student handbook 2016 - sdss.cornerstone.ac.za ·...
TRANSCRIPT
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2016
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CONTENTS Welcome to Cornerstone
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Academic Life 4
Cornerstone & You 5
Student conduct 5
Class behaviour 6
Funda 6
Assignments & Examinations 7
Academic Integrity 9
Academic appeals 11
Library & Computer lab 13
Student Discipline Procedure 17
Fee Structure 18
Student Life 20
Student Services Office 21
Special Events 24
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WELCOME TO CORNERSTONE We welcome you to Cornerstone Institute!
What a privilege it is to be able to greet you with the warmest Cornerstone greetings. You will find that at Cornerstone our greatest joy is engaging with you! Not only in an academic space, but holistically. Education is more than just thinking, it's even more than merely understanding, it is the ability to share connections of thought between self and others, simultaneously, collectively, concomitantly. This interchange between you, me, us, them, they is such an exciting process. We can therefore not wait to engage with you, learn from you, teach you and grow with you. During this process of engagement, our wish for you is to develop in many areas of life, to be able to see yourself as a person of value, having greatness on offer for the benefit of the beautiful world we live in. We feel extremely honoured to be part of students' growth into leaders in society; value driven individuals with a heart for people, the community and South Africa; and becoming active change agents in the world. This booklet has been prepared to assist you in this new adventure you are embarking on at Cornerstone. We call on you to take time to familiarise yourself with its content, which includes information regarding exams, academic integrity, library use, Funda, class behaviour, and financial aid.
In the event that you may need assistance of any kind, you can contact Student Services or the SRC (Student Representative Council). We are all available and want to assist in any way we can.
Martin Luther King, Jnr, wrote that "the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character -‐ that is the goal of true education." We surely do hope that your time at Cornerstone would conclude with this goal of true education. Thank you for trusting us to partnership with you, in teaching you to change your world! Cornerstone Greetings The Student Services Team
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ACADEMIC LIFE
Registration
When does registration occur? Registration occurs annually, at the beginning of the first term, before classes commence. We have a July intake as well.
Can I change my stream? Under special circumstances and by agreement with the faculty, students may change departments at the beginning of the first semester of the second year of study. This may require the student to complete additional modules. No changes can be made after that time.
Can I audit a module for no credit? Students may audit modules at half of the cost for that module. They are required to do the set readings for the course and/or any other work as determined by the lecturer, but do not have to complete the final assignments or take tests or exams. Modules audited will be stated as such on the transcript.
What if I withdraw from a programme or want to leave Cornerstone? Students who withdraw from a programme before its completion need to submit a letter of withdrawal to the Registrar and complete a withdrawal form, which is available from the registrar. In addition, the student account needs to be settled.
Probation & Conditional Acceptance
What’s my status in the first term? Students are accepted for a probationary period of one term from the time of registration in order to determine whether they meet the financial and academic requirements. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the Faculty.
What happens if I don’t meet the requirements? First year students who perform poorly in the first term will be given another term to improve their marks with probation extended for the semester. The minimum semester pass level shall be 50% of modules for all students. Warning letters will be issued to all students who fail a first term module.
Students who fail to pass 50% of the modules in which they have enrolled in any semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Students on academic probation will be required to participate in the academic support programme, which will include tutoring, academic skills workshops and mentorship. Students on academic probation must pass at least 75% of their modules. Failure to do so may result in the student being asked to (1) leave the college; or (2) change to a part-‐time status. Failure to meet minimum pass rates may also jeopardise a student’s bursary status.
Students must complete two thirds (2/3) of the modules for the prior year before enrolling in modules for the following year. Students who have not met this requirement may only enrol in the prior year modules that they have not completed. In addition, students must have completed all of their first year modules prior to enrolling in any third year modules. These requirements are in addition to the normal module sequencing requirements, and subject to the constraints of the module timetable.
Students who fail to comply with the above requirements may appeal to the dean in writing at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the following semester, if they wish to be granted special permissions. In extraordinary
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circumstances the dean, in consultation with the faculty, may grant such requests if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the most recent results are not a true indication of the students’ capabilities. The decision of the faculty is final in such matters.
Change of Address: The Registrar has to be informed of all address changes. Please phone the Registrar at (021) 448 0050 or send an email to [email protected].
CORNERSTONE AND YOU
What are Cornerstone’s Core Values?
• Respect • Integrity • Creativity • Excellence • Unity • Inclusivity
Our Philosophy of Education: While we embrace students from all groups and walks of life, our aim is to produce graduates of equal caliber, fully capable of contributing positively to their communities and the world at large in a spirit of love and reconciliation, justice and peace. The Cornerstone learning philosophy is based on engendering a high value for people, openness to continual learning and growth towards wholeness.
STUDENT CONDUCT Personal Integrity
To live in a manner that inspires trust and confidence, showing regard for self and the other. This includes respect for the building and visitors to Cornerstone campus. Student areas for informal conversation will be limited to the coffee shop area. In order to show respect to visitors and the library, students will be asked to refrain from having loud conversations in the reception area at the side entrance of the Cornerstone campus.
Family Responsibility To give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities, and to preserving the family. Responsible Lifestyle
To seek to avoid activities that are offensive to others or that lead to addiction. Students are encouraged to live a balanced and healthy life.
Appearance To ensure that at all times our appearance and dress will be neat and modest. We require that students be sensitive to the cultural and fashion differences of the community. The Director of Student Services will monitor and advise in this area
Social Obligation To fulfil our role in society in a responsible way, we seek in our activities and attitudes to address injustices in a spirit of love and understanding. We aim to cultivate a community that is sensitive to cultural differences.
Violation of Academic Integrity
Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity in all their assignments and exams. Academic
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integrity requires that one gives proper credit to one’s sources and never represents someone else’s work as one’s own. Violation of academic integrity can take several forms, the primary ones being plagiarism and cheating, both of which will be treated with appropriate penalties. More information is given on academic integrity in a following section of this handbook, as well as in the Academic Guidelines booklet.
Unwillingness to uphold these standards may result in a disciplinary action (see Disciplinary Action).
CLASS BEHAVIOUR
What are the expectations regarding attendance? Attendance at all lectures is expected of all students. Although 100% attendance is expected, the faculty recognises that circumstances beyond the students’ control may sometimes prevent them from attending a lecture. However, students who miss more than 2 days or 30% of lectures for a module, whichever is less, will fail the module.
What if I miss a lecture? Students who miss lectures should notify their lecturer(s) in advance, if possible. When advance notification is not possible, a written explanation (e.g., doctor’s certificate) should be presented to the lecturer and/or Dean and/or Director of Student Services upon return to Cornerstone. Students who arrive late for lectures are responsible to insure that the lecturer is aware of and records their attendance. Students may appeal to the faculty (through the Dean) for an exception to this policy in exceptional circumstances (e.g., sickness or bereavement), but such appeals will only be granted when the circumstances are truly exceptional and unavoidable.
What are the rules with regard to assignment submission? Students should complete and submit all the assignments for each module in order to learn, develop and derive maximum benefit from the various learning activities. . A late penalty of 3% per day of the possible marks will be deducted from late assignments, for a maximum of 21% (i.e. 7 days late). Work that is submitted more than one (1) week late or after the end of examination week in a given term will not be marked. Lecturers are under no obligation to accept work after the end of exam week.
Am I allowed to log on to social networks during lectures? No, it is forbidden to do so. Any student found to be on Whatsapp, Facebook, Skype, etc, during lectures shall face disciplinary measures.
Visitors: Prospective applicants to Cornerstone Institute may, after having made prior arrangements with the Registrar and lecturer concerned, sit in on a lecture.
FUNDA
“Funda” is Cornerstone Institute’s virtual learning environment, designed to facilitate free-‐flowing communication among faculty and students in order to enhance the Cornerstone learning experience. It combines the best of social networking, personal scheduling and academic administration into a user-‐friendly application. It is also environmentally friendly in that it eliminates much printing of module readings and assignments. You will be issued with an individual user name and password so that you can access Funda from any computer connected to the Internet, any time of the day or night. Each of your Cornerstone modules appears as a separate tab page in Funda, providing you with easy access to many of the resources you need to complete your studies. Here is an overview of the Funda features:
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Home View recent announcements, discussions, and chat activity Announcements Read current, time-‐critical information Schedule Keep track of important dates and deadlines on a calendar Resources Read and download documents and URLs Lessons Navigate through pages created by your lecturer, containing content, links and
videos. This is usually the primary learning space for CLC modules. Assignments, Tests & Surveys
Submit tests, quizzes and assignments online and receive feedback online
Forums Engage in written discussions, not in real time Gradebook Access results from assessments and final grades Help Access help documentation Preferences Set your personal preferences, such as time zone, tab order Profile Edit your personal information, including pictures Syllabus Access the module syllabus, the module outline document EBSCO Access the online journal repository Khuluma A portal for group video and audio conferencing sessions, which may be used for
online tutorials
Basic Funda training will be provided during orientation and during the first term of studies. For assistance with Funda, please email [email protected].
Cornerstone Email Account All Cornerstone students are supplied with a Cornerstone email address upon registration. This email account can be accessed through the website mail.google.com -‐ simply type in the entire email address as the user name (eg [email protected]) and use the password given to you. All Cornerstone communication occurs to this email address, including notifications and messages from Funda, so it is imperative that you check it regularly. If you would prefer to set it so that the mail from the Cornerstone email address is forwarded to your personal email account, you may do so. Contact Cornerstone IT support if you need assistance.
ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMINATIONS
How do I submit my assignments for grading? Once your assignment is complete and ready for grading, you will submit it to the lecturer via the Assignments page on the Funda site for that module. Submitting assignments via email or a hard copy given to a lecturer is not accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: Assignments that are more than a week late will NOT be accepted for grading.
How will I receive my assignments back from the various lecturers? Once your assignment has been graded and your mark has been recorded, the lecturer concerned will return your assignment to you with comments via Funda, and record your grades in the Funda Gradebook.
What should my assignments look like? See your academic handbook regarding referencing, layout etc.
How do we Grade you? A = First (75% -‐ 100%)
Represents thoughtful answers informed by wider reading showing clarity of thought and personal insight.
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90+ creative and sophisticated 80+ striking insight demonstrated 75+ excellent in all areas and displaying originality
B = Upper second (70% -‐ 74%)
Represents a good understanding of basic principles and relevant evidence, with coherent and logical argument showing analytical ability. Work is excellent in some areas or of high quality in all
C = Second (60% -‐ 69%) Represents a sound understanding of basic principles and main issues with some evidence of analysis or synthesis. Work is of low quality in at least one area.
D = Third (50% -‐ 59%)
Represents a basic understanding of the main issues. Work is superficial and of low quality in a number of areas
F = Fail (below 50%)
Represents work that is unsystematic, incomplete and/or inaccurate 40-‐49 -‐ some knowledge but poorly presented. 30-‐39 -‐ answered only in part and flawed 20-‐29 -‐ deeply flawed or unacceptably brief. <20 -‐ irrelevant or unintelligible.
What if my assignments are late? Marks are deducted for late assignments at a rate of 3% per day (including weekends).
Requests for an extension of a deadline as a result of serious personal problems or illness will only be considered on presentation of sufficient evidence verifying the reason for your inability to submit the work on time. An extension request must be given sufficiently before the assessment deadline.
Assignments that are more than one week late (7 days) will not be accepted. You will be given 0% for an assignment submitted more than one week late, unless an extension has been granted.
You are responsible to keep a back-‐up copy (paper or electronic) of all work submitted.
All written work must be submitted with the plagiarism declaration attached. If there is no declaration attached it will not be marked until such time as a declaration is attached.
Assignments will not be accepted beyond the last day of evaluation week each term.
How are tests / exams conducted? Tes t s and exams w i l l e i ther be wr i t ten in c la s s on campus , o r on l ine on Funda . Exam timetables are drawn up by the Dean’s office and released two weeks prior to the evaluation week.
What happens if I miss an exam? If a student misses an exam, the absence will only be excused without penalty
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on the basis of a doctor’s certificate. This must be presented to the Dean before noon on the day of the student’s return. In the case of serious illness or an emergency, arrangements can be made to take an exam at another time. This must be approved by the Dean. Absenteeism on an exam day due to a personal crisis will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students are required to notify the Dean or lecturer on the morning of the exam. Students are expected to take final exams at the scheduled hours.
What makes me eligible for a re-‐evaluation exam? Degree students who score from 45% to 49% for their final mark for a module are eligible for a re-‐evaluation. Re-‐evaluations take place (4) four times each year. Re-‐evaluations are exams that assess all the outcomes of the module and will be scheduled for students who have qualified for such from the previous term.
Students will be notified of re-‐evaluations at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled examination date.
Students who pass a re-‐evaluation will be given a minimum pass mark for the module, whilst students who fail the re-‐evaluation will fail the module and will be required to retake the module at a later time. Results are published at the end of the term after which the final re-‐evaluation is written.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity in all their assessments. Academic integrity requires that one gives proper credit to one’s sources and never represents someone else’s work as one’s own. Violation of academic integrity can take several forms, the primary ones being plagiarism and cheating, both of which will be treated with appropriate penalties.
What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is the taking of another person’s thoughts, words, judgments, ideas etc, and presenting them as your own. Plagiarism is not only cheating, it is theft and as thus a serious academic offence. Plagiarism is committed when a person represents someone else’s work as his or her own, whether unintentionally or deliberately.
What is cheating? Cheating in an exam or assignment may take various forms, such as using unauthorised material during an exam, obtaining an advance copy of examination papers, or assisting another student in cheating. Such violations of academic integrity will be considered serious offences and will result in failure of the module. What is collusion? Collusion is another form of cheating and is defined as the unacknowledged use of material prepared by several persons working together. Copying another student’s work will result in a charge of collusion and action will be taken against the copier and the person from whom he/she copied. Students are advised to be diligent in protecting their work.
Students are reminded that all work they submit as part of the requirements for a module at CI must be expressed in their own words, unless it is a properly referenced and allowed quotation. The academic integrity policy is printed in the Academic Guidelines and made reference to in the module outline.
Direct quotations from published and unpublished work, including that of other students, must be referenced in the proper form. Paraphrasing must also be acknowledged and referenced. Authors of images and audiovisual presentations must be acknowledged. Students should take particular care when referencing their work and should
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adhere to the Academic Guidelines at all times.
Students should take care in the use of their own work. Credit can only be given once for an assessment. Submitting the same piece of work (or significant part therefore) twice for assessment will be regarded as cheating.
Plagiarism that is deemed to be due to carelessness or negligence will be noted and will result in a lowered grade for the assignment. Plagiarism that is deemed to be intentional is a serious violation of academic integrity and will result in failure of the module.
What are the consequences of violations of academic integrity? All violations of academic integrity, as so deemed by the lecturer, must be reported by the lecturer to the Dean with a recommended penalty. The penalty may range from lowering of the grade for the paper (in cases of carelessness or negligence), a zero mark for the assessment, a zero mark for the module (in cases of deliberate covering up of sources), or full disciplinary review (in cases of recurrence of plagiarism). When necessary, the matter will be reviewed by the faculty to confirm or amend the lecturer’s recommended penalty. In all cases involving a serious violation of academic integrity, the Dean will issue a warning letter to the student, which will become part of the student’s permanent record.
Students may go through the academic appeals procedure if they feel they have been unfairly dealt with. In such cases, at the discretion of the faculty, the student may be allowed the opportunity to resubmit the paper. However, in the case of final papers submitted at the end of the term there will be no opportunity for resubmission.
MODERATION
The moderation system at Cornerstone Institute is designed to ensure that all learners are being assessed in a consistent, accurate and well-‐designed manner, and that all assessments are credible, fair, reliable and realistic. This involves internal and external (for exit level modules only) moderation and student appeals procedures.
Why is your work moderated?
To verify that assessments are clear, fair, valid, reliable and realistic. To identify the need to redesign assessment if required. To provide appeals procedures for dissatisfied students To evaluate the performance of assessors and to allow adjustments to be made, where necessary.
To compare the moderated results of each assessment with those of the previous 3 years to look for deviations that should then be investigated and reported on. To provide feedback to the institute on the overall assessment process.
As a result certain of the student’s assignment/exam/projects will be moderated at the end of each semester. Those assignments that have been chosen for moderation will be indicated on your module outline. Once they have been graded they are submitted to the Quality Assurance (QA) office from where they will be distributed to the moderators. The moderator will make comments on the grading, and may recommend that grades for the module are adjusted up, adjusted down, or stay the same. These recommendations will be taken to the Faculty Confirmation of Results Meeting, where the Academic Planning Committee will make a decision. Any changes will then be reflected in the final Grade Report sent to students. For this reason, grades released from assessors to students (including on Funda) are not considered final until the official release of the student Grade Report at the end of the semester. .
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ACADEMIC APPEALS
What are the possible reasons for an academic appeal?
• Unfair assessment • Invalid assessment • Unreliable assessment • The assessor’s judgment, if considered biased • Inadequate expertise and experience of the assessor if it influenced the assessment • Unethical practices
There are three (3) stages to the appeals process within a specified time frame. At the end of each stage there is an exit point to end the process, otherwise it continues to the next stage. There is an official Academic Appeals Form (available in the Faculty Office) that needs to be completed, and adhered to, throughout the process. A student may collect a form from the Faculty Office or Registrar’s office to start the process.
Stage One: In the case of a student disagreeing with the assessment given, he/she must explain the reason in writing (stage one of the form) to the assessor within five (5) working days after receiving the assessment decision.
Stage Two: The appeals form is brought to the Faculty Office with the completion of the assessor’s rationale -‐ within five (5) working days. The Faculty Secretary will register the appeal and in the case of the learner remaining dissatisfied will forward the form and assessment to the internal moderator for the module. The moderator will consider the assessment decision and the rationale of the assessor, re-‐evaluate the assessment and complete stage 2 of the form. This must be returned to the Faculty Office within five (5) working days.
Stage Three: If the student is still dissatisfied with the process thus far an investigatory panel, consisting of fac ulty, will be formed. The assessment will be sent to an external moderator for evaluation. The faculty on the panel will then consider the rationale of the student, assessor, internal moderator and external moderator and make a decision based on the evidence. The investigatory panel will complete stage 3 of the form based on these findings and the Faculty Secretary will report the outcome to the student.
If the student remains dissatisfied he/she has the right to appeal to the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
THE LIBRARY AND COMPUTER LAB
The Library area includes the Computer Laboratory. It will play an important role in your studies. We want it to be a comfortable, user-‐friendly place where you are able to find information and study profitably. To gain the maximum benefit you need to become familiar with the facilities and understand how to use them. In order to make the set-‐up as efficient as possible it is necessary for everyone to treat the facilities with respect, and to be considerate to fellow students and staff.
There is a librarian on duty during the day, assisted at various times by students appointed under the Campus Employment Program.
What facilities are available?
General Books loan for overnight or a week
Reference Books for use in the library only
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Text Books for use in the library only
Journals for use in the library only
DVDs two day loan
Daily Newspaper for reading in the library
Computer Lab internet, assignments, Funda
Photocopier for student use with copier card
Study Areas
The library stocks a variety of books on all the subjects you will study, but there will be times when you will need to explore the resources at public or university libraries. All the textbooks required are kept on reserve each term, but in limited numbers. Where possible, students are recommended to purchase their own textbooks.
How do I look up information about where to find books, journals or DVDs? Information about books, journals and DVDs can be found on a designated computer in the reference section of the library and also on the computers in the Computer Lab. Explanation on usage will be given by library staff.
How do I make photocopies? All students are required to purchase a plastic re-‐loadable blank card from the library at R30 each. You will need this card to make photocopies and for printing.
Copies are 50c each with a minimum purchase of R5.00 per time.
Loading of cards is done at certain times only: Monday -‐ Friday. Cards and money must be handed to the librarian between 10:15 am and 10:45 am, except on Wednesday when the break is at 11:15 am -‐11:45 am, following chapel. Recharging will be done after break. Cards can also be handed in at 1230 and 1730 on the days when there are afternoon and evening classes.
Cards will not be loaded outside of this time. On completion of your studies the card can be returned for a partial refund if in good condition.
How do I access the computer lab? The computer lab is available to students free of charge for internet access and other computer tasks, including Funda. It is part of the library and the same rules apply as to the rest of the library.
The lab will open when the library opens and close 15 minutes prior to closing hours of the library.
Use of Skype is not allowed in the computer lab. Students needing the computers for study-‐related purposes take precedence over those using them for other purposes.
At times the computer lab is used for classes. When this occurs students are given prior warning that there will be no access while the class is in progress.
What are the rules for the reference library and study areas?
This is a work and study area and therefore not an area for socialising.
Reference books, text books and journals are for use in the library only and may not be borrowed.
If you use journals, they must be returned to the shelves they came from.
Replace journals from box files in the correct boxes.
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Reserved Books: Books set aside as required reading for the term’s modules will be placed on allocated shelves labelled with the name of the module, alongside the librarian’s desk. These are referred to as Reserved Shelves. Resources placed here are for use in the library only. Each textbook removed from the reserve shelf for use in the study area or for photocopying must be recorded on the list on the librarian’s desk counter and signed back in once returned. If books are not signed in it will be assumed they are still in the possession of the student who signed them out.
How do I borrow and return books? Your student card is also your library borrower’s card. No books will be issued without presentation of a student card.
You are allowed to have five books and 2 DVDs at a time. Books are issued for one week and DVDS for 2 days.
You can renew books, if no-‐one else has requested them, by presenting them to the librarian for re-‐issuing. Phone renewals are only done at the discretion of the librarian.
Books may be borrowed during all the holidays except the November-‐January break.
All books are the responsibility of the borrower until checked back in. Books must be returned to the library staff member on duty, not just left on the counter, shelf or trolley. Books left on the counter or trolley are re-‐shelved and will still be in your name if you haven’t handed them to a library worker to be returned.
If you are issued with a book and then decide not to take it, do not put it on the trolley or let someone else have it unless you’ve had it taken off your name.
It is not wise to allow other students to use your borrowing privileges. Books will not be issued on a borrowed card unless the owner of the card is there to give permission. You are responsible for all books borrowed on your card, including books lost and fines incurred.
Library fines
A fine of R1.00 per book per day will be charged on overdue books and R3 per day on DVDs.
All fines will have to be fully paid up before graduation or registration for the next year.
There will be severe penalties imposed on those found removing books from the general library without having them issued i.e. a fine of R100.
A fine of R150 will be imposed on those who remove textbooks and reference books without permission.
What happens if I lose a book? Lost books must be replaced by the borrower. If a book is not returned within 30 days after the due date it will be considered missing. The cost of the missing book will be decided according to its current replacement value. The borrower will be given 30 days from the time the book is declared missing to replace it and settle any fines that have accrued. Failure to settle such matters within 30 days will result in a cessation of library privileges.
If a borrower finds a missing book after it has been charged to his/her account and a new book purchased, the amount will not be refunded.
Library co-‐operation and behaviour
We need co-‐operation to achieve the right atmosphere for the library facilities, hence the following guidelines. These will be enforced and those who refuse to comply will be denied access to the facilities. If no notice is taken of verbal warnings, a written warning will be given, and if there is further lack of co-‐operation, a disciplinary hearing will follow.
• Students are not allowed to eat or drink anywhere in the library area.
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• A quiet atmosphere must be maintained in all areas of the library.
• Cell phone conversations are not allowed anywhere in the library. Cell phones must be switched off.
• No littering.
• The librarian’s computer, desk and office area are out of bounds, as is the library store-‐room and any other rooms marked ‘Staff only’.
• Available books are those on the shelves and on the trolleys.
• Books may not be marked in pen or pencil.
• All books removed from the library must be issued in your name.
What are the library hours?
Mon: 09:00 – 21:00
Tue: 09:00 – 21:00
Wed: 09:00 – 17:00
Thu: 09:00 – 21:00
Fri: 09:00 – 17:00
Sat: 09:00 -‐ 1300
These are subject to change according to staff availability. Changes will be posted at the library entrance.
HARASSMENT POLICY
Cornerstone Institute seeks to promote a working and learning environment that is positive and uplifting for both employees and students. Therefore, any form of harassment, will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to sexual harassment and any other form of harassment related to race, gender, ethnicity, age, or physical or mental disability.
Students with harassment complaints should report the incident to the Director of Student services.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
On occasion, CI may deem it necessary to discipline a student due to actions that are contrary to the values held by Cornerstone, and which adversely affect the student body and life of the Institute. In such circumstances, discipline will be administered through the following procedure:
• The Director of Student Services and/or Dean will meet with the student(s) to determine
the facts.
• If needed, the Director of Student Services and/or Dean will meet with further eyewitnesses of the event
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to gain clarity of the facts given.
• The Director of Student Services will then meet with the CEO and/or the Dean to discuss the matter.
If further guidance is needed to determine discipline necessary for a given case, the student(s) will be required to attend a full disciplinary committee hearing, consisting of the chair-‐or vice-‐chairperson of the Student Representative Council, a senior faculty member, a person from the Board of Directors, the Director of Student Services, the Dean, and the CEO. This committee will then determine the necessary disciplinary action. Written records are kept of each action taken.
Prior to a full disciplinary hearing, the SRC is to be informed as to the students(s) concerned and the perceived need for the hearing. This information will be conveyed to the SRC via the Director of Student Services. The matter will be discussed with due respect for confidentiality issues.
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FINANCIAL AID How do I apply for financial aid? For students who are in financial need, Cornerstone has limited financial assistance available on application. In addition to the bursary allocation, students may also apply for a Campus Employment position.
Financial Aid Criteria
The student must demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance by submitting the fully completed application form (as posted on the Cornerstone website), along with a letter of recommendation from the pastor/minister/referee.
The student must have a sense of commitment to finish the training (failing which all monies granted must be repaid) and signing an undertaking accordingly.
Second and third year students have to ensure that their student accounts are settled before they can be considered for financial aid for the next academic year.
International students cannot be admitted to Cornerstone unless they can pay 60% of the tuition fee, including registration fee. The balance is to be paid by the end of the first semester.
Students from SADC countries are eligible to apply for up to and no more than 40% bursary assistance. No financial assistance is guaranteed to any other International student.
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STUDENT LIFE Welcome to Cornerstone Institute 2016, we hope that this year will be filled with opportunities and growth. As the SRC, we are not only here to represent you, but also to be your support system.
The SRC exists to serve the student body by promoting the interests and welfare of students, coordinating student activities, providing leadership and support, directing students toward integrating Cornerstone students’ diverse cultures, representing students on joint faculty/student committees and planning various social events. The student body elects the council each year. The SRC works closely with the Director of Student Services in serving the student community.
Our aim for 2016 is to have as much fun as possible, without neglecting our academics. We are aiming to create a space where students can be themselves and interact with each other and staff beyond the class room by introducing various extra mural activities and events. Once a month we will have Community Hour where as a community we either have an excursion or have interesting activities on campus. To assist students with funding, we will host four fundraising events during 2016, but for this to be a success we need all students to work with us.
Should you have any concerns or queries, you are more than welcome to raise this with any of the SRC members, even if you just need a shoulder or ear, we are here for you. Once again welcome and may 2016 be one of the best years of your life.
Yours in service
Jolene Barnes
(President SRC 2016)
What is the SRC? The term SRC, stands for “Student Representative Council.” The key words being “student representative.” It is the council’s job to stand and represent you the student, whenever the need may arise. We are there for you! We will provide leadership and coordination wherever necessary. Each year, near the end of the academic year, students elect a new council to represent them the following year.
Who are the SRC members for 2016? The SRC consists of six members: Jolene Barnes (President) Bronwyn Nell (Vice President) Callie Plojoux Gillmore Manter Khalipha Ntloko Matipaishe Maruta
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STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE
Department Overview:
The purpose of the office of Student Services is to work towards enhancing the experience of students at all stages of their time at Cornerstone Institute through the provision of a range of support services, namely 1) Student Development 2) Academic Support Services, 3) Therapeutic Services, and 4) Student Welfare Services. The Student Development and Support Services (SDSS) will seek to engage students’ potential in order to assist them in achieving their personal and academic goals, and to develop responsible and responsive citizens for the future. Department Portfolios: 1. Director of Student Services The Director of Student Services portfolio has developed into a HoD portfolio with the responsibility of overseeing all policies and procedures and developing appropriate services required to ensure the best possible experience for Cornerstone students. In addition, student management, strategic management, the management of the SDSS and staff, the study abroad programme. 2. Support Services and International Partnerships Coordinator (SSIP Coordinator) To run SDSS successfully in 2016 the department have acquired one qualified individual to coordinate the support services, along with building and maintaining partnerships with other organisations and institutions. This role is a function of Student Services and allows a greater reach to students who are studying at Cornerstone Institute; in addition to those international students who want to visit CI. 3. Mentors/Mentorship Mentorship is a leadership development opportunity for strong mature students. Mentorship is a process that forms part of the academic support programme, which will run in conjunction with the tutoring and writing resource centre processes. Our mentors, selected from amongst our best students, will be specially trained to develop skills and competencies to guide and support you through their first year. The purpose of mentorship is to support students and to hold them accountable for handing all assessments within the required time frames. The mentors will also gage issues that influences students’ performance and will refer the students to appropriate support services. The mentoring relationship is continuous. The mentor and mentee will construct a timeline of all tests and assignments, as well as action required to execute each task. If you are in need of a mentor please contact the student services department.
4. Counselling Services The Counselling service will be delivered under the management of the Director of Student Services. Two intern counsellors will be completing their Registered Counsellor license requirement for the HPCSA, at Cornerstone Institute; supervision will be provided by the Psychology Department. The counselling service will be available on Monday afternoons between 12:00-‐17:00. Appointments should be made directly with counsellors (counsellors’ details will be available at the SDSS office).
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Other Resources:
1. The Writing Resource Centre A small room in the student area has been allocated for the Writing Resource Centre. The writing resource centre is to develop student-‐centred strategies and interventions that enhance students' academic thinking and assist them to achieve their full academic and personal potential. The Writing Resource room will form part of the responsibilities of the SDSS coordinator/officer. This will primarily be a space for student development, where students can come on an as needed basis to get the necessary assistance and academic support. This room will have resources, tools, equipment and software intended to assist students in their academic development. Tutors will be scheduled to handle student academic needs on a weekly basis. Academic workshops will also be conducted on a regular basis to assist students with completion of their assignments and to improve their academic writing ability.
• Services to Students Students will be offered writing support and advice. All students are encouraged to bring drafts of assignments they are working on, personal writing and even marked tests and assignments to seek assistance from our well-‐qualified and enthusiastic writing tutors. We will offer the following kinds of writing assistance:
• Help with planning an essay or written assignment in terms of analysing the question and working out how to structure and research the content;
• Help with reading and research skills to make accessing the necessary research easier – this also includes help with internet searches;
• Help working through a draft of the assignment, especially looking at areas of coherent argument; well-‐documented evidence to support an argument; a clear structure and accurate response to the question; required writing style and tone
• Help with referencing styles and methods and advice about how to avoid plagiarism • Help understanding why certain comments have been made on marked assignments or tests and how
to respond to these and correct errors or misunderstandings in future • Advice and encouragement on academic as well as personal writing, like poetry or short stories that can
help you grow and develop as a writer • Assistance with grammar and punctuation errors if needed Tutors will also not do any research for students, or give them in-‐depth help with understanding content. The tutor’s role is to start and sustain a conversation with students about their work, and the choices they make when they write. Tutors are there to ask students questions about their work and their ideas, to help them clarify their thinking, make clear and well-‐supported choices when they write.
Benefits: 1. Writing problems detected early on and students can be offered extra assistance or to do the next assignment
using selective elements of the mentoring above in further workshops. 2. Students are then in a position to discuss the content intelligently with the tutor, because the work has been
done. It gives them great confidence. 3. Students who don’t require the input after the first assignment, don’t have to attend any further workshops,
or can attend selectively.
2. Student Welfare Support
The Student Welfare Service aims to provide prospective and current students with welfare needs services that included comprehensive information and assistance on a wide range of practical and personal issues ranged from housing and accommodation needs, safety and security needs, medical needs, food assistance, and travel assistance. The purpose of this service is to minimize the impact of these issues on students’ state of being and academic performance.
a. Food Service Allocation in Student Services budget will allow for funds to be used to purchase food items on a regular
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basis to make it available to those students who are in need. Sponsors will also be solicited to assist with food parcels. The student kitchen will be sourced with basic breakfast and lunch items to be shared with students who are in need. Students will also be encouraged to participate in a food drive by bringing can foods which will be collected in a food box for distribution.
b. Travel Assistance Students will be given assistance where necessary to allow them to get to college when they have no means to here. This minimizes students absenteeism due to financial constraints and allow for continuity of learning. Students will receive assistance at the discretion of the Director of Student services. The SRC representative for student support will refer students to the Director for assistance.
c. Accommodation The office of Student Services has compiled a list of accommodation in the area which has been vetted for Cornerstone student’s suitability and affordability. This list is available upon request.
d. Medical Students will be given assistance on a needs basis should they require medical attention at the discretion of the Director of Student Services.
3. Communication and IT Support
We have developed a site that is hosted on Funda for students’ IT support and communication. This feature gives students access to all kinds of resources relating to the support services as well as create a platform for student communication. Information, Policies, forms and protocols will be uploaded for student access to ensure they are able to benefit from the support services. This site will allow for student to engage with the services without anyone knowing. Resources will include academic support, therapeutic support, student welfare and student development information and processes.
SPECIAL EVENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW There are some major events/activities throughout the academic year which are of extreme importance to all. Orientation Camp: Every year Cornerstone holds a camp during the Orientation Week. Although second and third year students are given the choice to attend the camp or not, it is highly recommended. First years are expected to attend the camp. The camp is a great opportunity for all students to get to know staff, faculty, the SRC and their fellow students. Many great long-‐lasting friendships and memories are made during the course of these camps. Quiet Day: For many years, it has been a tradition for Cornerstone to honour what used to be a public holiday in Southern Africa – Ascension Day. On this day, every one at Cornerstone (students, staff and faculty) leaves the campus and moves to an announced venue to engage in a day of fellowship and reflection. Graduation: This ceremony is held at the end of the academic year. It is a formal function which involves the broader family of Cornerstone. The ceremony is organized by staff and fellow students in order to honour all students on the completion of their courses. In order to graduate the student must complete all assigned courses with a 50% pass mark. In addition to academic achievements, the student must have sustained a record of acceptable co-‐operation at Cornerstone and must be recommended by the faculty. Graduating certificates and Grade Reports will only be issued when all outstanding work is completed and fees have been paid in full. Each graduate is eligible for an academic transcript, which is obtained
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upon request only. A Certificate of Conduct is included with the transcript. A service fee is charged for transcripts issued after the first copy. No student will graduate if they have outstanding fees.
