Student Conduct Policies
Guidelines for conduct, academic integrity, safety, and community expectations for all students at Colombo International Campus.
Last updated: As published by Colombo International Campus
Introduction
These policies are applicable to a variety of individuals associated with the University, including current students, those who have temporarily paused their studies, and individuals who have accepted an offer of admission and subsequently enrolled. It also extends to students who have had pending allegations at the time of their registration termination, as well as to those who have been awarded degrees and are later subjected to retrospective allegations.
1. Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct establishes essential expectations for campus students, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment. It emphasizes the importance of diversity, encouraging students to appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds. Integrity is vital, urging students to uphold honesty and accountability in their actions. Additionally, the policy outlines effective conflict resolution strategies, encouraging open communication and mutual respect in disagreements. By adhering to these guidelines, students contribute to a positive campus culture that fosters learning and personal growth for all.
2. Disciplinary Procedures
Policies actively running under this respective policy are:
You are expected to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the community. This means avoiding any behaviour that could be considered discriminatory, bullying, or harassing, including verbal harassment, physical intimidation, ragging, cyberbullying, and exclusionary behaviours. We take allegations of misconduct seriously and will investigate any reported incidents promptly and fairly. Sanctions may be imposed for violations, including warnings, mediation, community service, or suspension, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics. Our equity and inclusion policies include non-discrimination, harassment and sexual assault, and accessibility policies to ensure a safe and welcoming community for everyone.
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- Harassment, Abuse and Sexual Assault Policy
- Equity and Inclusion Policy
3. Dress Code Policy
To maintain a professional and respectful learning environment, all students are expected to adhere to the following dress code guidelines. Casual attire is recommended for classes and public areas. Students not meeting the dress code may be asked to change or leave the campus until compliance is achieved.
- Clothing should be modest, respectful, and avoid revealing any private body parts. Casual attire is recommended for classes and public areas.
- No ripped, torn, or excessively worn clothing.
- No clothing with offensive and hate language, symbols, graphics or supporting controversial agendas.
- No hats, hoodies, or sunglasses indoors (except for approved religious headwear).
- Male: Not allowed to wear slippers or sandals; shoes are expected.
- Female: Not allowed to wear slippers.
4. Inappropriate Behaviour
In order to maintain a respectful and professional academic environment, the following policy is strictly enforced:
4.1. Display of Affection Policy
Display of inappropriate affection, including but not limited to public displays of physical affection is strictly prohibited. Students are expected to respect the personal boundaries of others and refrain from any behaviour that may be considered offensive or inappropriate.
4.2. Fighting Verbally and Physically
Verbal fighting: Engaging in loud, aggressive, or threatening language towards another student, faculty, or staff member is strictly prohibited.
Physical fighting: Physical altercations, including pushing, shoving, punching, or kicking, are prohibited at all times on campus.
Repeated offenses may result in legal consequences. Students are expected to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
5. Substance Abuse Policy
It is essential to adhere to the Substance Abuse Policy. Possession, usage, distribution, sale, or influence of drugs, alcohol, or other banned substances is strictly prohibited to ensure the health and well-being of all students and staff. This includes illegal substances, unauthorized prescription medications, alcohol consumption on campus, smoking and being under the influence during classes or activities. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
6. Safety Policies
6.1. Emergency Procedures Policy
In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of authorized staff at all given times.
In the unlikely event of a lockdown, remain silent and still until the situation is resolved. Stay informed through campus alerts, social media, and signage.
- Natural disasters: move to a safe location designated and instructed by staff.
- Violent situations: evacuate the area immediately and follow evacuation routes.
- Medical emergencies: remain calm and provide any necessary information to responding staff to provide assistance.
- Damaged or hazardous areas: stay away from risky areas.
6.2. Reporting Suspicious Activity
Students are encouraged and responsible to report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Campus staff in charge. Reports can be made in person, or by phone. The management and staff will investigate and take appropriate action, including contacting law enforcement if necessary. Failure to report suspicious activity may result in disciplinary action as for the threat the student poses on the campus including the rest of the students.
7. Mental Health Policy
Colombo International Campus is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment by promoting mental health and well-being among students. The campus encourages students to utilize available mental health resources, such as counselling services and support groups. The policy aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, provide timely support, and maintain confidentiality.
To enhance these efforts, the campus has partnered with "Sri Lanka Sumithrayo," an organization ensuring mental health support, ensuring students have access to professional help year-round.
- Call us: 2692909, 2683555, 2696666
- Visit us at: 60B Horton Place, Colombo 7
- Email us: sumithra@sumithrayo.org
9. Integrity of Tangible Property
Students are expected to respect and maintain the integrity of campus property, including tables, chairs, computers, and other facilities. Any deliberate harm or destruction of such property will be considered a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or expulsion. Students are encouraged to report any damage or concerns to the administration to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment.
11. Academic Policy
The Standard of Academic Conduct Policy serves as a fundamental framework guiding students in upholding integrity and ethical standards in their academic tenure at CI Campus. The following provisions delineate the expectations for student behaviour, as well as the repercussions associated with academic misconduct.
Types of Assessments
- Formative Assessments: These are used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback (e.g., quizzes, drafts, in-class activities).
- Summative Assessments: These evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit (e.g., final exams, major projects).
- Practical Assessments: These include hands-on evaluations in fields such as science or the arts.
11.1. Academic Conduct Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
Originality and Attribution: Students must not misrepresent the work or ideas of others, nor can they claim outputs generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI) as their own. This stipulation is aligned with the Campus's commitment to academic integrity and requires that students respect established conventions surrounding authorship and citation.
Integrity in Assessment: Students are prohibited from providing or receiving unauthorized assistance during examinations and in the completion of class assignments, essays, coursework, or any other academic assessments. It is essential that students engage independently to ensure that their work accurately reflects their own understanding and capabilities.
The academic conduct policy is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the educational process at the University. Adherence to these guidelines ensures that students engage honestly and ethically in their academic pursuits.
Collusion: This involves collaboration with others that results in the misrepresentation of work. Specifically, collusion occurs when a student persuades another member of the Campus whether a student, staff member, or invigilator to engage in actions that breach academic conduct procedures.
Contract Cheating: This involves arrangements where a third party completes an assessment on behalf of a student. This could include engaging services such as professional essay writing, essay banks, or ghost-writing services, or any agreement that allows another individual to represent a student in an examination or academic task, undermining the principle of independent assessment.
Plagiarism: This constitutes submitting work, ideas, or data that is not one's own without proper attribution.
Cheating in Examinations: Bringing unauthorized materials or devices into the examination room; engaging in any form of communication with others during the examination that is not permitted; attempting to copy from another student or using notes in a prohibited manner; manipulating or interfering with remote proctoring technologies during online exams.
Falsification of Data: In laboratory work, projects, or research, students are expected to present genuine data. Falsification may involve creating or altering data to misrepresent research findings, or failing to secure necessary ethical approval before conducting research.
In instances where allegations pertain to a student enrolled in the program, CI Campus retains the right to notify the respective university board of the allegations, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory expectations. The Campus can take additional actions beyond this Policy by using its conduct, practice, academic and practice Policy, or Course Regulations. Evidence gathered during these processes may also be used in Fitness to Practise repercussions, highlighting the link between academic integrity and professional preparedness.
- Collusion examples: Representing collaboratively produced work as an individual effort; providing one's work to another student, either intentionally or through negligence, which may be submitted or used under false pretences.
- Direct Plagiarism: Copying text verbatim without citation or quotation marks.
- Paraphrasing: Close paraphrasing without appropriate referencing or acknowledgment.
- AI-Generated Content: Submitting outputs generated by artificial intelligence as one's own without disclosure.
- Self-Plagiarism: Resubmitting previously submitted work for a new assessment, whether from the current institution or another, without authorization.
11.2. Resubmission of Assignment Policy
The resubmission policy allows students to refine their work based on feedback, encouraging learning and improvement. Further, all stated policies on academic conduct policies will be applicable.
- Eligibility: Students may resubmit assignments if they receive a grade below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 40%) or if the instructor has indicated that resubmission is permissible for improvement.
- Feedback Requirement: Students should receive constructive feedback from the instructor that outlines areas for improvement before resubmitting their work.
- Submission Deadline: Resubmissions must generally be made within a specified deadline (e.g., within two weeks of feedback being provided).
- Grade Limitation: Similar to retakes, grades for resubmitted work may be capped (e.g., the maximum grade achievable for a resubmission may not exceed the original passable grade).
11.3. Attendance and Participation Policy
Regular attendance is essential for student engagement and success in the course.
Participation fosters a collaborative learning environment and enhances knowledge retention. Active engagement and collaboration among all students and academic supervisors are required. All students are expected to be enrolled into minimum of one community inside the campus and actively work with all students when organizing activities and participating.
- Attendance Tracking: Students are responsible to mark attendance and marking attendance on behalf of another fellow student will be penalised. Instructors may track attendance through trackers, walk-in log, sign-in sheets, participation in online platforms, or other methods.
- Minimum Attendance Threshold: Sets a baseline for required attendance (e.g., a student must attend at least 80% of classes).
- Consequences of Excessive Absences: Repercussions for failing to meet attendance requirements, which could range from warnings to loss of credit for the course and retaking the respective modules/semesters.
- Compensatory Measures: It is the student's responsibility to reach out to instructors for missed work due to absences.
- Documentation for Excused Absences: Proof of Absence indicates the type of documentation required for an absence to be considered excused (e.g., medical notes, official documentation of events). Submission Timeline: on the very next day the student attends the campus.
- Unexcused Absences: Some courses may incorporate attendance as part of the overall assessment (e.g., attendance may be worth up to 10% of the final grade). Excessive absences (e.g., missing more than a certain percentage of classes, such as 10%) may lead to academic penalties ranging from warning to retakes.
12. Financial Policy
Refer to the "Student Contract" Document given upon registration.
13. BRIDGE Grant Policy
Application Process
- Step 1: Check with the CI Campus information officers or website.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form: Often includes personal information, academic records, and tasks to complete (general and academic related).
- Step 3: Complete necessary tests or tasks.
- Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any relevant documents requested.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure all materials are submitted by the specified deadlines.
Grant Policies
- The Bridge grant may cover a percentage of tuition fees, ranging from 10% to 100%.
- The grant awarded to students is subject to revocation if the academic or grant board determines that the grant's terms, any stated policies, or academic expected performance standards have been violated.
- Additionally, all grant recipients will automatically assume the role of ambassadors for CI Campus, which likely involves representing the institution and promoting its values and initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma or Degree program at the CI Campus.
- Should finish the application process to match the bandwidths on stated timelines.
14. Grievance Policy
At CI Campus we value open communication and fairness. If you have a concern or dispute regarding a policy or treatment received at the institution, staff or student, we encourage you to follow our Grievance Policy.
- Filing a Complaint: Submit complaints via the online portal, email, or in-person to the Student Affairs Office. Complaints should include detailed descriptions of the incident, names of involved parties, and any supporting evidence (e.g., screenshots, messages, or recordings).
- Confidentiality: Every case is handled with strict confidentiality. Identities of all involved parties are protected during and after the investigation.
- Investigation Timeline: Investigations commence within 48 hours and are resolved in due time.
- Disciplinary Hearing: The accused has the right to present their defence during a formal hearing before the Disciplinary Committee.
- Outcome Communication: A detailed written decision is shared with the complainant and accused, including any disciplinary measures and the right to appeal.
14.1. Enforcement and Appeal Process
- Appeals must be submitted within seven working days of receiving the disciplinary decision.
- Appeals are reviewed by the Appeals Board, which includes senior administrators and external advisors.
- The decision of the Appeals Board is final and binding.
15. Feedback Mechanism Policy
The Feedback Mechanism Policy aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging students to provide feedback (anonymous or unanimous) on their experiences at our campus. This includes regular surveys, online forums, and one-on-one meetings with faculty and staff. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts on academics, campus life, services, and facilities. The feedback will be reviewed, analysed, and implemented to improve student life, academic programs, and overall campus experience. Your input matters!
16. Repercussions
As a valued member of our campus community, it is essential to understand the consequences of violating rules, policies, and procedures. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the following repercussions. The repercussion will be deemed by the student affairs committee depending on the severity of the offense:
To ensure a smooth and successful experience, it's essential to understand our rules, policies, and procedures. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you'll be able to avoid any potential misunderstandings or issues that might arise.
Authorized by Colombo International Campus.
- Verbal warning: First-time offenders will receive a verbal warning from a campus authority.
- Written warning: Subsequent offenses will result in a written warning, which will be documented in your student file.
- Parents/Guardian and management meeting: Provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss their child's behaviour and any necessary support or interventions.
- Community service: Community service may include tasks such as cleaning up campus areas, participating in community events, or supporting local charities.
- Suspension: Repeated violations can lead to a suspension from campus activities, including classes.
- Expulsion: Serious or repeated offenses may result in expulsion from the Campus.
- Academic penalties: Violations may also impact your academic standing, grade deductions or suspension of academic progression and or even retraction of provided scholarship or discount benefits. The student maybe required to retake modules or semesters.
- Legal cases: Violations of rules and policies may also constitute legal offenses. In these instances, campus authorities will cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken.
Start chat
8. Social Events Policies
As students of our campus, it is essential to ensure that all social events hosted on or off-campus are planned and executed in a responsible and sustainable manner. This policy outlines the guidelines for planning, hosting and posting social events, with a focus on social, economic, and environmental considerations.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in event cancellation or disciplinary action.