School, Department, and Program Policies
The following additional guidelines are important for students in the program.
SSW Program Guidelines
Centennial College policies apply to staff, faculty and students.
The following additional guidelines are important for students in the program:
Social Service Worker Program Academic Standing, Progression and Readmission
As per the Centennial College Academic Standings and Progression and Re-admission for Diploma and Certificates Programs Policy, the academic progress and standing of each student is monitored during and at the end of every semester of study. It is every student’s responsibility to keep track of their academic standing. If you fail a course you will have to take it again at an additional cost. Students who fail the same course twice are required to meet with their Student Success Advisor or Department Chair before they are eligible to repeat the course a third time.
Students who do not meet the minimum academic progression standard or are unsatisfactory in their academic progress will be informed of their standing and will be advised to receive academic advising from the program.
Continued unsatisfactory academic performance that does not meet School or program requirements will be subject to the following reductions in academic standing:
- Conditional Academic Standing (CS)
- Probationary Academic Standing (PB)
- Academic Suspension (AS)
- Withdrawal (AD)Please see more details here- http://www.centennialcollege.ca/printshop/academicpolicies.pdfStudents on Academic Suspension (AS) may apply for readmission to their program of study after two semesters following the date of suspension. Readmission is NOT guaranteed. If readmitted, the student will be placed on Probationary Academic Standing (PB).
Alternative Assessment
In consultation with the Chair or Dean, a faculty member or instructor may administer additional or alternative evaluations to fully assess the capability of a student to successfully complete the course.
Attendance and Participation
As adult learners you will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning. Courses are designed to focus on experiential learning which includes engagement in and contribution to direct learning experiences to enhance the development of knowledge, skills and values.
Do not expect your instructors to give you permission to miss classes. As adult learners, you are accountable for your decisions. The classroom is training for the field and professional conduct is expected. This includes demonstrating respect, courtesy and civility toward your classmates and instructors.
Note: Students requiring accommodation for medical reasons should register with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS), and are asked to inform their instructors of supports required at the BEGINNING of the semester, not midway through the semester. Accommodation plans must be negotiated at the beginning of every course, with each course instructor.
Classroom Protocol
We all learn and work better when we are with people we respect and who respect us. According to the Centennial College Student Code of Conduct students have the responsibility to: “behave in a manner that is consistent with an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment or hate and to refrain from any conduct which infringes on the rights of others.”
In order to provide an optimal learning experience students are expected to:
- Be present, punctual, and prepared for all classes.
- In the event of a missed class, obtain any handouts, class notes or materials distributed during that class from peers and/or via eCentennial.
- Submit assignments in class or via the eCentennial Assessment/Assignment Folders at the beginning of the class on the scheduled due date, unless otherwise specified by an instructor.
- Contribute to a positive and respectful learning environment.
- Demonstrate respect and civility in all written and verbal communication.
- Obtain permission from both faculty and students to record a class session.
- Comply with the Student Code of Conduct and all College policies which can be found on myCentennial.Confidentialiy.
- If you share personal information with us that relates to health, safety, or human rights issues, we may be required to report that information to the appropriate college authorities. In other cases, should we feel a need to consult with professionals regarding information you have disclosed to us we will usually seek your permission before doing so. Program faculty will discuss student performance and progress on a regular basis. We do this in order to provide the best service to each student.
Dropping Courses/Program Withdrawal
You can drop one or more courses without academic penalty before a certain date each semester. Please check the Calendar of Important Dates on the Centennial College website. After that date, if you decide to stop attending class, you will fail that course. If your workload is such that you are having trouble, or a personal crisis occurs, don’t just stop coming to class! Speak to a faculty member or your Success Advisor. Dropping too many courses may make you ineligible for Field Placement and will likely delay Diploma Program completion.
*If you are thinking about withdrawing from the Social Service Worker program, please speak with your Student Success Advisor first. We would like to offer support and ensure that you have an academic plan moving forward.
Email Policy and Professional Communication
Students will ONLY be contacted through their MyCentennial email account.
Students are required to communicate with Centennial College faculty and staff through their Centennial College email account. Please check your MyCentennial email on a daily basis, as important and timely communications may need to be received.
We strongly recommend that you check your email each morning that you have class scheduled. If a class needs to be cancelled by your instructor, he or she will communicate this through MyCentennial email.
Please note that failure to access your MyCentennial email account may result in a student missing important information and will not be considered an acceptable rationale for failing to receive official correspondence from the College.
Students are responsible for contacting the Centennial College Helpdesk at (416) 289-5000 ext. 5280 if they experience problems with their Centennial College email account.
Students are expected to communicate professionally by email, to professors, staff, fellow students and others at Centennial College. Your e-mail is as much a part of your professional image as the clothes you wear, the greeting on your voice mail and the handshake you offer. Professors who receive unprofessionally written emails will respond by asking for the email to be rewritten in a professional manner. This request is given in the spirit of college being a training ground for student preparation for gaining and retaining employment in the community service sector.
Examples of unprofessionalism in emails include:
· Spelling and grammar errors
· A blank subject line (all emails should have a subject line that is meaningful to the reader)
· Written in ‘text’ language (not full sentences, using abbreviations like lol, etc)
· No greeting (all emails should say “Hi John or Dear Mr. Smith etc)
· Negative or rude tone
Please note that disrespectful, aggressive and/or rude emails are considered a breach of the Student Code of Conduct and can result in disciplinary action.
Please see Acceptable Information Technology Use Policy here https://www.centennialcollege.ca/acceptableinfotechusepolicies.pdf
Students are expected to communicate professionally by email with professors, staff, fellow students and others at Centennial College. Your e-mail is as much a part of your professional image as the clothes you wear, the greeting on your voicemail and the handshake you offer.
Professors who receive unprofessional emails will respond by asking for the email to be rewritten in a professional manner. This request is given in the spirit of college being a training ground for student preparation for professional employment in the SSW sector.
Examples of unprofessionalism in emails include:
▪ Spelling and grammar errors
▪ A blank subject line (emails should have a meaningful subject line)
▪ Written in ‘text’ language (not full sentences, using abbreviations like lol, etc.)
▪ No greeting/salutation (emails should begin with a respectful greeting, such as “Hi Hasan,” or “Dear Jennifer,” etc.)
▪ Negative or rude tone (e.g. ALL CAPS and/or excessive punctuation!!!)
Please note that disrespectful, aggressive and/or rude emails are considered a breach of the Student Code of Conduct and can result in disciplinary action.
Grade Appeal
Students must follow the Grade Appeal Policy in order to appeal a grade – http://www.centennialcollege.ca/pdf/mycentennial/SC-GradeAppeals.pdf. Please complete grade appeal form prior to requesting an interview with the Department Chair.
Group Work
Much of the learning and assessment in the Social Service Worker Program includes working and collaborating in small groups. Group work can be challenging for all of us, as we strive to balance our individual ideas, preferences, goals, learning needs and standpoints with those of other group members, as well as with the group as a whole. The skills of interprofessional collaboration and learning are essential in all professions and fields of practice, and especially so in the community services professions. Working in groups helps students to develop essential personal, interpersonal and professional skills and offers the opportunity to experience and share diverse perspectives, roles and responsibilities. It is normal and expected that group members may experience conflict at times, and the faculty team is highly skilled in supporting students’ development of conflict management and resolution skills – and these skills are invaluable in achieving successful results in the busy and complex world of professional practice. While sometimes challenging, learning through group collaboration can be transformative.
Late Assignment Policy
Late assignments submitted without acceptable documentation or negotiated extensions are calculated at a 5% grade deduction per day late (including weekends).
Missed Tests and In-Class Assignments
Students who do not submit assignments by the required deadline, or students who miss in- class tests or in-class assignments, must contact their faculty as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) after the missed test/assignment to request alternate arrangements/ assignment extension. Failure to communicate in a timely manner (within 48 hours) could result in a grade of “0” on the assignment or test.
Students must provide written documentation to substantiate exceptional circumstances leading to missed tests/late assignments, and in order to be considered for make-up tests or extensions without penalty. Please note that students with a temporary or permanent disability can submit their private medical documentation directly to the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS), who will ensure confidentiality. The Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS) will then communicate the need for accommodation(s) to the faculty.
Please refer to the accommodation policies (http://www.centennialcollege.ca/sitesearch.aspx?q=accomodation+policy) for information regarding negotiated accommodation on medical, religious or family grounds.
Student Relations is available to advise students of accommodation supports and services including how to access these support services (http://www1.centennialcollege.ca/StudentRelationsOffice).
*Written documentation is required to support claims of exceptional circumstances, i.e. illness, family emergencies, etc., or prior negotiation of accommodation in collaboration with the faculty member and the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS).
Student Employment
Many students work while they are in the program. We understand that this is necessary for some to afford their education. Please remember that this is a demanding full time program. We will not excuse missed work or absenteeism due to employment. If this becomes an issue, please speak with the faculty or Student Success Advisor as soon as possible.
Test Rules
• You may not bring unauthorized materials into the room where tests are taking place.
• There will be no communication during tests except to clarify procedures with the instructor.
• Faculty reserve the right to assign seating at any point prior to or during the test.
• You may not leave the room and come back during the time of the test. Re-entering a classroom during a test once you have exited is prohibited. If you require accommodation for a documented medical reason, you must discuss this with the instructor/invigilator prior to the start of the test.
• If you arrive to write the test after one person has finished and left the room, you will not be allowed to take the same test.
• A student who arrives for a test more than 30 minutes after the test has commenced or misses a test due to exceptional circumstances shall be directed to the department to make an appointment with the Student Success Advisor.
• Students will remain seated during the first 30 minutes of the test.
• Any electronic devices, including, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other personal communication devices must be shut off and placed out of sight prior to the start of the test.
• Dishonest behaviour such as cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, misrepresentation and fraudulent activity is strictly prohibited and will be dealt with under the Centennial College Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy.
• Students who breach College polices will be subject to progressive discipline sanctions, including: meeting with individual professor, meeting with Department Chair, failing grade on the test, failing grade in the course, verbal warning, written warning, behaviour contract, temporary removal from the class.
Written Work and Assignments
All assignments must be typewritten. Handwritten assignments will not be accepted unless explicitly requested by the course instructor.
Students are responsible for keeping copies of all assignments and submitted documents: please ensure that you save print or electronic copies of all assignments and/or other documents prior to submitting them for grading. Note that students may be required to re- submit print or electronic copies of assignments/other documents. A minimum 24 hour notification period will be provided if students are required to re- submit print or electronic copies of academic written work/other documents. The ability to write well is a very important skill in Social Service Work. As a professional you will be expected to keep written records and documents, correspond with others and write reports. For these reasons, written work and assignments reflect an evaluation of your writing skills, including spelling and grammar. If you have difficulty writing and require assistance please contact the Centre for Academic English for free English tutoring – see http://www.centennialcollege.ca/student-life/student-services/centre-for-academic- english/.
Written work that has NOT been appropriately referenced will be considered a breach of the Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy. If you provide material to other students to be plagiarized or copied on an assignment, test, or exam, you are equally culpable and will be penalized with the same sanctions.
Please familiarize yourself with the Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy.
Assignments are to be submitted IN CLASS or in the eCentennial Assignment Folder before, or on the specified date and time as determined by the course instructor. You are also responsible to read assignment outlines and take responsibility for any clarifications that you require.
