Student rights and responsibilities are listed in the Community Standards Policy. The Community Standards Policy explains how NorQuest College students, staff, and visitors treat each other. It is based on shared values like respect, honesty, and belonging. It is called a Community Standards Policy, not a Code of Conduct, because it takes a more collective and community-informed approach. At NorQuest, “we” is greater than “they”.
A plain language summary of the policy is available.
Our community values
- Trust, Respect, and Dependability
- Integrity & Courage
- Accountability and Responsibility
- Belonging & Inclusion
- Learning & Embracing New Perspectives
Student rights
Student rights and responsibilities provide clarity and transparency by outlining what students can expect from the college and what is expected of them as community members.
Students have a right to:
- A learning environment that is protected from discrimination, harassment, bullying, indignity or injury.
- Access all college policies and procedures and request clarification on any point if desired.
- Accurate and timely information about course and program requirements, admission, enrolment, registration, progression, and financial status.
- Be supported in developing their professional identity.
- Fair and transparent processes when concerns arise about conduct, college policy, or community standards. The college recognizes that power imbalances exist and is committed to continuing to examine how our processes account for this.
- Reasonable and legitimate access to college buildings and facilities.
- Reasonable accommodations to ensure equitable access to learning and college services (see Duty to Accommodate Students with Disabilities Policy).
- Privacy and confidentiality regarding their personal information and participation in college processes. In some situations, confidentiality may be limited, as set out in applicable privacy legislation and college policies.
- Access their official student records as permitted under applicable privacy legislation (ATIA, POPA & Records & Information Management Policy).
- Express ideas and opinions without fear of retaliation, provided such expression is consistent with college policies and human rights protections.
- Seek advice and have a support person of their choosing—including Elders, cultural advisors, or community representatives—during a formal college process.
- Join and participate in an independent students’ association, including its governance and activities, in accordance with its by-laws.
- Seek assistance and clarification about assessments from instructors outside scheduled class times, at mutually agreed times and formats.
- Report policy violations and appeal eligible decisions through established college processes.
- Access services that promote wellbeing in accordance with college procedures and availability. This includes culturally responsive and trauma‑informed supports where possible.
- Experience grief and loss in ways that reflect diverse cultural contexts, including grief that is collective and ongoing.
Student responsibilities
Students have a responsibility to:
- Understand specific program academic standards, program completion requirements, and graduation requirements. This includes understanding academic standing, academic warning, and withdrawal policies.
- Comply with the policies and procedures of the college, in addition to the policies and procedures of any employer, host organization, or community partner where the student is involved in work-integrated learning (WIL) activities.
- Respect accommodations and equity practices and act in ways that help all community members participate fully.
- Respect the property of others, including the college’s buildings and facilities.
- Conduct their academic work honestly in ways that uphold academic integrity and community standards.
- Respect instructors’ right to set course content, teaching methods, assessments, and classroom expectations that support inclusive and accessible learning environments.
- Take responsibility for their own learning by meeting course expectations and deadlines.
- Engage genuinely with the professional standards and ethical expectations of the chosen field and demonstrate a commitment to developing those expectations throughout the program.
- Maintain timely and respectful communication with college offices and personnel. Failure to respond does not excuse missed deadlines.
Need help understanding student Rights and Responsibilities? Contact the Student Resolution and Integrity Office (SRIO@NorQuest.ca)
Explore this storybook guide to see the Community Standards in action.