Student Conduct

Okanagan College is a community of students, faculty, staff, administration, Board of Governors and Education Council dedicated to the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge and skills; the intellectual development of its members; and the betterment of society and the community at large.
Okanagan College's students have the right to work, learn and socialize in a supportive, safe and healthy environment. The College is committed to developing a sense of community that is dedicated to creating a working and learning environment of the highest quality - one which is characterized by mutual respect, consideration , social and moral development of its members; and is free from harassment, discrimination and any form of disruptive behaviour or violence.

The College understands and recognizes that students have responsibility for:

1. taking full advantage of education, training and services offered;
2. informing themselves about the College's policies and procedures;
3. their conduct, either individually or in a group;
4. conducting their activities in a manner compatible with the College's commitment to creating a safe and supportive working and learning environment;
5. respecting and treating members of the College community without discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or physical or psychological abuse;
6. respecting College property and the property of members of the College community;
7. respecting College regulations and the exercise of legitimate authority;
8. respecting due process, including the avenues of redress and appeals as stated by the College;
9. participating in the governance of the College.

General Health and Safety Rules

General Health and Safety rules apply to all employees, students and contractors at the College. General rules are intended to ensure that Okanagan College is a safe campus and must be followed without exception.

1. Reporting of Injuries

In accordance with the Workers Compensation Act (sec. 22), all employees and students covered by WorkSafeBC are required to immediately report all work related injures to a Supervisor/Professor or First Aid Attendant/Security - descending order.

2. Smoking

It is the policy of the College that smoking is prohibited in all buildings and vehicles. On College property, smoking is restricted to designated outdoor smoking areas. Moreover, cigarettes, tobacco, and other tobacco products will not be sold on premises occupied by the College. Smoking at the student residences of the College is governed by the Rules of Residence.

This is in accordance with Okanagan College Board policy to provide a smoke-free environment and with BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Regulation 4.81(a) Please refer to this link for updated language that includes e-cigarettes https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-04-general-conditions#SectionNumber:4.80.1

3. Operation of Company Vehicles/Mobile Equipment

Only employees with a valid driver's license with the correct classification will be permitted to operate Okanagan College vehicles or mobile equipment. In addition to a valid driver's license specific training may be required for each type of vehicle. Vehicle and mobile equipment operators must wear seat belts.

4. Personal Protective Equipment

All College employees, students and visitors are required to wear the specified personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area or specific job being performed.

5. Reporting of Unsafe Conditions

All employees and students are required to report any unsafe or harmful conditions to their immediate supervisor. The supervisor or the employer must ensure that any necessary corrective action is taken without delay (OHS Regulation 3.10) except in the case of an emergency where action must be taken immediately.

Potential hazards may include, but are not limited to:

• operating machinery, tool, appliances or other equipment without authority
• working at unsafe speeds
• removing or rendering guards ineffective
• defective tools or equipment
• poor material handling
• failure to lock-out or de-energize
• neglecting to wear personal protective equipment
• poor housekeeping
• horseplay

6. Workers' Compensation

Student Eligibility Criteria:

a. A student is eligible to be deemed an employee of the Crown if participating in either:

i. an unpaid practicum component of a program within the Province of British Columbia while enrolled at a public post-secondary institution listed in Appendix A, either:

1. on-site at a workplace that is part of the institution’s regular business activities or,
2. off-site;

ii. classroom, lab or shop instruction for the technical training component of an apprenticeship program at a public or private Industry Training Authority Designated Training Provider within the Province of British Columbia while registered as an apprentice with the Industry Training Authority;

iii.  an eligible off-site work experience that is a required component of a Foundation program at a public or private Industry Training Authority Designated Training Provider within the Province of British Columbia while registered in an Industry Training Authority Foundation program; or

iv.  an eligible off-site work experience that is a required non-secondary school component of an Accelerated Credit Enrolment to Industry Training (ACE IT) program at a public or private Industry Training Authority Designated Training Provider within the Province of British Columbia while registered in an ACE IT program.

b. A student participating in one of the activities in section 4(a) and outside of the Province of British Columbia is generally not eligible and should confirm similar workplace overage with the province or country in which they will be working. The student is also advised to obtain their own medical insurance.

c. A student participating in one of the activities in section 4(a), but who is required to undertake some work or travel outside of the province of British Columbia, may be eligible for WorkSafeBC coverage if the circumstances meet the conditions of the Workers Compensation Act Section 8 (1):

 “Injuries happening out of Province

8 (1) Where the injury of a worker occurs while the worker is working elsewhere than in the Province which would entitle the worker or the worker's dependants to compensation under this Part if it occurred in the Province, the Board must pay compensation under this Part if;

(a) a place of business of the employer is situated in the Province;

(b) the residence and usual place of employment of the worker are in the Province; Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Page 4 of 6

(c) the employment is such that the worker is required to work both in and out of the Province; and

(d) the employment of the worker out of the Province has immediately followed the worker's employment by the same employer within the Province and has lasted less than 6 months, but not otherwise.”