Academic Policies

As a member of the Toronto School of Theology (TST), Wycliffe follows the academic policies and procedures found in the TST's Basic Degree Handbook and the Graduate Degree Handbook.  The Basic Degree Handbook governs all of Wycliffe's Professional Graduate (formerly Basic) Degree programs, and the Graduate Degree Handbook governs all Academic Graduate (formerly Advanced) Degree programs.

The information below summarizes our policies on program time limits, transfer credits, leaves & extensions, academic discipline and sexual harrassment, grievance procedures, and freedom of information/privacy.  For further details, please consult the handbooks.

ASSIGNMENT EXTENSIONS

Late work (BD). Basic Degree students are expected to hand in assignments by the date given in the course outline. Under exceptional circumstances a student may request a short extension to be negotiated with the instructor. Instructors are not obliged to accept assignments that are late. If the instructor chooses to accept an assignment, where an extension has not been requested and approved before the due date, then one percentage point per day will be deducted. The absolute deadline for the submission of assignments is the examination day scheduled for the course or the last day of exam week for the semester in which the course is taught, whichever is sooner.

 

Students with documented medical or compassionate difficulties or exceptional reasons (e.g., a death in the family or a serious illness) who are unable to submit their work by the end of the term are requested to consult with their instructor and request an extension. The form is available on our website at this link Basic Degree Request For Extension / SDF Form (PDF) | Wycliffe College or can be collected from the registrar’s office. An extension request must be submitted, with instructor approval and with an agreed deadline, to the registrar’s office no later than the last day of the exam week or the last day of class in which the course is taken. The extension, when approved, will have a mutually agreed upon deadline that does not extend beyond one year. If a student has not completed work and has not been granted an extension, a final mark will be calculated that reckons a grade of zero for that component of work that was not submitted.

 

Late work (Graduate).  The prima facie deadline for the completion of work in a course is the last day of the examination week for the trimester in which the course is taken. Students are expected to meet the course deadlines of the instructor offering the course and are advised to plan their research projects accordingly. Students who find themselves unable to meet deadlines for completing coursework can, under certain conditions, receive extensions for completing the work after the dates set by the college in which the course is offered.

The authority to grant an extension for the completion of work in a course beyond the original TST or college deadline (whichever is earlier) for that course rests with the student’s college Graduate Director, not the instructor of the course. Nevertheless, the instructor’s signature is required for course extension requests to be processed. Students will petition their college Graduate Director for extensions, using a standard form provided by TST on its website. See Section 7.11 of the Conjoint Graduate Degree Handbook.

 

APPEALS

If you consider that you have been wronged in the application of any of the policies relating to your degree or diploma, you should do the following:

• In the first instance, consult with the professor involved and/or with the director of your program.
• If you remain unsatisfied and feel you haven’t been fairly heard, you may appeal to the College Faculty. See the Student Handbook.

 

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE POLICY

In January 2000, Wycliffe College, and all member colleges of TST, adopted the University of Toronto Code of Academic Behaviour including its definitions of offences and sanctions and the normative process for adjudicating cases. The Code of Academic Behaviour is concerned with the responsibilities of all parties to the integrity of the teaching and learning relationship.

Plagiarism is defined as “representing as one’s own any idea or expression or an idea or work of another in any academic examination or term test or in connection with any other form of academic work.” Wycliffe students who commit this offence are subject to severe penalties, up to and including expulsion from the College. Copies of the complete Code are available for reference in the Principal’s Office, the Library or through the University of Toronto webpage at: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto. ca/policies/behaveac.htm.

 

 

NON-ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE POLICY

The Principal may require that a student withdraw from the College if at any time he or she fails to commend himself or herself as a person suitable for membership in the College.

 

WYCLIFFE COLLEGE COMPLAINT POLICY FOR NON-ACADEMIC MATTERS

 

1. 1. SECTION I

1. 1. Wycliffe College governs itself according to generally accepted rules of behaviour. The rules and procedures set out in this Policy are to be applied reasonably, and with due regard for the effect they may have on the life of the College community and of its members.
   2. The Wycliffe College Non-Academic Discipline Policy is applicable to all students registered as Wycliffe College students, whether residents or non-residents, to students in any faculty or division of the University of Toronto who are resident at Wycliffe College, and to students in any other university or college who are resident at Wycliffe College.
   3. Any amendments to this Policy will be made by the Board of Trustees of Wycliffe College.
   4. In exceptionally grave or complicated cases consultation with a solicitor is encouraged.
2. SECTION II
   1. The Wycliffe College Non-Academic Discipline Policy shall apply to all non-academic discipline offences listed in Section III, whether arising on College property or during off-campus College activities.
   2. The Principal and any one of the Academic Dean or the Registrar or the Executive Director or a majority of them may decide whether an alleged offence falls within the purview of the Policy.
   3. Infractions of Section III of this Policy that can be considered to be instances of sexual harassment or violations of the Human Rights Policy of the Province of Ontario will not be dealt with using the procedures of this non-Academic Discipline Policy.
3. SECTION III Non-Academic Offenses
   1. The discipline procedures apply to anyone subject to this Policy who knowingly engages in any of the following activities:
      1. Dangerous Activity: any conduct or activity that may endanger or threaten the health or safety of any person.
      2. Disruption of Activities: any conduct or activity that unreasonably infringes upon or disrupts college or residence activities, academic or otherwise, or the privileges of any member of the College.
      3. Assault: any conduct or activity that causes or threatens physical or mental harm to any person
      4. Theft or Damage to Property: any conduct or activity that results in the theft of, destruction of, or damage to College or private property.
      5. Trespass: the unauthorized presence in, entry to, or use of College or private facilities.
      6. Undermining the Reputation of Others: any conduct or activity that seriously and maliciously undermines the reputation of any member of the College or Residence.
      7. Breach of Discipline Procedures: abuse of the discipline procedures, as complainant or as adjudicator, e.g. laying of false charge, malice.
      8. Breach of Discipline Decisions: refusal or failure to comply with any decision made under the discipline procedures.
      9. Counselling Offences: the counselling or aiding of any person in a conduct or activity that would be an offence listed in this section.
   2. In this Policy “member” includes members of the academic and administrative staffs, students, residents and visiting professors.
4. SECTION IV Informal Resolution Procedures
   1. Whenever possible and appropriate, reason and moral suasion should be used to resolve issues of individual behaviour before resort is made to formal disciplinary procedures.
   2. If the complaint is between students who are resident at Wycliffe College and not registered at Wycliffe College, the complainant is encouraged and has the right to discuss the matter with the other resident. If this discussion fails to resolve the matter, the resident should bring the complaint to the Residence Don. The Residence Don will act to initiate a process of conciliation between the residents, normally, within one week from the date the resident reports the complaint.
   3. If the complaint is between students who are registered at Wycliffe College, the complainant is encouraged and has the right to discuss the matter with the other student. If this discussion fails to resolve the matter the student should bring the complaint to the Chaplain. The Chaplain will act to initiate a process of conciliation between the students, normally, within one week from the date the student reports the complaint.
5. SECTION V Mediation Procedures
   1. If an issue between two or more members of the College, at least one of whom is a student or resident, cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the informal resolution stage, the parties may agree to proceed to mediation. At this stage, the issue must be documented and the party wishing mediation must inform the other party in writing.
   2. The party requesting the meeting must inform the Mediator(s) chosen in writing. Both parties will be entitled to have a support person present at the meeting or meetings with the Mediator.
   3. It is the intention of the Policy that the mediation process will be the stage of the disciplinary process at which the great majority of complaints will be resolved.

 

5. 4. A Panel of Mediators to be comprised of four members will be appointed by the Principal, in consultation with a Faculty member, the Executive Director, the Residence Don, a representative of the Wycliffe College Board of Trustees, and a representative of the Wycliffe College Student Council, to three-year overlapping terms, with the new member being appointed each academic year. Members of the Discipline Committee (6.2, 6.3) will be excluded from this panel. Members of the Panel will mediate complaints, either singly or in pairs, as designated by the Principal (or Chair of the Panel).
   5. Either party may request the Principal to review the recommendation of the Mediator(s) within thirty days thereafter.
6. SECTION VI Discipline Committee Process
   1. An allegation of a breach of this Policy shall be in writing, specifying the alleged offence, the nature of the conduct complained of and the date, time and place of hearing.
   2. If the issue is not between residents but involves an offence under Section III by a resident who is not a Student at Wycliffe College, the charge shall be dealt with by a Discipline Committee to be composed of the Executive Director, the Residence Don and the Senior Student or his or her designate.
   3. If the issue is not of the nature of a complaint between students registered at Wycliffe College but involves an offence by a registered Student under Section III, the charge shall be dealt with by a Discipline Committee to be composed of two Faculty members designated by the Principal and the Senior Student or his or her designate.
   4. In either case the person against whom a complaint has been made will have the right to have a support person of their choice and have that identified person make submissions on his or her behalf.
   5. The decision of a majority of the members of a Discipline Committee shall be the decision of the Committee.
7. SECTION VII Appeals Process
   1. An appeal may be taken from the decision of the Discipline Committee to the Principal for final review by notice in writing within thirty days of the issuance of the decision.
8. SECTION VIII Sanctions
   1. The following sanctions or combinations of them may be imposed by a Discipline Committee or on appeal, by the Principal, upon Students found guilty of an offence under this Policy:
      1. formal written reprimand and requirement of apology;
      2. order for restitution of property or the payment of damages;
      3. a fine or bond for good behaviour not to exceed $5,000;
      4. requirement of public service work not to exceed 100 hours;

 

1. 1. 5. denial of access to specified services, activities or facilities of the College for a period of up to one year;
      6. expulsion from residence.
   2. No costs of any proceedings under this Policy shall be awarded against the College or any party to the proceedings.

 

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The college has a policy on sexual harassment. Copies can be obtained from the Principal’s Office. The college offers an annual workshop which students are required to attend.

 

 

TRANSCRIPTS

Students may view their grades on ACORN (www.acorn.utoronto.ca) at any time. Official transcripts bearing the seal of the college may be requested and will be sent directly to the student or the Institution if further studies will continue elsewhere. Unofficial transcripts may be sent directly to the student. These will be stamped “ISSUED TO STUDENT”. To request Wycliffe College transcripts, complete the request form found on our website (Transcript Information | Wycliffe College). Transcripts are not available through ACORN/ROSI and must be ordered through the Registrar’s Office.

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students are solely responsible for meeting the College’s graduation criteria, and must ensure that they have satisfied the College’s course and distribution requirements. The Registrar does not monitor students’ programs, but is always available for consultation.

Faculty advisors also attempt to keep students on track towards their graduation requirements.

 

GRADUATION

Before a degree or certificate may be granted, approval must be voted by the Academic Committee on behalf of the Board of Trustees. All debts to the College and the University of Toronto, including the University of Toronto Library, must be paid before the degree or diploma can be conferred.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

Academic records may be shared with the University and the TST, but are not made available to others without the student’s permission, preferably in writing. Applications for admission, references, student self-evaluations, evaluations by field education supervisors and College authorities, and other confidential documentation, are available only to the College faculty and staff, and members of the Academic Committee, unless the student specifically directs that they be released to others.

The only documentation which is routinely kept confidential from students themselves are the reference letters supporting their application for admission.

Students who are candidates or postulants for ordination in the Anglican Church are normally expected to consent to the release to their bishop of relevant documentation.

College personnel may share their judgments of particular students with a competent authority such as a bishop or the Principal for reasons involving the educational work of the College or the ministry of the Church. Conflicts occasionally arise when a faculty member feels a pastoral responsibility to the student to keep sensitive information confidential, but realizes a responsibility to report information required by law or as a result of a professional obligation to protect the safety of the individual and the welfare of the college community and of the Church. In such circumstances the faculty member will bring the matter to the attention of the Principal.

 

POLICY ON ACCOMMODATION

In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Wycliffe College is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for all members of its community. The document outlining this commitment is posted on our website: https://www.wycliffecollege.ca/about-us/accessibility-services.

As per the TST Basic Degree Student Handbook we adhere to the following principles and procedures:

 

PRINCIPLE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Under the Human Rights Code of Ontario, every person has the right to equal treatment without discrimination because of disability. The TST and its colleges aim to provide students with disabilities (including physical, learning, and mental health disabilities) the opportunity for the same quality of educational experience as that available to students without disabilities. To that end, the TST and its colleges will comply with their legal obligations by arranging reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Accommodations do not alter program or course requirements or expectations.

 

PROCEDURES

Because each student with a disability has unique needs, he or she should develop an individual plan in partnership with the professionals at Accessibility Services at the University of Toronto. The student initiates this service by registering with Accessibility Services, which is located at 455 Spadina Ave. In requesting accommodation on the student’s behalf, Accessibility Services will not disclose confidential information about the student without his or her permission. A student with a disability should not seek accommodation directly with TST college officials or instructors, since they are not trained to determine suitable accommodations, and will usually not be familiar with the University’s policies and procedures in this area.

 

REDRESS

A student who is denied accommodations recommended by a disability counselor at Accessibility Services, or who has otherwise experienced discrimination as defined by the Human Rights Code, should contact the head of his or her college, or the TST Director. The student also has a statutory right to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

 

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACT

Wycliffe College and the University of Toronto respect your privacy.

Personal information that you provide to the College is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971.

At all times your personal information will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Your information is collected for the administration of admissions, registration, academic programs, university-related student activities, activities of student societies, safety, financial assistance and awards, graduation and university advancement, and reporting to government.

The College provides information to the University which is also required to report student-level enrolment-related data to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities as a condition of its receipt of operating grant funding. The Ministry collects this enrolment data, which includes limited personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics, and educational outcomes, in order to administer government postsecondary funding, policies and programs, including planning, evaluation, and monitoring activities.

If you have questions, please look online or contact the University Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Coordinator at McMurrich Building, Room 104, 12 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8.