What is the Code of Student Community Standards?

Humber College’s Code of Student Community Standards outlines individual and community expectations regarding student actions and behaviour. The Code defines that students are responsible for acting in a manner that respects others and promotes their well-being and safety.

Why does Humber College and Guelph-Humber have a Code of Student Community Standards?

The Code of Student Community Standards provides a framework to resolve issues which impact the Humber and Guelph-Humber community, including those which occur on and off campus.

Who can file a complaint or concern?

Any member of the Humber community (student, staff or faculty) can contact the Office of Student Community Standards during business hours to consult about a matter or to lodge a formal complaint.

Do these Codes apply to me?

The Code of Student Community Standards and Academic Regulations define the responsibilities of all Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (Humber) and University of Guelph-Humber (Guelph-Humber) students.

What are my responsibilities under the Code?

Students have a responsibility to be aware of policies and codes that guide their expectations of conduct in various environments where there is college-related activity.

All community members are expected to treat one another with mutual respect. When this expectation is not met and is not resolved informally, formal processes may be engaged.

Students are also held accountable for the behaviour of their guests under the Code.

In sum, students are expected to:

  • Abide by college policies, procedures and regulations
  • Respect the rights and safety of others
  • Take responsibility for their actions
What are my rights under the Code?

Students have the right to make a complaint against any community member who violates their right to a safe and welcoming educational environment.

All Humber community members have rights which are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These rights are subject to limitations and some activities which are acceptable in public space may not be appropriate in certain contexts in a post-secondary institution.

Students have a right to know this Code and other policies and regulations, in order to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.

Students have a right to procedural fairness in an investigation and determination of responsibility (as it relates to the Code). 

These rights include:

  • The right to a fair process including being made aware of and given an opportunity to respond to, correct or contradict any information available, in person and/or in writing.
  • The right to reasons; a rationale for any decisions made under this policy.
  • The right to appeal based on the conditions explained in Section 5 of the Code.
  • The right to have an advisor and/or support person of their choice present at any stage of the process, if desired.
What is the difference between the Code of Student Community Standards and the Residence Code of Conduct and the Academic Regulations?

The Code of Student Community Standards applies to all current students within Humber and Guelph-Humber.

The Residence Code of Conduct is also bound by the Code of Student Community Standards. This means that all sections of the Code of Student Community Standards apply to those living in residence. The Residence Code of Conduct (RCC) outlines additional regulations for living in residence and defines acceptable behaviour. These regulations serve to protect the health, well-being, safety and social welfare of the community.

The Academic Regulations apply to all students within Humber and all current students enrolled in any program or course offered by Humber, in any location. These policies and procedures outline the requirements students need to fulfill in order to uphold their academic responsibilities. It also provides an outline of the processes involved in resolving issues when informal resolution is not possible.

Of note: Students enrolled in the UNB/Humber Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing Program and the University of Guelph-Humber programs are subject to the Academic Regulations and Policies pertaining to these programs.

What is the difference between the Office of Student Community Standards and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity?

In brief, the Office of Student Community Standards provides consultation and referral services for Humber community members who wish to report a concern regarding a student.

The Office of Student Community Standards administers the Code of Student Community Standards to promote the safety, rights, and well-being of the Humber community. The office assists with conflict resolution and as needed, investigates complaints.

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion provides consultation and referral services for students and employees and investigates human rights related concerns. In particular, they address Human Rights complaints based on any of the 17 grounds of discrimination as outlined by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Additionally, the office provides training opportunities and develops policies to facilitate an inclusive environment at Humber.

In some instances, the Office of Student Community Standards and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion work in collaboration to investigate or resolve an incident.

Where can I find more information?

Additional information on the detailed Code of Student Community Standards can also be found here.