Virtual, Online, and Hybrid Learning Policy

• 4.1 Equipment Requirements: Students must ensure reliable access to necessary equipment and technology to support virtual learning, including:
  • A desktop or laptop computer with at least: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 or equivalent, 4 GB RAM or higher, 128 GB storage (SSD preferred).
  • Reliable operating system (Windows 10, macOS, or equivalent).
  • Webcam, microphone, and speakers.
  • Updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
  • Stable internet speed: Minimum 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
• 4.2 Technical Standards: The college publishes and communicates minimum hardware and network standards to ensure students can meet virtual learning requirements effectively.

• 5.1 Identity Verification: Students must verify their identity for online evaluations and exams using approved verification methods, such as camera confirmation or institutional ID verification.
• 5.2 Account Security: Students are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials. Sharing usernames or passwords is prohibited and constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

• The college safeguards all student data and personal information in compliance with Ontario privacy laws (FIPPA and MFIPPA).
• Attendance logs, video records, and login data are stored securely and accessible only to authorized personnel.

• Primary Communication Channels: Official notices and academic updates are shared through telephone and email.
• LMS – Betahive: Instructors shall use the chat and email feature via LMS-Betahive to support online-asynchronous delivery and learning.
• Virtual Tools: Instructors may use other secure communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, or WhatsApp) to deliver synchronous instruction and support learning.

• 9.1 Tracking via Betahive: All attendance for online-asynchronous is tracked through the Betahive. Students must log in and log out each day. If the student forgets to log out, attendance will be capped at 4 hours with verified Vetahive activity. Attendance correction is permitted up to 10 times per full program; further instances are recorded as absences. Synchronous attendance is tracked by the virtual instructor at the beginning and end of each class.
• 9.2 Minimum Attendance Requirement: Students must complete 80 hours every 4 weeks. Attendance is verified daily, and follow-up calls and emails are made to remind students who fail to log in. Students absent for 28 consecutive days, or the first 14 consecutive days from study commencement, will be withdrawn from their program.
• 9.3 Academic Progress: Courses are activated according to the program schedule. Students must complete all course requirements within published timelines. The college issues warnings for delays: One exam behind gets a warning letter and phone call. Two exams behind gets a second warning. Three courses behind results in withdrawal from the program unless a written exception is granted, requiring completion of outstanding work within one week.

• 10.1 In-Person Instruction: Attendance is recorded at the beginning and end of each lesson by the instructor. Students arriving late or leaving early receive attendance credit only for actual time present.
• 10.2 Hybrid Learning: Students participating in campus-based hybrid learning must meet both online activity requirements and in-person attendance verification. Consistent participation in both components is mandatory.
• 10.3 Placements: Where program standards require in-person placements, all placements are conducted on-site with coordination between the college and placement hosts.

• The college enforces measures to maintain academic integrity by utilizing secure login credentials, attendance tracking systems, proctored evaluations and tools.
• Students must complete all coursework personally.
• Cheating, impersonation, or unauthorized collaboration are grounds for disciplinary action and potential withdrawal.

• Assessments for synchronous learning are delivered through Betahive. Instructors review, evaluate, and provide feedback within the LMS.
• All assessments and evaluation activities for online-asynchronous delivery must be completed in the LMS-Betahive within specified time limits.
• Evaluation of instructors will be conducted similarly to synchronous delivery.

Failure to meet any aspect of participation, attendance, or technical compliance may result in:

• Attendance deductions.
• Warnings.
• Withdrawal from the program for repeated violations.

• Students: Actively participate in all components of their courses. Log in and out daily through Betahive. Maintain camera visibility during synchronous sessions. Communicate promptly with instructors or administration when facing technical or academic difficulties.
• Instructors: Verify visual attendance in live classes. Monitor student participation, assess assignments, and report performance concerns.
• Campus Managers: Review daily attendance reports, contact absent students, and coordinate attendance corrections where necessary.