Program Handbook. Paralegal Program Academic Year 2015/2016

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Program Handbook

Paralegal Program

1297

Doon Campus

School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Conestoga College

Academic Year 2015/2016

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga

Student Guide

This document can be found on the program shell of eConestoga and the program specific page online.

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Paralegal Program Handbook 2015-2016

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Program Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

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Welcome

To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Your Bridge to Practice

What Can This Mean For You?

The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be. The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for

the day when you will be in these real-life situations.

A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the school. You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues.

An opportunity to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities, social and study spaces in our Cowan Health Sciences Center, as well as other unique learning resources

such as the Motz Emergency Service Bays in the WREMS Station and the Child Development Centre on the Doon Campus

Your goal of being viewed by employers as a “preferred graduate” is up to you; your professors, technologists, administrative staff and college services look forward to

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vii Letter to Students

Dear Paralegal Student:

Welcome. Congratulations on being accepted into this program and for taking this important step towards becoming a licensed paralegal. You will find this program to be fast-paced, and strongly focused on your career of choice. Our academic and skills requirements are high, but if you apply yourself, you can be successful and prepare yourself for a rewarding career. Some of you will need to do extra work if you don’t have a legal studies background but with serious application I know you can be successful.

This program has been very carefully designed and updated by Conestoga College faculty acting under the legal academic guidance of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and with input from our Program Advisory Committee, to prepare you for a paralegal career. There’s a reason for each of the elements of your program map, which describes your professional learning journey, so start applying yourself from the start. Think of yourself not as a student, but as a paralegal in training. Start asking yourself – Why is it important for a paralegal to know this?

You have a very strong group of faculty teaching in this program. If you have any questions, please ask your faculty or Program Coordinator, Gurpreet Gill. You will find them to be very well informed and able to provide you direction.

On behalf of the entire Paralegal Program faculty, we welcome you and I hope you find this to be a rewarding and enjoyable program. Welcome and I hope you have an enjoyable and successful year.

Sincerely,

Marlene Raasok, Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services Janos Botschner, Chair, Community Safety

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Top Five Expectations of You

1. Use MyConestoga To Connect To:

Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, [email protected])

• This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it

regularly and respond as requested. eConestoga: (Desire to Learn)

• This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based

communication with your faculty.

• Make eConestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity.

Student Portal:

• Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.

Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to “Services” and find “Practicum Services Link”)

• Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your

practicum.

2. Know and Plan Around Your Academic Schedule With Your

Family

Course Schedule:

• Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind.

• Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work place schedules).

• Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your Program Coordinator).

The Academic Year has critical dates: please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next

semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the

Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.

Fall 2015 Dates Winter 2016 Dates

Fall Orientation Week Aug 31 – Sept 4 Winter Orientation January 4

Fall Semester Classes

Start September 8 Winter Semester Classes Start January 5

Study Week February 15-19

Last Week of Semester December 14-18 Last Week of Semester April 18-April 22

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Top Five Expectations of You

3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One

Civility, respect, and professional behaviors will be key to the quality of your learning experience—

and a future employer's first and lasting impression

Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations for your program. The college’s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community at Conestoga.

Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information in the Student Portal)

Social Media: Use responsibly –don’t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook)

4. Attend To Enhance Success

Please Review Attendance Expectations in See Section four of the Handbook: Attendance for class, labs and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional.

Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible for a repeated evaluation.

Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester

5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status

Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program withdrawals, go to the Registrar’s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator.

Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.

Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation

agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more information.

Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page.

Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures Student Affairs Polices & Procedures: May be found at the Student Affairs page.

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Top Five Resources for You

1. Your Teaching Team

Contact Information: Is posted on eConestoga and in your Handbook (Section two in the Handbook)

Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired resource is available.

Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days.

Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team (contact information in Section two of the Handbook)

2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs

College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational goals—for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues, family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your College success. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. To make an appointment, visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the counselling services website for more

information.

Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454

Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment.519-748-5220 ext. 3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.

Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to finance your post-secondary education.

CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga students.

Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their

website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site.

Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom and computer labs.

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Top Five Resources for You

3. Accessibility Services

Students with Documented Disabilities are encouragedto book an appointmentwith Accessibility Services to access accommodations –EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information.

Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities:

Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped –accessible washrooms are located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on adaptive technology aids.

4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports

Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing)

Student Lounge Space –Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging stations are located throughout these areas.

Student Meeting Room Space—Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18 and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs.

General Access Computers and printersare located in two areas: • 1st_{Floor –in the student lounge area with photocopier} • 2nd_{Floor—at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area} Open Access Lab –2nd_{Floor, 2F18.}

This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist.

Lockers—available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so that you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click here.

Information Technology-- New ITS HELP DESK—1st_{Floor Ewing (provides supports & general}

assistance with College-related needs such as email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless printing. Go to the Web IT Service Deskfor more information.

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Top Five Resources for You

5. Services for Students

Library Resource Centre: Located on 2nd_{Floor B Wing; Go to the}_{Library Resource Centre}_{page for}

more information.

International Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to you.

Learning Commons: Your ONE-STOP resource for academic services and resources, such as Math, Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through MyConestoga.

Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page orConnect to MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record.

Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries—apply early to increase your chances.

Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for your program, general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1.

Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out the Co-op and Career Services site for more information.

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Paralegal Licensing Process

Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) requirements

Each student is responsible for ensuring he/she meets the requirements of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s to become a paralegal.

One such requirement is the need for each student to complete a paralegal studies program that has been accredited by the LSUC. There is a complete list of these programs on the LSUC website and it includes the program at Conestoga College.

Another requirement is to write the LSUC Paralegal Licensing Examination. Each student is responsible for dealing directly with the LSUC to register and pay for the licensing exam. The cost of the licensing exam is not covered in the cost of the Paralegal program. In addition, you must ensure that all

documentation required to register for the exam has been assembled and then sent to the LSUC by the LSUC deadlines.

The licensing examination occurs only a few times each year. Please consult the LSUC website for more information.

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1. Program Overview

Program Description

This program is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed as a paralegal in Ontario. Graduates will be prepared to be self-employed paralegals or to work in a law firm or corporation with their own file load.

This program will appeal to current students or graduates of law-related university degrees or college diploma programs. Those with at least 3-5 years of experience working as legal assistants or law clerks would also benefit from the Paralegal program in order to expand their knowledge and expertise in court and tribunal advocacy.

Program Philosophy and Values

• Expecting students to develop behaviours that are necessary in the workforce and in the Paralegal profession, including: self-reflection, responsibility for one’s self and one’s own actions, honesty, integrity, and punctuality.

• Upholding the standards of civility and collegiality that are expected in the legal profession.

• Designing courses and experiences to support students in constructing knowledge about the law.

• Modeling a variety of teaching styles, providing a variety of learning experiences, and using a variety of evaluation methods.

• Modeling communication and problem-solving skills as well as professional behaviours and attitudes required of paralegals.

• Supporting the integration of theory and practice.

• Providing students with opportunities to connect theory and its application in combination with practical experience within the community.

• Engaging students actively in their learning process.

• Recognizing and appreciating the different styles and approaches to learning that an emerging adult learner may use/exhibit (multiple intelligences).

• Building on previous successes in order to enhance confidence of the student as a learner.

• Mentoring students as they proceed through their journey of becoming a Paralegal in both the classroom and through their practicum experiences.

• Offering general knowledge and generic skills, in addition to specific vocational skills.

• Applyingparalegal rules of conduct within the framework of ethical and professional standards.

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Program Summary Map- September 2015- June 2016

Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components:

1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and capabilities through your program journey. 2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop program capabilities.

3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and your journey from one semester to the next semester and ultimately to your readiness to graduate.

Key Vertical Themes

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Development of Foundational Integration & Application of Application & Extension of Knowledge & Knowledge & Skills Knowledge & Skills for Practice Skills to Practice

Key Horizontal Themes Module 1 (8 wks) Module 2 (7 wks) Module 3 (8 wks) Module 4 (7 wks) Module 5A (3 wks) Module 5B (3 wks)

LAW8120 Ethics LAW8270 Legal LAW8270 Legal LAW8250 Topical LAW8240 Practicum

and Professional Simulation Lab A Simulation Case Law Seminar (sec 1) (120)

Responsibility (30) (20) NEW Lab B (20) NEW (sec 1) (15)

Professional Practice Capacity

LAW8240 Topical Case Law

OHS1320 Safety in the Workplace Practicum Seminar (sec 2) (15) (sec 2) (120)

Business COMP8020 Legal MGMT8210 ACCT8000 Legal ACCT8000 Legal

Management Comp Apps (30) Practice Mgt (40) Accounting Accounting

(sec 1) (30) (sec 2) (30)

Professional COMM8145 Oral Communication LAW8140 LAW8230 ADR LAW8230 ADR (sec 2)

Practice Communication, (45) NEW (24 & 21h/MOD 1 & 2) Advocacy (30) (sec 1) (30) (30)

Skills Documentation, LAW8200 Legal COMM8107

Synthesis & Research Communication

Presentation (30) and Writing(30)

REDUCED

LAW8210

Summary Convictions (30)

LAW8110 Small Claims (40)

LAW8190 Tribunal

Foundational Knowledge _{Practice (40)}

of Law (laws & statutes; _LAW8100_Intro _LAW8180_Evidence _LAW8160

procedural contexts & _{to Law (40)} ₍₄₀₎ _Provincial

processes; case development) _Offences₍₄₀₎

LAW8130 Admin LAW8155

Law (30) Landlord &

Tenant Law(30)

LAW8175 Torts and LAW8220 (30)

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Program Design for Your Cohort

Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below: 1. Log in to Student Portal

2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab

3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.

Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after

graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways

information is available on Conestoga’s website.

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared to be self-employed paralegals or to work in a law firm or corporation with their own file load.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the

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2. Relationships

Communication and Contact Information

Faculty Availability

Faculty offices are located in the main building on floor 3B and students are welcome to see individual faculty to discuss course work, assignments, or any other issues. During the first several days during the start of the semester faculty will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. Individual faculty timetables may be posted. As faculty have diverse teaching schedules, it is important to make an appointment to ensure they are available.

Telephones for internal use are located outside the entry to faculty workspace. Beside this phone will be a faculty directory with extension numbers only. If you have an appointment with a faculty member, please call to confirm that you have arrived. Please do not enter until you have confirmation that the faculty member is available to meet with you. If you do not have an appointment, please call the person you wish to meet in order to confirm availability. If you do not reach the faculty member, please leave a message. In the interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area, please do not wander into faculty workspaces.

Full-time Paralegal Faculty

Name Extension Email Address

Gurpreet Gill, Paralegal Coordinator/Faculty 3917 [email protected] Phil Langlotz, Practicum Coordinator/Faculty 2785 [email protected]

Program Administrative Assistant

Jaymie Wilson-Neil 3765 [email protected]

Administration

Dr. Janos Botschner

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Contacting Program Staff

When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use e-mail or telephone. Your message should include the following information:

• First and last name

• Course and level

• Brief description of reason for contact

• Telephone numberwhere you can be reached

Student E-mail

Please Note: All email communications with your instructors must go through your college e-mail address. Use the college e-mail address ONLY when communicating with faculty. Non-college e-mail addresses (e.g. Hotmail) are not acceptable and may not be received by your instructor’s email account. In addition, it is the responsibility students to check their college e-mail regularly because official

communication will be via this method.

Student Engagement

Student Concerns/Issues

We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to collaborate – students with faculty and staff —to resolve situations of concerns quickly, as close to the source of the issue as possible, and to learn and improve from these situations.

To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means:

a. When a situation of concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the individuals involved. This is the most important area for effective problem solving.

**Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start.

b. Please see the “Student Concerns/Issues” section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities chapter of the college Student Guide for further details to be followed for the informal and formal procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues.

c. Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga FieldPlacement Supervisor, subject to the additional procedures outlined in the following Sections on “Professionalism” and “Concerns

Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement”.

Student Representation

CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty

meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.

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PAC (Program Advisory Committee)

Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their industry.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The

coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student representatives are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines

provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions.

WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative)

Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting extra-curricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to ‘learn with, from, and about’ each other.

Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group regularly engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case studies and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the WIHSC website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as how to get involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work with upon graduation! For more information, please contact your Program Coordinator.

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Student Feedback

Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Key Performance Indicators

All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional Research.

The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER all marks for the semester have been collected. Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.

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Class Cancellations

Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence

All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences. Faculty who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the eConestoga Learning Management System.

Class Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

College closure due to inclement weather will be announced on local radio stations (92.9; 88.3; 1460; 96.7, 105.3, and 1240). It is up to Associate Faculty and students to listen for campus closures. If the college is closed a message will be left on the campus switchboard after office hours. A notice will also be placed on the college website.

Personal notifications of class cancellations

Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service.

To subscribe:

- Log in to the Student Portal

- Select Notifications under the Profile tab

- Select the method by which you would like to be notified - Click Update.

Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address.

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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice

The Law Society of Upper Canada has established rules that set out the ethical and professional standards for licensed paralegals. Students are expected to behave in accordance to the Paralegal Rules of Conduct

with those rules and the values they embody.

Program Standards for Professional Practice

In order to assist students with their transition from previous endeavours to the Paralegal program and to prepare students for professional success the following characteristics of a successful student have been identified.

Characteristics of Successful Students:

1. Successful students attend class regularly. They are punctual. If they miss a session, they feel obligated to let the instructor know why and their explanations are legitimate and reasonable. They make sure they get all missed assignments and understand specifically what was covered in class.

2. Successful students speak in class, even if their attempts may feel a bit clumsy and difficult. They ask the questions that many in the class are bound to have as well.

3. They see the instructor before or after class about grades, assignment feedback and upcoming tests. Sometimes they have a question or comment relative to the class.

4. Successful students turn in assignments that are well-organized and thorough. They take the time to produce a final product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in their work. 5. They are attentive in class. They do not chat, read or stare out windows. In other words, they are

respectful toward the professor and classmates at all times. They are polite and graceful, even if they get a little bored.

6. All work and assignments are turned in on time, even if not every one of them is brilliant. Successful students seem driven to complete all work.

7. The most successful students will go out of their way to find the instructor and engage him/her in meaningful conversation.

Adapted from: Innovation Abstracts, Vol. X, No. 1

Behaviour

The legal profession often deals with serious social issues and matters of significant personal importance to clients. It is essential to behave in a respectful, reliable and competent manner at all times and this same behaviour is expected in the classroom.

Professional Appearance

Professional appearance is an important part of the legal work environment and proper attire is expected of students in the Paralegal program.

Dress code policy: Students are expected to be neat and well-groomed. Inappropriate dress items include: leggings, workout clothing, sweat pants, torn/faded jeans, flip-flops and hats or caps. Students are expected to dress in business wear for events and guest speakers.

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10 Note: Students not complying with dress code will not be permitted entry to the specific event or may be asked to leave the class. Students violating any of the above professional appearance policies may be subject to disciplinary action.

Standards of Conduct

There are three areas of conduct to which students are expected to adhere. They are outlined as follows: Professional Conduct, Academic Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.

Students are required to adhere in respect to Academic Policies and Procedures as detailed in Standards of Conduct in Conestoga College’s Student Guide for the current academic year as well as the Standards of Conduct specifically identified in this document.

In the event of a conflict between the Paralegal Studies Program Handbook & the College Student Guide, the Student Guide will take precedence.

Standards of Professional Conduct

Throughout their program of studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and apply themselves to academic achievement.

• Students are required to uphold and promote the ethical standards of the program and the profession.

• Students are responsible to protect the integrity of the Paralegal program and the College community as a whole by identifying students who are dishonest and/or violate the standards.

• Students are expected to seek clarification from faculty or administration when unsure of any of these standards.

Sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, up to and including expulsion will occur for violators of professional conduct. Examples for which Conestoga College students have received sanctions:

• Students were found to be using forged parking passes. This is theft of services.

• Students lifting the arm of the barrier of the paid parking lot to avoid paying. This is theft of services.

• Becoming involved in an altercation at another college and bringing the program into disrepute.

As a Paralegal student, please note that all expectations referred to above and found in the Conestoga Student Guide apply equally to practicum experiences.

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Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic honesty is expected and required of all Conestoga students. In order to maximize your success as a student, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Conestoga Student Guide. This guide has been provided to you during orientation and is available on the college website. The Academic Integrity Policy provides a detailed description of the following:

• Scope of academic integrity,

• What academic integrity means,

• What types of behaviours constitute a breach of academic integrity,

• The penalties associated with breaching academic integrity.

After reading this information, if you do not fully understand what is meant by academic integrity, and what is required of you to maintain academic integrity, please speak with a faculty member or your program coordinator. Please note that maintaining academic integrity is very serious, and that it is your responsibility as a Conestoga student to know the Academic Integrity Policy and to initiate help if you do not fully understand it.

Below are a few hints to help you avoid breaching academic integrity. Make sure that you recognize information that requires referencing.

Example Required Referencing

Milk is good for you. General information in the public domain. Does not require referencing.

“According to Health Canada milk beverages provide the nutrients needed for healthy bones and optimal health”.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Direct quote right from a published source. Requires a reference.

Consuming milk every day provides the nutrients that you need for healthy bones and optimal health.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Information that has been put into your own words, but offers information outside of public domain related with specialized knowledge. Requires a reference.

• Whenever you refer to material from another source, whether book, journal article, video, newspaper, or electronic publications, you must acknowledge your source using proper citations and references. The APA style is the format most often used in the health and social sciences. Please visit the Conestoga Learning Commons for assistance with the APA format, or visit their

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• If you work collaboratively with others on anassignment, including in class assignments that expect independent submission, make sure that you do not copy words or ideas from others intentionally or by accident.

• Make sure that you read the Academic Integrity Policy located in the Conestoga Student Guide, and that you fully understand it. The policy describes additional behaviours that represent a breach of academic integrity.

Copyright – What Students Need to Know

Photocopying and scanning at Conestoga are governed by the Copyright Act, an agreement with Access Copyright, and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ Fair Dealing Policy.

Under the terms of our Access Copyright license which gives the broadest permission: You can photocopy or scan the following:

• Up to 10% of most published works

• One chapter that is greater than 10%, but no more than 20% of the book

• One article, short story, play, poem or essay from a book, magazine or journal issue containing other works

• One newspaper article or page

• One entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary, annotated bibliography or similar reference work

• One drawing, sculpture, painting, print, architectural work of art or work of artistic craftsmanship from a larger volume containing other works.

Cumulative Copying

If you copy 10% of a book today, 10% next week, 10% the week after that, and so on, this is called

cumulative copying and it is not allowed. The copy limits apply to an entire academic year, so once you reach the limit for an item, you can’t copy more until the next academic year.

You cannot copy or scan the following:

• Workbooks or study guides that are intended for one-time use

• Instruction manuals

• Sheet music and original artistic works including photographs or prints

• Advertisements

• Business cases

• Any of the items on the Access Copyright Exclusions list

You can find all of this information and more on the Copyright for Students web page.

If you have any questions about copyright or the limits of copying on campus, contact Tessa Dueck, Copyright Technician, at [email protected] or 519-748-5220 ext. 3604.

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Safe Practice

Safe practice is part of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a professional.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that have been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:

1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the College. 2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring lap top cords do not

snake across walking areas and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them. a. Concerns such as these in the Cowan Health Sciences Center may be reported to the

Customer Service Desk in the Cowan Health Sciences Center.

3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.

4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors. If you have a practicum, your Placement supervisorwill ensure that you are aware of safe

practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the

Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the College’s Occupational Health & Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment.

5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-in-Charge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve about how to avoid these areas of concern for the future.

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Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledge confirmation pop-up will appear once an applicant/student logs into the Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic

responsibilities. Policies and procedures are searchable on Conestoga’s website. Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures including the following:

• Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure

• Academic Integrity Policy

• Academic Recognition Policy

• Academic Credential Procedure

• Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure

• Co-operative Education Policy

• Discontinuance Policy/Procedure

• Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure

• Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure

• Grading Procedure

• Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure

• Honours Policy/Procedure

• Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure

• Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure

• Student Fees Policy

• Student Feedback Policy

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Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones

To ensure a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking can only be used during break times, before/after class and outside of children’s play areas (indoors/outdoors) in field placement.

Laptops and other forms of technology can be used in the classroom when the use pertains to the content and processes of learning facilitated by the professor. Faculty reserve the right to remove and hold any technology device that is a disruption to the class until the end of class.

Social Media Policy

• Social media has many advantages for a professional. It can be used to network, to resource information and keep current

• As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including social media.

BE AWARE:

• “Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of content posted, even when deleted from online profiles. Once information is digitalized, the author relinquishes all control.”

“Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may intend to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone can access the user’s musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered, forwarded and misquoted.1

Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts.

1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood

2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.

3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession. 4. Avoid online criticism about other students, colleagues, professors or field placements. 5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.

6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.

7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous. 8. Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.

9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.

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Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:

1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities

2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a ‘friendship” status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student (Keep faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have graduated or after you have left the college)

Cell Phone Policy

Students should respect their professors and other instructors by following program policy and not use their cell phones for personal use during class time. This is representative of the professional manner in which you are expected to act as you prepare to enter the workforce.

Students should refrain from bringing their cell phone into a test or examination. Phones should be left in your locker or left in your bag at the front of the classroom. In the event of an urgent need to keep your cell phone with you during a test (parents with young children, students experiencing a family

emergency, etc.) please speak to your professor as soon as you enter the examination room. Those who have been permitted to bring a phone into the classroom will likely be asked to either leave the phone with the professor, or they may be permitted to leave their phone out on their desk where it is visible to the professor and proctors. In any case, students are not permitted to touch or answer the phone without raising their hand to ask for the professor/proctor’s permission. If you are found to have a cell phone in your possession during an examination that has not been declared, you will be asked to leave the examination room, and will be given a zero on the assessment.

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4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies

Attendance

In view of the learning complexities of the Paralegal Program, it is imperative that students attend all classes and placements as scheduled. Students who are absent from class or practicum place themselves in academic jeopardy of not meeting the learning objectives as stipulated by the program.

If extenuating circumstances require a student to miss a class, please note that it is the student’s responsibility to share this information with faculty and to acquire any missed information.

Punctuality

In order to be respectful to both fellow students and to faculty, students are expected to arrive on time for class and practicum.

Acceptable Reasons for Absence

1. Illness: Students experiencing health concerns that prevent attendance should notify their professor of their absence in advance and be prepared to present a certificate from a physician in the event of missing any form of assessment.

2. Compassionate Leave: Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are considered. These requests will be submitted to the professor who will consult with the Program Coordinator and Chair if necessary.

3. Jury Duty: Any student who receives a summons for Jury Duty should bring the document to the Chair to assess if it can be arranged to have the subject excused if such duty interferes with the progress in the program.

Note: Scheduled vacation and work commitments are not acceptable reasons for missing or rescheduling a test/examination or any other type of evaluation.

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Attendance for Evaluations

An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation or any other formal assessment that requires your presence in a class or lab. Evaluations are critical components of each course and overall success for you in your Program.

The school’s approach to requirements for attendance at evaluations reflects the expectation that as emerging professionals, students must demonstrate a professional attitude and attention to evaluations, in the same manner that expectations for future work as professional will require attention to workplace procedures. Consequences for missed evaluations are balanced against reasonable support where it is warranted.

In order to support student success:

• Evaluation and presentation dates are scheduled and communicated at the beginning of each semester.

• Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program or the faculty that may require changes to the course schedule will be communicated to students.

In support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all evaluations at the scheduled times.

• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation dates or assignment deadlines do so at their own risk.

• There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans).

• Students who wish to reschedule an evaluation or a presentation due to a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty within the first two weeks of the semester.

• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Office.

Notification procedure

Log into the student portal and click on the Absence tab and indicate that you will be absent from class on a day that has an evaluation. You will receive a confirmation email that you have recorded your absence for that day.

Note:

• Your professor will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance and because you have entered your absence using the online Absence Recording System on the Student Portal

• The Absence Recording System shows you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you record your absence. (For example if you record your absence for that day at 11.00 AM the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11.00 AM that day.) If you are then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring your presence to the attention of your professor in that later class.)

• The earliest that you may record your absence for a particular day is after 8:00 PM on the preceding day

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Notification for Absence from Evaluations

Students are required to notify the program of absence from any evaluation for any reason.

• Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation.

• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned.

Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation

• You must make contact immediately with faculty to explain the reasons for your absence and to arrange a meeting.

• If there is a concerning pattern of absence you will be asked to meet with the program

coordinator. This may result in the need for you to provide documentation verifying the reason for your absence, in accordance with the requirements specified in sections below titled “Evaluations worth 20% or more” and “Evaluations worth less than 20%”

• Faculty will then make alternative evaluation arrangements as appropriate and you will complete any necessary forms.

• Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation as scheduled.

• If the evaluation is to be conducted in the testing center, you will be asked to show your student card before you are permitted to write the test.

• Tests will be made up In the College Testing Centre in the following week, or by individual arrangements with program faculty.

Religious Holidays

Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification. Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council

– see http://www.thecouncil.on.ca/articles/150 It is the responsibility of the student to:

a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;

b. Advise the faculty member that he/she will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first 3 weeks of the semester and prior to the dare of assessment that falls on the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair.

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Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence

Evaluations worth less than 20%

Missed evaluations worth less than 20% of the student’s final grade will be rescheduled once per program semester subject to proper communication described above.

Once per program semester means that only one absence for an evaluation will be accepted across all courses in a program for a semester. Implications of major illnesses or personal circumstances impacting several course evaluations at one time will require discussion with the program coordinator prior to faculty arranging alternative evaluations.

If an evaluation cannot be rescheduled (for example an experiential activity or participation in a group presentation) reallocation of marks will be determined by faculty. This will be documented on an interview record and signed off by both faculty and student.

If more than one evaluation that is worth less than 20% is missed, documentation requirements for evaluations worth 20% or more apply.

Evaluations worth 20% or more

Any student who misses an evaluation worth 20% or more will receive a mark of zero unless the reason for missing the evaluation and the accompanying documentation verifying the reason for the absence are deemed acceptable by the program. Examples of reasons deemed acceptable include incapacitating illness, death of a close family member, and required court appearance.

NB: If an evaluation is missed due to illness, the health care professional attesting to the illness must have firsthand knowledge of the situation and direct involvement with the treatment / management of the condition. For example, a note from a clinic provided by a physician seeing the student for the first time, after the illness has resolved, is unlikely to meet the program standard for documentation.

Test Procedures

• Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others. Once students leave the room they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty.

• Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.

• Faculty are responsible to advise as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.

• Faculty will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.

• During open book tests, students must bring their own course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as, iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, will not be permitted.

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Importance of Test and Presentation Dates

Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course schedule. If this occurs, students will be notified.

Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of the semester. Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Services Office.

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Assignment Policies

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due. Late marks will be deducted from assignments not submitted when requested by faculty.

Students with extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from submitting assignments on time must discuss their circumstance prior to the due date. They must discuss with the course faculty a mutually agreed upon new due date that is no more than one week past the original due date. A form entitled Student Request for Variance Form Course Schedule and Evaluation Methods will be completed and kept on file. Please allow for time to process the request for an extension as well as a reply to

negotiate the signing of a variance form. Students who initiate this process will not experience the loss of late marks. Students who engage in this practice more than two times during the course of a semester will be required to meet the Coordinator to discuss academic and personal supports.

If students do not negotiate a variance, they risk having late marks deducted from the final grade. Late marks will be deducted at a rate of one mark per day, including weekends, from the total per cent value of the assignment.

Note: Reporting an absence on the day a written assignment is due, does not extend the assignment due date. Under typical circumstances, late assignments will be accepted until that assignment has been marked and returned to the class. No assignments will be accepted after the last day of the semester.

Working Together on Group Assignments

Students will often work with their fellow peers on various assignments/projects throughout the

program. Each group member is responsible for ensuring that he/she has an equal role in the group. All students in the group should review the completed work before it is submitted/ presented. When issues/concerns arise during the group process, it is the responsibility of group members to contact the course professor for assistance prior to due date.

Use of Time between Classes

Students are encouraged to use breaks between classes for personal needs (food, washroom, phone calls, emails etc.) but also for group work, studying, connecting with faculty, field placement supervisors, etc.

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Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments

In order to support student success, students will be given continual feedback on their progress throughout the semester. Individual faculty will inform students in class how/when tests and assignments and/or marks on them will be returned. Please note that some tests will be returned to students and some may be retained by faculty. Under no circumstances are students to enter the offices of faculty or look through papers on a desk without a faculty present. Students who have questions about tests/assignments/grades should follow the process outlined below:

• At least 24 hours after receiving the mark and within seven days, write a note to the faculty, indicating the area(s) of clarification required,

• Initiate a meeting with the faculty to discuss,

• Bring pertinent information (assignment, mark sheet, etc.) to the appointment.

Note: Students are encouraged to keep all assignments, texts and course-related resources and materials throughout the duration of the program.

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the Paralegal program, both in courses and field placement, there are continuous requirements for written work in a variety of formats (papers, assignments, forms and plans, handouts, etc.). It is expected that all students will meet the standard of English required within our profession. Faculty, field placement supervisors and cooperating teachers will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and will approach students to discuss the need for improvement. Students may be referred to the Learning Commons to help them improve the quality of their written work.

General Guidelines for Submitting Written Work

For specific course requirements, refer to the Course Schedule and Evaluation Methods information provided. If you are not clear about course requirements, discuss with individual faculty. Students are required to use spell-check and grammar-check to assist with the editing of written work. The Learning Commons will be an invaluable resource to students who require assistance in organizing and writing an assignment with correct spelling and grammar.

Unless otherwise indicated by professors, generally, assignments should be:

• Word processed

• Double spaced and 1 sided

• Submitted using font size of 12 CPI, if word processed and proper margins

• Written in a grammatically correct manner (use spell and grammar check)

• Handed in securely fastened with a cover page indicating the course name, faculty's name, student's name, section and date submitted

• Handed in at the beginning of class on the designated due date in class, unless otherwise indicated by professor

Program Handbook. Paralegal Program Academic Year 2015/2016