Code of Conduct

Preamble

Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education (NSCECE) is an adult educational institution mandated to provide career-oriented education and training opportunities to students/participants in the field of early childhood education. The college is a not-for-profit, private career college licensed by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

All members of the NSCECE Community share rights and responsibilities based upon integrity and respect for each other, for self and for the environment. The College is committed to ensuring a learning atmosphere that promotes…
>> Cooperation
>> Courtesy
>> Personal safety
>> Inclusion

NSCECE’s Code of Conduct is based on principles that promote teaching and learning as well as the highest standards of academic excellence and personal behaviour. These standards of behaviour apply to all members of the NSCECE community – whether on College/Lab School property, practicum placements or at school-authorized events or activities. Implicit to this document is the presumption that as adults, we are responsible for our actions and choices. Furthermore, it is expected that all members will conduct themselves in accordance with the law.

Upon enrollment or employment we are automatically bound by this code, as well as all other rules and regulations of NSCECE. Students, as members of the college community, have both rights and responsibilities. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure that he or she is fully aware of all academic and nonacademic regulations and policies found in the Student Agenda. It is the responsibility of NSCECE to ensure that all regulations that govern our College community are accessible and available to the College community.

NSCECE Code of Conduct

We…..
>> Promote behavior that contributes to a safe and positive learning environment
>> Demonstrate a high regard for the rights and opinions of others
>> Respect the rights of all people as outlined in the Canadian charter of human rights
>> Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times including when there is disagreement
>> Work together to solve conflict in a positive manner
>> Maintain the highest standards of academic integrity
>> Adhere to all privacy and confidentiality polices of NSCECE
>> Respect the personal and property rights of individuals and of NSCECE
>> Respect the diverse learning styles of others and their right to receive instruction without disruption
>> Promote respectful learning environments free from abusive, aggressive or negative language, bullying, gossip, profanity and inappropriate use of technology

All members of the NSCECE community have the right to an atmosphere, both in and out of the classroom, which is conducive to study, thought, and full participation. This socially safe environment is non-threatening and recognizes the sensitive and diverse nature of our members. It is an inclusive environment where no distinctions are made based on age, race, colour, sex, religion, aboriginal origin, marital status, sexual orientation, income or ability. Any behaviour which threatens such an atmosphere and disrupts learning and teaching activities or creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation will not be tolerated. The faculty and administration reserve the right to remove a member from a class, a program or the workplace or to deny his/her admission to a class, a program or the workplace if the participant’s behaviour is determined to be detrimental to the learning and/or work atmosphere.

How does NSCECE address inappropriate behavior?

If behavior deviates from the code of conduct, consequences will be based on the specifics of that situation and the member’s prior disciplinary events. Actions taken will be part of the member’s permanent record (employment or student). The range of such actions includes a written reprimand, behaviour contracts, suspension, expulsion or termination. These steps do not take away from the ultimate discretion of NSCECE to apply any sanction that is deemed appropriate in the circumstances of an offense, including expulsion and termination.

Written Reprimand:

A reprimand is given in the form of an Incident Report. The details are discussed and a copy becomes part of the member’s permanent student or employment record.

Behaviour Contracts:

A contract is issued when further violations persist and/or when unacceptable behaviour occurs or patterns of behaviour continue. This contract outlines specifically what changes in behaviour must occur and indicates specific consequences if these changes in behaviour are not maintained.

Suspension:

Students may be suspended for up to five (5) academic days. Any student under suspension is excluded from academic courses and activities. While on suspension the student is responsible for their course content but faculty is not required to allow for special accommodations under these conditions. Students on suspension will be marked absent; please refer to attendance policy for rules and regulations. Suspension details will be outlined in writing and will become part of the member’s permanent record.

Expulsion:

Students may be expelled from the College in the most extreme cases. Expulsion details will be outlined in writing and will become a part of the member’s permanent record.

Termination:

Employees may be terminated from the College in the most extreme cases. Termination details will be outlined in writing and will become a part of the member’s permanent record.

Examples of prohibited behaviours include but are not limited to:
>> Academic misconduct
>> Obscene, abusive or aggressive language
>> Bullying
>> Harassment
>> Violence or threat of violence
>> Possession, use or sale of illegal drugs
>> Attending class or practicum when inebriated or high
>> Smoking anywhere on or near the campus or Lab Schools
>> Vandalism
>> Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones, PDAs, IPods, and other devices
>> Insubordination

Members of the NSCECE community are reminded to be thoughtful about how they portray themselves and how they represent the College and others in communication through social networking vehicles.