ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Graduation
Only students who have completed all the required courses, practical components, and have met all financial obligations will be considered for graduation.
Course Credit
Course credit will be considered only if the following conditions are met:
1.Completion of all assigned term work.
2.Satisfactory grades in the examinations (if any).
3.Meeting the clinical objectives to the satisfaction of the Clinical Supervisors.
4.Meeting the academic objectives to the satisfaction of the Instructor.
5.Attendance in 90% of scheduled classes ? Unless otherwise excused by the instructor/supervisor.
Attendance/Lateness
We expect students to attend all scheduled classes. If absences exceed 10%, those classes must be made up with the individual course instructor (additional fees may apply).
Before a passing grade is issued, a student must complete all coursework. Class attendance means that students remain in the class or clinic until the class is over, or unless otherwise excused. Students who frequently leave class early, or are continually late may be subject to academic penalty.
Test/Examinations
To determine a student's progress and ability to retain and assimilate course material, we use written, practical and oral examinations. Most courses have at least one examination and may also include a number of shorter quizzes.
It is at the individual Professor/Academic Advisor's discretion whether a student must sit additional tests, examinations, quizzes etc. Course outlines will detail the weight of each assignment and test.
Examination Rewrites
Students who fail to achieve a passing grade (70% or better in each course) will be considered to have failed the course and will be offered an opportunity for a rewrite.
Rewrites must occur before the beginning of the next academic term, or at a time agreed upon by the Academic Advisor and Professor. If a second failure occurs, the student may be expected to repeat the course or may be expected to complete an appropriate assignment. There will be a $50.00 fee for rewrites.
If a student refuses to sit a rewrite, an automatic repetition of the course is expected. Repeating a course may interfere with taking a full course load in the following term. All prerequisite courses must be completed before progressing onto clinical courses. If a repeated course is failed, the Professor and Academic Advisors will deal with these cases.
Appeals
At OCTCM we honour and respect the opinions and concerns of our students. Therefore, any decisions regarding admission, grades, probation, suspension for conduct, or the interpretation of any institution policy, regulation or procedure, can be appealed by a student.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, the student should first consult with the faculty member, administrator or support staff member concerned. If it appears that the matter cannot be resolved, the student should make a formal appeal to the Registrar. This appeal must normally be received no later than seven working days after the student has received the decision or action that is being appealed.
The student must attempt to have the matter resolved by having it reviewed by the following people in the order indicated:
1.Faculty member, support staff, administrator with whom the matter originates.
2.The above person's immediate supervisor. A formal appeal, including the above signatures, together with a $25.00 appeal fee and a letter indicating a proposed resolution is then to be submitted to the Registrar. ($25.00 refunded to student if appeal is successful).
Incompletes
Given that life offers many unpredictable circumstances, we understand that students, may need additional time to complete assignments or courses.
If a Professor deems it appropriate, he/she may make a recommendation to the Academic Advisor that a particular student be given a designation of incomplete. Students will have an additional 60 days (or a time period deemed appropriate by the Professor and Academic Advisor) to satisfy the conditions of the course or will receive a failure for the course.
Missed Examinations
If a student is unable to sit an exam during the exam period, and notifies the Professor prior to the exam, it is at the discretion of the Academic Advisor and/or Professor, whether and/or when a rescheduling of the exam will be made (Final Exams can only be written prior to the official exam date). Fees may apply.
Unscheduled absences will be accepted with appropriate documentation supporting an extenuating health condition or other circumstances, at the Academic Advisor's discretion.
Withdrawal
A student may withdraw from a course anytime during the first 10% of the course provided they do so in writing. Notice must be made to the Registrar and the withdrawal will be noted on the student's official transcript.
Students may apply for an academic leave of absence from the program if a written notice specifying the return date is made in writing to the Registrar. Each request will be individually assessed and students will be advised of the academic and financial implications.
Probation/Dismissal
Academic probation is a condition where students must improve a situation, behaviours, or standing that led to their probation. Written notification will be given to the probationer as to the nature of their probation, the terms of the probation and the consequences of no-compliance with those terms.
An evaluation will ensue to determine the status of the probation. Upon successfully meeting the terms, the probation will be lifted.
Students may be placed on probation for a number of reasons including the following:
1.Grades: below average academic/clinical performance.
2.Attendance: less than 90% attendance, unless otherwise excused.
3.Behaviour: disruptive and/or unprofessional
behaviours.
4.Finances: failure to meet financial obligations.
5.Professional/Academic: misconduct/dishonesty.
Failure to satisfy the conditions of their probation may result in academic suspension of one or more academic terms, or academic dismissal. An Academic Advisor, the Registrar and President will review the suspension and/or dismissal case of the student.
