Courses

What is Academic integrity?

It is an important cornerstone of your education. If you are accused of academic misconduct of any sort, including cheating on an exam or an assignment, plagiarizing, lying about an illness, and so on, you will need to meet with your instructor and—in some cases—an Academic Integrity Committee or your Dean. 

If you've received a notice regarding allegation of academic misconduct, don't panic. You'll have the opportunity to explain your side of the story.

For more details surrounding academic integrity, visit the Academic Integrity web page to help navigate you through the process. You can also connect with the Ontario Tech Student Union for additonal guidance.

Course syllabus 

A course outline or syllabus is a summary of the basic elements of a course, including class schedules, expectations, learning outcomes, assessments and policies. It is a contract between you—as a student—and your professor/instructor. If you're looking for the best way to connect with your professor, the course syllabus typically includes your course instructors prefered method of communication (e.g. email, Canvas), as well as their office location and office hours for the semester. Your syllabus can be found in your Canvas course. 

You can find out more about your course by speaking with your Academic Advisor.

We are all human, and humans get sick or experience loss. If you cannot complete an assignment or write a test at its scheduled time, you may be able to get a chance to gain those marks back for your missed assignment or test/exam. When you are incapacitated with an unexpected illness/injury or a death in the family, and you weren't able to meet your academic deadlines, we have a path for you.    

If the coursework is worth 20 per cent or less of your final grade, within 24 hours of the missed deadline, you need to reach out to the course instructor in writing to request consideration for missed coursework. If approved, your instructor may reweigh those grades or provide an extension or a makeup assignment.  

If the coursework is 20 per cent or more of your final grade, we are here to support you. If you need someone to talk to about your loss or you are wondering what next steps are available for missed coursework or any mid-term examination(s) or test(s), your first step is to submit an academic consideration form to be reviewed by the faculty. The faculty will send you an email with the decision on your consideration and if approved, your instructor may provide an extension or another resolution. 

If you are too sick to write your final exam, you can follow the exam deferral request process. Please ensure you submit by the deadline for consideration. Typically, approved requests for exam deferrals are rescheduled following the exam period.

I'm having a hard time balancing work and school 

Finding balance is challenging, and you may have to work to support yourself, your family and your education. Knowing this is a reality, being realistic about what you take on is key. There are several different options and resources to consider. This may mean adjusting your work or school commitments to find the best balance for you. Your Academic Advisor can help you explore options related to your course load and degree progression. 

I have a personal issue impacting my studies 

Your performance can often be impacted by factors affecting your personal life such as finances, mental health and academics. If there are personal issues impacting your academics, our Student Mental Health Services team offers one-on-one appointments (virutal and in person) to provide counseling and guidance when you need it most. Your Academic Advisor is also here to listen about your challenges and help you look at options and resources. Find your Academic Advisor. 

The Financial Aid Office can help you look at the options for financing your education. Visit the website to learn more about the options available to finance your education.  

I’m having trouble resolving an issues with a classmate or professor 

It's always best to have a face-to-face conversation if you're trying to resolve an issue. If you still need help navigating the situation after taking this approach, please feel free to connect with your Academic Advisor for guidance.

I’m not interested in a specific course

It's important to stay engaged with your course work even if it isn't a subject you find particularly interesting, especially if it's a required course for your program. It may require some reflection in terms of your goals to kick start your motivation. However, if it's an elective course, it may be something you would like to consider dropping. 

I'm not interested in my courses 

If you aren’t feeling motivated or engaged in your studies it could mean the program you're taking isn't the right fit for you. Your Academic Advisor can help you explore your program options to get you on the right path. 

I'm not prioritizing my health and wellbeing 

Your personal health and wellbeing can directly impact your performance in school. It is vital to make your wellness a priority. We are dedicated to supporting your mental and physical health, and wellness. Explore wellness supports and recreational activities we offer on campus. You can also book a one-on-one appointment with a Mental Health Councelor. 

I’m struggling with course content

There are a number of things you can do if you're struggling with course content, including connecting with your Professor or Teaching Assistant for support, or utilizing academic supports and services like the Student Learning Centre. 

I'm struggling with my time management and study skills 

If you're struggling to reach assignment deadlines and can't seem to find the best study skills that work best for you, we have resources to help you develop and refine your time management and study skills. Visit our Student Learning Centre to book an appointment or attend a workshop. 

I'm struggling with my workload 

Everyone has a different formula and capacity for workload and successful outcomes—especially when you have a lot on your plate. Many students take a reduced course load. Talk to your Academic Advisor about your workload challenges and build a plan that works for you. You can also book an appointment with the Student Learning Centre. 

If you have a disability, you can register with our Student Accessibility Services to receive accommodations, book an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist and utilize our accomodated test centre for tests, quizzes and exams.