Niagara College Canada

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) protects a student’s rights to privacy. As such, we encourage students to speak with their parents about any misconduct concerns and believe that as adult learners, students should take responsibility for initiating any conversations they choose to have regarding their involvement with the SRRO.

Your student may have a support person present, who may be a parent/guardian. A support person may not address the allegation, pose questions, or speak with Niagara College on behalf of the student as outlined in the policy. Students must independently present information and address the allegation.

You can help to guide your student through the process and be supportive while holding your student accountable to your expectations as well as the college’s. We suggest you ask your student what they need from you during this process, as it encourages self-reflection and self-advocacy.

Sanctions are determined on a case by case basis within the principals of Progressive Discipline. A Sanction will take into account the full context and circumstances under which the Misconduct occurred, including severity, the degree to which it was deliberate, the harm caused, and whether the Misconduct was an isolated incident or part of repeated acts. Mitigating circumstances are also considered.

The college has an interest in maintaining a safe community and appropriate standards of conduct for its students. The Student Code of Conduct may also apply to off campus incidents when:

• engaged in Niagara College Activity;
• communicating electronically, including but not limited to calls, text messages, social media, Blackboard and/or;
• the behaviour impacts the safety, integrity, or interests of the NC community or any of its members.

Yes. The criminal justice system and the student conduct process are completely independent. It is up to the complainant whether they want to file a complaint with police. This is not something the college can do on the complainant’s behalf.