The article discusses how Keyano College's leadership and the student association are not supporting the idea of changing academic integrity policies or grades due to recent protests. The protests mainly involved about 50 international students, specifically in the early learning and child care program, who were unhappy with their failed grades and academic misconduct charges. Keyano's CEO and president, Jay Notay, mentioned that the protests caused disruption to classes and unease among staff members.
In both protests at the college, the Wood Buffalo RCMP were called, but no arrests were made. Notay stated in an interview that they cannot fulfill the demands made by the protesters as it would compromise the academic integrity. Students have the right to peacefully demonstrate as long as it does not disrupt the safety of the staff, community, or college operations. Notay mentioned that the academic misconduct charges involved allegations of plagiarism, cheating, and using ChatGPT for assignments.
There were students who asked for refunds, while others argued that they should receive passing grades since they had paid tuition fees. Notay, understanding the challenges of adapting to Canada and academic pressures, mentioned that Keyano College has guidelines to help students with academic issues. However, Notay clarified that grades would not be changed due to protests.
"We advise them to make use of the systems we have available to assist them. It's important for them to discuss their specific situations with the appropriate individuals," Notay stated. "Even within the guidelines, there are potential solutions. However, some students are hesitant to take that necessary step. They prefer to gather as a group, but this approach may not be beneficial for every student.
The Syncrude Technology Centre situated at Keyano College Clearwater campus in Fort McMurray, Alberta was captured in a photograph on April 19, 2020. The Student Association of Keyano College (SAKC) president, Sheresee Miller, expressed the association's support for Keyano's position on the matter. While SAKC is willing to have discussions with the protesters, Miller emphasized that they would not act in contradiction to Keyano's academic integrity policies.
The association is willing to work with students who have valid concerns but will not support anything that could harm the program or the institution. Miller stated that students engaging in cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation will face consequences. SAKC backs Keyano's position and considers many of the protestors' demands unreasonable. They are open to discussions but will not go against Keyano's academic integrity policies or endorse disruptions.
Miller stated that students who engage in cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation will face consequences, including cleaning their records and getting back on track with their program.
A similar protest occurred at Algoma University's Brampton campus in Ontario earlier this year, where international students protested failed grades in a computer science course. The college ended up offering a make-up exam and passing other students after a review of the grading process.
The university has stated that there were no changes made to grades as a result of protests. Receive the latest news and events from Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo every Friday morning by subscribing to our newsletter. For more information, contact [email protected]. You can also share this article on your social media networks.
