UC Graduate Studies Catalog 2019-2023 Section X Codes of Conduct and Rules of Civility

Like any institution, The University of Cambodia has various sets of guidelines on behavior which individuals are expected to observe.

1. STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students form the foundation of The University of Cambodia community, and we are committed to providing an environment that values academic excellence, personal integrity, mutual respect, and solidarity. Therefore, every student at The University of Cambodia holds certain rights to study and work in a quiet, respectful atmosphere that promotes the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge. At the same time, students are expected to assume responsibility for their actions to ensure shared accountability for fulfilling the rights of their fellow students, lecturers and university staff.

i. Students’ Rights

1) Students have the right to be treated with respect and dignity from all instructors and staff at The University of Cambodia.

2) Students have the right to free and open discussion, inquiry, and expression, both inside and outside the classroom.

3) Students can expect prompt and courteous responses and interactions from the University’s academic and administrative departments.

4) Students have the right to participate in all areas and activities of the university, free from any form of discrimination including harassment, on the basis of race, color, creed, nationality, religion, sex, disability, age, gender identity and sexual orientation.

5) Students should have access to clear, accurate information concerning the costs of tuition, activity fees, registration, course offerings, programs, majors, and other University requirements and activities.

6) Students have the right to receive academic credit and their academic degree when all specified requirements and course work have been satisfied.

7) Students have the right to appeal grades they deem are incorrect.

8) Students have the right to expect certain practices of their instructors. These include establishing clear course objectives and requirements through the use of the syllabus, clearly stating grading scale and criteria, evaluating students fairly, and protecting students’ intellectual freedom. Students also have the right to receive constructive and timely comment from instructors on assignments and projects.

9) Students have access to extraordinary education that includes excellent faculty, academic technology, classrooms, the Dr. Haruhisa Handa Library and E-library, the multiple computer laboratories, and other resources necessary for the learning process.

ii. Students’ Responsibilities

1) Students have the responsibility to respect the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty and The University of Cambodia, as well as to act as honest, responsible, and law-abiding members of the academic community.

2) Students are expected to display appropriate conduct in classroom situations that will enhance the learning environment. Students who sleep in class or read non-class materials during class disrupt the course, as well as those who play on their phones, disrupt the learning environment for all involved and compromise the learning process.

3) Students have the responsibility to be prompt and regular in class attendance, submit assignments on time, and take exams when scheduled.

4) Students are expected to maintain academic ethics and honesty in all its forms, including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarism.

5) Students are responsible for making sure that they will complete their degree requirements, which includes meeting both academic and administrative requirements set by each college or school. The Deans and Associate Deans will make every effort to guide students toward completion of all requirements, but the ultimate responsibility for satisfying these requirements is the students’. Students must meet with their Dean or Associate Dean to discuss their progress on a regular basis.

6) Students have the responsibility to participate in programs and activities of the University in order to contribute to a vibrant campus environment. They must also respect the campus by keeping it clean and tidy.

7) Students must refrain from actions that endanger the health, safety or welfare of any member of the university community.

8) Students hold the responsibility to obtain their ID cards, ensure they are not expired, and wear them while on campus.

9) Students are expected to regularly check the UC Website and Facebook page for up-to-date, accurate information regarding events, activities, and official notices.

The following sections set these rights and responsibilities in a broader context.

2. UNIVERSITY CODE OF CONDUCT AND RULES OF CIVILITY

The University of Cambodia expects all its members, students, staff, faculty and guests, to abide by its Code of Conduct and Rules of Civility based on a collective commitment to mutual respect and a “social contract” with one another so that we may become a true community of seekers for knowledge, truth and excellence.

In order to provide an environment conducive to optimum learning, The University of Cambodia has issued the following guidelines for students, faculty, staff and guests. All students, upon registration, must be familiar with and adhere to these rules: any failure to do so must be reported to The University of Cambodia Disciplinary Committee

· Every member of this community is to be treated with respect and dignity. Differences in opinion are evidence of independent thinking: this is to be encouraged in a learned community to aid broadening of the mind. However, such differences should be shared in a civil manner, with respect and understanding, and so a healthy dialogue: insults, threats and assaults have no part in a learned community and will not be tolerated.

· An ethical, open and honest code of behavior is expected of all members of the UC community: propagating false or unfounded rumors, lying and cheating are examples of conduct that will not be tolerated.

· Discrimination based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation will not be tolerated at the University.

· Harassment, sexual, racial or otherwise, is unacceptable behavior, and must be reported by victims or witnesses.

· All individuals are required to dress appropriately when on campus.

· The sale and/or use of alcohol and illicit drugs is strictly prohibited on University premises. Smoking is prohibited inside all University buildings.

· Weapons of any kind, whether they are carried for self-defense or otherwise, are strictly prohibited on University premises.

· Other animals are not allowed on University premises without permission.

· The distribution of religious, political or other unauthorized documents and all types of solicitation are strictly prohibited on the University premises. Likewise, political gatherings and rallies are not allowed on campus.

· As anywhere else, any act of theft, robbery, or vandalism, graffiti or any other damage on University premises will be reported to local authorities and subject to criminal charges according to the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

· For security reasons, students, faculty and staff are required to produce their ID cards on demand.

3. THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

In addition to the University’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Civility, all students are expected to be familiar with and follow a number of other requirements.

• Students should be conscientious and self-disciplined, and take full personal responsibility for their studies and other actions.
• For their own benefit (and out of respect for their instructor and their classmates), students should thus be conscientious in their time-keeping, including completing assignments on time.
• Class attendance is important for students’ learning; it is taken in all courses and is included in the student’s final grade in the class. Failure to maintain adequate attendance will mean that the student is barred from sitting exams and will forfeit any Scholarship awards.
• Students who have to miss a class for whatever reason during term should apply for a short-term Leave of Absence.
• Students who arrive late and/or leave early, or who miss a class, should not expect any preferential treatment from the faculty.
• Cheating and plagiarism (the copying and pasting of material into assignments – including student presentations – from the internet or other sources) cannot be tolerated. Faculty members are required to be responsible for enforcing the rules and for disciplinary actions. They may also refer the student to the University of Cambodia Academic Honesty Committee for further actions that may lead to probation, suspension and/or expulsion.
• Students should respect Cambodian customs: they should avoid being dressed provocatively or displays of intimate behavior.
• The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited in classrooms; the Dr. Haruhisa Handa Library and e-Library; the various computer-based laboratories; and in exams.
• Eating and drinking are prohibited in classrooms; the Dr. Haruhisa Handa Library and e-Library; the various computer-based laboratories; and in exams.
• Disruptive behavior and abuse of privileges (for example by blocking others’ access to the WiFi) on campus will be reported to The University of Cambodia’s Disciplinary Committee.
• Students should be involved in extracurricular activities organized by the University, not only for their own benefit but for that of UC as a whole.
• Students should avoid arranging to meet members of faculty off-campus, including going on trips which do not have the official approval of The University of Cambodia.
• Where such off-campus trips are officially approved, all participating students must read and sign a Declaration of Individual Responsibility.

4. THE FACULTY CODE OF CONDUCT

In addition to the University’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Civility, all teachers are expected to:

• come prepared for the lesson;
• be properly attired, and both start and stop on time;
• keep classes on-topic with a balanced overview of relevant and appropriate material, and thus refrain from indulging in partisan politics;
• avoid taking the easy option of merely spoon-feeding the students;
• motivate and encourage students to be active learners, by facilitating participation in classroom activities, challenging them to think for themselves and thereby develop an understanding of the underlying principles;
• show humility, respect for the students, be aware of their cultural sensitivities and be positive in making criticisms;
• treat all students fairly, both face-to-face and in marking their work;
• nurture each student's self-respect and self-confidence (where necessary), and thus encourage their increasing independence in thought and action;
• gain the confidence of class and maintain confidentiality;
• not accept any gifts from students, to avoid misunderstandings;
• avoid arranging to meet students off-campus, other than as groups preferably involving the whole class: to avoid misunderstandings, they should seek prior approval of the relevant Associated Dean;
• should not organize tours for students in the name of the University, or in situations where others may consider the University liable in the absence of any legal disclaimers, without prior permission of the University;
• not sell anything to the students; and
• coordinate with other instructors and support staff to ensure that things flow smoothly for students and everyone else at the University of Cambodia.