Student Support Philosophy

Student Support Philosophy PDF Download

Student Support Philosophy/Policy

In accordance with the mission of Science Atlantic, the organization and its Membership are

committed to assisting students in promoting their skills and achievements, providing students

with valuable opportunities, and ensuring students receive a valuable educational and student

experience.

The scope of this Policy includes students in all disciplines supported by Science Atlantic

(Aquaculture & Fisheries, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Environment,

Nutrition, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology), and at all levels of

study.

While fostering independence and responding to individual student needs, Science Atlantic

seeks to support each student in achieving their potential. In accordance with these goals, the

Science Atlantic Membership will encourage and support student participation in Science

Atlantic conferences.

Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equality

Science Atlantic aims to ensure student activities are diverse and inclusive and participants are

not discriminated against by reason of race, religious belief, colour, gender, mental or physical

disability, marital status, education level, ancestry, age, place of origin, family status, source of

income or sexual orientation. Discrimination is defined as adverse treatment against an

individual or group based on one or more of the previously listed grounds.

Bullying, Harassment, and Appropriate Use of Authority

Science Atlantic is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and productive meeting environment

that fosters open dialogue and the exchange of scientific ideas, promotes equal opportunities

and treatment for all participants, and is free of harassment and discrimination. Organizational

representatives will uphold the Science Atlantic Code of Conduct, Communications Policies,

and Conference Code of Conduct.

The Science Atlantic Membership and Science Atlantic conference organizers will make every

effort to maintain an environment that is free of harassment, even though we do not control the

behavior of third parties.

All registrants, guests, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, contractors, vendors, venue staff, and others

in attendance are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct at all venues at Science Atlantic

conferences, including public online communications, ancillary events, and official and unofficial

social gatherings. Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of

Conduct. Falsely reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct.

The faculty-student relationship lies at the foundation of the educational process. As a matter of

sound judgment and professional ethics, faculty members have a responsibility to avoid any

apparent or actual conflict between their professional responsibilities and personal relationships

with students.

Faculty-student relationships are expected to be supportive and have a positive influence on the

student’s experience. Comments or actions of a negative, derogatory or discriminatory nature or

that are deemed to be in violation of the Code of Conduct and/or Communications Policies will

be subject to disciplinary review.

Complaints regarding such comments or actions can be made in writing to the Committee Chair

and copied to the relevant Institutional Representative and/or the Executive Director of Science

Atlantic within a reasonable period of time after the event. Following a complaint, a resolution or

course of action will be determined by the appropriate parties from the the host institution and

the institution of the individual making the complaint, in collaboration with Science Atlantic as

needed, within 40 days and communicated to the complainant.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Science Atlantic will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodation, as is financially

feasible, for students who experience a barrier to participation because of a characteristic

protected by human rights legislation. Accommodations are intended to reduce or eliminate

barriers to participation in Science Atlantic student conferences. The concept of reasonable

accommodation requires a partnership between the individual requiring the accommodation and

the conference organizing team, including the host institution. All concerned should be

responsible for respecting the dignity and confidentiality of the individual who requests the

accommodation.

Student Travel Support

Science Atlantic recognizes the financial challenges of participating in regional conferences and

encourages conference organizers to allocate travel funds for students, particularly students

from Memorial University and its Grenfell Campus. Additionally, Science Atlantic provides funds

as possible for students from Science Atlantic member institutions travelling to a Science

Atlantic conference held in Newfoundland.

Awards

An award describes an item of monetary or other value that may be presented to a person or

persons based upon specific criteria and administered by the organization, its representatives,

an identified sponsor, or a combination thereof.

Science Atlantic will ensure consistency in fundamental award practices and procedures, while

allowing committees sufficient flexibility to administer their award programs in a manner

appropriate to their individual needs and objectives.

Award eligibility and selection criteria will not include any condition defined as discriminatory

under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or Science Atlantic Anti-Discrimination

Policy.

Science Atlantic will adhere to its Release of Information Policy regarding the award-related

information of conference award winners.

Support for Student Conference Organizers

Ensuring only individuals with appropriate approval and accountability are authorized to execute

financial transactions and sign contracts is an important part of Science Atlantic’s financial

management policies. The host institution, through the conference’s designated faculty advisor,

will ensure that students do not act outside the authority they are granted and are not held liable

for any legal or financial aspects of a sanctioned Science Atlantic activity. This means that

students may not sign contracts on behalf of the organization or the host institution or act as

signing officers for a financial account.