All About the Student Behaviour Policy

You’re likely hearing from us because we have been made aware of a situation that involves you. This could mean several different things; 

• You may have been named as a witness to a situation that we’re investigating
• A fellow student or faculty member may have flagged your behaviour as an alleged violation of the Student Behaviour Policy
• Someone may be asking us to check in on you and offer resources and support.
•  We work in collaboration with Mohawk Security Services, and may also have received a referral from them to connect with you as the result of a security investigation.

• Right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout the process 
• Right to reasonable access to Mohawk College’s Student Behaviour Policy
• Right to a support person- role of emotional/ support and support for students with disabilities 
• Right to procedural fairness, which includes (the right to a fair hearing and an impartial decision maker):
• Right to know the allegations brought against you (they are delivered verbally in this meeting)
• Right to respond to evidence put forth by the complainants and/or the College
• Right to provide documentary evidence
• Right to provide a list of potential witnesses (note, the investigator determines whether or not they will reach out to the witnesses)
• Right to impartial Decision Maker (unbiased)- regarding the finding of fact and corrective measures, where applicable
• Note: procedural fairness does not include the right to be represented by an agent
• Right to decline or withdraw participation from the investigation (but the investigation, including determination of finding of fact and sanctions, If applicable, will continue without you). You will be obligated to participate in any mandated outcomes, if any. 
• Right to request reasonable accommodations during the investigation and/or adjudication proceeding, if you have a disability that impacts your participation in such procedures
• Right to appeal the application of corrective measures, in certain circumstances, where applicable 

Yes you are required to attend a meeting if requested by the SRRO. If you choose not to attend a meeting the SRRO does have the right to proceed with resolving the matter without your input.  Your participation will allow you the opportunity to share your perspective on the matter.  These meetings are arranged in accordance with your schedule and should not impact your ability to attend class. Our appointments can be in-person, over the phone, or through a Zoom call depending on the nature of the matter and your preference.  

The SRRO is located in the Equity and Inclusion office , Room F114 on Fennell campus. We conduct meetings in person and virtually depending on your preference. Our business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

As a complainant, SRRO will be in contact with you to ask if you would like to set up a meeting to discuss the complaint further.  During that meeting, we will review the student conduct process, explain your rights, discuss more details about your complaint, and determine the next steps in the conduct process.

As a respondent, SRRO will send you a mandatory Notice to Meet Letter. During the scheduled meeting, we will review the Student Behaviour Policy and Procedures, explain your rights, allow you to respond to all the allegations made by the complainant, and determine the next steps.

Absolutely! You’re welcome to attend with a support person. Their role in the meeting is limited to supporting you; they are not permitted to speak on your behalf or provide mediation.  Please advise us in advance if you plan to bring a support person. Note that we cannot communicate with your support person to coordinate these meetings or facilitate contact with you.

Meetings typically include a member of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office, the student, and the student’s support person (if requested). At times, you may be accompanied by a second staff member of the SRRO, or a member of Security Services. Those in attendance will be communicated to you before your meeting.

We approach each situation as a learning opportunity. We recognize that people make mistakes and have bad days. If you are found responsible, we will determine sanctions and/or restorative measures in accordance with the circumstances of the incident, the severity of the behaviour and the effects on the College community. For a non-exhaustive list of possible sanctions and restorative measures, you can review the Student Behaviour Policy, Appendix C, Corrective Measures and Responses.

Any Level Two or Three decision may be appealed by the individual whose conduct is being questioned, provided that written notice of the appeal is filed with the Registrar at registrar [at] mohawkcollege.ca (registrar[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) within ten (10) working days of the date on which the decision was rendered. The notice of appeal must include:

• The reason or grounds for the appeal;
• Any documents in support of the appeal;
• Names of any support persons the student wishes to have in attendance (support persons cannot be legal counsel or an individual not involved in the matter);
• Identification of the type of resolution sought.

Mohawk Student Association can provide advocacy and support during the appeals process. Send your questions to msa.advocacy [at] mohawkcollege.ca (msa[dot]advocacy[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).

As per the Scope of the Student Behaviour Policy applies to the behaviour of Mohawk College students, which occurs on campuses or properties owned or leased by the College or during off-campus college-sanctioned events in person or virtually.

In addition, this policy can be applied to student behaviour that occurs off-campus under the following conditions:

• When a student is participating in an academic requirement off-campus (including but not limited to a Coop work term, field placement or academic group trip.)
• When a student is participating in any College sanctioned event (including but not limited to Orientation, Athletic event.)
• When such conduct threatens or affects the physical safety of students and College staff.
• When there is a real and substantive connection to the legitimate interests or reputation of the College.

Please note the examples listed above are not meant to be exhaustive.