Policies & Guidelines

We accept registration and payment online by credit card.

To register for a course, while on the course page, select "Register Now" and follow the directions to complete registration.

You will be prompted to log into the Learner Portal. Use the Forgot Username and Forgot Password functions if necessary. The Forgot Password reset link expires after 30 minutes, please use the forgot password function again if this occurs.

A welcome message from your facilitator will be sent to you by email, roughly 1-3 days before the beginning of the course.

Quercus is the University of Toronto’s name for our Learning Management System which is powered by Canvas. To access Quercus, you will require a credential called a QQ code. For each ISTEP course you are registered for, you will receive a unique QQ code.

QQ code credentials will be emailed 1-2 calendar days before the course start date. Access to Quercus will expire 2 weeks after the end date of your course.

If you have not received your QQ code for access to Quercus or if is not working properly, please contact us at istep.professional@utoronto.ca for assistance.

At the University of Toronto, our goal is to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and treats every member with equity, dignity, and mutual respect. We aim to foster a climate of understanding that honours the worth of every individual. 

In working toward this goal, we are committed to supporting and facilitating access to accommodations for individuals with disabilities — so that all participants can engage with the same opportunities, take part in the full range of program activities, and achieve their full potential as members of our community. 

For more information or to discuss your accommodation needs, please contact ISTEP Professional Learning at the time of registration or as soon as possible at istep.professional@utoronto.ca. 

Honesty and fairness are considered fundamental values shared by learners, staff and facilitators at the University of Toronto. ISTEP courses and programs follow the University’s policies and procedures that deal with cases of cheating and plagiarism are designed to protect the integrity of the institution. The Code of Behaviour and Academic Matters outlines the policies.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC MATTERS

This policy outlines the withdrawal and transfer guidelines for all courses and programs offered within ISTEP. 

DEFINITION OF TERMS: 

Withdrawal: refers to the formal process by which a learner officially discontinues their enrolment in a specific course or program before its completion. The withdrawal process involves notifying the institution, completing any required paperwork, and adhering to specific deadlines. Depending on the timing and circumstances of the withdrawal, it may have financial implications. Withdrawals may be categorized as: 

• Voluntary Withdrawal: Initiated by the learner for personal, academic, or professional reasons, some withdrawals may qualify for refund based on deadlines noted below.
• Administrative Withdrawal: Initiated by the ISTEP due to factors such as non-payment of fees, failure to meet academic standards, or disciplinary actions. 

Courses have specific registration or application deadlines and course start dates, which are located on the course page, and are noted on your confirmation of enrolment (sent via email upon registration).   

If you are unsure of the deadline for your enrolled course(s), please contact ISTEP by emailing istep.professional@utoronto.ca

Please review the details of the policy below. In addition to this we have provided a high-level summary: 

WITHDRAWAL CONDITIONS: 

• Failing to participate in any course-related activities does not constitute an official withdraw
• Advising the facilitator that you will no longer participate in course related activities does not constitute an official withdrawal 
• Course withdrawals are subject to the removal of course access and the return of any course issued materials. 
• All refunds (per deadlines stated below) must be returned to the original method of payment.

In the event that the course you have selected is full, you may be able to place your name on a wait list. Wait lists are not available for every course. If a wait list is available, you will see it on the course webpage.

All courses are subject to sufficient registration. ISTEP reserves the right to cancel or combine individual courses if minimum registration is not achieved. A full refund will be issued in the event of a cancellation.

The following participation expectations must be met from the start date to the end date of the course, which are noted on the course page at time of registration.

Time Commitment: ability to allocate a specific number of hours as outlined above for coursework including engagement in course materials and assignments including meeting deadlines in the course schedule. 

Active Participation: engage with materials and assessments in alignment with module timing. Reach out to instructors with questions or concerns in a timely manner.

Technical Requirements: Reliable internet connection and laptop or desktop with browser for accessing course materials and participating in course requirements. You will not be able to participate using your mobile phone.

Learners are responsible for the following:

• Knowing the rules, regulations, admission requirements and deadlines established by ISTEP and for complying with them.
• Checking the ISTEP registration system for information on the status of their application (if applicable) and for keeping their current contact information up-to-date.
• Paying the required course tuition fees.