Student Handbook & Board Policy

Student Handbook – Discipline & Expulsion Section

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Akshar Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Students have the right to be treated with dignity and fairness, and they share the responsibility for contributing positively to the school community.

Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Students may face disciplinary measures, including expulsion, for misconduct such as:

  • Academic Misconduct: Cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, or falsification of documents.
  • Disruptive/Dangerous Behaviour: Harassment, bullying, threats, or any conduct interfering with others' learning or safety.
  • Violent/Criminal Conduct: Weapon possession, assault, trafficking illegal drugs, theft, or serious property damage.
  • Substance Abuse Violations: Breaching Ontario's Liquor or Cannabis Control Acts on campus.
  • Bias-Motivated Misconduct: Discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, gender, or other protected grounds.
  • Cyber Misconduct: Cyberbullying or online harassment impacting the school community.

Progressive Discipline Procedure

Except in extreme cases, discipline follows a progressive approach:

  1. Written Warning: Meeting with a representative; misconduct and next steps documented.
  2. Written Reprimand with Probation: Meeting with Director of Academics; terms for continued enrollment established.
  3. Expulsion: Issued if misconduct persists or in cases of severe violations.

Immediate Expulsion

Students may be expelled immediately for:

  • Weapons possession or use
  • Assault (physical or sexual)
  • Trafficking illegal substances
  • Severe criminal activity
  • Hate speech or bias-motivated violence
  • Repeated bullying after prior suspension

Appeals Process

Students may appeal disciplinary decisions within five (5) school days by submitting a written appeal to the Founder/Chief Academic Officer. A final decision will be issued within five (5) days of the appeal meeting.

Recordkeeping & Accessibility

All disciplinary records are kept for at least three years. Policies are published in the handbook, on the website, and available in print at the Administration Office.

Board Policy – Student Discipline & Expulsion

Policy Statement

The Board of Akshar Academy supports a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment. This policy outlines the framework for disciplinary actions, including expulsion, consistent with the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and related regulations.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, staff, and administrators of Akshar Academy.

Guiding Principles

  • Fairness & Due Process: Students have the right to hearings, representation, and appeals.
  • Proportionality: Disciplinary actions correspond to the severity of misconduct.
  • Transparency: Decisions and outcomes are documented and communicated clearly.
  • Safety: The physical and psychological safety of the school community is paramount.

Responsibilities

  • Board: Approves policies, ensures compliance, and reviews annual reports on disciplinary actions.
  • Administration: Implements disciplinary procedures, maintains records, and conducts investigations.
  • Students: Comply with the Code of Conduct and all disciplinary requirements.

Procedures

  1. Progressive Discipline as outlined in the Student Handbook.
  2. Immediate Expulsion for severe misconduct.
  3. Appeals Process allowing students to request a review by the Chief Academic Officer within defined timelines.

Recordkeeping & Review

All records are kept for three years. This policy is reviewed annually to maintain compliance with legal requirements and educational best practices.