Policy Number:304

Title: Student Conduct
Last Revised Date: 5th May 2023

Policy Version:Vol. 2

 

1. Introduction

 

Eton University aims to promote a safe and fair environment for all its students. This policy outlines the expectations the university has of its students in regards to their acceptable behaviour and the penalties that can be imposed for breaching the codes of conduct. 

 

2. Definitions 

 

Bullying and e-bullying: the persistent and ongoing ill treatment of a person that victimizes, humiliates, undermines or threatens that person. 

 

Discrimination: occurs when a person treats, or proposes to treat, someone unfavourably because of a personal characteristic protected by law. 

  

Expulsion: the permanent exclusion of a student with no right to re-apply for admission. 

 

Harassment: any unwanted behaviour, physical or verbal (or even suggested), that makes a reasonable person feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or mentally distressed

 

Suspension: the cancellation of a student’s enrolment for a specified time.

 

3. Scope 

 

This policy applies to all students enrolled in an Eton University course whether online or on-site.

 

4. Principles 

 

This policy is based on the following principles: 

• honesty

• integrity

• fair treatment

• inclusivity

• transparency

• adherence to relevant University policies and guidelines 

 

5. What Students Can Expect From Us

 

Eton University is committed to providing a safe learning environment where all students are treated equally in order to allow them to reach their full potential. 

 

Eton University aims to ensure a learning  environment free of discrimination and harassment where students’ intellectual property and privacy rights will be respected. Students can expect transparency and opportunities for their opinions and concerns to be heard. 

 

Students can also expect a stimulating online learning environment that consists of high quality courses, resources, and access to qualified teaching staff that is able to support them every step of the way. Moreover, students will receive constructive, timely feedback and full transparency in regards to academic standards and related policies.

 

6. What We Expect of Our Students

 

The following details our expectations of our students and sets up a framework for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. The list is not exhaustive, but it outlines the main guidelines in regards to these expectations.

 

We expect our students to:
 

1. act with honesty and integrity when carrying out their studies. This includes avoiding academic misconduct (see Academic Integrity Policy.)

2. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner towards university staff, faculty members, other students, and members of the public.

3. be actively involved in their learning and engage with all resources available to them. 

4. attend all live sessions

5. use University resources for University purposes, unless otherwise expressly permitted 

6. adhere to all university policies and procedures 

​​

Students who engage in inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include sanctions such as warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion. We expect students to refrain from:

 

1. any behavior that threatens the safety of others, disrupts the academic or administrative processes of the university, or violates the rights of others.

2. disruptive behaviour, and any type of behaviour that could jeopardize the university’s reputation

3. behaviour that could be considered offensive to other students or university staff

4. engaging in fraudulent or corrupt conduct 

5. participating in any learning activity whether online or onsite while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs 

6. any type of bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on

1. racism

2. disability

3. religion

4. political views

5. sexuality

6. age

7. disclosing confidential information and respect the privacy of staff and students

8. speaking on behalf or representing the University unless officially appointed by the University 

 

7. Misconduct 

 

Academic and non-academic misconduct occurs when University standards, policies and codes of conduct are breached. 

 

Academic misconduct occurs when the Academic Integrity Policy is violated (see policy for more details).

 

Non-academic misconduct can occur when any other university policies or procedures are breached. 

 

8. Reporting non-academic misconduct 

 

Students and university staff can report occurrences of misconduct by contacting their College Head,  Provost and Vice-President. 

 

A College Head, Provost or any other employee who deals directly with students, may also initiate action against a student without a report from a third party, or, if deemed sufficiently serious, refer an allegation in writing directly to the Provost/Vice-President for determination. 

 

Once an allegation has been made, the university will investigate the claim in a transparent and timely manner. The parties involved will be adequately informed and the university will ensure that everyone has opportunity to respond. The university will ensure that those involved with the misconduct case will not be the same persons who determine the outcome. 

 

9. Resolutions 

 

9.1  First offense and/ or minor breaches 

Where the College Head/Provost deems appropriate, the allegation can be dealt with on a local level without escalating or imposing a penalty for significant misconduct. The outcome could be one of the following;
 

• that no further action is required  

• that the student is instructed not to repeat the actions reported in the allegation

• that the student is instructed to provide a formal apology and will be given a written warning.  

 

If, at any time, the allegation is deemed to be too serious, the College Head/Provost will escalate the case further to the Vice President.

 

9.2  Repeated offense and / or significant breaches 

If any offense occurs more than once or could be considered a significant breach of university policy, the allegation will be referred directly to the Vice President who will oversee the investigation. 

 

Depending on the nature of the complaint, the most relevant person(s) will be informed. In cases of criminal offenses, the Vice President will immediately inform the relevant external authorities (e.g the police).

 

Serious conduct can be classed as suspected criminal offenses or any misconduct that poses significant risk to the wellbeing and safety of staff and students. 

 

After investigating, the Vice President may make one of the following determinations: 

• that no further action is required  

• that the student is instructed not to repeat the actions reported in the allegation

• that the student is instructed to provide a formal apology and will be given a written warning.  

• that the student pay an applicable fine to cover the cost of any property damaged or theft.

• that the student’s enrolment be suspended for a defined period or expelled permanently. 

 

In determining the penalties, the Vice President will consider any previous records of misconduct (academic or non-academic) and whether there are any mitigating circumstances. They will also consider the nature and seriousness of the offense and whether or not the student has expressed remorse.  

 

Once a decision has been made, all parties involved will be informed in writing. 

 

10. Records of misconduct 

 

All records of misconduct, including meeting minutes, reports, correspondences, outcomes and actions will be stored in a confidential file for 5 years.

 

11. Appeal  

 

Appeals and complaints are outlined in the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy.