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1 Overview

The academic experience at Georgian College is focused on student-centred learning, support for student success, academic integrity and excellence. The academic policies in this document are based on accountability for academic standards and integrity of course credits and program credentials. The student’s success at Georgian, his or her smooth path through the academic process and his or her ability to navigate through exceptions and unusual situations, will be enhanced and guided by these policies. They apply to all students, all courses, all programs and all academic and related experiences the College offers. Students are required to be familiar with these policies and to keep them as reference for those occasions when they have questions about their progress or unusual circumstances that may arise from time to time. Lack of knowledge of these policies, particularly when it pertains to academic misconduct, does not constitute a valid defence against action by the College.

Student life and conduct at Georgian College are governed by a number of non-academic policies, some of which are included in this document. The full policies are available on Georgian’s website and in procedure manuals located in each of Georgian’s departments. Information about the situations in which these procedures apply and the procedures themselves may be obtained through program co-ordinators, academic officers, the Students’ Administrative Council, student success counsellors or other staff members.

In addition to Georgian’s policies, all students are also subject to both criminal and civil law, as enacted by local, provincial and federal governments. The College will co-operate fully in situations that fall under these jurisdictions, but also reserves the right to apply its own policies and procedures independent of the processes or outcome of processes required by these jurisdictions.

  • 1.1 Alcohol Use

    Georgian College adheres to the Ontario Liquor Licence Act, which imposes specific regulations governing alcohol use on campus. All groups, internal or external, shall adhere to all College policies and procedures while on campus for a licensed event. Breach of this or any policy may result in the revocation of an individual’s right to hold future events/functions on campus.

    All persons wishing to procure the sale of beverage alcohol must do so through the Student Centre Food and Beverage operations or the Georgian Dining Room who are responsible for the Georgian College Liquor licence. There are several licensed areas on campus available for use for which a charge may be levied. User groups will be required to sign a contract with the College. The services of trained supervisors and servers must also be booked through one of the two licensed establishments on campus.

    All beverage service requests are to be made to the management of campus liquor services (if applicable) or the campus manager. Beverage alcohol may be offered for sale only if purchased under a valid liquor licence.

    At least one College staff member must be present at all licensed functions to ensure compliance with the Ontario Liquor Licence Act and its regulations, and to reduce potential liability situations for the College. All servers of beverage alcohol at on-campus functions must hold Smart Serve program certification.

    It is the responsibility of the College staff member supervising the function to ensure that no person shall be served past the point of intoxication or to serve more beverage alcohol to any persons to whom doing so would increase that person’s intoxication level. Doing so could result in serious personal or property damage and or criminal prosecution for the institution, the server, and or the supervisor of the function. Under no circumstances will beverage alcohol be served to anyone under the age of 19 at any College function or facility. Servers of beverage alcohol have the right to request valid identification to prove age of majority. Proper identification shall consist of one of the following:

    • Age of majority card
    • Passport
    • Valid driver’s licence with photo
    • Military card
    • BYID card (obtained through LCBO)
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Canadian Citizenship card with a photograph
    • Secure Indian Status Card

    No person under the age of majority will be permitted access to College licensed functions unless a proven control method is in place to identify underage persons to servers of beverage alcohol. Georgian College reserves the right to refuse beverage alcohol service to any patron at any function or facility. Georgian College reserves the right to deny entry to any person to a licensed event when the staff member feels that the person is troublesome, intoxicated or on the premises for illegal activity.

  • 1.2 Smoking Policy

    The Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies to all campuses of Georgian College. The College is responsible under this legislation to ensure compliance with the smoking regulations under the Act. The intent of the Act is to provide a near complete ban on smoking in any enclosed spaces. Smoking is restricted to specific areas away from building entrances.
    For further information on this policy, please refer to the Smoking Policy.

  • 1.3 Closure Due to Weather Conditions

    Georgian College will remain open for all classes and services unless extreme weather conditions dictate closure or class cancellation. This decision is made through the Office of the President in consultation with senior managers and campus directors. Closure of the College and widespread cancellation of classes will be announced on our website and on local radio stations. See section 10, Test and Examination Regulations, for information on college closures during examination periods.

  • 1.4 Code Of Conduct

    The Code of Conduct procedure exists to resolve, through principles of fairness, complaints about the behaviour of College community members (students, staff, guests) which jeopardizes the good order and proper functioning of the College, or endangers the health, safety, rights or property of College community members.

    All members of the Georgian College community have the right to learn, work and relax in a supportive environment. Freedom to learn, work and relax depends on appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, in the office and on the campus. All College community members should exercise their freedom with responsibility. In ensuring responsible conduct, College staff believes that, in most cases, counselling, guidance, example and admonition are more effective than discipline. For further information on this policy, please refer to the Code of Conduct Policy. 

  • 1.5 Human Rights

    The Complaints Resolution procedure governs the behaviour under the Ontario Human Rights Code of all members of the Georgian College community. All College community members are subject to this procedure while they are on any College campus, off-campus on College business and/or while participating in College events.

    Georgian College upholds the position of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which states that it is public policy in Ontario to recognize the dignity and worth of every person and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination on certain prohibited grounds. The code provides that every person has the right to equal treatment in the provision of services, accommodation, matters of contract, employment and membership in trade unions and professional associations.

    Students and employees have the right to study and learn in an environment free from harassment and discrimination related to any grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, record of offences, mental or physical disability. For further information on this policy, please refer to the Human Resources Policy.

  • 1.6 Accommodation of Religious Observances

    Georgian College, in agreement with and in support of the Ontario Human Rights Code, is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the College community and to making accommodations for observance of special religious significance. Accordingly, every effort will be made to avoid scheduling in-class or formal examinations on days of special religious significance throughout the year. When a conflict exists between classes/examinations and a special religious observance, the student is required to inform his or her program co-ordinator in writing at least three weeks prior to the date. Co-ordinators are to respond in writing to the student as quickly as possible and will identify any re-scheduling of tests or examinations. For further information on this policy, please refer to the Accommodation of Religious Observances Policy.

  • 1.7 Information Technology Acceptable Use

    Georgian College is committed to creating and maintaining an enabling environment for information technology users and has therefore developed standards of behaviour for using information technology facilities and resources. All members of the College community are responsible for obeying the law and College procedure when using Georgian’s information technology facilities and services.

    Georgian College’s information technology facilities and services exist to support and fulfil the requirements for instructional, research and administrative purposes. Only approved users will have access to designated information facilities and services. All resources within the College community are to be used in a reasonable and responsible manner that will not interfere with or compromise the resources that the entire College community depends upon. Persons using information technology facilities for which they are not authorized are committing an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and may be prosecuted. Misuse or wasteful use of information technology facilities and services is subject to discipline according to College procedure. For further information on this policy, please refer to the Information Technology Acceptable Use Procedure Policy.

  • 1.8 Traffic and Parking

    Georgian College uses an automated parking system at the Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland and Owen Sound campuses, employing gate arms activated by a Parking Card, a set coin fee, or tokens upon exit. Parking on campus is on a first-come, first-served basis in all parking areas. Metered parking is available at the Barrie, Orillia, Midland, South Georgian Bay and Owen Sound campuses for use by visitors conducting day-to-day business at the College.

    Parking Cards can be purchased at the Parking Office, first floor, Administrative Centre at the Barrie Campus and at the Office of the Registrar in the Orillia, Midland, South Georgian Bay and Owen Sound campuses. Upon entering the parking facilities the parking gates lift automatically and allow vehicles to enter.

    Upon exit drivers must activate the gate arm by using either a parking card, coins or tokens.

    Drivers requiring assistance at the parking exit gates are advised to press the red help button which will connect to Security.

  • 1.8.1 Traffic Regulations and Enforcement

    These regulations are intended to provide all drivers with the maximum parking service and convenience within the limits of available space and to ensure pedestrian safety while on campus. In addition to the Regulations and Enforcement section of the College’s Traffic and Parking Practice and Procedure, all statutes, regulations and bylaws governing the operation of motor vehicles in Ontario and those enacted by the municipalities where Georgian campuses are located, are in force on College property. Specifically:

    • The maximum speed limit on College property is 20 km/h, or as indicated on speed signage placed
      throughout the campus;
    • All vehicles parking at the College must park in designated parking spaces only;
    • Monetary fines for parking citations, plus additional fees pertaining to Administration
      and MTO searches;
    • Suspension of parking privileges.

    Note: Vehicles are not permitted on College grounds until such time as outstanding fines have been paid in full to the College or its collection agency of record.

    • The College reserves the right to rescind parking privileges of any offender at its sole discretion;
    • Towing (on or off property) at the vehicle owner’s expense;
    • Automatic deactivation of a parking card when outstanding fines exceed $100;
    • Vehicles leaving the College grounds without paying will be subject to a $100 fine per unlawful exit;
    • Vehicle owners are liable for any damage caused to College property by their vehicle and are subject
      to penalties as outlined above;
    • Motorcycles are subject to the same rules and regulations as other motorized vehicles,
      but in addition, must provide asphalt protection from kickstand damage. Motorcycles must park only
      in the areas designated for motorcycle parking where available;.
    • Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed on any campus.

    It is imperative that individuals leaving vehicles on College grounds overnight contact Campus Security. Campus Security must authorize overnight vehicle parking and will provide direction as to where the vehicle is to be parked. Failure to do so can result in penalties as outlined above.

    Georgian College staff, campus Security Officers and the bylaw enforcement departments of the municipalities where Georgian campuses are located jointly enforce all rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the College’s traffic and parking facilities at the corresponding campuses.

    The College will make every effort to provide parking space for all motorists who wish to park at its campuses. Individuals must recognize and accept that facilities may become crowded and may be affected by weather conditions, special events, contract disputes, etc., however, these conditions do not eliminate the responsibility of all individuals to strictly observe all rules and regulations.

    Note: Georgian College assumes no risk or responsibility for damage to, or loss of, a vehicle, or its contents, no matter how caused. In all cases, removal or relocation of a vehicle is at the owner’s risk and expense. Georgian College reserves the right to rescind the parking privileges of any offender at its discretion.

  • 1.8.2 Appeals

    The College has a Parking Appeals Committee that deals with appeals related to parking violations. Traffic or parking violation tickets can be appealed by submitting a completed Parking Violation Appeal form available at the campus Parking Office. All parking penalties with the exception of towing, may be appealed within 14 days of the violation date in accordance with the “Traffic and Parking Procedure”. Appeals must be made in writing. Appeals are judged by committee members independently representing the College Community.

    Note: Fines must be paid in full prior to an appeal hearing. If the appeal is successful the fine amount will be refunded with interest. Appeal fee of $10 must be paid at the time of appeal. Parking without authorization, failure to see or read signs, or ignorance of the regulations are not acceptable grounds for appeal. Lack of signs does not authorize parking. Missing or broken gate arms does not authorize free parking.

    There is a $10 fee for submitting an appeal. Forms are to be returned to either Campus Security or the Parking Office on the respective campus for consideration by the campus Parking Office staff. 

  • 1.8.3 Outstanding Fines

    In addition, a record of any outstanding fines is kept in your student file in the Registrar’s Office. Until fines are paid it is College policy to place a hold on a student’s account which may prevent access to transcripts and grades, and may further prevent registration in subsequent terms.

  • 1.8.4 People with Disabilities

    Designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities are located in parking areas throughout the College campus. Only vehicles displaying a valid Ontario Ministry of Transportation Disabled Parking Permit may park in these designated areas. Drivers of these vehicles are subject to the same rules and regulations and pay the same fee as all others parking on campus. Individuals with disabilities are not exempt from ticketing and/or towing.

    Handicapped individuals being dropped off or picked up and not using parking facilities are asked to make arrangements through their program office for exit at no cost to the drop-off or pick-up vehicle. The municipalities where Georgian campuses are located will also issue tickets and/or tow with respect to abuse of handicapped parking spaces on campus.

  • 1.9 Lockdown Procedure

    Although highly unlikely, the possibility of a violent incident occurring at a Canadian post-secondary institution has become a reality in today’s society. Accordingly, the College has developed and implemented a Lockdown Procedure to provide general direction to the College community during an incident in which a lockdown might occur. This Procedure is a resource tool which provides general principles and guidance to members of the Georgian community and is designed to increase the level of preparedness in an attempt to limit the impact of an occurrence. It is expected that students and staff will read this Procedure so they will know how to respond appropriately should an incident occur.

    For full details on the Lockdown Procedure as well as the College’s Traffic and Parking Procedure, please refer to the Lockdown Procedure Policy.

    Georgian College is committed to continually improving access to all College premises, facilities, services and public information with the goal of achieving barrier free accessibility for persons with disabilities studying, visiting and working at the College. This procedure is available in alternate formats, upon request through Human Resources 705-728-1968 ext. 1630.