Program Policies

1.0 Introduction

This manual is a collection of program policies set by the Task Force for the In-Service Teacher Training Program. While most policies for the program have been set, the assessment of individual qualifications for advanced credit standing is an ongoing process. Any questions about program policy should be directed to the program office. Call the College if you require any clarification about the program or its policies.

2.0 Registration

Participants can register for the program and individual modules on a continuous intake basis. A separate registration form is needed for each module registration.

2.1 Tuition Fees

Effective September 2007

**NOTE**: The $200.00 "Program Registration Fee" to St. Clair College is non-refundable. (Students previously registered with Confederation College are not required to pay this fee.)

2.2 Withdraw Policy

To withdraw from the In-Service Professor Training Program, participants must:

1. Write a letter stating their intention to withdraw, from a module or program, with an explanation of the reason.

2.3 Refunds

1. The $200.00 Program Registration Fee is NON-refundable.
2. Refunds of tuition fees for particular modules will be granted under the following conditions:
   
   • Participants must indicate in writing that they wish to withdraw from a module within four (4) weeks of the start date.
   • All module materials are returned intact without any damage.
   • Given (a) and (b), the fee for the module will be refunded minus a $50.00 administration fee.
   • Without (a), there will be no refund.
   • Without (b), the participant will be charged the cost of the module materials.

3.0 Time Lines for Completion

The length of time to complete each module in the program is shown on the table below. As such, the amount of time an individual will have to complete the modules will depend on the combination of modules that he or she is required to take.

For example, the time period for an individual who is only required to complete Modules 1 and 6 is up to twelve months. To complete all six modules in the program, the expected time period is up to thirty-six (36) months. A grace period of up to three months is allowable following the completion of one module and the registration in the next module. An extended grace period of up to an additional nine (9) months (for a total maximum of twelve (12) months) will be considered in exceptional circumstances.

If you require an extension beyond the three (3) month grace period before registering for the next module, please contact our office in writing, outlining the details of your situation and the length of extension requested.

If you are planning a sabbatical, leave of absence, or if you are on sick leave, notify our office in writing so your file can be updated.

Participants who are more than 12 months past the maximum completion time for the module in which they were registered will be dropped from the roll. If 12 months have elapsed since a participant completed a module, without registration for the next module, the participant will be dropped from the roll. Such individuals may re-register for the program and will be required to reapply and repay the program registration fee of $200.00

Time limits for completion of individual modules are as follows:

4.0 Grading Policy

Grading nomenclature will be:

IMPORTANT NOTES

• On a one-time-only basis, participants will be allowed to upgrade an incomplete grade, free of charge, on each module. Two (2) to five (5) months time for the upgrade can be negotiated with the Program Office. If successful, the incomplete will be replaced with a grade of (S). If unsuccessful, an Unsatisfactory (U) will be assigned. Participants must re-register for, and satisfactorily complete within the period allowed for Program completion, all modules transcribed as unsatisfactory.
• Participants who have been dropped from the roll for 12 months will be required to re-apply and repay the initial $200.00 registration fee for the Program.
• Consideration may be given on application to participants who are unable to complete within the policies as outlined. It is your responsibility to inform the Program Office at St. Clair College in advance of any problem with the timelines or policies or any changes that could change your status in the program.
• On the completion of each module, the Registrar's Office will issue by request, a GRADE REPORT FORM to the participant. Participants should check their Grade Report Form carefully and report any possible irregularities to the Registrar's Office of St. Clair College.
• It is the participant's responsibility to notify their employer accordingly of any change in their status.
• The Program Office will issue, on request, a letter to the participant, indicating continued active participation in the program.

4.1 Graduation

To be eligible for graduation, a participant must successfully complete all of the module requirements of the program. For information on advanced credit standing and exemptions, see section 4.5 Advanced Standing Grade and section 6.0 Advanced Credit Standing.

If a participant's overall progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the Program Office will contact the participant. The College's graduation policy will be explained and, in addition, the Program Manager will attempt to provide assistance that will result in improved academic performance. This may result in referrals to other College areas such as Counselling, remedial assistance (if available).

4.2 Prerequisite

Module 1 - IS 150 is a prerequisite to all of the modules and must be successfully completed before assignments for other modules are assessed.

Module 6 - IS 650 may not be taken until the participant has received credit, either by completion or direct credit, of Modules 1 to 5.

4.3 Individual Module Registration

A participant may register for a single module rather than the entire program after paying the initial program registration fee and completing Module 1.

4.4 Audit

Any participant wishing to audit a subject may register for a single subject but must make their intention known upon registration.

Note: "AUDIT" GRADES WILL NOT BE MAINTAINED ON OUR COLLEGE'S ACADEMIC HISTORY FILES AND ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED.

4.5 Advanced Standing Grade

If a participant is granted credit for a module or modules based on the assessment of a subject completed at another educational institution or for work experience, the grade to be submitted will be 'A/S'. Any other grading policies of St. Clair College will apply.

4.6 Communication

All communication regarding satisfactory performance, participation and evaluation shall be conducted between the participant and St. Clair College and the participant and their employer; under no circumstances (including the use of a waiver) shall communications be conducted between St. Clair College and the employer.

5.0 Tutor/Advisor Profile

The Tutor / Advisor will act as a facilitator in the learning process for candidates in the program. Each Tutor / Advisor can work with a maximum of twenty (20) candidates. The Tutor / Advisor is contracted and employed by St. Clair College.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Tutor / Advisor:

1. serves as a role model for exemplary teaching by maintaining high professional standards;
2. assists in the assessment of participants' progress or achievement through assessment of assignments, counselling or interaction with participants. These assessments will be for the exclusive use of the participants;
3. assists participants to understand delivery methods, subject objectives and evaluation scheme for the subjects assigned;
4. assists with the development of the participants learning contract;
5. monitors and facilitates on-line discussion sessions in the online program
6. assists in the evaluation, revision and updating of modules by providing regular feedback to St. Clair College during the delivery of the program

Training Experience and Skill:

The Tutor / Advisor:

1. an individual with training and professional experience in teaching of adults;
2. an exemplary teacher, thereby becoming a role model - someone to emulate and admire even with minimum contact;
3. willing to make the commitment of time and effort and caring that makes a true mentor;
4. knowledgeable about and familiar with the pedagogical and andragogical theories and practices of teaching
5. sincere, caring and has a sense of humour;
6. willing to provide emotional support and counselling to candidates
7. imaginative, creative and flexible.

6.0 Advanced Credit Standing

Credit or exemption must be obtained for each of the six modules in the program. Each participant must complete Module I - IS 150 and Module VI - IS 650. Advanced credit standing may be awarded for up to a maximum of four (4) modules for Modules II through V through Direct Credit Transfer (see details in 6.2) or by completing the process for prior learning assessment.

6.1 Ten Year Post-Probation Service and/or Teacher of Excellence

Participants who have 10 years post-probation experience in Community Colleges have the option to complete only Module 1 - IS 150 and Module 6 - IS 650.

To exercise this option, the participants must:

• First enroll in the program and complete Module 1 - IS 150

At the same time, he/she must forward a letter stating seniority from his/her Human Resources Department confirming his/her eligibility. This letter must accompany the registration form and fee for Module 1 - IS 150.

• He/she then enrolls in Module 6 - IS 650.

Faculty who have received Teachers of Excellence awards follow the same process as outlined above. Include a copy of the award letter from your college.

Re: Step Increase
Excerpt from letter dated June 28, 2006, between OPSEU and Council of Regents: Page 88 of the September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2009, Collective Agreement:

"Employees who have 15 years or more of service and whose maximum step is currently below the maximum on the salary schedule and who enroll and participate in the program shall receive (once only) an immediate one-step salary progression, to a maximum of the salary schedule, and shall maintain that Step upon maintaining satisfactory performance in the program."

6.2 Direct Credit Transfer

Direct credit transfer may be obtained for pre-service programs you have already completed at your college.

Applicants who have received advanced standing during the previous contract either through portfolio completion or direct credit may ask for reconsideration of their application in light of the new provider without an additional fee.

Enclose a copy of any certificates achieved within your portfolio of Module I of the program. A list of the specific programs selected by the Task Force for direct credit transfer follows below.

Below is a list of current programs selected by the Task Force for Direct Credit Transfer. A diploma or certificate of completion is required for documentation.

The following programs are no longer running but still available for direct credit transfer: