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.