At times the learning environment is disrupted by conduct deemed unacceptable by the community. The Non-Academic Misconduct (NAM) procedure exists to respond to harmful behaviour. There is a focus on understanding what occurred, acknowledging the impacts of the behavior, and supporting accountability, learning, and repair wherever possible. In some circumstances, protecting the safety and well-being of the community may require outcomes that limit a student's participation in college activities or programs.
Non-academic misconduct may be defined as:
- Behaviour that negatively interferes with the learning of other students and the College's educational goals
- Anything that breaks the law
- Behaviour that go against professional, workplace, volunteer and/or clinical and practicum expectations.
How can Non-Academic Misconducts be resolved by SRIO?
- Restorative Conversations
- Facilitated Conversations
- Mediation
- Investigation and Decision
- Review and Assessment
SRIO determines the most appropriate direction based on the nature of the concern, while considering the perspectives and willingness of those involved.
How do I submit a report?
Please email us to set up a time to meet SRIO@Norquest.ca.
You can also use the booking tool.
What happens after a report is submitted?
- We review the concern and assess the most appropriate resolution process.
- We listen to everyone involved, ensuring individuals have an opportunity to share their perspectives.
- We consider all relevant information and determine an appropriate response that is fair, educational, and supportive of community well-being.
- We work toward resolution, accountability, and learning while respecting the rights of all students involved.
Common Examples of Non-Academic Misconduct
Examples Include, but are not limited to, the following:- Disruption of the learning environment, including behaviour that is inconsistent with the Community Standards or that interferes with the rights of others
- Use or threat of force toward individuals or property that compromises safety or well-being
- Assault (verbal and/or physical), abusive or offensive language, defamation, or retaliation, towards others
- Bullying, harassment and/or discrimination
- Sexual violence, including, but not limited to, sexual assault or sexual harassment
- Sharing harmful or offensive content. Students must not create, share, or distribute materials-whether written, digital or verbal that are intended to harm, threaten, insult or defame others and/or engaging in activity that could hinder or prevent the full participation of another person or group in the NorQuest community
- Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse and/or vandalism of college property, including facilities, equipment, WIL (Work-Integrated Learning) sites and technologies
- Theft of, intentional or careless damage to, or unlawful possession of college property, including its facilities, equipment, WIL sites and technologies, as well as the personal property of members of the college community
- Possession or use of any weapon or device that may reasonably be construed to be a weapon, explosives, fireworks, or dangerous chemical, regardless of whether the individual has a license to possess such items
- Consumption of alcohol and/or other illicit substances that impair behaviour or adversely affect members of the NorQuest community
- Behaviour that disregards college policies, procedures, or reasonable instructions from college personnel, particularly where safety or orderly operations are affected (ex. Refusing legitimate requests to produce identification)
- Neglect of safety procedures or intentional creation of safety hazards
- Not complying with established outcomes or directives resulting from a Non-Academic Misconduct process
- Altering (in whole or in part) any college record or program of study related document in a way that undermines integrity or trust. This includes foraging signatures.
- Reporting vexatious or bad faith complaints to SRIO.
- Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value, whether money, gifts, or other incentives, with the intention of influencing the actions, decisions, or behaviour of college community members in a way that is unethical, illegal, or contrary to the interests of fairness and integrity
Classroom Expectations
Instructors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, respectful and productive learning environment. If a student’s behaviour disrupts a class or another supervised academic activity, the instructor may ask the student to leave the class until the situation has been addressed.
If needed, NorQuest Security may assist the student in leaving the class or possibly the campus. If the disruptive behaviour continues or is serious enough, it could be addressed by the non-academic misconduct procedure.
Possible Questions to ask when considering reporting harmful behaviour?
Not every concern requires a formal report. If you are unsure whether a situation falls under the Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure, these questions may help you reflect on the situation and determine the next steps.
- Can you describe what happened and how it may conflict with the Non-Academic Misconduct (NAM) Procedure or community expectations?
- Has this behaviour occurred more than once?
- How did the concerning behaviour impact you, other and/or the campus community?
- Have you spoken to your instructor or supervisor about this concern?
- Do you feel at risk or do you someone from the campus community may be at risk of harm?