Draft for review. This policy is provided in draft form while Ucademy’s licensure in Alberta is pending, and will be finalized and confirmed against current provincial requirements before enrolment opens.
Purpose
Ucademy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and academically honest learning environment for all students and staff. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of every Ucademy student and the process that will apply when those standards are not met.
This Code applies to all students enrolled in any Ucademy program, in all interactions related to their studies, including online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, email, messaging, and any other channel used for program-related communication.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to submit only their own original work and to properly acknowledge the work of others. The following are violations of academic integrity:
- Plagiarism: presenting another person’s words, ideas, or work as your own without proper attribution
- Cheating: using unauthorized materials, aids, or assistance during assessments
- Contract cheating: submitting work completed in whole or in part by another person or service
- Falsification: fabricating or misrepresenting data, credentials, or other information
- Unauthorized collaboration: working with others on an individual assessment without instructor permission
- Facilitating misconduct: providing your work or assistance to another student in a way that enables them to violate this Code
Suspected academic integrity violations will be investigated in accordance with the discipline process in Section 6.
Respectful Conduct
All students are expected to treat fellow students, instructors, and Ucademy staff with dignity and respect. The following conduct is prohibited:
- Harassment, bullying, or intimidation in any form
- Discrimination on the basis of any protected ground under applicable human rights legislation, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or national origin
- Threatening, abusive, or violent language or behaviour
- Deliberate disruption of the learning experience of other students
Acceptable Use of Online Platforms
Ucademy programs are delivered online. Students must use Ucademy’s platforms, tools, and communications systems responsibly and in accordance with the following expectations:
- Use your real identity; do not impersonate another person
- Do not share your login credentials with any other person
- Do not record, distribute, or publish live sessions, course materials, or the contributions of other students without prior written consent from Ucademy and the individuals involved
- Do not use Ucademy platforms to distribute spam, malware, or unauthorized commercial content
- Comply with the terms of service of any third-party platforms used in program delivery
Attendance and Participation
Active participation is an important part of learning. Students are expected to:
- Log in regularly and keep pace with course deadlines as set out in the course schedule
- Engage genuinely with course activities, discussions, and assessments
- Notify their instructor or academic advisor promptly if they are unable to meet a deadline or participate due to illness or other circumstances
Chronic non-participation without communication may result in academic and conduct review.
Privacy of Others
Students must respect the privacy of their fellow students, instructors, and staff. Personal information shared in the course of a program — including personal circumstances, contact details, and contributions to group discussions — must be treated with discretion and must not be shared outside the learning environment without consent.
Prohibited Conduct
In addition to the specific matters described above, the following conduct is prohibited:
- Any conduct that is unlawful under applicable Canadian federal or provincial law
- Fraudulent representation in an application for admission or for any award, credential, or accommodation
- Unauthorized access to Ucademy systems or another student’s account
- Conduct that compromises the integrity, reputation, or operation of Ucademy
- Retaliation against any person who has reported a concern or participated in a conduct process in good faith
Discipline Process
Ucademy follows a progressive discipline approach that is proportionate to the seriousness of the conduct and whether it is a first or repeated occurrence. In all cases, the student will be informed of the allegation and given an opportunity to respond before a decision is made.
8.1 Step 1 — Informal Warning
For minor or first-time breaches, an instructor or staff member may issue an informal verbal or written warning and document the matter. No formal record is placed on the student’s file at this stage.
8.2 Step 2 — Formal Written Warning
Where the conduct is more serious, is repeated, or where an informal warning has not been effective, the Registrar will issue a formal written warning. The warning will be placed on the student’s file and will describe the behaviour in question, the standard expected, and the consequences of further breaches.
8.3 Step 3 — Probation
If conduct continues or a serious breach occurs, the student may be placed on formal probation for a defined period. The terms of probation will be communicated in writing and may include conditions such as restricted platform access, mandatory meetings with an advisor, or a requirement to complete academic integrity training.
8.4 Step 4 — Suspension
A suspension may be imposed for serious breaches or where probation conditions have not been met. The student will be suspended from access to all Ucademy programs and platforms for a defined period. The suspension terms will be communicated in writing.
8.5 Step 5 — Dismissal
Dismissal is reserved for the most serious conduct or where prior disciplinary steps have not resulted in a change in behaviour. A dismissed student loses enrolment status and access to all Ucademy programs. In cases of serious misconduct (including but not limited to fraud, threats, or significant violations of academic integrity), Ucademy reserves the right to proceed directly to dismissal without following the earlier steps.
The discipline process at all stages will be conducted in a manner that is fair, timely, and consistent with the principles of natural justice.
Appeal Rights
A student who receives a formal written warning, suspension, or dismissal has the right to appeal the decision in writing within 15 days of receiving the written decision. The appeal must state the grounds on which the student believes the decision was incorrect or the process was unfair. Appeals will be reviewed by a senior administrator who was not involved in the original decision. A written decision will be provided within 10 business days. The student may also seek external recourse as described in Ucademy’s Student Complaint and Dispute Resolution Policy.
Conduct, Dismissal, and Refund Eligibility
Where a student is dismissed from a program as a result of a finding under this Code of Conduct, refund entitlements will be determined in accordance with Ucademy’s Tuition Refund and Withdrawal Policy, as applicable at the time of dismissal, taking into account the stage of the program at which dismissal occurs. The registration fee and any certification exam vouchers already issued are handled as that policy describes. Students should review the Refund and Withdrawal Policy for details.
Questions
Questions about this Code of Conduct may be directed to the Registrar at info@ucademy.ca.