Director of Student Integrity and Compliance

About Olds College Of Agriculture & Technology

Established in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been dedicated to providing exceptional hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming, including continuing education, online, and blended learning, we ensure accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. Our passion lies in the Agriculture sector. Through applied research and integrated learning, we proudly stand as Canada's Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, and land and environmental stewardship. We collaborate closely with industry to enhance and adapt our programming, ensuring our graduates possess the skills necessary for success.

Position Overview - Director of Student Integrity and Compliance

The Director of Student Integrity and Compliance is tasked with fostering and maintaining integrity within the Olds College community by spearheading initiatives to prevent, identify, and address instances of academic and non-academic misconduct among students. This role encompasses the development and execution of policies, procedures, and educational programs aimed at cultivating a culture of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct among students. The Director will work in partnership with faculty, staff, and students to investigate misconduct allegations, enforce disciplinary actions as needed, and provide support and resources to encourage integrity and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Maintenance:

1. Policy Creation: Formulate clear and comprehensive policies regarding academic and non-academic integrity, covering aspects such as plagiarism, cheating, harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct.
2. Policy Implementation: Establish procedures for the effective implementation of these policies across the college, ensuring accessibility and understanding within the college community.
3. Policy Review: Regularly assess and update policies to align with changes in laws, regulations, and best practices, ensuring continuous adherence to Olds College values and standards.

Education and Training:

1. Workshops and Training: Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff to educate them on college policies and procedures.
2. Informational Resources: Create and distribute educational materials such as brochures, handbooks, and online resources that clearly outline student conduct, academic integrity, and relevant policies and procedures.
3. Community Engagement: Actively engage with the college community through presentations, discussions, and forums to promote a culture of integrity, safety, respect, and responsibility.

Collaboration with Academic Departments:

1. Partnership with TLCI: Collaborate with the Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Innovation (TLCI) team to design and implement strategies that encourage academic honesty and prevent misconduct.
2. Departmental Engagement: Attend departmental meetings to provide updates on integrity issues and gather feedback on the effectiveness of current policies and procedures.
3. Faculty Assistance: Support faculty in developing materials that emphasize the importance of integrity and incorporate principles of academic honesty.
4. Leadership Collaboration: Act as a key partner with School Leadership teams regarding student academic misconduct and integrity issues to facilitate proactive mitigation strategies and conduct responses as identified in policy.

Investigation of Misconduct:

1. Allegation Reception: Serve as the primary contact for receiving allegations of misconduct from students, faculty, and staff.
2. Conduct Investigations: Execute thorough and impartial investigations into allegations, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing involved parties, and documenting findings comprehensively.
3. Case Management: Oversee each case from initiation to resolution, ensuring timely and effective handling in accordance with institutional policies.

Disciplinary Actions:

1. Sanction Recommendations: Assess investigation findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions for students found responsible for misconduct, consulting with relevant stakeholders as necessary.
2. Compliance Assurance: Ensure that all disciplinary actions are consistent with college policies and are applied fairly and equitably.
3. Documentation: Maintain records of all disciplinary actions taken, including the rationale behind decisions and any appeals processes utilized.

Support and Guidance:

1. Student Support: Provide guidance and support to students involved in misconduct cases, helping them understand the policies, the nature of the allegations, and the procedures involved through a trauma-informed approach.
2. Appeals Process: Inform students about their rights to appeal decisions and guide them through the appeals process if they choose to contest findings or sanctions.
3. Remediation Opportunities: Offer resources and opportunities for remediation and personal development to help students learn from their experiences and avoid future misconduct.

Record Keeping:

1. Record Maintenance: Keep detailed and accurate records of all misconduct cases, including investigation notes, evidence, findings, and any disciplinary actions taken.
2. Confidentiality: Ensure that all records are maintained with strict confidentiality and in compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations.
3. Reporting: Prepare regular reports on misconduct cases and trends, providing insights and recommendations to college leadership for policy improvements.

Collaboration with Campus Offices:

1. Interdepartmental Coordination: Work closely with other campus offices such as Student Conduct, Academic Advising, Residence Services, Campus Security, and Campus Health and Wellness Services to address misconduct cases holistically.
2. Integrated Support: Develop integrated support plans that address the underlying causes of misconduct and promote overall student success and well-being.
3. Resource Sharing: Share resources and best practices with other departments to enhance the college's overall approach to integrity and compliance.

Continuous Improvement:

1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of best practices, trends, and developments in the field of integrity and compliance in higher education through professional development, networking, and research.
2. Improvement Recommendations: Continuously evaluate and make recommendations for enhancing policies, procedures, and educational initiatives based on current trends and feedback from the college community.
3. Innovative Approaches: Introduce innovative methods to integrity and compliance education and enforcement, ensuring Olds College remains a leader in promoting academic and non-academic integrity.

Qualifications:

1. A post-secondary degree in a related field such as business administration, student affairs, human resources, or a related field, along with relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
2. 2-5 years of experience in investigation and conduct-related training and work experience is recommended.
3. Experience in higher education administration, particularly in roles related to academic integrity, student conduct, or compliance.
4. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, procedural fairness, and best practices related to integrity and compliance in higher education.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and educate diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff.
6. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
7. Experience with conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and implementing disciplinary measures preferred.
8. Experience fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and open communication.
9. Proficiency in using technology and data management systems to maintain accurate records and track compliance efforts.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
2. Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College Offers a Competitive Benefit Plan:

1. Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
2. Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
3. Health/Personal Spending Account
4. Generous Vacation Leave
5. Paid Holiday Closure
6. 'Olds College in the Community' volunteer leave
7. Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.