Advocacy & Representation

OPUS collaborates with the University of Windsor community to identify and to promote the collective interests of part-time undergraduate students. The primary function that OPUS performs is that of advocacy, on behalf of part-time students at the University of Windsor. This advocacy is performed by promoting part-time students' interests on three levels:

On behalf of individuals, by assisting those experiencing difficulties with situations like course access, problems with bureaucracy, inability to contact the right person in administration, perceived mistreatment, etc.

At the University level, by serving on the University's Board of Governors, the Senate, and numerous other university committees where decisions affecting part-time students are made. At this level OPUS addresses issues such as accessibility, course and program offerings, fees, student services, and quality of student life.

Beyond the university level, OPUS activities include liaising with other part-time student groups from other universities, working with the Canadian Federation of Students to develop and maintain relationships with local MPs and MPPs, lobbying efforts concerning part-time student issues, promoting part-time student issues with the media, and researching and collecting data on part-time student issues.

Student Rights

Obtained from the Senate website
 

University Bylaws

The rights of students are enshrined in the University bylaws. You need not know them by heart, but you should at least know the basics…you never know when they may come in handy. The pertinent bylaws are:

Bylaw 31 - Student Affairs

Bylaw 51 - Academic Evaluation Procedures

You have the right to...

• Appeal your grade/Requirement to Withdrawal.
• View your final exam up to 6 months after the course.
• Freedom of Discussion: speak freely in class on the discussion topic.
• Have your course syllabus by the end of the 2nd week of class. Including:

• How your final grade is calculated; including curving procedures.
• The approximate dates for tests, assignments, etc. except ‘pop’ quizzes.
• Grading for Participation; it cannot be worth more than 20% of your final grade.

• Right of Assembly: the right to public assembly and the open expression of ideas and opinions carrying with it the responsibility to observe the law and not interfere with the rights and privileges of others or the continuity of the educational process.
• Have your final week of class free from any testing that is not part of a series.

Your instructor must...

• Be available for consultation outside of regular class.
• Respect students as individuals.
• Evaluate students’ academic performance objectively and fairly.
• Keep all academic records and supporting files confidential.
• Make arrangements for tests scheduled outside the regular class time for students who have valid time conflicts.
• Keep the date of the final exam as announced by the Registrar.
• Inform students of make-up exam privileges.
• Post unofficial grades by student # only.
• Never leave tests, assignments, etc. in a public place.

You need to know...

• Pop quizzes cannot be worth more than 2% each, totally no more than 5% of your final grade.
• You must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 5.0 (C-) to stay in school.
• If your G.P.A. is less than 5.0 you will be placed on academic probation. If you are on probation for two semesters you will be Required to Withdrawal (RTW).
• If you are Required to Withdrawal you must leave the U of W for at least 12 months.
• You must voluntarily withdrawal during the appropriate period or you will remain registered in the course. You may voluntarily withdrawal after the deadline with the proper documentation.

Complete University of Windsor Senate Bylaws