Academic Policies

Elevare™ Career Institute   3501
Institution Name Institution Number
Academic Policies May 1, 2024 March 19, 2025
Policy Name Effective Date Revision Date

Policy Detail

Replacement of Program Materials

While your initial program materials (textbooks, equipment, and uniforms) are included in your tuition fees, you may need replacements during your studies. To request replacement materials:

  • Obtain a Material Replacement Request Form
  • Contact the Instructors and the Admissions Office to verify the following:
    • Current edition of the textbook(s)
    • Correct replacement item(s)
    • Sizing and types of the uniforms
    • Availability
    • Replacement cost
  • Submit your request via email or in person to the instructor.
  • Payment must be made before the replacement can be issued or ordered

Note: Replacement costs vary by item and program. Current pricing can be obtained from the Admissions Office. Students are encouraged to take good care of their original materials as replacement costs are not covered under tuition fees. For specific pricing or questions about replacement materials, please contact the Admissions Office or your Program Coordinator.

Assignment Requirements

Unless otherwise specified, all assignments must be submitted with the following specifications:

  • Typed (handwritten submissions will only be accepted if the instructor specifically allows them)
  • 12‑point font in Calibri, Aptos, Times New Roman, Arial, or similar easy‑to‑read fonts
  • 1" margin
  • All sources used must be cited. While perfect formatting is not expected, proper credit must be given to original sources.

Failure to cite sources may result in a violation of the institution's plagiarism policy. If you're unsure how to cite something, please ask your instructor or consult available writing resources.

Assignment Extensions

In exceptional circumstances, you may request an extension for an assignment (such as a paper, project, or presentation) from your instructor. This request must be made in writing before the assignment's due date for it to be considered. The decision to grant or deny extensions lies with the instructor, with final approval from the Executive Director. Please note that granted extensions are not regarded as rewrites, and you are still required to attend class as scheduled.

Late Assignments

All assignments must be completed and submitted by the specified due date and time. If you fail to submit an assignment on time (without prior arrangements), penalties will apply as follows:

  • A 10% deduction if submitted within 24 hours after the deadline
  • A 20% deduction if submitted within 48 hours after the deadline
  • A 30% deduction if submitted within 72 hours after the deadline

Please note that certain courses include assignments graded as Complete/Non‑Complete (e.g., Practice Education assignments) where the late penalties do not apply. Any assignment identified as plagiarized will receive a grade of zero (0) and will be subject to the Academic Integrity Policy.

Typing Requirements

Typing and administrative skills are crucial for success in many healthcare settings. Human Resources departments from various Health Authorities, private clinics, and laboratories have emphasized the importance of having accurate and efficient keyboarding skills. In fact, many HR departments use typing and medical terminology tests as a preliminary screening tool before conducting interviews.

Students are expected to practice typing regularly throughout the program to develop and maintain a proficient typing speed. The focus is on improving both accuracy and speed over time, with regular assessments to track progress and provide feedback. You must reach the desired typing speed to qualify for work experience placement.

Tests and Final Examination Policy

Your instructor will provide you with the exam schedule on the first day of each course. If you are enrolled in a full program (e.g., Diploma or Advanced Certificate), you may receive advance scheduling information for multiple courses. Exams are typically scheduled for the last day of the course. Additional in‑class tests or quizzes are at the instructor’s discretion. Unless specified otherwise, all exams are proctored – meaning you must write the exam under the supervision of an instructor. Depending on how the exam is administered, you will receive your results within 5 business days along with feedback on areas that may need further review. The instructor will help you understand exam expectations and prepare you in advance.

If applicable, textbooks, workbooks, notebooks, and related study materials must be handed in. Unless otherwise stated, all exams are closed book. Study materials include, but are not limited to, electronic documents, web search results, and online video/audio files.

You may use your computer’s or program’s built‑in Help function to test your answers. You may not use internet search engines, generative AI, or similar tools to assist you. Computerized translators cannot be used for assessments, quizzes, tests, or midterms (they are only permitted during regular classroom activities). You may ask questions regarding the interpretation of exam questions, but your instructor will only answer questions pertaining to the interpretation. You may not ask the instructor to check your answers prior to submitting your exam, nor may you seek help from another student(s). You are not allowed to leave the classroom during an exam except after submission or in emergencies (in which case the Institute will interrupt the exam).

No time extensions will be given on a test or exam. All tests and exams must be completed within the official time allotted. If you are absent without an extenuating circumstance, you will receive a grade of zero. If extenuating circumstances apply, a letter outlining the reasons must be submitted to the Executive Director within three business days of the exam date. If approved, only one make‑up test/exam date will be arranged; failure to appear will result in a zero grade (not open to appeal). In cases of extreme weather, alternate arrangements will be made. If a student is caught cheating, their exam will be confiscated and submitted incomplete to the Executive Director for investigation. Depending on the circumstances, the student may fail the exam and face suspension or withdrawal. Instructors may refuse an exam if they believe:

  • The student has not achieved the necessary proficiency in the program
  • The student has not adequately prepared for a rewrite of an exam
  • The student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Exam Passing Marks

For all approved diploma and advanced certificate programs, a minimum final exam mark of 75% in any one subject (and an overall average of 75%) is required. For individual courses, you must achieve a 75% mark or greater for an Individual Certificate. Students achieving 90% or higher will pass with Honors. A mark below 75% will automatically require a rewrite.

Exam Re‑writes

For Theory Examinations (All Programs):

  • If a student receives a mark below 75% on a subject, one rewrite is permitted without charge.
  • After one free rewrite, a $50 fee will apply to a third and final rewrite.
  • The maximum achievable mark on a rewrite is 89% (rewrites are not considered for honors).
  • If the student fails at the paid rewrite, they will need to repeat the course; regular fees will apply.

For Skill‑based Examinations (Healthcare Programs):

  • The student is allowed only one rewrite.
  • No free rewrite attempt is provided; a $50 fee applies for each skill‑based exam rewrite.
  • If the student fails the paid rewrite, a learning contract will be established and an additional fee may apply.
Exam and Grade Appeal Policy

If you feel that a question on an exam was marked incorrectly, you may appeal to the Executive Director or Instructor. If they agree that your claim is legitimate, the instructor will adjust your grade.

Remote Exam Proctor Policy

Unless you are classified as a remote student, you must obtain permission to take an exam remotely. Requests must be submitted in advance and will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. Approval is not guaranteed. The Institute employs Real‑Time Proctoring during term and final exams. All students must have their cameras on so that instructors or designated proctors can monitor the session live. To protect student privacy, sessions are not recorded, and microphones must remain muted (unless instructed otherwise). It is advised to choose a quiet location with minimal background noise for the duration of the exam.

Missing Exam(s)

If you miss an exam due to personal circumstances (and not Institute‑related issues, such as:

  • The exam was properly scheduled and administered
  • Other students completed the exam as planned
  • No Institute‑related disruptions or cancellations occurred
  • You were the only (or one of few) who missed the exam

then the following guidelines apply:

  • The course schedule will continue as planned; the instructor cannot delay or modify the course progression.
  • You must submit a Make‑up Examination Request Form.

If your request is approved:

  • A $50 administrative fee will apply for scheduling the make‑up exam.
  • The make‑up exam must be scheduled around the instructor's availability.
  • You are responsible for completing the make‑up exam outside of regular class hours.
  • The highest achievable grade on a make‑up exam is 89%.

While waiting to complete your make‑up exam:

  • You must attend all subsequent classes.
  • You may be unable to participate in certain practical exercises or assignments that build upon the exam material.
  • This may impact your progression if the missed exam is a prerequisite.

Failure to appear for an approved make‑up exam will result in a grade of zero and no further make‑up opportunities. Students missing multiple exams may be required to meet with the Executive Director to review their ability to complete the program.

Exam Accommodations for Students with Documented Disabilities

Students requiring exam accommodations due to documented disabilities must notify the Institute at the time of enrollment. This allows instructors adequate time to prepare appropriate accommodations while maintaining exam integrity. All accommodation requests must be:

  • Submitted in writing to the Executive Director
  • Accompanied by current documentation from a qualified professional
  • Specific about the accommodations needed

The Executive Director will review each request on a case‑by‑case basis to ensure accommodations are reasonable while ensuring equal treatment for all students. Approved accommodations may include extended examination time, modified exam format, an alternate exam environment, or the use of assistive technologies. Once approved, the accommodation plan will be communicated to the relevant instructor(s).

Work Experience Placement

For programs that include a work experience placement, the suitability of the facility is determined by the collaborative decision of the Executive Director, Placement Coordinator, and Program Coordinator/Faculty Lead. Placements are made based on your program choice, host availability, and geographic location. You must be prepared to work shifts and travel a reasonable distance to your placement site.

The original placement agreement outlines what the workplace will provide and what is expected of you. The Placement Coordinator will ensure that the work experience is relevant to your learning and that the site is safe. Participation in a work experience placement is a privilege, and appropriate work ethics are expected. Final grading is based on a “Pass,” “Fail,” or “Honors” evaluation. More details are available in the program-specific Information Handbook.

Unsuccessful Completion of Work Experience

If your final evaluation is marked as “Unsatisfactory” or you are unable to complete the required hours, you will receive a “Fail” grade for the work experience placement. In such cases, a retake is required to meet program completion requirements. The retake cost must be paid in full before commencing. Depending on cohort and instructor availability, the retake may not occur immediately.

You may appeal your final evaluation results based on the principles outlined in the relevant policy.

Academic Probation

Advanced certificate and diploma programs require a 75% overall mark in order to graduate. A student may be placed on academic probation if their cumulative average falls below 75% and/or there is evidence of excessive lateness or problematic attendance. We encourage you to seek advice from your instructor or other staff when issues arise.

While on probation, you must show increased commitment and effort toward your studies and attendance, maintaining a minimum grade of 75% or demonstrating significant improvement. At the end of the probationary period, your performance will be reviewed. If the requirements are met, you will be removed from probation; otherwise, you may be withdrawn from the program.

If you wish to appeal the probation decision, you must submit a written explanation outlining why further consideration is warranted.

Learning Contract

A Learning Contract is a formal agreement between the institution and a student that is established when the student requires academic intervention. This may occur when a student has not successfully passed an assignment or assessment, has attendance issues, or is not meeting other program requirements.

The Learning Cotnract clearly outlines:

  • Specific learning objectives and performance targets.
  • Strategies for improvement
  • Support resources available to the student
  • Timeline for completing remedial work
  • Consequences if objectives are not met

When a Learning Contract is implemented for academic performance reasons, the instructor will meet with the student to establish an appropriate preparation/study timeline prior to resubmitting assignments or retaking assessments in which they were unsuccessful. The contract may also require students to submit additional work demonstrating their understanding of the material.

The Learning Contract serves as both a support mechanism and accountability tool to ensure students have the best opportunity to succeed in their chosen program while maintaining the high standards required for graduation and future employment.

Protecting Academic Integrity

All students and staff are responsible for protecting the academic integrity of the Institute. Preventing and stopping academic dishonesty is key. Report any irregularities immediately to your instructor. Cheating – defined as obtaining an unfair advantage by dishonest means – may include:

  • Exchanging information during an exam
  • Using unauthorized materials during an exam
  • Submitting an assignment with references to non‑existent sources

Here are a few suggestions to help prevent cheating:

  • Cover your work during exams
  • Refuse to share old assignments or exams
  • Deny others access to your computer files
  • Do not leave your work unattended

Plagiarism – presenting another’s work, words, ideas, images, or data as your own without proper acknowledgment – applies to all sources (books, magazines, newspapers, online materials, etc.). Your instructor will show you how to cite sources appropriately.

If you are suspected of cheating or plagiarism, your instructor will discuss the matter with you to reach a viable solution. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Executive Director will be involved. Possible resolutions include resubmission of work, proper source recognition, or an additional assignment. The Institute reserves the right to suspend or dismiss students for academic dishonesty.

Use of Generative AI

Effective Date: Nov 04th, 2024
Revision Date: Mar 25th, 2025

Introduction:
The Institute recognizes generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) as significant technological advancements that can enhance learning when used appropriately. However, these tools have limitations and risks. To support your learning while maintaining academic integrity, follow these guidelines when using GenAI tools in your coursework.

Three‑Step Process for Responsible GenAI Use:
Step 1: Obtain Permission – Before using any GenAI tool for an assignment, homework, or assessment, check with your instructor to confirm whether assistance is permitted.
Step 2: Track Your Interactions – If permitted, document your conversations with the GenAI tool (e.g., in a structured journal) and be prepared to share this documentation with your instructor. Acknowledge AI assistance in your work using an appropriate citation format (for example, APA: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat).

Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Use:
Appropriate Use Examples:

  • Requesting explanations of complex topics to enhance understanding
  • Brainstorming or exploring ideas before developing your own work
  • Creating study materials or practice questions for exam preparation
  • Receiving feedback to identify areas for improvement
  • Assistance with grammar, spelling, and structural improvements

Inappropriate Use Examples:

  • Using GenAI without instructor permission when required
  • Submitting work generated substantially or entirely by AI as your own
  • Failing to review AI outputs for accuracy or errors
  • Not documenting or citing your AI interactions
  • Sharing personal or confidential information with AI tools
  • Using AI to complete assessments designed to evaluate your individual knowledge

Understanding GenAI Limitations:
- GenAI tools can produce “hallucinations” (fabricated information presented as fact)
- AI outputs may contain inherent biases based on their training data
- AI detectors are imperfect, particularly for non‑native English speakers
- GenAI tools do not understand your specific learning needs or curriculum

Data Privacy and Security:
Never share personal identification, financial, medical, confidential school documents, login credentials, or personal information about classmates, instructors, or staff with GenAI tools.

Academic Integrity:
GenAI tools should supplement – not replace – your learning. Violations of this policy will be treated as breaches of academic integrity and may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Policy Evolution:
As GenAI technology evolves, this policy will be reviewed and updated regularly. You are responsible for adhering to the most current version available through the Institute's official channels.