responsibility for ensuring an a safe, respectful, collegial and professional environment and for responding to Student conduct that is in breach of the community expectations as set out in College policy.

6.3

Various College employees have the authority under this Policy to make disciplinary decisions in accordance with the Procedures (“College Authorities”).