Student Expulsion Policy

Reasons a student may be expelled

1. Academic dishonesty. Any word or action, alone or with others, meant to give yourself or another student an unfair advantage. This includes cheating, plagiarism, unapproved collaboration, altering records, bribery, lying and misrepresentation.
2. Outstanding fees. Not paying an overdue amount owed to the college within the time given, after a written warning.
3. Code of conduct. All students must follow our code of conduct. Where a violation doesn’t risk physical harm to people or property, a student may be expelled if they’ve already been suspended for not complying and then violate the code again. Students found under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or carrying weapons, will be expelled immediately.
4. Significant omissions or errors in admission documents. PDIO must make sure every student is admitted according to the program’s admission requirements.
5. Misrepresentation. Students who knowingly misrepresent information on their application will be expelled immediately.
6. Academic failure. Students who don’t achieve the required academic standing may be expelled from the program. PDIO may offer alternatives, as set out in the program’s academic policies.
7. Attendance. Students who don’t meet the attendance requirement in our attendance policy may be expelled.
8. Harassment or discrimination. PDIO doesn’t tolerate harassment or discrimination against any student, staff member, client or visitor, in person or online. A student involved in harassment or discrimination may be suspended right away, depending on how serious it is, while we investigate. A student found to have engaged in serious harassment or discrimination may be expelled. PDIO follows the Ontario Human Rights Code in deciding what counts as harassment or discrimination, including on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or family status, and disability. Sexual violence is also covered by our Sexual Violence Policy.
9. Misuse of college property. College property, including training vehicles and online accounts, is for college services only. Students who damage, misuse or steal property may be expelled and required to pay for it.
10. Endangering others. Everyone at PDIO has the right to be safe. Students who, by action or neglect, put their own safety or anyone else’s at risk may be expelled.

Steps before expulsion

Depending on how serious the situation is, PDIO may first take one or more of these steps:

1. Verbal warning
2. Written warning
3. Suspension
4. Expulsion

How you’ll be notified

If you’re being expelled for any reason, we’ll tell you in writing, either by hand or by registered mail with return receipt. The notice explains the reason for the expulsion and the date it takes effect. PDIO isn’t responsible if registered mail can’t be delivered because we don’t have your current home address.

Appealing an expulsion

If you disagree with the expulsion, you can appeal in writing within one week of receiving the notice. Follow our Student Complaint Procedure and include enough information to support your appeal.

If the expulsion is upheld after our complaint and review process, you can take it further by filing a complaint with the Superintendent of Career Colleges, as long as you’re enrolled in a program approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

If your appeal succeeds and you’re reinstated, whether through our process or the Superintendent’s, we’ll arrange for you to make up the training time you missed from the expulsion date.

Refunds

Refunds after an expulsion follow our Fee and Refund Policy. If PDIO expels a student in a way, or for a reason, that goes against this policy, the student gets a full refund of all fees.