Student Life.

• Standards of Conduct

At all times, in word and deed, faculty and students at Covenant College are expected to exhibit respectful behaviour that reflects biblical norms. Students are expected to reflect who they are in Christ in their attitude, behaviour, dress, and interaction with others. Student teachers carry this same responsibility into the schools during practicum placements, into the broader church community, and into the world.

• Anti-Harassment Policy

tudents and faculty may expect to work and interact in an environment that is safe and supportive and thus free of any form of harassment. The College works with the following definitions of harassment:

• Harassment refers to any improper behaviour by a student or instructor that is directed at and offensive to another student or instructor, and which the perpetrator knows, or should reasonably have known, would be unwelcome. It comprises objectionable conduct, comment, or display made on either a one-time or continuous basis that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment to a student or instructor. It includes harassment within the meaning of the Canadian Human Rights Act (i.e., based on any of the prohibited grounds of discrimination listed in that Act).
• Sexual harassment refers to any conduct, comment, gesture, or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or in a series of incidents, that might reasonably be expected to cause offence or humiliation to a student or instructor. Generally, sexual harassment is deliberate, unsolicited, coercive, and one-sided. Both male and female students or instructors may be the victim or the perpetrator.
• Abuse of authority is a form of harassment which occurs when an instructor improperly uses the power and authority inherent in his/her position in order to force compliance from a student. It includes intimidation, threats, blackmail, and coercion.
  

[These definitions are an adaptation of those provided by Services Canada available at: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/cs/fas/as/contracting/harass_ policy.shtml]

If a student or faculty member believes that he/she is subject to harassment, the student or faculty member follows the procedure outlined in the Grievances and Appeals section below.

• Grievances & Appeals

There may be times that a disagreement or conflict arises between a student and a faculty member. If a student feels he/she has a legitimate grievance against a faculty member, he/she should follow the procedure described below:

• In line with the directive given in Matthew 18, the student must speak directly with the faculty member. It is to be expected that most issues will be resolved at this level.
• If the matter is not resolved, the student appeals to the principal. The principal meets with the two parties and either negotiates a solution or renders a judgment.
• If the matter is still not resolved, the student may appeal the principal’s decision to the Executive Committee of the Board. The Executive Committee will hear the student, the faculty member, and the principal. On the basis of this hearing, the Executive Committee makes a decision and puts it in writing. This decision is binding.
  

• Penalty & Dismissal Procedure

A student’s status at the College will be subject to review when there are concerns about his/her:

• Academic performance or integrity
• Professional conduct in schools
• General standards of conduct
  

Such a review is initiated by the principal, involves the faculty, and is reported to the Executive Committee of the Board. The outcome of the review process may lead to penalty or dismissal. The final decision to dismiss a student requires the approval of the Board.

• Use of College Facilities

College premises are no-smoking areas. Normally, the building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students who wish to work at the College after hours must make arrangements with a member of the faculty.

• College Library

The library is designated as a quiet study area. No food or drink is permitted in the library.

All library materials are catalogued using the Dewey Decimal system. Borrowers are expected to adhere to circulation policies. Some materials are limited to in-library use only. Borrowers assume full responsibility for all materials borrowed under their names.

• Devotions

Faculty and students take turns leading the opening devotions at the beginning of each day of classes. As a rule, students lead in devotions before lunch and faculty members do so at the close of the final class of the day.

• Cancellation of Classes

As a rule, the College will close when Guido de Brès High School is closed. Students are advised to listen to weather announcements on one of the local radio stations (CHML, 900 AM). [www.900chml.com]

A student phone chain is used to confirm cancellations or to make special arrangements for changes in class times.

• Student Centre

An attractive lounge offers students opportunities to interact and socialize between classes. Students have access to the kitchen facilities and take turns doing dishes and keeping this room tidy. Limited locker space is available for students.

• Student Council

Each year the student body elects a Student Council which consists of one representative from each year and program. The Student Council organizes and coordinates special events and maintains open lines of communication with the faculty through the Dean of Students.

• Timetables

Weekly timetables are made available before each new semester begins. As a rule, classes are held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Irregular class hours will be indicated on the timetable. Exceptions in the weekly timetable will be announced at morning openings.

A special timetable is arranged for each semester’s examination period.

• Part-Time Students

By scheduling some of its regular courses in the late afternoon and/or evening, Covenant College makes these courses available to practising teachers who wish to take them as in-service courses on a part-time basis.

• Computer & Internet Access

The College offers wireless internet access to students. A limited number of computer work stations are available for student use. Students who plan to purchase a personal computer may wish to consider investing in a laptop that they can also use at the College. Students are expected to make responsible and respectful use of all computers on College premises.

• Copyright

Covenant College has a print photocopying license through Access Copyright, The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency. Students and faculty are expected to abide by the copyright guidelines. A summary of these guidelines is posted beside photocopiers.

• Accommodation

Students who need accommodation in Hamilton may request assistance from the College administrator.