Your department is your home base at the college, and it is where you will begin all the steps that need to be completed as you begin your new teaching responsibilities. The Chair or Academic Manager of your program will help you with the general administrative tasks, and he or she will be able to answer many of your initial questions.

myAlgonquin – Your Digital Web Work Space

http://myalgonquin.algonquincollege.com/

(Note: myAlgonquin resides on the intranet. Therefore, the above web address is only accessible on-campus or through a remote connection to the College's network.)

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Algonquin supports both the use of technology for communication and the concept of independent learning. As a result, Algonquin expects its students to become independent learners, and it also encourages its staff to lead by example. To help facilitate this, the College has established a comprehensive website to make it possible for you to find much of the information you will need, independently.

It would be a good idea for you to bookmark this site and refer to it frequently. It is designed to keep Algonquin staff up to date on current issues and to permit them to perform various administrative tasks online. It is an extensive website that contains information about the College, its programs, departments, committees, services, directives, and forms. It also permits you to gain access to information about your classes, to download class lists, and to carry out routine administrative tasks online.

myAlgonquin is an excellent starting point for your search for information about any aspect of college life, and it is updated daily with general college news and events that are of interest to college staff.

You must have a valid username to access myAlgonquin. If you have Internet access at home, you can access this site from your home, so you can stay informed from your own computer. Go to the ITS web site to find out how to connect your own computer to the college network: http://www.algonquincollege.com/its

Following, in alphabetical order, is a list of items you may need to think about as you begin to teach your course. Please be aware that in most cases, the information presented here is in abbreviated form. For more complete details, you will need to consult either the webpage you have been referred to or make contact with the department.

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Academic College Directives

http://www.algonquincollege.com/directives/

College Directives that outline policies and procedures relating to academic affairs support the College Mission Statement and its philosophy of education and training. The College promotes access, equity and quality within a supportive learning environment. The College believes that students are individuals with unique goals, abilities, experiences and responsibilities that should be addressed by systems that protect the entire population of students and the integrity of the College. These diverse demands call for fair policies and practices that clarify students' responsibilities and obligations and protect their rights while ensuring that the College commitment to quality and accountability is respected.

The College Directives can be found at the web page identified above.

The following four directives are most commonly used in dealing with students. Consult with your department for guidance should you find yourself having to consult these directives.

Academic Appeal (Directive E15)
Academic Discipline (Directive E16)
Review of a Final Grade (Directive E24)
Plagiarism (Directive E43)

Students with no outstanding debts or obligations to the College have the right to formally appeal decisions made concerning their academic performance and progression through a program of study (Directive E15). This will include decisions regarding grades that prevent the student's advancement in his or her program, promotion, and academic discipline. Students wanting to have a review of a final course grade are to make a request under Directive E24.

The application of academic sanctions for academic dishonesty (Directive E16 and E43) is the responsibility of the College's faculty and administration. Academic dishonesty takes into consideration the following: plagiarism defined as attempts to profess another person's work as one's own, cheating on tests and examinations, and stealing of tests and examinations.

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Algonquin College Staff Information System (ACSIS)

https://acsis.algonquincollege.com/staff/

ACSIS is a service available to staff and students which allows access to specific information from GeneSIS, the College's student information system. Students are able to view their timetables, grades, exam schedules, find their locker location, access their account balance, select electives, or order an official transcript. It is through ACSIS that they can obtain their username and password for the college network and email service, change their password, and update their address and email information.

For faculty, ACSIS allows you to view your timetables and current course information and descriptions, and to obtain class lists.

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Cancellation of Classes (Directive E30)

Students are provided a timetable at registration in order to assist them to plan their activities and commit themselves to responsible attendance. If a class must be cancelled, students should be provided with adequate notice and explanation, and provided with assistance in arranging an alternative learning experience. Contact your department for class cancellation procedures.

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Confidentiality of Student Records (Directive E19)

The Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Individual Privacy Act has implications for all College staff. All student marks, I.D. numbers, personal information, including status at the College, are confidential. Students must complete a college generated standard Release Form prior to disclosure of any applicable information to anyone other than the student.

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Copyright (Directive A3)

http://www.algonquincollege.com/lrc/research/copyright.htm

For the posting of documents to websites or within Blackboard, the Canadian Copyright Act prohibits making copies of works or substantial portions of works which are copyrighted, unless copyright clearance has been obtained. Fair dealing includes copies made for the purposes of private study or research and does not cover multiple copies for classroom use. Transferring items into different media, for example scanning a print item and posting the resulting file in Blackboard, is not permitted without permission of the copyright holder.

For the distribution of paper copies, Algonquin College has signed a licensing agreement with Access copyright. This license has limitations and does not cover everything, such as digital material, audio visual materials and items from the "exclusions List".

For general information on copyright and how it pertains to the college, please see the Association of Universities and College of Canada (AUCC) website at:
http://www.aucc.ca/_pdf/english/publications/copying2002_e.pdf

For more information about Copyright, you can access the Learning Resource Centre web page http://www.algonquincollege.com/lrc/research/copyright.htm

or

Contact the Copyright Contact: Mary Anne Reinhard at extension 7690 or by email at reinham@algonquincollege.com.

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Course Assessments (Directive E38)

Course assessment is an essential component of all courses offered for credit at Algonquin College. Course assessment provides a systematic and consistent mechanism for eliciting feedback from students, assists in identifying the areas needing improvement and promotes accountability for the effectiveness of college offerings. Results are used to identify modifications to course design, facilities and equipment, assist in program review and support the development of faculty.

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Course Outlines, Examinations and Assignments (Directive E33)

Course outlines must specify a break-down for the types of tests and assignments. Where such a break-down is part of the course outline, you are required to follow it because it is a contract our students expect to be fulfilled. Students have had final grades overturned because the published test and assignment schedule was not adhered to.

If for any reason it is necessary to deviate from the test and evaluation schedule set out in the course outline, contact your department before making any changes.

Where the course outline allows you the opportunity to establish the schedule of test and assignments, you must receive approval from your Department for the schedule you propose. All course outlines must be approved by your Departmental Chair or School Dean.

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Emergency Loans and Advances (Directive E14)

Full-time students may, for a variety of personal reasons, find themselves short of funds for living necessities while waiting for funding from sponsors. In these situations, the College is prepared to provide short-term assistance where appropriate. Refer the students to the Financial Aid Department.

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Evaluation of Student Learning (Directive E1)

The responsibility for evaluating the students' work is yours. The College's approved marking system is in alpha designations with associated grade point value. To ensure that you are adhering to established standards, discuss your evaluation expectations with your Coordinator and/or Chair.

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Food and Drink in Classrooms

Students and faculty may drink bottled water in classrooms, but no other food or drinks are permitted at any time.

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Food and Drink in Labs & Shops (Directive C6)

In keeping with the corporate Occupational Health and Safety (OHS System), the OHS Act of Ontario as well as other workplace legislation, it is policy that food and drink are banned from labs and shops. This is to eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion or contact with a hazardous material, physical agent, or radioactive materials, or where the potential for damage to equipment caused by accidental upset exists.

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Grading System (Directive E11)

After you have determined final grades, enter them on the Grade Report Form (GRF). Issue a final grade only for those students whose names appear on the Grade Reporting Form. You are requested to keep all examination papers, test papers and marking sheets, for up to one year. Contact your department for details. You are required to submit signed Grade Reporting Forms on the date specified by your Department.

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Network Account and Email Account (Directive A16)

http://www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/commsuite/

You must have a valid username to use any of the college network services. For help with your Network Account, contact the ITS Help Desk at (613) 727-4723, ext. 5555.

You will receive an email address automatically when your network account is established. The ITS HelpDesk (ext. 5555) can help you set up your computer to manage your email files. You will find helpful information at the web page identified above.

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Online College Phonebook

http://www.algonquincollege.com/cgi-bin/Phonebook?DB=csnet-ns

You can quickly find phone numbers, office locations, and email addresses of staff or departments at the college by using the Online Phonebook that is available on myAlgonquin and the Algonquin College home page. Once you have a network account, your name, office phone number (if one has been assigned), and email address will appear in the College phonebook.

• If you know the full name of the person, type that in.
  
• If you do not know the full name or exact spelling, simply type in the first few (at least one) letters of the last name followed by an asterisk (*). This option will display the records of all the people whose names contain those first few letters.
  
• You may also search using other criteria, such as job title, department, phone extension, postal address, or office location.

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Faculty Work Area and Telephone

Consult with your department regarding a work area and an office phone (if one has been assigned).

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Plagiarism (Directive E43)

http://www.algonquincollege.com/lrc/research/plagiarism.htm

While not limited to assignments using electronic sources, plagiarism by students is an issues that the College takes seriously, whether it arises from students’ inexperience with the use of sources or from a deliberate attempt to deceive.

Teachers need to stress that they value academic honesty and provide examples of plagiarism, since many students

• claim to be unaware that not citing works from the Internet is plagiarism.
  
• claim to be unaware that “cut and paste” from the Internet without proper citation is plagiarism.
  
• believe the Internet is “public domain” and that web pages do not have authors like printed materials.

Directive E43 provides direction to students and faculty by defining plagiarism and setting out the processes to be followed when a teacher expects that student work has been plagiarized.

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Publishing Centre

http://www.algonquincollege.com/publishing_centre/

Algonquin’s Publishing Centre is located on the Woodroffe Campus and services all College locations. The Publishing Centre provides a variety of printing services for both academic and personal use. Contact your department for procedures for printing and photocopying.

The Algonquin College wordmark is a corporate brand. Use of the wordmark is governed by graphic standards and cannot be used indiscriminately. Consult with your department before using the wordmark.

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Room Scheduling / Room Booking

It is essential that teachers not move their classes out of their scheduled classroom. If you find that the room you have been assigned is not suitable to the course you are teaching, contact your Department. Requests for changes will be granted where possible.

If you require a “one-time” room booking, contact your Department. Also see e-classrooms under Learning and Teaching Services.

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Special Allowances for Individual Students (Directive E3)

The learning experience of students at Algonquin College requires their active participation in order to meet the standards and requirements established by the program. Occasionally there is a need to negotiate special allowances for individual students related to these learning experiences. Consult with your department for guidance should you be approached by a student for special consideration. Special allowances are to be approved by the Chair, Dean, or Executive Dean.

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Student Complaints (Directive E23)

During a student’s stay at the College, difficulties may be encountered with College policy, procedures, services, or during interaction with a professor, staff, or other students. This directive identifies a policy and a procedure for handling a variety of complaints. In the event of difficulty or conflict, students are encouraged to attempt to resolve the difficulty themselves with the individuals directly involved. Consult with your department for guidance should you find yourself having to consult this directive.

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Student Misconduct (Directive E27)

Students, who behave in a manner which is disruptive to the learning process, or which interferes with the well-being of other students or staff, or causes damage to College property, will be subject to disciplinary action. Such action could lead to suspension or expulsion from the College. Consult with your department for guidance in addressing incidents of student misconduct.

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Use of Electronic Devices (Directive E39)

The use of electronic devices during a class, other than those sanctioned by the course professor, is strictly prohibited. In particular, cell phones are to be turned off and are not to be used during a class. The use of any electronic devices during exams and mid-terms, other than those sanctioned by the professor in charge of the examination, is strictly prohibited. Students with disabilities, who require the use of electronic devices in the class or exam setting, are to self-identify to the professor and provide supporting documentation from the Centre for Students with Disabilities.

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Whiteboard Markers/Erasers

If you are teaching in a classroom with whiteboards, you will require whiteboard markers and erasers which will be supplied by the office staff in the Department for which you work.

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Checklist for New Faculty:

(Printable MS Word Version)

One to two weeks before course begins:

• Collect orientation and administrative start-up materials.Buy a parking permit, if applicable.
  
  
• Obtain your username and computer network account from your department.
  
  
• Test your network account and check your email.
  
  
• Sign up for your Faculty Orientation session (if you are Part-time).
  
  
• Obtain a staff ID card.
  
  
• Obtain your timetable.
  
  
• Locate your classroom.
  
  
• Ensure that your course outlines are prepared, approved, and where applicable, uploaded into the Course Information Section of your Blackboard courses.
  
  
• Check that your course textbook has been ordered and/or is in the Bookstore.
  
  
• Log in to ACSIS to obtain your class list.
  
  
• Obtain teaching materials (whiteboard markers, chalk, overhead transparencies, etc.) from your department.
  
  
• Get a photocopier access code and a printing requisition code.
  
  
• Prepare lesson plans for your first classes.
  
  
• Review student services, safety and security information in the Faculty Handbook.


• Consult the Program Coordinator and/or other teachers teaching the same course (if applicable).

First Class:

• Introduce yourself to students and ensure they are in the right course and classroom.
  
  
• Verify attendance using the class list provided.
  
  N.B. All students must be on this list. Any students not on the list must show proof of registration (i.e. a timetable). Any students without proof of registration should be directed to the Registrar’s Office in order to register.
  
  
• Review course outline including evaluation, activities, expectations, texts and course resources. N.B. Ensure students understand pass/fail criteria.
  
  
• Inform students how to contact you and/or the Program Coordinator (e.g. office number, office hours, phone extension, e-mail address).
  
  
• Ensure students have appropriate breaks (i.e. 10 minutes per hour). A one-hour class commences on the hour and consists of 50 minutes of teaching.
  
  
• Refer students to the Program Coordinator for any academic issues.
  
  
• Inform students of expected class conduct.

During the Semester

• Leave room clean and white/black boards clear after each class.
  
  
• Report any equipment or technical problems to your department.
  
  
• Develop a plan (including dates) for creating tests, assignments and handouts that incorporate at least one-week printing lead-time.
  
  
• Check attendance at each class.
  
  
• Distribute and collect course assessment forms as directed by your department.

A few weeks into the course

• Provide students an opportunity to give you feedback about course and instructional methods. You can ask two questions of your students: What’s going well? What would you like to see changed before the course ends?
  
  
• Provide students with formal feedback on their progress in the course. Give assignments and tests back as soon as possible.
  
  
• Review student progress with Program Coordinator.
  

At the end of the course

Submit grades to the Program Coordinator in accordance with deadlines set by your department.

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