Student Expulsion Policy
Purpose
Protege School is committed to providing an educational environment that allows students to successfully complete their programs. This policy outlines the procedures for handling student misconduct and the conditions under which a student may be expelled to ensure fairness and equity.
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in any program at Protege School. It covers various grounds for expulsion, the steps leading up to expulsion, notification procedures, appeals, and the responsibilities of expelled students regarding college property and fees.
Procedures
General Approach
- Protege School prioritizes resolving issues without expulsion when possible.
- Intermediate steps, such as verbal and written warnings, probation, and suspension, may precede expulsion.
- Expulsion may be immediate if the safety or well-being of the college community is at risk.
Grounds for Expulsion
A student may be expelled from Protege School for any of the following behaviours, actions, or violations. Expulsion may occur immediately when safety, legal compliance, or serious misconduct is involved.
Academic and Conduct-Related Violations
Breach of Academic Policies or Code of Conduct — including substance abuse, possession of weapons, threats, violence, or any behaviour that compromises safety or disrupts the learning environment.
Academic Dishonesty — cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, falsification of documents, or assisting others in dishonest behaviour.
Digital and AI-Related Misconduct — unauthorized use of generative AI tools for assignments, exams, or clinical documentation; AI-assisted paraphrasing or translation during assessments; unauthorized recording (audio, video, or digital capture) of classes, clinics, staff, or students; cyber-harassment or digital threats; hacking, tampering with, or gaining unauthorized access to school systems; misuse of AI-enabled devices (smart pens, earbuds, wearables) to cheat or record without consent.
Financial and Administrative Violations
Outstanding Fees — failure to pay overdue accounts after a formal written warning.
Financial Misconduct — fraudulent payment activity, chargeback abuse, misrepresentation of financial information for funding or refund purposes, or actions inconsistent with the school’s refund policy.
Significant Omissions or Errors in Admissions Documentation — falsification or misrepresentation of admissions information.
Academic Performance and Attendance
Academic Failure — failure to meet academic standards, including repeated course failures or inability to progress.
Attendance Violations — failure to meet attendance requirements as stated in the Student Handbook; chronic absenteeism or lateness; failure to complete required clinical or outreach hours.
Program Abandonment — 10–14 consecutive days of unapproved absence, depending on program structure, may be considered abandonment and grounds for withdrawal or expulsion.
Clinic and Safety Violations
Infection-Control Breaches — failure to follow required hygiene, sanitation, or infection-prevention protocols.
Unsafe Client Handling — any action or negligence that places a client at risk.
Professional Boundary Violations — inappropriate communication, behaviour, or conduct with clients, staff, or students.
Unauthorized Use of Equipment or Chemicals — improper, unsafe, or unapproved use of clinic tools, chemicals, or supplies.
Falsification of Clinical Records — altering or fabricating SOAP notes, health histories, or treatment documentation.
Endangerment of Staff or Students — any action or neglect that compromises the safety or well-being of others.
Harassment, Discrimination, and Behavioural Misconduct
Harassment or Discrimination — involvement in harassment, bullying, discrimination, or retaliation, including digital or online forms.
Misuse of College Property — damage, theft, or unauthorized use of college property, equipment, or facilities.
Accessibility and Accommodation Requirements
Students cannot be disciplined or expelled for disability-related behaviour until an accommodation review has been completed.
Expulsion decisions must consider documented accommodations and whether the school has fulfilled its duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code and AODA.
Intermediate Steps Prior to Expulsion
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Probation and/or suspension
- Expulsion
Notification of Expulsion
- Students will be notified in writing, either in person or by registered mail, about the expulsion and its basis.
- The notification will include the effective date of expulsion.
Appeals Process
- Expelled students can appeal the decision in writing within one week following the college's student complaint procedure.
- If the appeal is upheld, the student will be reinstated, and arrangements will be made to make up missed training time.
- Further appeals can be made through the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities if the student is enrolled in a program approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Fees and Settlement
- The settlement of accounts for expelled students will follow the College’s Fee Refund Policy, using the expulsion date as the final day of attendance.
Return of College Property
- Expelled students must return any college property within 10 days of expulsion and will be held financially responsible for any property not returned in good condition.
This revised expulsion policy ensures that students are aware of the procedures and conditions under which expulsion may occur, promoting a fair and equitable educational environment at Protege School.
