Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct of Cannoga College establishes behavioral standards expected of all members of the College community to foster a safe, inclusive, ethical, and academically focused environment.

This Code applies to conduct occurring:

• On campus facilities, lecture halls, studios, laboratories, and residence grounds in Ottawa.
• Across digital learning management systems (LMS), student portals, and official virtual meeting spaces.
• During official academic internships, field research trips, study exchanges, and conferences.
• In any external context where an individual represents Cannoga College.

This Code governs all individuals holding active affiliation with Cannoga College, including:

• All enrolled students across Bachelor's, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, and Certificate programmes.
• Students on approved leaves of absence, internships, or exchange programmes.
• Applicants who have accepted an official offer of admission.
• Participants in College-sponsored athletic events, public seminars, and student club activities.

Community life and governance at Cannoga College are grounded in five foundational pillars:

All students and campus community members are expected to:

• Contribute positively to a supportive, respectful learning environment.
• Comply with institutional policies, health & safety instructions, and Ontario statutes.
• Respect College property, library resources, laboratories, and physical facilities.
• Cooperate constructively with campus safety officers, faculty, and administrative staff.

Cannoga College strictly prohibits the following categories of behavioral misconduct:

• Harassment & Bullying: Verbal abuse, psychological intimidation, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on protected grounds.
• Disruptive Behavior: Actions that impede lectures, laboratory operations, examinations, or official College ceremonies.
• Property Damage & Theft: Vandalism, unauthorized appropriation, or defacement of institutional or peer assets.
• Controlled Substances: Unauthorized possession, consumption, or distribution of illicit substances or open alcohol on campus premises.

Rules governing digital behavior across campus networks, online portals, and institutional social channels:

• Cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and the creation of defamatory content targeting faculty or students are prohibited.
• Sharing or commercial distribution of copyrighted lecture recordings and exam materials without consent is barred.
• Misuse of student credentials, identity theft, or unauthorized access to registry databases will be referred for criminal investigation.

Procedures for filing complaints regarding student or faculty misconduct:

• Reports may be submitted directly to the Office of Student Services, Campus Security, or via the confidential online reporting desk.
• Anonymous reports are investigated to the extent possible while upholding natural justice and fair hearing standards.
• Urgent physical safety threats should be reported immediately to Campus Security or 911 emergency services.

When formal misconduct allegations are lodged, the Disciplinary Hearing Board executes a structured, impartial review:

• Written Notification: The student receives formal written notice outlining allegations, evidence, and scheduled hearing dates.
• Right to Defense: The respondent is entitled to present witness statements, submit documentation, and be accompanied by an advisor.
• Standard of Proof: Decisions are rendered based on the balance of probabilities (more likely than not).

Depending on severity and recidivism, the Disciplinary Board may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

• Formal Written Warning: Documented reprimand placed on internal student file.
• Restitution & Community Service: Mandatory compensation for property damage or assigned service hours.
• Disciplinary Probation: Restrictions on extracurriculars, club leadership, or campus privileges for a set period.
• Suspension or Expulsion: Temporary exclusion or permanent termination of enrolment with official transcript notation.

Guarantees protecting fairness and protecting individuals reporting violations:

• Appeals Timeline: Sanctioned students may lodge a formal appeal to the President's Review Board within 10 business days of notice.
• Valid Appeal Grounds: Evidence of procedural unfairness, substantial new evidence, or disproportionate severity of sanctions.
• Strict Non-Retaliation: Any threat or act of retaliation against complainants or witnesses constitutes a severe independent violation resulting in immediate suspension.