Last updated: November 3, 2006 @ 01:33PM

Academic Regulations and University Policies

I.  Confidentiality and Release of Student Records

A.  Protection of Privacy

Brock University, collects and retains student and alumni personal information under the authority of The Brock University Act, 1964. This information is related directly to and needed by the University for the purposes of admission, registration, graduation and other activities related to its programs, being a member of the Brock University community and attending a public post secondary institution in the Province of Ontario.

The information will be used to admit, register and graduate students, record management achievement, issue student identification cards, and administer and operate academic, athletic, recreational, residences and other University programs.

Information on admission, registration and academic achievement may also be disclosed and used for statistical and research purposes by the University, other post-secondary educational institutions and the provincial government.

Personal information provided for admission and registration and any other information placed into the student record will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (R.S.O. 1990, c.F.31).

B.Student Access
Students have the right to inspect all documents contained in their own record, with the exception of evaluations and letters of reference supplied to the University with the understanding that they be kept confidential.

Students have the right to request that erroneous information contained in their records be corrected and that recipients, of any information found to be in error, be advised of the correction.

Students wishing to inspect their record must make an appointment with the Associate Director of the Office of Graduate Studies.

All official transcripts will be complete and unabridged. Partial transcripts cannot be issued.

Transcripts issued directly to students bear the notation "Issued to Student".

Documents pertaining to a student's achievement at another institution, which may have been received by the University, will not normally be released or redirected.

C.Employee and Student Organization Access
Employees of the University are permitted access to information contained in student records, if they need to know the information in order to perform their official duties. As a general rule, only employees involved in some aspect of academic administration or student affairs are given access to the contents of student records. The Graduate Students' Association (GSA), as well as constituent organizations authorized by them, may obtain listings of students with names, addresses and telephone numbers for purposes of communicating with their membership. Listings will be provided by the Office of Graduate Studies upon written request signed by an authorized officer of the GSA with the understanding that the information will not be disclosed to third parties (and returned to the Office of Graduate Studies when requested).

D.Third Party Access
It is University policy to make a minimum of information freely available to all inquirers. This includes the student's active registration status, current field of studies and degree(s) that have been conferred by the University and the date(s) of conferral. Except as specified below other information contained in the record will be disclosed only with the student's written consent. This restriction applies to requests from parents, spouses, credit bureaus and police. Specified records or portions thereof may be provided to persons or agencies pursuant to a court order, summons or subpoena directing the University to release information; to Statistics Canada and the Ministry of Education in connection with enrolment audits; or in accordance with the requirements of duly constituted professional licensing and certification bodies.

In emergency situations involving the health and safety of an individual, or in compassionate situations, the Director of Graduate Studies or designate may, if it is considered to be in the best interest of the student, authorize the release of information needed to contact the student.

E.Notification of Disclosure of Personal Information to Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency. As such, Statistics Canada carries out hundreds of surveys each year on a wide range of matters, including education.

It is essential to be able to follow students across time and institutions to understand, for example, the factors affecting enrolment demand at post-secondary institutions. The increased emphasis on accountability for public investment means that it is also important to understand 'outcomes'. In order to carry out such studies, Statistics Canada asks all colleges and universities to provide data on students and graduates. Institutions collect and provide to Statistics Canada student identification information (student's name, student ID number, Social Insurance Number), student contact information (address and telephone number), student demographic characteristics, enrolment information, previous education, and labour force activity.

The Federal Statistics Act provides the legal authority for Statistics Canada to obtain access to personal information held by educational institutions. The information may be used only for statistical purposes, and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student.

Students who do not wish to have their information used are able to ask Statistics Canada to remove their identification and contact information from the national database.

Further information on the use of this information can be obtained from Statistics' Canada's website: http://www.statcan.ca or by writing to the Postsecondary Section, Centre for Education Statistics, 17th Floor, R.H. Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, K1A 0T6.

F.Name Changes
As Brock is committed to the integrity of its student records, each student is required to provide, either on application for admission or in personal data required for registration, his/her legal name. Any requests to change a name, by means of alteration or deletion, substitution or addition, must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. Upon making application for graduation a student may be asked to provide proof of his/her name.

G.Transcripts
Copies of student transcripts will be issued at the student's request, subject to reasonable notice. Requests should be submitted in person or by writing to the Office of the Registrar. In accordance with the University's Policy on Access to Student Records, the student's signature is required for the release of records. Transcripts issued directly to the student are stamped "Issued to Student". Partial transcripts cannot be issued. The Office of the Registrar cannot be responsible for transcripts lost or delayed in the mail.

H.Withholding of Degree or Grades
Only the Office of Graduate Studies may release final grades. No student owing the University fees or fines will receive a diploma, certificate, transcript or a statement of final grades or have any such statements communicated to parties outside the University, until such time as the debts have been cleared to the satisfaction of the University.

II.  Student Status
Graduate students must be clearly identified as completing their graduate program on either a full-time or part-time basis and must be registered on a continuous basis from the point of admission to completion of the graduate program unless they have applied for and received approval for inactive status or a leave of absence.

Each graduate program determines whether a particular graduate program may be taken at Brock on a full-time or part-time basis.

Normally, students choose either full-time or part-time status at the time of admission and this status can only be changed for appropriate reasons. Appropriate reasons are changes in family circumstances, work situation or geographic location. Students must apply to change their student status by completing a Request to Change Status form found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms/

Definitions

1.  Full-time Graduate Students
Full-time graduate students are defined as students whose main purpose is graduate study for the purpose of obtaining a graduate degree. Graduate study differs from undergraduate study in that it is for most students an activity that is highly concentrated, demanding and all-consuming.

Full-time graduate students are defined according to regulations as follows:
a)  they must be pursuing their studies as a full-time occupation and identify themselves as full-time graduate students in all documentation;
b)  they must be considered by the University to be in full-time study;
c)  they must maintain regular contact with their graduate program director and supervisor;
d)  they must be geographically available and visit the campus regularly. Without forfeiting full-time status, a graduate student, while under supervision, may be absent from the university (e.g. visiting libraries, doing field work, attending a graduate course at another institution, etc.) provided that, if any such absence exceeds four weeks in any one term, written approval of the student's absence by the Graduate Program Director is forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designate);
  (see http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms)
e)  it is advisable for full-time graduate students to notify their Graduate Program Director and supervisor of any employment undertaken outside the University; they must limit University employment to an average of no more than ten hours a week of University paid work in a given term. This ten hour a week rule applies to paid employment on campus and includes Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships. Approval to work on campus for more than an average of ten hours per week requires the approval of the graduate supervisor, the Graduate Program Director, and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

2.  Part-time students
Any graduate student who does not meet the requirements of a full-time graduate student as defined above is considered to be a part-time student. There is no restriction with respect to time spent on gainful employment.

Part-time students should consult with their Graduate Program Director regarding course selection and course load per term.

3.  Inactive students
If, for some acceptable reason, a student is unable to take courses in a specific term, inactive status may be approved by the Chair/Graduate Program Director. Permission must be obtained before the start of the academic term for which the student is seeking inactive status (via the Request for Inactive Term Form found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms). During an inactive term, the student pays the inactive fee and retains library privileges. Inactive terms do not extend the final completion date by which degree requirements must be completed. Normally, inactive terms may not be consecutive and no more than two inactive terms may be taken during any graduate degree program.

4.  Leave of Absence students
A leave of absence from a graduate program will be granted only in exceptional circumstances which will include parental and maternity leave, medical leave, work leave which requires the student to leave the geographic area or compassionate grounds. Cases will be considered on an individual basis and must have the approval of the Graduate Supervisor (if applicable) and the Department Chair/Program Director before they are submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval. A graduate student granted a leave of absence will not be registered and will not be required to pay fees for the duration of the leave. Students on leave will not be eligible to receive University fellowship support or other financial support from the University. In the case of funding by an external agency, the regulations of the granting agency will apply. The length of time for completion of the degree will be extended by the duration of the leave. While on leave students will not normally be entitled to use University facilities and resources or receive supervision. Leaves of absence are for a minimum of two consecutive terms and a maximum of three consecutive terms. Normally, a student will not be granted more than one leave of absence during a graduate degree program. A leave of absence cannot be followed by an inactive term.

Request for Leave of Absence Forms are available from the Office of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Studies website http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms

III.  Residency Requirements
The residency requirements of a graduate degree program is the minimum number of terms in which the student must be registered on a full-time basis. For MA, MSc, MBE it is 3 terms (one year) of full-time registration. For part-time students 6 terms (two years) of study is required to fulfil the residency requirements. The requirements for MAcc and MBA students is 2 terms of full-time registration. A Doctoral degree will usually require at least 9 terms (three years) of full-time study after a BA/BSc or two years after a Master's degree.

IV.  Degree Requirements
Each graduate program specifies and outlines the program requirements students must complete to fulfil degree requirements in their graduate program entries of the Graduate Calendar. Links to the graduate program calendar entries are found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/programs/. Questions regarding program/degree requirements should be addressed to the graduate program.

Students may not pursue two graduate degrees concurrently.

V.  Applicable Calendar
A student who has maintained enrolment in at least one credit in each calendar year (May to April) may complete the degree program using the "Academic Regulations" section of the Calendar operative in the year in which that program was entered. Students who interrupt their studies for one or more years by not enrolling in at least one credit, however, become subject to the Calendar regulations in effect at the time of their re-registration.

VI.  Degree Completion Time Limits
There are maximum time limits for the completion of graduate programs. Candidates may also be subject to time constraints prescribed by their specific graduate program.

Master's Degrees

1.Full-time students
Full-time candidates must complete all degree requirements within three years from the date of first registration.

The Master of Accountancy program is designed to be completed in two academic terms. In any case, candidates must complete all degree requirements within three years from the date of first registration.

Full-time MSc programs will normally be completed in two years. All data collection work for the thesis shall normally stop by the end of the fifth term after initial registration and in any event, not later than the end of the second year (sixth term) after the commencement of study. Six months shall normally be allowed for analysis of data and thesis writing.

2.Part-time students
Part-time candidates must complete all degree requirements within five years from the date of first registration.

Doctoral Degrees

1.Full-time students
Full time candidates must complete the thesis and course requirements within six years of registration as a full-time student.

2.Part-time students
Part-time candidates must complete all degree requirements within eight years from the date of first registration.

Where a student is permitted to change status from full-time to part-time or vice versa, the fraction of time remaining under the previous status will apply to the new status. Permission to change status must be approved by the graduate program and forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies. Request to Change Status Form available at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms

Students who do not complete the program requirements within the time allotted, will be withdrawn from the program.

Extension of Degree Time Limits
In exceptional circumstances, an extension of time permitting further registration may be granted. Extension requests, detailing the exceptional circumstances, must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies within the first month of the term in which the completion date expires, and all requests must have approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. An extension will only be granted if approved by the graduate program concerned. A Request for Extension of Degree Time Limits Form can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms

VII.  Registration Policies
All graduate students must maintain continuous registration in each successive term from the time of initial admission until degree requirements are complete. Students are responsible for ensuring that they register at the appropriate time for each term, as indicated in the academic calendar. (http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2006/graduate/sche.html)

Students must remain continuously registered to the end of the term in which they complete the degree requirements.
Completion means that all corrections have been made to the thesis, project or essay and the final approved copy has been submitted to the graduate program, the thesis and the Graduate Record Form should then be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. Students who have completed a project or major essay/paper and have had their exit requirement approved, should also submit a Graduate Record Form to the Office of Graduate Studies. Should the Graduate Record Form not be received by the last day for late registration in a given term, the student will be required to register for that term. If registration is allowed to lapse, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

It is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are registered by the appropriate deadline date as designated in the registration materials. Students who fail to register by the due date will be charged a $50.00 late registration fee. Students will not be allowed to register after the official registration count dates of November 1, February 1 and June 30. See: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/registration/

MA, MSc or PhD part-time students must either mail or fax their Registration Form to the Graduate Program Director for signatures prior to being forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Full-time and part-time students who have completed all course work and submitted the first draft of the major essay or thesis will be assessed the First Draft Fee if all paperwork is received by the Office of Graduate Studies prior to the commencement of the term. The First Draft Form is found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms/

Students who fail to register for any term, and who have not applied for inactive status or been granted a leave of absence, are considered to have withdrawn from their program of study. The student will be required to apply for reinstatement into the program. The program may also make recommendations regarding the retention of previous course credits. The request for reinstatement must be approved by the graduate program and the Office of Graduate Studies. A reinstatement application fee is charged. If enrolment is allowed to lapse a second time, the student will not be readmitted. The Request for Re-Instatement Form can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms/

VIII.  Registration Procedures

It is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are registered by the appropriate deadline date as designated in the registration materials. Students who fail to register by the due date will be charged a $50.00 late registration fee. Students will not be allowed to register after the official registration count dates of November 1, February 1 and June 30.

Credit will be given only for those courses for which the candidate is formally registered. A student will receive no credit for any work completed during a term in which the student was not properly registered.

Students will be sent a statement from the Finance Office.

Master of Accountancy
All students are required to register for both the Winter (January - April) and Fall (September - December) terms, unless they have received approval from the graduate program and the Office of Graduate Studies for interruption of their program. Failure to register will be interpreted as withdrawal from the program. Registration is completed via the web.

Master of Business Administration
All students are required to register for both the Fall (September-December) and Winter (January-April) terms, unless they have received approval from the graduate program and the Office of Graduate Studies for interruption of their program. Registration is completed via the web.

Master of Arts, Master of Business Economics, Master of Science and Doctoral programs
All MA, MBE, MSc and PhD students must complete registration for each of the three academic terms of their program (Fall, Winter, Spring) unless they have received approval from the graduate program and the Office of Graduate Studies for interruption of their program. Failure to register will be interpreted as withdrawal from the program.

All courses must be approved by the graduate program (on the Registration Course Add/Drop Form) prior to registration through the Office of Graduate Studies.Newly admitted and continuing full-time graduate students except for the MEd program will register in person at the Office of Graduate Studies at the beginning of each term (Fall, Winter and Spring) and will be advised of the registration deadline dates.

Master of Education
MEd students are required to register in each of the academic terms, Summer (July-August), Fall (September-December) and Winter (January-April). Registration for all MEd students is via the World Wide Web. A MEd registration guide, which includes the current academic timetable and course schedules, is available at: http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/birtguides/masterofed /timetable/terms MEd students who register for a course will receive an invoice outlining the fees owing following their registration. MEd students who do not register for a course in an academic term will automatically be considered to be inactive for that term, will be assessed the inactive fee, and will receive an invoice outlining the fees owing. MEd students are responsible for arranging for the payment of fees to the University Finance Office.

Academic Accommodation for Religious Obligations
Brock University acknowledges the pluralistic nature of the student community such that accommodations will be made for students who, by reason of religious obligation, must miss an examination, test, assignment deadline, laboratory or other compulsory academic event.Students requesting academic accommodation on the basis of religious obligation should make a formal, written request to their instructor(s) for alternative dates and/or means of satisfying requirements. Such requests should be made during the first two weeks of any given academic term, or as soon as possible after a need for accommodation is known to exist (i.e., posting of the examination schedule), but in no case later than the second-last week of classes in that term.

When a student's presence is required prior to the date on which classes begin, any student who cannot meet this expectation of attendance for reasons of religious obligation should notify the Office of Graduate Studies, in advance.

Accommodation is to be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor(s) involved. Instructors will make accommodation in a way that avoids academic disadvantage to the student. The type of accommodation granted will vary depending on the nature, weight and timing of the work for which accommodation is sought.In cases regarding academic accommodation of students on the basis of religious obligation, any dispute unresolved by discussion between the student and instructor may be appealed, first to the Graduate Program Director and thereafter to the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is registered. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Faculty Dean, the student may then appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Faculty Dean, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.

A current list of major religious observance days is posted at http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/

Audit Status
Students intending to audit a course rather than take it for credit, must declare this intention at the initial registration for the term. The consent of the instructor is required. Auditing permits attendance at classes only. No work will be evaluated.

Repeating a Course for which a Passing Grade has been Awarded
Students may repeat a course in which they have received a passing grade. The grade awarded for a repeated course will supersede the grade from the first attempt at the course regardless of whether it is higher or lower. Both grades will remain on the student's transcript but the second grade, whether higher or lower, will be used in the computation of the student's average.

Repeating a Failed Course
Students may repeat a failed course, but no course may be repeated more than once. Both grades will remain on the student's transcript but the second grade will be used in the computation of the student's average.

Changes of Registration

MEd, MBA, MAcc, MADS students
Students wishing to change their course registrations may do so through the Web system until the system closes for the session. After the system closes, students must submit the Registration Course Add/Drop Form to the Office of Graduate Studies by the deadline date as published in the Web Registration Guide and the Graduate Studies Calendar.

All other graduate students
Students wishing to change their course registrations, must submit a Registration Course Add/Drop Form to the Office of Graduate Studies within the deadline date as published in the academic calendar. All changes to a student's registration require the approval of the graduate supervisor (if applicable) and graduate program director.

Course Withdrawal
A student may withdraw in good standing from a course within the period established each term as published in the academic calendar. While it is a courtesy to inform the instructor of withdrawal from a course, this does not constitute official withdrawal from either a course or the University. Grades will be recorded on students' transcripts for all courses in which they have registered and from which they have not officially withdrawn.

MEd, MBA, MAcc, MADS
Students may withdraw from a course using the Web system while BIRT is available. After this date, students must submit a Registration Course Add/Drop Form to the Office of Graduate Studies. Withdrawals are effective from the date that notification is received by the Office of Graduate Studies.

All other graduate students
Students wishing to withdraw from a course, must inform the Office of Graduate Studies by submitting a Registration Course Add/Drop Form by the deadline date indicated in the graduate calendar. Withdrawals are effective from the date that notification is received by the Office of Graduate Studies.

While it is a courtesy to inform the instructor of withdrawal from a course, this does not constitute official withdrawal from either a course or the University.

The week of withdrawal from a course, following the course change period, will be recorded on the student's official transcript.

Grades will be recorded on students' transcripts for all courses in which they have officially registered and from which they have not officially withdrawn.

A student who withdraws in good standing may be entitled to a partial refund of tuition fees in accordance with the refund schedule. See: http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2006/graduate/fees.html

Voluntary Program Withdrawal
Graduate students intending to voluntarily withdraw from a graduate program, must consult with the graduate program concerned and submit the Notice of Voluntary Withdrawal Form to the Office of Graduate Studies. The form is available from the Graduate Studies website http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms. A student's financial account with respect to graduate funding and fees will be reviewed and any refunds/money owed will be determined.

Graduate students who are receiving either internal or external graduate funding, and withdraw from the university, will be have their student financial accounts assessed on a pro-rata basis to the nearest month preceding withdrawal for all fellowship/scholarship funds received and will be informed of the amount of funds they owe or will receive as refunds.

Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Plan (OVGS)
The Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Plan allows graduate students of an Ontario university to take graduate courses at another Ontario university while remaining registered at their own university. The plan allows students to bypass the usual application for admission procedures. Admission is not complete until prior approval has been received from both the host and the home universities. A student who is classified as an Ontario Visiting Graduate Student will register and pay fees to the home university but will pay no fees to the host university. A description of the course must be attached to the form (course outline if available). No more than one credit (two half credit courses) will be allowed as OVGS credit.Ontario Visiting Graduate Student forms are available from the Office of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Studies website http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms

Letters of Permission
A student may request a Letter of Permission from the Office of Graduate Studies in order to take a course or courses at another university (outside of Ontario) as a visiting student.

The student must be in good standing, that is, having successfully completed a minimum of two graduate credits with a minimum overall B average. Brock credit will not be granted to students who Challenge for Credit, on a Letter of Permission, at the host institution.The student must indicate the specific course(s) he/she wishes to take and provide the Office of Graduate Studies with the course description(s) from the calendar of the host university. Course(s) requested should be relevant to a student's degree program and must be approved by both the student's academic department/program and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Approval shall be at the discretion of the department/program and Dean, who shall base the decision on the applicant's overall academic record, the appropriateness of the particular course to the applicant's program and on any other factors deemed relevant.

If a letter of permission is granted to a currently registered student, it will be provisional pending successful completion of the progression requirements for that session.

On return to the Office of Graduate Studies of the approved application, the Office of Graduate Studies will forward a Letter of Permission to the host university. Students should contact the host university to determine any course access limitations imposed on visiting students.

Students must formally request that the host university forward an official transcript to Brock. The transcript must be received within eight weeks of the course end date as specified on the application for the Letter of Permission. Failure to provide an official transcript will result in the automatic assignment of a failing (F) grade in each course attempted on the Letter of Permission.

Not more than one credit (two half credit courses) may be taken at other universities on a Letter of Permission to fulfil graduation requirements for any graduate program at Brock.

Courses taken on a Letter of Permission will not be included in the calculation of the graduate student's Brock University average.

Credit will be granted only when the course is completed successfully with a minimum grade of "B" or 70% at the host institution. Course credit will be granted equal in value to the course weight assigned by the host institution. Any course attempted under a letter of permission shall be recorded on the Brock University transcript as a Pass/Fail grade. The exact name and title of the course(s) taken, the name of the host institution, and the grade assigned by the host institution, will appear as a notation on the Brock University transcript.

If the selected course is dropped after the commencement of classes, notification in writing, and an official transcript or statement, must be submitted immediately by the student to the Office of Graduate Studies at Brock University.

Students granted permission to take the final course(s) of their program on a Letter of Permission must ensure that grades, in the form of an official transcript, are received by the Office of Graduates Studies by May 15 for those wanting to graduate at Spring Convocation and October 1 for those wanting to graduate at Fall Convocation.

Extra Courses
A full-time graduate student may, with the written permission of his/her supervisor and the graduate program, wishing to augment a regular degree program by taking extra credits because of personal interest may enroll in such courses and designate them as extra courses, not to be used for credit towards that degree. Students must declare a course to be extra prior to the last day for official withdrawal. Graduate students may take up to two extra graduate or undergraduate half-credit courses above the requirements of the graduate program. No extra fee above that charged for the graduate program will be levied for these courses. For any other courses taken while the student is in a graduate program, regular fees will be levied. These courses are subject to the same regulations regarding withdrawal, failure to complete the work, as are courses required for the degree.

IX.  Evaluation of Student Performance

1.Grades
Standing in the graduate programs will be reported according to the following schedule of grades.
A - 80, 82, 85, 88, 90, 92, 95, 98, 100
B - 70, 72, 75, 78C - 60, 62, 65, 68F - 58 or lower
IN (Incomplete)
IN (Incomplete) is a temporary grade granted to a student, in exceptional circumstances who has been unable to complete some part of the term work in a course. A grade must be submitted no later than 56 days from the last day of classes in each term. In the case of the thesis, major essay or project, an IN grade should only be granted when the thesis, major essay or project is essentially complete (only minor revision or thesis defence scheduling required). If the IN is not replaced by a letter grade within 56 days, the IN will be changed to the default grade.

IP (In progress)
A grade of IP may be awarded if a student fails to complete all course requirements within the prescribed time limit. A student who receives an IP grade for a course, must re-register for that course in the term following that for which an IP grade is received. With the exception of the thesis, major essay, project or proposal courses, no half credit graduate course shall be denoted IP for more than one term.

Pass/Fail
A grade of P or F will be awarded for courses completed on Letter of Permission (LOP). The actual grade awarded and the institution that awarded it will be noted at the bottom of the official Brock transcript.

Pass/Pass with distinction
The grades Pass with distinction, Pass or Fail will be recorded for graduate thesis courses.

AG (Aegrotat standing)
Aegrotat standing is the granting of credit for a course(s), based on the course work already completed, when no further assessment - for example, a deferred examination - is considered feasible because of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Students may only be granted Aegrotat Standing with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty offering the course.

SA (Satisfactory)
Used for co-op work terms, internship options and non-credit courses.

UN (Unsatisfactory)Used for co-op work terms, internship options and non-credit courses.

W (Withdrawn)Where xx is the week of withdrawal

NR (Not reported)NW (Not withdrawn)
For graduate courses the grades A, B, C, F, IN (Incomplete), IP (In Progress), Pass/Fail, NW (Not Withdrawn), or AG (Aegrotat standing) will be recorded on the transcript. Grades A, B, and C are passing grades but graduate credit will only be given for grades A and B (in all graduate programs except the MBA).For graduate courses in the MBA program, the grades A, B, C, F, In (Incomplete), IP (In Progress), Pass/Fail, NW (Not Withdrawn), or AG (Aegrotat standing) will be recorded on the transcript. Grades A, B, and C are considered to be passing grades and eligible for graduate credit. However, of the twenty half-credits required to complete degree requirements, a maximum of two-half credits at the C level may be used for degree credit and the student must achieve an overall minimum B average in the twenty half-credits that comprise degree requirements to be eligible to graduate.Major essay and project grades shall be reported to the Office of Graduate Studies in the usual fashion with letter and numerical grades. If a failing grade is awarded for a major essay or project, the student will be withdrawn from the program.Theses grades for Master's and Doctoral programs shall be reported to the Office of Graduate Studies as either Pass, Pass with Distinction, or Fail. If a failing grade is awarded for a thesis, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

2.Grading Procedure
Each instructor shall make available to the class at the beginning of the term, the method by which student performance shall be evaluated.

3.Academic Performance Information
Student academic performance information is available following the end of each term of study via Student Self Service, found at: http://www.brocku.ca/registrarFinal grades may only be released by the Office of Graduate Studies. A final statement of grades is mailed to all students who have applied to graduate. Students with outstanding accounts will not receive their statement of grades until the account has been cleared.

4.Minimum Academic Requirements for Continuation in a Graduate Program
To continue as a graduate student, a candidate must achieve and maintain satisfactory academic performance with a standing of at least a B- in graduate courses. A candidate whose academic performance is considered to be unsatisfactory by the graduate program may be required to withdraw from graduate studies.If a failing grade is awarded for a major essay, project or thesis, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

5.Calculation of Averages
The average which is used to determine academic standing is computed by dividing the sum of the numeric grades assigned to credits by the total number of credits attempted.
*Average = The sum (credit weight x grades)Total number of credits attempted**See regulations on repeated courses.
Only courses taken at Brock University and on OVGS as part of the graduate degree will be used in determining a student's average. Courses taken on a Letter of Permission will be marked as Pass/Fail and will not be used in determining any student average. The exact name and title of the course taken on Letter of Permission, including the grade received at the offering institution, will be included as a note on the student's transcript. Courses designated as Extra will not be used in determining any student average. Courses awarded as Advanced Standing or Transfer Credit will not be used in determining any student average.

Note: for the purposes of calculating averages, a value of 45 percent is used for all "F" grades. Transcripts, however, bear the actual grade of the course.

X.  Research Policies and Procedures

1.Research Involving Human Participants
All research, funded or not, that involves living human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board (REB) before the research is started.The REB must also review research involving human remains, cadavers, tissues and biological fluids, embryos or fetuses.Researchers are aware of the importance of attending to ethical issues in the conduct of their research. However, not everyone may be fully aware of the broad scope of research that may require clearance. Some examples of research involving human subjects are when data are obtained through:
·   Intervention or interaction with a living individual(s), including interviews or when a questionnaire or survey is used;
·   Secondary and/or non-public sources, such as a database;
·   Identifiable, private information about an individual(s) such as that found in health records.
2.Brock is responsible for the ethical conduct of research undertaken by its faculty, staff or students regardless of the location where the research is conducted. If you are conducting research at a facility outside of Brock (i.e. Niagara Health System, School Boards) REB review is required by any institution/agency having jurisdiction over the site of the research, where such exists. Please see: http://www.brocku.ca/researchservices for additional information and the procedures you must follow to obtain approval.

3.Research Involving Animals
All research that involves the use of animals must be reviewed and approved by the Brock University Animal Care and Use Committee prior to the initiation of such research or instruction. Please note that no work with animals can be ordered or obtained prior to approval of animal protocol by Brock Animal Care and Use Committee.See: http://www.brocku.ca/researchservices for additional information and the procedures you must follow to obtain approval.

4.Radiation and Biohazard Safety
At Brock University, safety is everyone's responsibility. All members of the university community should be thoroughly familiar with their safety responsibilities, strive to follow safety practices at all times, act proactively to prevent accidents and injuries, communicate hazards to supervisors, and be prepared for emergencies that may occur in the workplace or on campus.

The Brock University Safety Manual (created by the Faculty of Math and Science) and The Brock University Radiation Safety Policies and Procedures reaffirms the Universities commitment to safety and establishes a system and process to help individuals, and departments meet their health and safety responsibilities.

See: http://www.brocku.ca/researchservices for additional information.

5.Field Safety
Brock University is committed to ensuring that scholarship and research is carried out in a safe and responsible manner. In particular, Brock recognizes the importance of encouraging faculty members, staff and students to engage in research beyond the campus walls. However, while all research involves the assessment and management of risk, the level of risk can vary with scholarship. Risk in field research may include, but is not limited to, the risk to physical health emotional well-being and personal safety. The risks may arise because of the nature of the research itself, from the physical climate, or from the political, social, economic and cultural environment of the fieldwork location. It is the policy of the University to encourage such activities as may be appropriate to the scholarly needs of the research program of its faculty members, students, affiliated research personnel, and staff and to take every reasonable precaution to protect the personal health, safety and security of its participating members.

In practice, responsibility for safety in field research rests primarily upon the persons who directly supervise and carry out the research on location. Such persons are expected at all times to exercise good judgement and must take all reasonable care in the circumstances to protect the personal health and safety of participating team members.See: http://www.brocku.ca/researchservices for additional information.

6.Integrity in Research and Scholarship
Integrity is fundamental to the process of research and scholarship and misconduct damages the entire academic enterprise. While responsibility for maintaining standards of conduct in research and scholarship resides with all members of a research team, it is the responsibility of the university to provide an atmosphere which fosters the highest standards of integrity. Accordingly, Brock University acknowledges and accepts responsibility for maintaining ethical standards in research and scholarship, and agrees to investigate and resolve promptly and fairly all instances of alleged misconduct.

It is the purpose of this policy to set down principles that promote integrity in research and scholarship, to define categories of misconduct in research and scholarship, and to establish procedures to investigate allegations of research misconduct.It is expected that all faculty, other employees, including those employed on grants and contracts, and students who engage in research at or under the auspices of Brock University will acquaint themselves with this Policy and all existing regulations and codes of conduct before commencing or continuing with any further research (Section III: 9.10 Research Ethics, Faculty Handbook; Article 10 Academic Freedom, Article 11 Rights and Responsibilities of Faculty Members, Article 13 Conflict of Interest, Article 26 Patents, and Article 27 Copyright of the BUFA/Brock Agreement on the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Faculty; Academic Regulations and other appropriate sections of the Undergraduate and Graduate Calendars; and all future policies and regulations or codes of conduct respecting research and scholarship that may be introduced at Brock University).

See: http://www.brocku.ca/researchservices for additional information.

7.Intellectual Property
For work done by a student, research assistant or post doctoral fellow, Brock has the following guidelines related to the interpretation of copyright and other aspects of intellectual property rights. These guidelines distinguish, in general, between items done solely by the student and those undertaken as part of a joint research effort. In the former case, the intellectual property is primarily the student's, but the University reserves certain rights as detailed in the remainder of this section. In the latter case, the intellectual property rights involve the student, the research supervisor (and possibly other individuals as well), the University, and on occasion the financial sponsor of the research. (If the work is anticipated to have commercial possibilities, it is required that the parties involved agree in writing beforehand on the sharing of any financial returns.)

While no policy can anticipate or cover all possible situations, the University Policy on Integrity in Research and Scholarship and these guidelines are intended to cover the rights of current and former Brock students, research assistants and postdoctoral fellows both while attending the University, and after they leave the University, whether with or without a degree. Similarly, while it is difficult to provide a definitive definition of intellectual property (IP), the Government of Canada (Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada: "Intellectual Property: What It Means To You") indicates that there are at least six types of IP:

1.Patents, for inventions and the creation of new kinds of technology;
2.Copyrights, for literary, educational, artistic, dramatic and musical works;
3.Trademarks, for words, symbols or pictures used to distinguish the goods or services of one person from those of another;
4.Industrial Designs, for the shape, pattern or ornamentation of an industrially produced object;
5.Integrated Circuit Topographics;
6.Plant Breeders Rights.

At Brock, given our mission and types of undergraduate and graduate programs, the most likely types of intellectual property to be created includes theses, dissertations, cognate essays, research papers, books, poems, plays, scripts, essays, articles, dictionaries, maps, lyrics, musical scores, sculptures, paintings, photographs, films, videos, tapes, computer software, databases, records, tapes, cassettes, educational materials, WEB based materials and inventions (new kinds of technology). To be protected by law, an item must satisfy three criteria: a) it must be an original creation; b) it must be a specific expression of an idea, not the idea itself; and c) the item must be fixed in a physical form. These creations may occur via term papers, theses or dissertations, research or cognate essays, course projects, cases, studio or laboratory assignments, etc.

Examinations, Reports and Papers Done as Part of Course Requirements
When work that is eligible for copyright is submitted to meet a requirement of a course, the University acknowledges the student's ownership of the copyright, but places the following conditions on the submission of the work to meet course requirements.

a)The original physical document becomes the property of the University. This applies particularly to examination answer scripts, and may also be applied to term papers and other course work.b)Except for examination answer scripts, the University receives a royalty free, non-exclusive licence to make copies of the work for internal use within the University, and to circulate the work as part of the University library collection.

Theses and Project Reports
As with other papers, the University recognizes that the student holds copyright to the finished thesis. Copies of the thesis shall have on them in a prominent place on the title page the international copyright notice. The student is required to sign a licence to the University library and an additional licence to the National Library. These licences grant the two libraries permission to reproduce the thesis and to circulate it, but do not affect ownership of the copyright.

However, the University also recognizes that the ideas in the thesis will often arise from interaction with others. In some cases, this interaction will have been solely with the thesis supervisor; in other cases, a larger research team will have been involved. For this reason, it is understood that the copyright refers only to the written document of the thesis. The ideas themselves including any advances in theory, data, patentable ideas, or commercial exploitation of the work may or may not be the exclusive property of the student. For the student who has worked closely with a supervisor, or as part of a research group, the rights to publish, patent or commercially exploit the results of the research are shared with the supervisor and/or the research group, and with the University. In those cases in which the work has been supported in part by research grants or contracts, there may be other conditions affecting any patent or commercial exploitation.

The student should be made aware that such conditions might apply before work begins and bears some responsibility to enquire as to details if they have any concerns.

Computer Programs
Computer programs written as part of employment duties, as for example by a teaching assistant, are the property of the employer, as specified in the Copyright Act. Computer programs written as part of course work, a project or a thesis may also have value as a potentially marketable intellectual property. The University recognizes that such software may arise in two different ways, and accordingly has two policies. In setting forth these policies, it is understood that in those cases in which software development draws upon other software owned or licenced by the University, the terms and conditions of the licence or purchase must be followed.

a)Where a student develops such software at the direct request of a supervisor, and under supervision, it is assumed that there is joint ownership of the intellectual property rights. In such cases, it is recommended that the individuals involved co-author a working paper documenting the software, rather than including it as an appendix to a thesis or report. Prior agreement between the student and supervisor that this is to be the case would be helpful.

b)Where a student develops such software on his/her own, as for example for an independent project in a course, copyright remains with the student. As a condition of using University computing facilities, the student is required to grant the University a royalty-free licence to use the software. This includes the right of the University to distribute copies of the software to Brock faculty, staff and students for the University's administration, education and research activities. This licence does not include the right to use the software for commercial purposes.

Research Data
As with computer software, the University recognizes that research is conducted and data are acquired in two different fashions. When the data are acquired as part of a joint or collaborative effort, such as one relying on the equipment within a laboratory, they are not solely the property of the student, although some of the data may ultimately appear in tables or appendices in a completed thesis. As a general rule, such data are the joint property of the student and the research supervisor, either of whom has the right to make them available to other individuals as well. Both student and supervisor are responsible for insuring that proper acknowledgment of the contributions of the student, supervisor, and other members of the research team is made when the data is released in any form.

When the data is acquired through the student's individual effort, and without the use of University laboratories or funding, then it is usually the property of the student making that effort. However, exceptions may occur when the student collects data using research instruments including interview schedules and questionnaires developed wholly or in part by the research supervisor or by some other person or agency. In such instances the right to ownership and/or use of the data may be shared among the parties involved. Given the range of possible alternatives it is not possible to set absolute guidelines in advance covering all such situations. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that students and supervisors make clear agreements in advance concerning the ownership and use of data collected in this fashion. Ownership of data may also be affected by the terms of a research contract that has supported the work.

Equipment
If University resources have been applied to the construction or design of equipment, it is not the property of the student, but of the University. Equipment constructed or designed as part of course or thesis work is the property of the student if the work, materials, and workroom space have been provided by the student or other non-University source. Ownership of newly constructed equipment may also be specified in a research contract that has supported the work.

Intellectual Property Form
All graduate students must read and familiarize themselves with the Intellectual Property guidelines and policies of the university and sign an Intellectual Property Form indicating their agreement with the guidelines/policy or indicating the specific arrangements they have made with their graduate supervisor that differ from these policies. See: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms

XI. Graduate Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
Where appropriate the graduate program will appoint a Supervisory Committee for each graduate student consisting of the Graduate Program Director (or his/her delegate), the Graduate Supervisor and an additional faculty member (who need not be a member of the graduate program).

In the absence of the Graduate Supervisor (e.g., during sabbatical), the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, shall ensure that a resident faculty member is responsible for overseeing the student.

A full-time student's progress should be reviewed at least twice a year by the Supervisory Committee, a part-time student's progress at least once a year. Additional meetings may be called at the request of the student, other members of the committee or the Graduate Program Director.

Recommendations should be made to the Graduate Program Director if the student is to be placed on probation or recommended for withdrawal from the program. The Graduate Program Director will pass the recommendation to the Office of Graduate Studies.

If a candidate's graduate supervisor leaves Brock during the student's program, the following options are open to the student:
·   Transfer by the student to the university to which the candidate's former supervisor has moved. In most cases, graduate credit will be given for work done at Brock:
·   The candidate remains at Brock and changes supervisor and perhaps project.
·   The student opts to complete the existing project. In this case, the University may seek advice from experts off campus or may arrange for the student to work off campus. It will be the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee (augmented, if necessary, by outside expertise), to advise the candidate on all matters regarding the thesis research and preparation. The department is not precluded from seeking advice from the former faculty member, but the former faculty member has no privileged position with respect to the project and thesis; the Supervisory Committee will take precedence in all cases. All special arrangements must be approved by the appropriate faculty Dean and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

XII.  Examination of Thesis Candidates
The research thesis will be assessed, after a public oral examination, by an Examining Committee. This committee will consist of at least the Graduate Program Director (or nominee), the Dean of the Faculty (or nominee), either of whom may chair the committee; an External Examiner and the Supervisor. The chair of the committee, in consultation with the committee, may choose an additional faculty member from another graduate program or department and the Dean of Graduate Studies may, in special cases, nominate a member.

The oral examination of Master's or Doctoral candidates will not involve a comprehensive examination distinct from the thesis presentation and defence, though a comprehensive examination may be part of the requirement of a course, such as a broad survey or methodology course. Questions related to, but not directly covered in the thesis, may be asked at the defence.

The External Examiner will be principally responsible for provision of an independent and objective evaluation of the academic quality of the thesis. The External Examiner is not to be regarded as an ad hoc member of the Supervisory Committee. The committee and the chair shall determine the nature and extent of contributions made to the thesis during its development by all potential external examiners. Casual knowledge of the thesis by a potential external examiner shall not necessarily constitute grounds for precluding such an individual from invitation to serve as an external examiner.

While external examiners need not be academics, professional competence in the field of the thesis is important.

The thesis should be approved by at least the Supervisor and one member of the Supervisory Committee before being forwarded to the External Examiner. In case of disagreement between the Supervisor and the member, the Graduate Program Director shall decide the issue.

The Faculty Dean will define the role of the External Examiner and will request a written evaluation prior to the defence. If the evaluation is so unfavorable as to jeopardize the approval of the thesis, the defence should be postponed and the Graduate Program Director will set up an ad hoc committee to recommend a subsequent course of action.

A recommended format for the defence is as follows: The candidate will present a public seminar outlining the study (preferably limited to 30-40 minutes). This will be followed by a period of "open" questioning in which all present may participate. Immediately following, the Examining Committee may meet with the candidate in camera for a further period of "closed" questioning. The Examining Committee will then evaluate the thesis and defence. Approval of the thesis will require acceptance by two-thirds of the committee and must include approval by the External Examiner. If revisions are necessary, the committee will specify the areas for revision and the date by which the revised, typed thesis is to be returned (to the Graduate Program Director concerned). This date will normally be within three months of the examination or six months if additional research is required.

In the instance of a failed defence, the candidate may, at the discretion of the Examining Committee, be permitted a second and final thesis submission and defence. This will be scheduled for no later than one calendar year after the original presentation and defence. In the preparation of the thesis for resubmission, the candidate will be guided by the written criticisms of members of the Examining Committee. Under normal circumstances, the composition of the Examining Committee for the second thesis defence will be identical to that of the original Examining Committee.

A fee may be charged for re-examination.

Appeals relating to the procedures followed in a thesis examination or to the grade assigned shall be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

XIII.  Evaluation of Major Essay or Project Candidates
A typed or printed copy of the major essay or project shall be assessed by the Supervisor and by (at least) one other member of the Supervisory Committee. Assessment shall involve an independent reading of the final copy of the major essay or project by (at least) two readers. The readers shall, following discussion, agree on the final grade. In the case of disagreement, the average of the two grades to the nearest appropriate number will be assigned. If, following a decision on the grade, revisions are required, the Supervisor will specify the areas for revision, and the date by which the revised copy is to be returned to the Graduate Program Director (normally within three months of the evaluation). Final assignment of the grade will be withheld until a satisfactory revised copy is returned to the Graduate Program Director.

The departmental copies of MEd projects will be housed in the Instructional Resource Centre. As a condition of engaging in graduate study in the University, the author of a MEd project grants certain licenses and waivers in respect of the circulation and copying of the project. The Instructional Resource Centre is permitted to circulate the departmental copy of the project and make single copies for another library or similar institution or for an individual for private study and research. Under certain circumstances, the Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education may delay the circulation and copying of a project for a period of up to twelve months from the date of completion.

XIV.  Preparation, Submission and Deposit of Thesis
1.  a) Submission of thesis:
  When the thesis is in its final form after the oral examination, the graduate program will submit, in unbound form, four copies of the thesis, to the Office of Graduate Studies. The thesis must be free from typographical and other errors and all copies must be identical in content, each containing all illustrations, charts, maps, figures, tables and appendices as approved by the Examining Committee. Each copy of the thesis must contain a copy of the Certificate Approval signed by each member of the Examining Committee. The thesis must be accompanied by the candidate's Graduate Record Form and copy of the National Library of Canada (NLC) Non-Exclusive License to Reproduce Theses.
b) Submission and Binding: the University Library will arrange for the submission of the thesis to the Theses Canada Program and for the binding of the thesis. A fee is levied at registration to cover the cost of the submission to the Theses Canada Program and binding. The Library can arrange binding of additional copies of a thesis at the candidate's expense.
c) Disposition of Copies: after binding, the copies will be dispersed as follows:-
Original copy: will be catalogued and placed in the University Library for consultation;-
Copy 1: will be bound and returned to the graduate program for its files;-
Copy 2: will be bound and returned to the candidate-
Copy 3: will be forwarded to ProQuest/UMI to be reproduced on microfiche and digitized in PDF format on behalf of Theses Canada.
d) Circulation and Copying: in normal circumstances, as a condition of engaging in graduate study in the University, the author of a thesis grants certain licenses and waivers in respect of the circulation and copying of the thesis:
·   to the University Library - permitting the consultation of the thesis as part of the Library collection and the making of single copies for another library or similar institution or for an individual for private study and research.
·   to the Theses Canada Program - permitting the reproduction, loan, distribution and sale of the thesis. To this end, National Library of Canada (NLC) Non-Exclusive License to Reproduce Theses must be completed and submitted with the thesis. Theses are reproduced on microfiche and digitized in PDF format by ProQuest/UMI on behalf of Theses Canada. An ISBN is assigned to each thesis using the NLC's prefix. Two copies of the theses on microfiche are sent to the NLC and one copy to the submitting university.- Under certain circumstances (e.g. to protect confidential commercial information, patentable material, pending application, or where immediate commercial publication is anticipated), the Dean of Graduate Studies may delay the circulation and copying of a thesis for a period of up to twelve months from the date of successful defence.
2.  e) Copyright: in order to claim copyright, the author of the thesis must ensure that all copies of the thesis bear the International Copyright Notice at the bottom of the thesis title page. The notice consists of three elements printed on one line:- the letter "C" enclosed in a circle (©)- the name of the copyright owner, the author- the year of completion

XV.  Academic Misconduct1.Definitions
Academic misconduct may take many forms and is not limited to the following:

A.Exams and Tests
·   impersonation of a candidate in an exam or test
·   copying from another student, or making information available to other students knowing that this is to be submitted as the borrower's own work
·   use of unauthorized material
·   submission of a take-home examination written by someone else
B.Laboratories
·   copying a laboratory report, or allowing someone else to copy one's report
·   using another student's data unless specifically allowed by the instructor
·   allowing someone else to do the laboratory work
·   using direct quotations or large sections of paraphrased material in a lab reportwithout acknowledgment
·   faking laboratory data
C.Essays and Assignments-
·   Submission of an essay written in whole or in part by someone else as one's own.
·   Preparing an essay or assignment for submission by another student.
·   Copying an essay or assignment, or allowing one's essay or assignment to be copied by someone else.
·   Using direct quotations or large sections of paraphrased material without acknowledgment.
·   The buying or selling of term papers or assignments.
·   The submission of the same piece of work in more than one course without the permission of the instructors.
·   Submitting whole or part of a computer program with or without minor modifications as one's own.
·   Individual instructors or graduate programs will point out areas of specific concern not covered above. Students should be encouraged to consult instructors in case of doubt.
·   Plagiarism means presenting work done (in whole or in part) by someone else as if it were one's own. Associate dishonest practices include faking or falsification of data, cheating or the uttering of false statements by a student in order to obtain unjustified concessions.
·   Plagiarism should be distinguished from co-operation and collaboration. Often, students may be permitted or expected to work on assignments collectively, and to present the results either collectively or separately. This is not a problem so long as it is clearly understood whose work is being presented, for example, by way of formal acknowledgment or by footnoting.
Instructors should inform students what constitutes acceptable workmanship, proper form of citation and use of sources.

D. False or Misleading Representation-
Failure to disclose prior academic records required for admission decisions or other academic purposes
.- Obtaining medical or other certificates under false or misleading pretences.
·   Altering documents or certificates, including but not restricted to, health claims, tests, and examinations.
·   Submitting false credentials for any purpose.
·   Forging or falsifying Brock University documents, including but not restricted to hard copy or electronic.
E. Individual instructors or graduate programs will point out areas of specific concern not covered above. Students should be encouraged to consult instructors in case of doubt.

2. Procedures
Students shall not be penalized for suspected academic misconduct. It is the responsibility of the instructor to demonstrate the accuracy of the charge.

If the instructor can document a case of academic misconduct, the instructor shall inform the Graduate Program Director and the Office of Graduate Studies; the latter will not process any application for withdrawal from the course pending the outcome of the investigation of the case. If a charge of academic misconduct is subsequently brought by the instructor, no withdrawal from a course shall be considered valid.

The instructor and the Graduate Program Director together will interview the student, inform the student that he/she is being charged with academic misconduct and attempt to discover whether there are any extenuating circumstances. If upheld by the Graduate Program Director, the case will then be referred to the appropriate Dean along with any necessary observations and/or recommendations from the program. The student may, if wished, be accompanied to any interviews by one of the departmental student representatives or faculty, staff or student member of Brock such as, but not limited to, a representative from the Student Development Centre or the Ombuds Officer.

If the Dean is satisfied that a case of academic misconduct has been proven, he/she should inform the Office of Graduate Studies who, in the case of first offenders, will insert a permanent note in the student's file. The Office of Graduate Studies will inform the student in writing, of the action taken and outline the possible penalties for future infractions. The Office of Graduate Studies will note the transgression on the student's transcript in the case of second offenders. The notation will be removed from the transcript when the student graduates or three years after the last registration.

3. Penalities
A Dean who is satisfied that academic misconduct has occurred may impose the following sanctions:
·   oral or written disciplinary warning or reprimand
·   lower grade or failure on the assignment or examination
·   failure in the course
·   suspension from the University for a definite period
·   notation on student's official transcript
·   withholding or rescinding a Brock degree or certificate

XVI.  Graduate Student Appeals
All graduate students have the right to appeal academic decisions. An appeal is a request that an academic decision (e.g., a grade or standing in a program) be changed, based on the evidence supplied by the student or that a regulation be waived on compassionate grounds or because of extenuating circumstances.This section outlines Brock's academic appeals procedures. Students should note that appeals to the Student Appeals Board is a final recourse in dealing with academic appeals. Students must ensure that they follow the prescribed process and meet with required individuals prior to submitting an appeal to the Student Appeals Board. Students who submit an appeal to the Student Appeals Board without following the prescribed procedure will have the appeal returned without decision.

Types of Appeals

A.Appeal of GradesStudents who have a question regarding the final grade in a course must first discuss the matter with the course instructor or their supervisor ( in the case of their thesis, project or major essay). In the event of an unresolved disagreement, the student must refer the matter to the Graduate Program Director. If not satisfied, the student must then refer the matter to the Faculty Dean. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the request, the graduate student may appeal the decision to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean of Graduate Studies, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board

Appeals of final grades, including the assignment of a failing grade for non-attendance in a course, must be made within 180 days of the posting of grades by the Office of Graduate Studies. Failure in itself is not a valid reason for appeal. If the absence of the instructor, or other factors make an appeal within 180 days impossible, the intention to appeal should be indicated to the Graduate Program Director within 180 days of the posting of grades by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Appeals Related to Academic Requirements/Decisions
i)A request for an exemption to a graduate program degree requirement must be directed to the Graduate Program of the student's program. If not satisfied with the outcome of the request, the student will then refer the matter to the Faculty Dean. If not satisfied with the outcome of the request, the graduate student may appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If not satisfied with the outcome of the request the graduate student may appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean of Graduate Studies, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.
ii)A request for an exemption to a University degree requirement must be directed first to the Faculty Dean. If not satisfied with the outcome of the request the graduate student may appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean of Graduate Studies, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.

Requests for Retroactive Registration and Backdated Withdrawal
i)Within 12 weeks of the last day of classes, a backdated withdrawal will be considered upon the receipt of a request which is supported by documentation verifying medical reasons or compassionate grounds that prevented the student from withdrawing by the last date to do so. Requests submitted without supporting documentation will not be considered.
ii)Prior to the last day of lectures, a request for retroactive registration will be considered upon the receipt of supporting documentation that outline the reason(s) why formal registration did not occur. This documentation must be accompanied by a Registration Course Add/Drop Form signed and dated by the course instructor and the Graduate Program Director verifying that the student has been in continuous attendance.
iii)Requests under C. i) and C. ii) are considered and a decision rendered by the Director of Graduate Studies (or designate). There is no charge for these requests.Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Director of Graduate Studies must refer the matter to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.
iv)When appropriate, the grade NW (Not Withdrawn) may be assigned by the Student Appeals Board within the specified appeal period and when supporting documentation is supplied by the student.

D.Appeals of Charges of Academic Misconduct
Following a Faculty Dean's decision on the charge of Academic Misconduct, all appeals relating to the charge of Academic Misconduct, penalties assigned or notations on transcripts will be heard by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Further appeal of the Dean of Graduate Studies' decision must be forwarded to the Student Appeals Board.

E.Medical Appeals
It is the University's policy to accept medical certificates from qualified medical practitioners attesting to a student's inability to write a test, examination etc. due to an incapacitating medical condition. The University may, at its discretion, request more detailed documentation in certain cases.

Medical documentation must be written on the physician's letterhead (or show the physician's address and telephone number) and must include the student's name and date the student was examined by the physician and must bear the physician's signature.

Appeals Procedures

A.Method of Appeal to the Student Appeals Board
i)All appeals directed to the Student Appeals Board must be received in type-written form. Submissions not received in this form will be returned to the student without decision.
ii)Appeals must clearly state the arguments and expectations of the student. The onus is on the student to demonstrate the validity of their appeal and to provide full and appropriate supporting documentation. Dissatisfaction with University policy and ignorance or neglect of published deadlines will not constitute sufficient grounds for appeal.
iii)Appeals of academic decisions must be made within 30 days of the date of the letter informing the student of the academic decision or within 30 days of the posting date of grades which informs the student of the academic decision and/or final grade.Appeals based on emotional or medical problems must be supported by a certificate from a licensed medical practitioner or other professional indicating specifically the student's inability to fulfil the requirements being appealed.
iv)A student may abandon an appeal at any time during the appeal process.

B.Hearings at the Student Appeals Board
i)Meetings of the Student Appeals Board are held in camera.
ii)In accordance with the rules of natural justice, students appealing to the Student Appeals Board have a right to a fair hearing. This includes the right to be notified of date at which the student's appeal will be considered, the right to attend and present verbal arguments and the right to question the Dean of Graduate Studies (or the person designated by the Dean).
iii)Students must inform the Secretary of the Committee of their intention to attend the meeting.
iv)Students are entitled to bring one faculty, staff or student member of Brock University while attending the meeting of the Student Appeals Board.
v)If a student has asked to attend the meeting of the Student Appeals Board, the Dean (or the person designated by the Dean) whose decision is being appealed will be invited to attend the meeting of the Student Appeals Board.
vi)The Student Appeals Board may request the attendance of appropriate individuals to appear before the Board to provide information pertinent to the appeal.
vii)Where the appeal is against an assigned final grade, the faculty member named in the appeal will be invited to attend the meeting of the Student Appeals Board.
viii)In instances where a faculty member, Graduate Program Director, or Faculty Dean is named in an appeal, the student's submission will be available to the individual named.
ix) At the request of the student, the written response of the faculty member, Graduate Program Director, Faculty Dean, or the Dean of Graduate Studies to an appeal will be made available to the student.
The student and the Dean of Graduate Studies, and where applicable the Graduate Program Director, faculty member, or Faculty Dean, will be informed, in writing, of the decision of the Student Appeals Board.
xi)The decision of the Student Appeals Board is final.

XVII.  Force Majeure
Brock University accepts no responsibility for the continuance of any class lecture, seminar, laboratory, tutorial or course of instruction which may not be completed as a result of an act of God, fire, riot, strikes, lockout or any cause beyond the control of Brock University.

XVIII.  Degree Completion

Degree Audit
The graduate program submits to the Office of Graduate Studies the completed Graduate Record Form indicating that all program requirements have been satisfactorily completed. The completion of graduate degree requirements outlined on the Graduate Record Form will be reviewed and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designate). If academic documentation for graduation is not submitted by the student's program at least one month prior to the convocation date, the student will be required to postpone graduation to the following convocation

Application for Graduation
Application for graduation at Fall Convocation must be received in the Office of Graduate Studies by July 1. Application for graduation at Spring Convocation must be received in the Office of Graduate Studies by February 1. The Application for Graduation Form can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/gradstudies/forms/.

These are fixed dates. If these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the closing is 4:30 p.m. the next working day. (Consult the "Fees" section for the applicable Convocation fee.)

Candidates should note that in addition to the Application for Graduation Form, all degree requirements must be completed by the dates published in the academic calendar before any degree will be awarded.

The convocation ceremony is physically accessible for both graduands and their guests.

Diplomas
Diplomas are prepared for students who have completed degree requirements as prescribed by Senate. Diplomas are presented at Convocation to students graduating from a degree program. Degree program graduates who are not able to attend Convocation may request that their diploma be sent to them by mail or picked up. Diplomas and certificates will be held in the Office of the Registrar for five years after the date of graduation.

Diplomas will be designed to indicate the degree name on the first line, the program and/or field of specialization (where applicable) on the second line, and Co-op designation (where applicable) on the third line.

Replacement of Diploma
Graduates may request, with payment of the required fee, a duplicate or reprinted diploma or certificate. A "duplicate copy" of a student's diploma or certificate will be issued 1) when a student requires a second copy of their diploma or certificate; 2) when, on request for a new diploma, the first copy of the diploma is not returned; and 3) when a statutory declaration (stating that the diploma or certificate has been lost, destroyed) is not submitted. A diploma or certificate will be "reissued" (noting the date of reissue) when the first diploma or certificate is returned or a statutory declaration is submitted. The words "duplicate copy" or "reissued" will be affixed to all diplomas and certificates requested in this manner.

Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the Associate Registrar, Academic Information and Protocol.