Students Code of Conduct

 

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

STUDENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

 

FOREWORD

 

The University of Nigeria’s Student Code of Conduct outlines a set of rules, principles, and guidelines designed to promote ethical conduct among students. As an institution committed to fostering a community of scholars who value academic excellence, personal integrity, and respect for others, this Code of conduct provides a foundation for a positive and respectful learning environment.

 

The scope of this Code of Conduct encompasses applicability, behavioural expectations, on- and off-campus behaviour, academic and non-academic conduct and consequences for misconducts. It also outlines principles of values, disciplinary procedures, reporting incidents and concerns, and procedures for addressing

 

By acknowledging and adhering to this Code, students contribute to achieving the University’s vision and mission, embodied in its motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man”.

 

 

Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya

Vice-Chancellor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 INTRODUCTION

Purpose

Statements of Institutional Values

 

SCOPE OF THE STUDENT’S CODE OF CONDUCT ……

Principles and Values…………………………………………………..

Students Conducts and Behaviour…………………………………..

Prohibited Behaviour/Misconducts………………………………….

Failure to Comply with the University Policies…………………

Punishments for Academic Misconducts………………………….

Punishments for Behavioural Misconducts………………………

Consequences for Misconducts………………………………………

Procedure for Reporting Incidents and Concerns……………..

Disciplinary Procedures………………………………………………..

 

 

APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES……………………

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

  

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA                       

Students’ Code of Conduct

 

Preamble

 

1. Introduction

This Students’ Code of Conduct is an articulated set of rules, principles, and guidelines designed to govern and encourage ethical conduct among students in this university.

University of Nigeria is committed to fostering a community of scholars who value academic excellence, personal integrity, and respect for others. As a student and member of this community, it is pertinent that you uphold these values.

 

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for students’ behaviour and conduct, both on and off campus. It is designed to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment, ensure academic integrity, and foster responsible behaviour.

 

By adhering to this Code, students demonstrate their commitment to upholding the values and principles of University of Nigeria and contributing to a community that values respect, empathy, and personal growth.

 

Purpose:

The Students’ Code of Conduct is set to achieve the following:

 

1. Establish clear expectations for behaviour;
2. Promote positive learning environment;
3. Ensure student well-being;
4. Maintain institutional integrity; and
5. Guide students’ decision-making.

 

The Scope:

1. Applicability: The Code applies to all students enrolled at the University.
2. Behavioural Expectation: The Code outlines expected standards of behaviour, including academic integrity, respect for others, and responsible conduct.
3. On and off-campus behaviour: The Code applies to students’ behaviour both on campus and off campus, including online activities.
4. Academic and non-academic conduct: The Code addresses both academic and non-academic conducts and misconducts.
5. Consequences for misconducts: The Code outlines the procedures and sanctions for addressing misconducts.

 

1. Principles and Values

 

1. Statements of institutional value:

These values and principles provide the foundation for both staff and students of University of Nigeria, which guide them in their decision-making, policies, and practices. Students of University of Nigeria should uphold the following principles and values:

1. Personal Values –self respect, integrity, respect for others, responsibility and excellence.
2. Community Principles – academic freedom and freedom of inquiry, student-centeredness, diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability, and accountability.

 

III. Students’ Conduct and Behaviour

 

This entails expectations for students’ behaviour and conduct, and these expectations outline the behaviours and actions that are considered acceptable and unacceptable, and provide guidance on how students are expected to conduct themselves in various situations.

Outlined below are some of the expected student conducts and behaviours which provide a foundation for promoting a positive and respectful learning environment.

 

1. Respectful behaviour towards oneself and others

 

• Academic Conduct/Integrity

1. Attend classes regularly and timely.
2. Participate in class discussions.

• Complete assignments.

1. Maintain academic integrity.

 

• Personal Conduct/Respect for others

1. Use of respectful language
2. Avoid harassment

• Respect university property

 

• Social Conduct/Responsibility

1. Respect the University policies.
2. Participate in the University activities

• Respect others’ space.

1. Avoid disruptive behaviour.

 

• Online Conduct/Safety & Wellbeing

1. Use social media responsibly.
2. Respect online communities.

• Protect personal information.

1. Use the University technology responsibly.

 

• Campus Conduct/Community Involvement

1. Respect campus facilities.
2. Follow campus rules and regulations

• Participate in campus activities.

1. Respect campus neighbours.

 

2. Safety and Well-being

 

Safety and well-being are part of the crucial aspects of the University life.

• Key University Safety Measures to note:

1. Emergency response plan.
2. Security personnel.

• CCTV cameras.

1. Safety protocols.

• Students Safety Responsibilities

1. Be aware of your surroundings.
2. Follow safety protocols and guidelines.

• Report incidents and hazards.

1. Participate in safety training.
2. Use personal protective equipment.

• Well-being Support Services

1. Counselling services.
2. Health services.

• Support groups.

1. Well-being programmes.

• Report Safety Concerns

1. Use emergency contact numbers (911).
2. Contact UNN security personnel (07030395891).

• Use online reporting tools e.g. official emails.
• Health and Hygiene

1. Maintain a clean environment by practicing good hygiene.
2. Get vaccinated where necessary.

• Manage stress.

1. Seek medical attention (e.g. University Medical Centre at all campuses).

 

1. Prohibited Behaviour/Misconduct

 

Here are some of the prohibited behaviours which provide a clear understanding of what is forbidden of students to help maintain a safe and respectful learning environment.

 

1. Academic Misconduct

 

The following behaviours constitute academic misconduct:

 

1. Plagiarism
2. Cheating on examination (Examination Malpractice)

• Admission racketeering

1. Fabricating data or research results
2. Submitting someone else’s work as one’s own
3. Disruption of academic activities

• Misrepresenting/distortion of information.
• Aiding or acting as agent of exploitation of students to pass exams

1. Script sorting
2. Illegal possession, sale or production of virgin answer booklets of the University of Nigeria or its affiliates.
3. Sale of unauthorized academic materials for the purposes of exploiting students

• Self-acclamation of class representative (Class Rep) not appointed/elected by HODs or their Reps

 

2. Behavioural Misconduct

 

• Discrimination/Racism.

1. Infliction of bodily injury.

• Taking laws into your hand.

 

3. Safety and Security Misconduct

 

1. Violence: This is intentional use of physical force, power or coercion to harm, injure, or abuse another person. It could also come inform of psychological or emotional harm, such as threats, intimidation, or manipulation.

Types of violence: Physical Violence, Sexual Violence, Emotional/Psychological Violence, Verbal Violence, Structural Violence etc.

1. Property Damage: This refers to intentional or unintentional destruction of the University or someone else’s property, resulting in financial loss or depreciation of property value. It includes vandalism, accidental damage, theft-related damage, negligence-related damage etc.

• Theft: This is the unauthorized taking or removal of another person’s property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it. It includes; larceny, burglary, robbery, embezzlement, identity theft etc.

1. Fire Safety Violation: This occurs when an individual or organisation fails to comply with the fire safety regulations, codes or standards, putting people and property at risk. Fire safety violations include; electric hazards, open flames, flammable materials, storage and housekeeping violation and fire extinguisher violation.

 

NB: Punishment ranges from rustication to expulsion.

 

4. Technology Misconduct

 

1. Cyber bullying.

• Copyright infringement.

 

5. Other forms of prohibited behaviour/misconducts include:

 

Disruptive Behaviour:

1. Any religious activity that infringes on other people’s right to live and associate with others or that inflict physical, mental and emotional trauma on people or leads to loss of property or money, is prohibited.
2. Forceful entry into the hall of residence by the opposite sex shall attract a penalty.

• Practicing of Sorcery, Magic, Voodoo, ‘Juju’ etc. Or any such or related activities by whatsoever name within the University, are prohibited.

1. Indecent dressing
2. Co-habitation
3. Wild celebration of graduation/completion of final examination (leading to disruption of peace on campus, littering the campus environment etc.)

• Deliberate failure to honour invitation from constituted University authority.

 

1. Failure to comply with the University policies

 

1. If a student aids, abets, conceals, promises and assists anyone to commit any crime or misconduct, he/she shares the same punishment with the principal offender. This applies to all forms of connivance.
2. Students are responsible for the misconduct of their visitors within the University premises.

• Visitors to students’ hostels should not be allowed beyond 10.00 pm.

1. Political thuggery and partisan politics by students are prohibited on campus. (However, they are free to belong to any political party of their choice as citizens of Nigeria outside the University)
2. Unauthorized vehicles should not be allowed within the students’ hall of residence.
3. Assaults (assaults occasioning harm, verbal assaults, sexual assault, and battery) are prohibited.

• Any immoral, indecent or disrespectful conduct capable of bringing disrepute to the University is prohibited.
• A repeat of any misconduct for which a student has been previously rusticated shall lead to expulsion from the University

1. Refusal to appear before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) by any student is prohibited.
2. Unauthorized dissemination of information about the University which is capable of or with the intention of tarnishing the image of the university is prohibited

 

1. Punishments for Academic Misconduct

 

Punishments for academic dishonesty may vary depending on the gravity/severity of the offence(s) committed, and the student’s prior record. It is essential, therefore for students to understand the consequences of academic dishonesty and to uphold academic integrity in all their academic endeavours.

 

Here Are Some Punishments for Varied Academic Misconducts: 

1. Examination Malpractice:

The University of Nigeria Examination Regulations (Categories A-E) as approved by the University Senate is hereby presented:

 

Categories A

Offences leading to Expulsion from the University: –

1. Impersonation, aiding and abetting. The impersonator and the person impersonated are both liable. Any impersonator, who is not a student of the University of Nigeria, shall be handed over to the police.
2. Plagiarism involving a whole chapter or more of any published or unpublished material, book project, report/thesis or materials earlier submitted for the purposes of examination.
3. Presentation of fake I.D card or submission of a fake external candidate’s form or class admit photo card with the intention to impersonate.
4. Direct involvement in examination leakage, obtaining and making use of leaked examination question and/ or solution.
5. Smuggling out/ in of examination script and/or examination question paper.
6. Substitution of duly submitted answer scripts (script sorting).
7. Forging/altering result grades and signature of officer.
8. Physical assault on a lecturer or invigilator.
9. Coming into examination hall with a gun or any dangerous weapon.
10. Threatening a lecturer or invigilator’s life physically or in writing.
11. Refusal to sign examination malpractice form.

 

Categories B:

Offences leading to suspension for one academic session and rustication from hostel after which the student re-registers and repeats the year. Every examination taken for that session are null and void.

This excludes the student from registration, class attendance, residence in any official university hostel and use of university facilities for the affected session.

1. Procuring and altering a medical certificate in order to obtain a deferment of examination.
2. Lobbying for examination grades by whatever means.

3. Submission of forged registration material including add/ drop card.
4. Bringing in unauthorized materials, books, notes, papers, electronic materials etc.
5. Exchanging examination scripts and writing for each other. Exchange of examination number or names on answer scripts or intentional use of someone else’s examination number. Exchange of answers by whatever means, papers, electronic, etc.

 

Categories C:

Offences leading to stepping down for one semester and rustication from hostel. This involves cancellation of other examinations taken that semester and re-registration in the next appropriate semester. This excludes the student from registration, class attendance, residence in any official university hostel and use of university facilities for the affected semester.

1. Mutilation of and/or in computer registration form that is not officially endorsed.
2. Forcing oneself into examination hall by an unregistered student.
3. Swapping of question papers in examination hall.

 

Categories D:

Offences leading to a student not to continue the examination/cancellation of that paper:-

1. Copying from another [“giraffe”] or discussing in examination hall.
2. Deliberately exposing one’s script for another to copy.
3. Refusal and/ or failure to submit examination script.
4. Escaping from examination hall with or without the examination script.
5. Writing on any part of the human body with the intention to cheat.
6. Unruly behaviour in examination hall e.g. disobedience to lawful order.
7. Insulting an invigilator or investigators.

 

Categories E:

Offences leading to oral warning by the Examiner/Supervisor. After the second warning, the offence qualifies for Category D.

1. Speaking/conversation during examination
2. Unauthorized writing on the question paper
3. Unruly behaviour in the exam hall that does not affect the conduct of exam
4. Failure to write name, registration number, signature on the attendance or answer booklet.
5. Difficulty in identification of candidate
6. All cases of mutilation on the answer script.

 

Other forms of Academic Misconducts and Penalties:

 

(i). Falsification of Academic Documents (Including Admission Documents)

 

Punitive Measures:

1. Immediate Penalty: Nullification of the admission process or revocation of the degree/certificate issued based on that admission.
2. Additional Measures: Criminal prosecution for forgery if applicable

 

(ii). Admission Racketeering:

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: Suspension for one academic session.
2. Repeat Offence: Expulsion of the involved persons.

 

(iii). Aiding or Acting as an Agent of Exploitation of Students to Pass Examinations, Illegal Possession, Sale, or Production of Virgin Scripts of the University of Nigeria and Its Affiliates.

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: Suspension for one academic session.
2. Repeat Offence: Expulsion for the students involved and the staff members implicated shall be referred to staff disciplinary committee.

 

(iv). Sale of Unapproved Academic Materials for the Purpose of Exploiting Students

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: Confiscation of the materials, formal written warning, and mandatory refund to students.
2. Repeat Offence: Suspension for one academic session.

 

(v). Impersonation/Self-Acclamation as Class Representative

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: A formal written warning and community service within the institution.
2. Repeat Offence: Suspension for one semester or one academic session depending on the severity of the offence

 

(vii). Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: Penalty based on the severity of the misconduct, ranges from formal warning to suspension.
2. Repeat Offence: Expulsion and possible revocation of any awarded honours.

 

NB: Any other form of cheating acts not specified above calculated to confer undue advantage on the student whether discovered in or outside the examination hall shall be appropriately punished.

 

VII. Punishments for Behavioural Misconducts

 

1. Harassment (Sexual, Verbal, Psychological, etc)

Definition:

Unwanted behaviour that creates a hostile or intimidating environment for another student, staff, or faculty member.

Punitive Measures:

1. First Offence: Formal warning, mandatory counselling, and an apology (if appropriate)
2. Second Offence: Suspension for a semester and behavioural rehabilitation programme.
3. Severe or repeated Offence: Expulsion and possible legal action if it violates criminal laws.

 

2. Bullying (Cyber bullying, Physical, Social Exclusion, etc)

Definition:

Repeated aggressive behaviour intended to intimidate, harm, or dominate another student.

Punitive Measures:

Punishment ranges from formal warning to rustication, then expulsion depending on the degree or severity of bullying

 

3. Co-habitation

Definition: This is a situation whereby students of opposite sex live together and have sexual relationship without being married either in the University hostel or off-campus.

Punitive Measures:

Punishment ranges from formal warning to rustication then expulsion depending on the student’s response.

 

4. Indecent dressing

Punitive Measures:

Punishment ranges from formal warning to rustication then expulsion depending on the student’s response.

 

5. Refusal to appear before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee by any student.

Punitive Measures:

Suspension for one academic session and rustication from hostel after which the student re-registers and repeats the year. Every examination taken for that session are null and void.

 

6. Unauthorized dissemination of information about the University which is capable of or with the intention of tarnishing the image of the university.

Punitive Measures:

Punishment ranges from rustication for one academic session to expulsion depending on the degree or severity of damage to the University.

 

7. Wild celebration of graduation/completion of final examination (leading to disruption of peace on campus, littering the campus environment etc.) is banned within the University.

Punitive Measures:

Punishment ranges from rustication to expulsion.

 

VIII. Consequences for Misconduct

 

There are varied consequences for misconducts depending on the seriousness or severity of the offence(s) committed

1. Academic Consequences-
2. Failure in a course or assignment
3. Grade penalty

• Loss of credit

1. Academic probation
2. Disciplinary Consequences-
3. Warning
4. Disciplinary probation

• Suspension

1. Expulsion
2. Other Consequences include:
3. Loss of privileges
4. Restitution

• Counselling or Education

1. Notification of parents or guardians
2. Loss of financial aid
3. Damage to reputation

• Legal consequences

 

1. Procedure for Reporting Incidents and Concerns

 

This may include but not limited to the following:

1. Immediate reporting of incidence of concern to supervising staff (Head of Units or Student Affairs Department or the Security Unit as the case may be)
2. Provide detailed report on report form
3. Submit the report, and
4. Follow-up

 

 

Confidential or Anonymous Reporting

Emergency contacts

1. Emergency Services provided by University of Nigeria Security/Duty room 07030395891, 09064204638 (security quick intervention)
2. Security Office
3. Student Affairs Office

 

1. Disciplinary Procedures

 

Here is a typical overview of the Disciplinary Procedures

1. Immediate complaint or report by the victim or affected individuals to the appropriate unit of the University (Staff Adviser, Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Hall supervisors, Hall wardens, Dean of Student Affairs, Hall Government, Security Department etc.) for determination of the case.
2. Formal report made to the office of the Vice-Chancellor by the appropriate unit of the University, where necessary.
3. Report is referred to the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.
4. Formal investigations by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee:

(a). Hearing scheduled

(b). Interviews conducted

(c). Evidence presented and investigated

(d). Witnesses testify and are investigated

5. Appropriate decision/sanctions recommended by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.
6. Recommended decisions/sanctions submitted to Senate through the Vice-Chancellor.
7. Senate reviews/rectifies the sanction/recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.
8. Registrar’s office implements the decision/sanctions of Senate on the matter and reverts to Senate.
9. Any appeal by the affected student is made to Senate through the Registrar.

 

1. Appeals and Grievances

 

In any matter where a student is not comfortable with the outcome of investigation of his/her misconduct, or his/her breach of any section of this code of conduct, the student can appeal to the Senate who may refer the matter back to Students’ Disciplinary Committee or to an Ad-Hoc Committee set up by Senate to review the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.

 

XII. Review and Revision

 

This Code of Conduct is recommended to be reviewed from time to time.

 

XIII. Acknowledgment and Agreement by the student

 

At the point of admission registration, the student acknowledges and signs the student Code of Conduct form for good behaviour.

 

 

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

The University of Nigeria gratefully acknowledges the valuable insight gained from some online materials and the Student Codes of Conduct and Handbooks of other institutions within and outside Nigeria, consulted in the course of preparing this document.

The University of Nigeria Students’ Disciplinary Committee extends its sincere gratitude to the University Administration for the privilege given to her to develop this Students’ Code of Conduct for this great University.

 

We appreciate the time and expertise contributed by the following members of the drafting committee; Rev. Engr Prof. Edmund Okoroigwe, Prof. Evelyn Nwagu, Dr. Austin Okeke, Mr. Obinna Onyishi, Mrs. Uchenna. C. Ugwu and Prof. Nnamdi L. Obasi. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in shaping the University’s Students’ Code of Conduct.

 

 

The Committee is composed as follows:

Prof. N.L. Obasi, Pure & Industrial Chemistry                      –          Chairman

Rev. Prof.  E.C. Okoroigwe, Mech. Engineering                   –           Member

Prof. E. Nwagu, Human Kinetics & Health                           –           Member

Dr. Isaiah I. Agbo, School of GS (Use of English)                –           Member

Dr. Austin Okeke, Theatre & Film Studies                            –           Member

Prof. Parker Joshua, Biochemistry                                          –           Member

Mr. Obinna Onyishi, Rep. Chief Sec. Officer                                    –           Member

Barr. E.C. Asogwa, Legal Unit                                              –           Member

Prof. M.A. Ezeokonkwo, Pure & Industrial Chemistry         –           Member

Mrs. Nkem B. Mgbemene, Deputy Registrar Exams             –           Member

Dr. E.C. Mbegbu, Department of Vet. Phys. & Biochem        –           Member

Dr.  C.J. Olelewe, Computer & Robotics Education                      –     Member

Dr. A.F. Udoumo, Vet. Anatomy                                          –           Member

Mrs. Uchenna C. Ugwu, Faculty Officer Pharmacy              –           Secretary

 

/sign/                                                                                          /sign/

————————                                                           ———————

Prof. N.L Obasi                                                                 Dr. C. N. Nnebedum

Chairman                                                                          Registrar