U of S Policies & Regulations
The University has policies and regulations on all areas of its operations. Here are some of the policies which are particularly relevant to students and faculty.Course Delivery and Examinations
As articulated in the University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter, students will be provided with a clear indication of what is expected in the course, and what they can do to be successful in achieving the learning objectives of the course. Assessments of student learning will be transparent, applied consistently, and congruent with course objectives. Students will receive prompt and constructive feedback on their learning progress at regular intervals throughout the course.
For procedures on course delivery and examinations, see the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations, and assessment of student learning, and the policy on Academic Accommodation and Access for Students with Disabilities
Student Appeals
A student who is dissatisfied with the assessment of his or
her work or performance in any aspect of evaluation, grading and academic standing should consult the University Council Policy on Appeals of Evaluation, Grading and Academic Standing.
These procedures for student appeals in academic matters describe the process to be followed in appealing the
assessment. Appeals based on academic judgment follow a step-by-step process
including consultation with the instructor and re-reading of written work or
re-assessment of non-written work. Appeals that assessment was affected by factors other than academic judgment (for example,
where discriminatory treatment is alleged that affected academic assessment)
also follow a step-by-step process including application for a university-level appeal board.
Accommodation and Access
The University fosters diversity, inclusiveness, and student success by providing that students with disabilities are not discriminated against; and that they receive equal opportunities for academic success and personal development. Students and faculty should consult the office of Disability Services for Students, which can authorize accommodations. For more information, consult the policy on Academic Accommodation and Access for Students with Disabilities.
Student Conduct
The University expects students to exhibit honesty and integrity in their academic endeavours and to behave responsibly and in a manner that does not interfere with the mission of the University or harm the interests of members of the University community.
The University of Saskatchewan Act 1995 gives University Council the responsibility for student discipline in matters of academic dishonesty, and gives Senate the responsibility to make bylaws respecting the discipline of students for any reason other than academic dishonesty. In addition, the Act gives the President of the University or their designate the right to suspend a student for unacceptable conduct in either area. A student has the right of appeal.
The Policy on Student Discipline encompasses two sets of procedures:
This policy establishes guiding principles and expectations for student behaviour at the University of Saskatchewan
1. Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters: The Senate procedures for Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters and Procedures for Resolution of Complaints and Appeals applies to student behaviour which does not relate to academic studies. The Standard for Student Conduct in non-academic matters is breached when a student behaves in a manner that
- disrupts or threatens to disrupt any of the activities of the University;
- harms or threatens to harm members of the University community, including students, faculty, or other staff of the University; or
- harms or threatens to harm the property of the University.
Procedures
Complaints about non-academic student conduct are handled through Alternative Dispute Resolution for complaints which can be dealt with by negotiation or mediation, or by a Hearing Board for complaints which may result in more significant penalties such as probation, suspension or expulsion. Further appeal of a hearing board decision or penalty is permitted only on grounds of jurisdiction, procedural error, bias or new evidence.
2. Student Academic Misconduct: "Academic
Misconduct" is the term the University uses to describe cheating.
Types of cheating are listed in the Student Academic Misconduct
Regulations of University Council summarized here. The standard for student academic misconduct is breached by the following behaviours:
- Providing false or misleading information or documentation to gain admission to the University or any University program;
- Theft of lecture notes, research work, computer files, or academic materials prepared by another student or an instructor;
- Using work done in one course in fulfillment of the requirements of another course unless approval is obtained from the instructor by whom the material is being evaluated;
- Presenting the work of someone else as one's own;
- The supply of materials prepared by the student to another student for use by that student as the work or materials of that student;
- Alteration or falsification of records, computer files, or any document relating to a student's academic performance;
- Violation of the university's research integrity policy;
- Fabrication or invention of sources;
- Failure to observe any stated rule with regard to the procedure used in an examination (or any activity undertaken for academic credit) where such a failure could result in the student gaining relatively greater credit;
- Altering answers on a returned examination;
- When prohibited, removing an examination from the examination room;
- Seeking to acquire or acquiring prior knowledge of the contents of any examination question or paper with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage;
- Possessing or using notes or other sources of information or devices in an examination not permitted by the course instructor;
- Consulting or seeking the assistance of others when writing a "take home" examination unless permitted by the course instructor;
- Providing false or misleading information with the intent to avoid or delay writing an examination or fulfilling any other academic requirement;
- Failing to observe the terms of any undertaking of non-disclosure given in connection with an examination;
- Misrepresenting or conspiring with another person to misrepresent the identity of a student writing an examination or engaging in any other form of assessment;
- Knowingly doing anything designed to interfere with the opportunities of another person to have his or her contribution fully recognized or to participate in the academic program;
- Preventing others from fair and equal access to University facilities or resources including library resources;
- Using or attempting to use personal relationships, bribes, threats or other illegal conduct to gain unearned grades or academic advantages;
- Knowingly assisting another person engaged in actions that amount to academic dishonesty;
- Plagiarism: the presentation of the work or idea of another in such a way as to give others the impression that it is the work or idea of the presenter. Adequate attribution is required. What is essential is that another person have no doubt which words or research results are the student's and which are drawn from other sources. Full explicit acknowledgment of the source of the material is required.
- Unprofessional conduct or behaviours that occur in academic or clinical settings or other work placements, or that are related to the student's area of professional practice.
Procedures
When an
instructor believes a student has cheated, these following procedures are used:
Informal procedure: Sometimes misconduct is the result of carelessness, misunderstanding of the rules, or miscommunication. In such cases, the instructor may discuss the matter with the student informally. The instructor has the authority, with the concurrence of the student, to:
- reduce the grade on the assignment or exam, to as low as a zero;
- require the student to rewrite the assignment or exam.
A penalty imposed by the instructor and agreed to by the student is not reported to the student's college or
marked on a student record.
Formal procedure: For more serious misconduct, or in cases where
the student disagrees that an offense was committed, a college hearing board
will hold a hearing on the matter. Procedures for hearings are
described in the Regulations. The hearing board has the authority to:
- reprimand or censure the student;
- reduce the grade on the assignment, exam, or entire course, to as low as zero;
- require the student to rewrite the assignment or exam
- require the student to submit an essay or a presentation on academic misconduct;
- suspend or expel the student;
- postpone, deny or revoke a student degree, diploma or certificate.
A penalty imposed by a Hearing Board is reported to the student's college and to the university. A penalty of revocation, suspension or expulsion is marked on a student record. A finding of misconduct in research funded by an external agency is reported to that agency. Further appeal of a college hearing board decision or penalty is permitted only on grounds of jurisdiction, procedural error, bias or new evidence.
Presidential Suspension
Under The University of
Saskatchewan Act (1995) Section 79, the President has the authority to
immediately suspend a student to avoid disruption in university
activities, protect other members of the university community, or
protect university property. This suspension may be appealed through
the procedures listed above.
Copyright
Copyright Compliance
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to the respect of
intellectual property. It is the responsibility of each individual to
comply with copyright considerations. Compliance with federal
copyright legislation and University license agreements is expected of all
members of the University community. Students should be advised that noncompliance
may result in legal and/or disciplinary action. For more information or
assistance in copyright related matters, please see below or contact copyright.help@usask.ca or consult the Copyright webpage.
Audio Visual Media
The main considerations of copyright relating to audio visual media are duplication and performance: all copyrighted video shown on campus for non-educational purposes must have public performance rights. For additional information contact Media Access and Production, Media Access Centre, Tel: 306-966-4261.
Computer Programs and Software Licenses
All users of computer software are subject to the copyright law of Canada and individual licensing agreements as provided by each software supplier. Circumstances in which a copy of software may be made are governed by the software licensing agreement. For additional information, contact Information Technology Services, Tel: 306-966-4817.
Published Works
The Copyright Act governs the reproduction of published works. For additional information contact Corporate Administration, Tel: 306-966-8817.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Confidentiality of personal information and protection of privacy
are governed by University policy and The Local Authority Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The
University of Saskatchewan collects and maintains information about students
that is necessary for admission, registration and other fundamental activities
related to being a member of the University of Saskatchewan community and to
attending a public post-secondary institution in the Province of Saskatchewan.
In
signing the application for admission, all applicants are advised that the
privacy of all personal information they provide, as well as any other personal
information placed in their student record, will be protected and that the use
or disclosure of such personal information will be in compliance with the Act
and applicable University policy.
If
you have any questions or concerns regarding use or disclosure of your personal
information, please contact the Access and
Privacy Officer, Tel: 306-966-8596 or email privacy@usask.ca.
IT Policies and Appropriate Use of University Computing Facilities
The University expects students to use the computer and network services provided to them responsibly. This includes complying with the law, complying with policy and procedures (both University and other Internet sites), not obstructing others’ use of the service, not seeking or disclosing others’ personal information, and not sharing the student’s login information or accounts with others. Students have a reasonable expectation of privacy, but student information may be viewed as required when there is a business need.
For information, please visit the Computer Use Policy, the Electronic Mail Policy and the Data Management, Data Assess and Data Use Policy
The University expects students to ensure their electronic equipment (laptops, tablets, etc.) has adequate protection from Internet-based attacks and is kept free from infection. Equipment that does not have adequate protection or is infected may be denied access to University services, including network access.
For information, please visit the Network Security Policy
For additional information, contact Information Technology Services, Tel: 306-966-4817.
Trademarks
All uses of the term "University of Saskatchewan" and University of Saskatchewan trademarks, U of S Colleges, Huskie and other names, coat of arms, motto and logos (including all designs, trademarks, service marks, logo graphics, character logos and/or symbols that have come to be associated with the University) must receive approval. Use by colleges, departments, student clubs or organizations, intramural teams and commercial enterprises require approval of the President or designate(s). Please see the contact information below to obtain permission.
University colleges, departments, student clubs or organizations and intramural teams wishing to reproduce the University's marks on goods for re-sale/distribution, signage, or University stationery and publications must first obtain University trademark approval.
The visual identity guidelines are maintained by University Communications and governed by the U of S Policy on Commercial and Non-Commercial Use of the University Trademarks.
For more information, call (306) 966-6607 or visit http://communications.usask.ca/guides/logo/ or email uofs.logo@usask.ca
Links to Policies
University policies are listed here. Other university policies of interest to students include:
Care and use of animal in research
Fieldwork and Associated Travel Safety
Research involving human subjects
Waiver of Tuition Fees for Senior Citizens
