College policies
Alpha has policies to ensure health, safety and fairness to all students, staff and faculty, and Alpha’s successful operation as an educational institution.
General Policies
Student Code of Conduct
Policy Statement
It is expected that all members of the St. Lawrence College and Alpha International Academy community respect the personal dignity, worth and rights of others who study, work and live within it while having a shared commitment to the goals of education. That commitment is expressed in the AIA policies and course outlines, and in specific regulations such as those for residences. In addition, the commitment includes, but is not limited to, rights and responsibilities set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and in federal, provincial and municipal legislation. It is expected that while students are attending AIA they will, both on campus and while in the community, conduct themselves in a manner, which demonstrates:
- Integrity
- Respect for diversity
- Respect for the right of self and others to learn in a safe and supportive environment free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, threats and assault
- Respect for rules and regulations in effect on AIA properties and at AIA sponsored events
- Behaviour which respects the personal dignity of others is required at all times
Alpha International Academy will not tolerate behavior that is illegal, harmful or threatening to others or that is disruptive, offensive, abusive, intimidating or that vandalizes the AIA property.
Rights and Responsibilities
All students who enroll at St. Lawrence College at Alpha International Academy become members of the AIA community. These rights and responsibilities outlined apply equally while attending classes at AIA or at any other location of SLC including the online environment or engaging in any SLC and AIA sponsored activities. AIA expects that students will make themselves aware and conform to the policies and procedures already in place. These rights and responsibilities reflect the AIA’s commitment to quality education and to ensuring the fair and equitable treatment while recognizing the needs for responsible and appropriate behaviour by the students.
AIA is committed to providing an environment which will foster dignity and respect for one another. All students have a responsibility to be aware of policies and codes that guide expectations of conduct in the various environments where students engage in college related activity. Under this Code of Conduct, students have a responsibility to maintain this environment, and can also exercise their rights under this Code.
Conduct of Students
It is assumed that each student comes to AIA with serious intent; therefore rules and regulations concerning conduct and discipline are held to a minimum. However, in the interest of the serious majority, AIA must reserve the right to discipline any student for conduct incompatible with the AIA policy. As part of the preparation for his/her chosen occupation, each student is expected to conduct him/herself as he/she would in an occupational environment. Behaviour which insults the personal dignity of others is prohibited.
Students under this policy have certain responsibilities to:
- Be a good citizen respecting the rights of the community and environment
- Conduct themselves in a courteous, safe and non-threatening way
- Respect the rights and dignity of others and other people’s property
- Ensure their guests are conducting themselves in an appropriate manner
- Use facilities of AIA only if permission has been granted
- Abide by fire and safety regulations
- Act in a way that does not negatively impact other students’ learning
- Act in a way that does not interfere with teaching and learning
- Pay fines, fees and loans owed to AIA
- Submit work which is their own in accordance with Policy on Academic Honesty
- Provide accurate information
- Use information and technology inclusive of all social media in a non-threatening and appropriate way
- Abide by the smoking policy
- Be truthful
Student Code of Conduct Sanctions
If a student violates the Code of Conduct, there may be sanctions applied as a result of an action taken. If the misconduct is minor, the sanctions applied will be minor as well. The decisions to apply a minor sanction will rest with the person working within the area. For example, if a student is disrupting a class, a professor may choose to remove that student from the class. Major sanctions will be applied if the actions are more serious. In this case, sanctions can be imposed by the Principal when necessary. (Note: this does not restrict the person confronted with the action to take immediate steps to remove a person who may be threatening to others, or who pose a threat to others. Sanctions or actions for student of concern may vary based on the recommendations by the Threat Assessment Team and may not be deemed punitive.
Criminal Offenses
Criminal offenses committed on the AIA or SLC premises against persons or property, and reported to AIA, will be addressed according to the law. When a student is involved in criminal activity, AIA will notify the Principal and the Director. It will be determined if the matter may be independently subject to the AIA discipline under this code, notwithstanding, and in addition to, possible criminal charges.
Major Misconduct
Conduct which is threatening, aggressive, unsafe and/or violent.
Minor Misconduct
Conduct which is disruptive to the spirit of the Code.
Examples of Minor Sanctions:
- A written letter of warning/reprimand
- A behavioural contract outlining expectations
- A verbal or written apology from the respondent to the complainant
- Immediate removal from class or work area
- Restitution for damages
- Removal of privileges from campus facilities and technology
- Fines imposed
- Community work
- Completion of an educational awareness program
Examples of Major Sanctions:
- A one week suspension from program of study
- A suspension from program of study, longer than one week
- A suspension from work area
- Removal from college property – no trespass order
- Readmission privileges revoked
- Involuntary withdrawal from program of study
Academic Honesty and Integrity
Academic honesty and integrity are highly valued at AIA. It is an essential component for students as both learners and potential members of their chosen occupations. Therefore, any violation of academic honesty throughout the student’s program of study will be seriously considered and fully investigated. Academic Dishonesty is a type of cheating occurring in the academic field and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Cheating on tests, assignments, or reports
- Fabricating data of any sort
- Impersonating another student or allowing oneself to be impersonated
- Plagiarism – defined as the act of presenting the ideas or words of another as one’s own. The use of others’ ideas or words must be adequately acknowledged and properly referenced. Plagiarism is to be distinguished from collaboration and cooperation on a group assignment
- Theft or purchase of materials, or use of stolen or purchased materials
- Dishonesty in any way when representing AIA as a student of this Academy
- Storing information on an electronic device for use during a test or examination is not acceptable unless clearly permitted by a statement in individual course outlines
- Groups are responsible for the academic honesty of teamwork
- Misrepresenting of materials obtained from the internet
- Submitting the same work, in whole or in part, to meet the requirements of more than one course without the explicit permission of the faculty involved
- Providing false or misleading materials to meet Admissions requirements (academic and other)
- Use of unauthorized materials, unauthorized removal of materials from the library, or deliberate withholding, concealment or destruction of library materials
- Bribing someone for an academic advantage, or accepting such a bribe (i.e. a student offers a professor money, goods, or services in exchange for a passing grade, or a professor accepts this bribe). Using an academic advantage as a bribe (i.e. a professor offers a student a passing grade in exchange for money, goods, or services, or a student accepts this bribe)
AIA considers any such academic dishonesty to be a serious offense and the following disciplinary actions will be taken. In the event of academic work being involved, the corresponding action below will occur.
Offense | Disciplinary Action |
First | Failure for the piece of work involved |
Second | Failure for the course involved |
Third | Student is to be suspended for up to 2 years |
Sexual Assault Policy
1. Definitions
Sexual assault: A criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another that violates the sexual integrity of the victim and involves a range of behaviours from any unwanted touching to penetration. Sexual assault is characterized by a broad range of behaviours that involve the use of force, threats, or control towards a person, which makes that person feel uncomfortable, distressed, frightened, threatened, or that is carried out in circumstances in which the person has not freely
agreed, consented to, or is incapable of consenting to.
Sexual violence: A broad term that describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. This violence takes different forms including sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Consent: The voluntary and explicit agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. It is the act of willingly agreeing to engage in specific sexual behaviour, and requires that a person is able to freely choose between two options: yes and no. This means that there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words which indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. It is also imperative that everyone understands the following:
• Silence or non-communication must never be interpreted as consent and a person in a state of diminished judgment cannot consent.
• A person is incapable of giving consent if they are asleep, unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate.
• A person who has been threatened or coerced (i.e. is not agreeing voluntarily) into engaging in the sexual activity is not consenting to it.
• A person who is drugged is unable to consent.
• A person is usually unable to give consent when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• A person may be unable to give consent if they have a mental disability preventing them from fully understanding the sexual acts.
• The fact that consent was given in the past to a sexual or dating relationship does not mean that consent is deemed to exist for all future sexual activity.
• A person can withdraw consent at any time during the course of a sexual encounter.
• A person is incapable of giving consent to a person in a position of trust, power or authority, such as, a faculty member initiating a relationship with a student who they teach, an administrator in a relationship with anyone who report to that position.
• Consent cannot be given on behalf of another person.
It is the responsibility of the initiator of sexual activity to ensure clear and affirmative responses are communicated at all stages of sexual engagement. It is also the initiator’s responsibility to
know if the person they are engaging with sexually is a minor.
Note: For information purposes only, the Criminal Code defines “consent” as follows:
Consent: The voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. No consent is obtained, where
a) the agreement is expressed by the words or conduct of a person other than the complainant;
b) the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity;
c) the accused induces the complainant to engage in the activity by abusing a position of trust, power or authority;
d) the complainant expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to engage in the activity; or
e) the complainant, having consented to engage in sexual activity, expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to continue to engage in the activity.
Other Relevant Terms
Acquaintance sexual assault: Sexual contact that is forced, manipulated, or coerced by a partner, friend or acquaintance.
Age of consent for sexual activity: The age at which a person can legally consent to sexual activity. In Canada, children under 12 can never legally consent to sexual acts. Sixteen is the legal age of consent for sexual acts. There are variations on the age of consent for adolescents who are close in age between the ages of 12 and 16. Twelve and 13 year-olds can consent to have sex with other youth who are less than 2 years older than themselves. Youth who are 14 and 15 years old may consent to sexual involvement that is mutual with a person who is less than 5 years older. Youths 16 and 17 years old may legally consent to sexual acts with someone who is not in a position of trust or authority.
Coercion: In the context of sexual violence, coercion is unreasonable and persistent pressure for sexual activity. Coercion is the use of emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats to family or friends, or the promise of rewards or special treatment, to persuade someone to do something they do not wish to do, such as being sexual or performing particular sexual acts.
Drug-facilitated sexual assault: The use of alcohol and/or drugs (prescription or nonprescription) by a perpetrator to control, overpower or subdue a victim for purposes of sexual assault.
Stalking: A form of criminal harassment prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. It involves behaviours that occur on more than one occasion and which collectively instill fear in the victim or threaten the victim/target’s safety or mental health. Stalking can also include threats of harm to the target’s friends and/or family. These behaviours include, but are not limited to non-consensual communications (face to face, phone, email, social media); threatening or obscene gestures; surveillance; sending unsolicited gifts; “creeping” via social media/cyberstalking; and uttering threats.
Survivor: Some who have experienced sexual violence may choose to identify as a survivor. Individuals might be more familiar with the term “victim”. We use the term “survivor” throughout this policy where relevant because some who have experienced sexual assault believe they have overcome the violent experience and do not wish to identify with the victimization. It is the prerogative of the person who has experienced these circumstances to determine how they wish to identify.
2. Purpose and Intent of the Policy
All members of Alpha International Academy community have a right to a work and study in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence. This document sets out our policy and response protocol to sexual violence and ensures that those who experience sexual violence are believed and their rights respected, that the College has a process of investigation that protects the rights of individuals and holds individuals who have committed an act of sexual violence accountable.
3. Policy Statement
Sexual assault and sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are committed to challenging and preventing sexual violence and creating a safe space for anyone in our College community who has experienced sexual violence. The College is expected to be a safe and positive space where members of the College community feel able to work, learn and express themselves in an environment free from sexual violence. All reported incidents of sexual violence will be investigated to the best of the administration’s ability and in a manner that ensures due process. It is this policy’s intention to make individuals feel comfortable about making a report in good faith about sexual violence that they have experienced or witnessed. We recognize that sexual violence can occur between individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity or relationship status as articulated in the Ontario Human Rights Code. We also recognize that individuals who have experienced sexual violence may experience emotional, academic or other difficulties. We are committed to:
3.1. assisting those who have experienced sexual violence by providing choices, including detailed information and support, such as provision of and/or referral to counselling and medical care, information about legal options, and appropriate academic and other accommodation;
3.2. ensuring that those who disclose that they have been sexually assaulted are believed, and that their right to dignity and respect is protected throughout the process of disclosure, investigation and institutional response;
3.3. addressing harmful attitudes and behaviours (e.g. adhering to myths of sexual violence that reinforce that the person who experienced sexual violence is somehow to blame for what happened);
3.4. treating individuals who disclose sexual violence with compassion recognizing that they are the final decision-makers about their own best interests;
3.5. ensuring that on-campus (internal) investigation procedures are available in the case of sexual violence, even when the individual chooses not to make a report to the police;
3.6. engaging in appropriate procedures for investigation and adjudication of a complaint which are in accordance with College policies, standards, and applicable collective agreements, that ensure fairness and due process;
3.7. ensuring coordination and communication among the various departments who are most likely to be involved in the response to sexual violence on campus;
3.8. engaging in public education and prevention activities;
3.9. providing information to the College community about our sexual violence policies and protocol;
3.10.providing appropriate education and training to the College community about responding to the disclosure of sexual violence;
3.11. contributing to the creation of a campus atmosphere in which sexual violence is not tolerated; and,
3.12.monitoring and updating our policies and protocols to ensure that they remain effective and in line with other existing policies and best practices.
4. Reporting and Responding to Sexual Violence
4.1. Members of the College community should immediately report sexual violence incidents they witness or have knowledge of, or where they reason to believe that sexual violence has occurred or may occur. Members who have experienced sexual violence are encouraged to come forward to report as soon as they are able to do so.
4.2. Persons in a position of authority, including persons directing the activities of others, shall take immediate action to respond to or to prevent sexual violence from occurring.
4.3. Where the College becomes aware of incidents of sexual violence by a member of the College community or against a member of the College community, which occur on or off College property and that pose a risk to the safety of members of the College community, the College shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the College community.
4.4. If students, in good faith, report an incident of, or make a complaint about, sexual violence, they will not be subject to discipline or sanctions for violations of the private career college’s policies relating to drug or alcohol use at the time the alleged sexual violence occurred;
4.5. Students who disclose their experience of sexual violence through reporting an incident of, making a complaint about, or accessing supports and services for sexual violence, will not be asked irrelevant questions during the investigation process by the private career college’s staff or investigators, including irrelevant questions relating to the student’s sexual expression or past sexual history.
4.6. Students are not required to report an incident of or make a complaint about sexual violence in order to obtain supports and services.
5. Complaint Process and Investigations
A complaint of sexual assault or any other kind of sexual violence can be filed under this Policy by any member of the College community. The College will seek to achieve procedural fairness in dealing with all complaints. As such, no sanction and/or disciplinary action will be taken against a person or group without their knowledge where there is an alleged breach of this Policy. Respondents will be given reasonable notice, with full detail of the allegations and provided with an opportunity to
answer to the allegations made against them.
5.1. Right to Withdraw a Complaint
A complainant has the right to withdraw a complaint at any stage of the process. However, the College may continue to act on the issue identified in the complaint in order to comply with its obligation under this Policy and/or its legal obligations.
5.2. Protection from Reprisals, Retaliation or Threats:
It is contrary to this Policy for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against a complainant or other individual for:
• having pursued rights under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code;
• having participated or co-operated in an investigation under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code; or
• having been associated with someone who has pursued rights under this Policy or the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Anyone engaged in such conduct may be subject to sanctions and/or discipline.
5.3. Unsubstantiated or Vexatious Complaints
If a person, in good faith, discloses or files a sexual violence complaint that is not supported by evidence gathered during an investigation, that complaint will be dismissed. Disclosures or complaints that are found following investigation to be frivolous, vexatious or bad faith complaints, that is, made to purposely annoy, embarrass or harm the respondent may result in sanctions and/or discipline against the complainant.
6. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is particularly important to those who have disclosed sexual violence. The confidentiality of all persons involved in a report of sexual violence must be strictly observed, and the College does its best to respect the confidentiality of all persons, including the complainant, respondent, and witnesses. However, confidentiality cannot be assured in the following circumstances:
• an individual is at imminent risk of self-harm;
• an individual is at imminent risk of harming another; and/or
• there are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the College or wider community may be at risk of harm.
In such circumstances, information would only be shared with necessary services to prevent harm, and the name of the survivor would not be released to the public. Where the College becomes aware of an allegation of sexual violence by a member of the
College community against another member of the College community, the College may also have an obligation to take steps to ensure that the matter is dealt with in order to comply with the College’s legal obligation and/or its policies to investigate such allegations. In such cases, certain College administrators will be informed about the reported incident on a “need to know” and confidential basis, but not necessarily of the identities of the persons involved.
Alpha International Academy Complaint Policy & Procedure
1. Introduction
i. At Alpha International Academy, referred hereafter as ‘the College’, the safety, comfort, and continued success of the student is of the upmost priority. The College recognizes that part of ensuring student success means not only providing high-quality education and instruction, but also outlining a procedure wherein students may make complaints to the College in situations that have left them concerned. Included in this policy is the procedure for how student complaints are to be made to, and handled by the College. In addition to this policy, the College suggests that students who have any concerns consider bringing said concerns informally to a College employee on the basis that smaller concerns can be handled swiftly and amicably.
2. Preamble
i. In the event that a student has been unable to resolve their complaint informally and wishes to submit a formal complaint they must submit a Student Complaint form to one of our Student Services Officers. This form is available at the Front Desk (Student Services) and on the College website
ii. The Officer who receives the completed complaint form will send it to the Complaints Resolution Committee, referred hereafter as ‘The Committee’, who will begin their investigation of the complaint.
3. Commitments
i. During the complaint process the student, or a person designated by the student on their behalf, reserves the opportunity to make statements and submissions orally.
a. If the student designates a person to make submissions on their behalf, the designated person has the right to be present during all interactions during the complaint process.
ii. Complaints that are received will be physically retained by the college in student records and a summary of the complaint, any submissions filed, and decisions relating to the complaint will be stored electronically in the College’s student database.
iii. Upon request, the student will receive a copy of their initial complaint, any submissions filed, and the final decision.
iv. The College is committed to reaching a decision in the complaint process within seven business days upon receiving the initial complaint in writing.
v. The College will retain records including the initial complaint, any submissions filed, and the final decision on-site for a minimum of three years from the date of the final decision. The College retains these records for every student complaint.
4. Complaint Process
i. Upon receiving a complaint in writing, the Committee will engage with the concerned student and enter into the formal complaint process.
ii. At their discretion the Committee upon receiving the complaint may designate a College employee as an Advisor to investigate and engage with the student for the purposes of gathering information and filing submissions. If no Advisor is designated then the Committee will solely engage in this step. This step in the process is necessary in order to fully understand the scope of the student’s concern and what options are available towards reaching a satisfactory resolution.
iii. Upon obtaining enough information such that the Committee can make a reasonable and informed conclusion, the Committee will make their decision and have it delivered to the student in writing, along with the reasoning for said decision within 15 working days of receiving the complaint
iv. Prior to the decision being delivered to the student, the decision will be reviewed by another Senior Staff of Alpha International Academy to ensure that the decision is reasonable, unbiased, and free of malice.
5. Appeal
i. In the event that the student is dissatisfied with the decision made by the Committee, he/she may appeal in writing to the Executive Team of the College within five days of receiving notification of the formal decision.
ii. The Executive Team will review the decision, and respond within ten days of receiving the appeal deciding to:
- Uphold the original decision by the committee
- Propose an amicable settlement between the complainant and the department/staff concerned.
- Uphold or partially uphold the complaint and to recommend appropriate steps to be taken by the manager responsible in order to address the issue and avoid similar problems moving forward
iii. The decision of the Executive Team is final and the complainant and Complaints Resolution Committee are advised in writing of the outcome
Academic Policies
Any assignment, quiz or exam submitted late will be marked as 0%. This policy may be overruled by your instructor's class lateness policy, in which case the assignment, quiz or exam would be penalized according to their late policy.
Any missed assignment, quiz, exam, presentation or other assessment that was missed will be marked as 0%. If you were unable to complete your assignment, quiz, exam, presentation or other assessment due to a personal or medical emergency, documentation (i.e. doctor's note, hospital discharge report, etc.) must be provided within 10 days of the missed assessment, and approved by the Alpha Academic Team.
Credits you have earned at another Ontario Public College (https://www.ontariocolleges.
In order for a course to be eligible to transfer, it must meet the following criteria:
A. The course must be at least 80% transferrable based on its learning outcomes. This will be assessed and approved by Alpha's Academic Team.
B. Your grade in the course must be 60% or above for Undergraduate studies, or above 67% for Postgraduate studies.
C. The course must have been passed within the last 24 months.
D. The student must apply 10 days prior to the start of the term.
For each course that meets the above criteria, you must submit the following to academicmanagement@slc-
You must also include the following documents:
A. The course outlines/syllabi of each course from the college you are transferring the credits from. Those can generally be found on your college e-portal, website or by request.
B. Your official transcript from the college you are transferring the credit from.
We are proud to offer students convenient class timetables, often leaving several days available for other personal & professional engagements. We cannot adjust student timetables once they have been issued. If you have a scheduling conflict with a prior engagement (such as work) you must make the adjustment through your employer.
Student grades are determined by your instructor based on your academic performance in the course. Students have the right to ask for instructor feedback and request re-assessment, however instructors make the final grade determination.
Alpha College cannot make grade accommodations for any student for personal or financial reasons.
Student GPAs are automatically calculated and made available on unofficial transcripts, which can be found on e-learning 2-4 weeks after each term.
If you would like to calculate your own GPA please use the following resource: https://gradecalc.