Important BU Statements and Policies

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Brandon University’s two campuses are located on both Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories. Brandon University’s main campus in Brandon, MB is located on Treaty 2 lands, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Dakota, Anishanabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene, and Metis peoples. Acknowledging Indigenous relationships and ties to the land is just the first step to reconciliation. This course crucially emphasizes a respect for these relationships, to recognize and learn about the history of these lands, and to raise awareness for continuing reconciliation.

https://www.brandonu.ca/ipc/land-acknowledgment/

 

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATION

Brandon University values diversity and inclusion, recognizing disability as an aspect of diversity. Our shared goal is to create learning environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all students. Student Accessibility (SAS) supports students by developing an individualized plan of accommodation, helping students understand their learning needs, and assisting faculty with provision of accommodations for students. Should you anticipate or experience disability-related barriers, including permanent, chronic, or temporary disabilities/or medical conditions, you are invited to contact the Student Accessibility Coordinator or complete this Student Information form to request a confidential discussion with the SAS Coordinator. If you already have established accommodations with SAS, please contact me early in the term to discuss the accommodations outlined in your letter of accommodation.

Additional information is available on the Student Accessibility Services website.

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 

The Brandon University Academic Integrity Policy underlines the importance of all members of the BU community respecting and upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage (ICAI, 2014) in every academic activity. Students are responsible for ensuring they understand and adhere to these values.

Activities that depart from these values include, but are not limited to, the following: plagiarism, cheating, academic interference, falsification, and aiding others to depart from academic integrity.

Students found responsible for having departed from academic integrity will be subject to remedies and/or sanctions. Depending on the scope and impact of the departure as well as the student’s level of study and past academic integrity history, remedies and sanctions range from mandated educational activities through failure on an assignment/failure in the course to expulsion from the University and revocation of credentials/degrees granted.

All departures from academic integrity will be recorded in the BU Academic Integrity Repository, and certain sanctions will result in a notation on the student’s transcript.

The full Academic Integrity Policy, including definitions of academic integrity’s fundamental values, examples of activities that depart from academic integrity, and processes undertaken in cases of suspected departures from academic integrity, is available at www.brandonu.ca/senate-office/senate-policies

 

NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Instances of non-academic misconduct are governed by the Student Non-academic Misconduct Policy available here: https://www.brandonu.ca/governors/files/Student-Non-Academic-Misconduct-Policy-September-2020-FINAL.pdf

 

WHAT IS EARLY ALERT?

Early Alert is a retention program that connects students in need of support to the right campus resources at the earliest possible moment.  Early Alert enables instructors to identify students who are at risk of falling behind.  The program targets students early in the semester who:

a) receive a “D” or “F” on a test/quiz/assignment;

b) have been excessively absent (if you have a small enough class to notice this);

Students who have been identified by the instructor will be contacted by the Student Services team with instructions to connect with an Early Alert Advisor. The Early Alert Advisor will make a plan with the student to improve their grades and make a referral to the appropriate supports when needed. Student participation in Early Alert is completely voluntary.

All first-year courses are invited to participate in Early Alert.

 

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Personal Counsellors at Brandon University are dedicated to providing support to students’ wellness, primarily their mental well-being, through prevention activities, early identification and timely interventions using a holistic lens. Please contact the Personal Counsellors in the Student Services Department by calling 204-727-9737 or emailing vodonc@brandonu.ca to make an appointment. There are crisis counselling appointments available daily.