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Students Affairs

Student Code of Conduct

Article (1): This code shall be referred to as the “Code of Conduct for Students of the Smart University College for Modern Education” and shall be effective as of the date of its issuance.

 

Article (2): The Smart University College for Modern Education is a leading educational institution with its independent identity. It is committed to noble human values and seeks to promote and instill these values among its students and staff. In its endeavor to provide the right environment for acquiring knowledge and developing ethics, the College has developed this Student Code of Conduct for its facilities.

 

Article (3): This Code of Conduct applies to all students of the Smart University College for Modern Education. It documents the College’s expectations of students regarding behavioral standards, both academic and non-academic, to contribute to building the student’s character and enabling them to bear responsibility within a framework of respect, integrity, and responsible freedom. This applies within the College campus and all its affiliated facilities, as well as all activities inside and outside the College that are authorized by the Smart University College for Modern Education. It also includes any activity outside the campus that falls under the College’s supervision, such as scientific and recreational trips, field visits, external practical training, or studying at another university under an agreement between the Smart University College for Modern Education and other universities.

 

Article (4): This code aims to clarify acceptable behavioral standards for students and help them understand the consequences of violating or breaching these standards in the educational environment. It also assists them in making responsible decisions. Students are encouraged to inquire and enrich their knowledge about the College’s laws, regulations, and instructions through various sources, most notably the College’s website, the Student Affairs Office, and faculty members.

 

Article (5): Registered students at the College are required to adhere to the rules outlined in this code. A student’s lack of knowledge or objection to any of the rules does not exempt them from compliance. Applying to study at the College implies implicit acceptance of this code and commitment to it. Ignoring or violating it will expose the student to the penalties stipulated in the College’s student disciplinary system and legal accountability before the judiciary.

 

Article (6): The Smart University College for Modern Education expects its students to embrace all noble human values, especially honesty, integrity, loyalty, faithfulness, love, tolerance, diligence, and helping others. It also expects them to adhere to high moral standards and ethical principles. The College works to prepare students to become committed individuals capable of leading their society towards a better future and seeks to instill and reinforce academic and ethical principles in them.

 

Article (7): Students of the Smart University College for Modern Education must adhere to principles of personal integrity, academic honesty, and respect for the rights, dignity, and identity of others in classrooms, laboratories, workshops, the library, and throughout the campus, as well as during College-sponsored activities inside and outside the campus.

 

Article (8): The Smart University College for Modern Education encourages freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas and opinions but does not permit any breach of ethical behavioral standards or any form of violence, harassment, discrimination, or academic integrity violations.

 

Article (9): Admitted students at the Smart University College for Modern Education must comply with the laws, regulations, instructions, values, traditions, and rules of the College, including the College’s right to take disciplinary action regarding any behavior deemed a “violation” of these regulations.

 

Article (10): The College is committed to publishing this code permanently on its website.

 

Article (11): The College reserves the right to amend this code in line with developments in systems, laws, and regulations related to the nature of the College’s work, and to inform students of such amendments.

 

Article (12): The College has the right to impose penalties for any violations not explicitly mentioned in this code, based on university norms and legal considerations.

 

Article (13): Authority to Impose Penalties:
Violations may be academic or non-academic in nature. Academic violations may fall under the authority of the course instructor in which the violation occurred. For more serious academic violations, they must be referred to a committee composed of the Dean, Academic Vice President, Director of Student Affairs, and faculty members from the student’s college. In such cases, the Dean is responsible for implementing the penalties decided by the disciplinary committee. Non-academic misconduct falls under the responsibility of the Director of Student Affairs, who will take appropriate action in consultation with the disciplinary committee members.

 

Article (14): Forms of Misconduct and Definitions:
The forms of misconduct and definitions listed below are not exhaustive, but a student will be subject to disciplinary action if they commit any of the following acts or violate any of the principles mentioned in the introduction of this code.

 

First: Unacceptable Academic Behavior
This includes but is not limited to:

  • Deliberate absence from lectures.
  • Disruption of lectures in any manner, including side conversations unrelated to the lecture topic, unacceptable behavior during lectures, such as eating, drinking, or unauthorized use of electronic devices, including mobile phones.

 

Cheating
Students are not allowed to attempt cheating, engage in cheating, or participate in cheating in any form during exams, including the use of mobile phones or paper notes. Cheating includes attempting to provide or obtain information during an exam or attempting to take an exam on behalf of another person.

 

Plagiarism
This involves using documented ideas or expressions of another person without referencing the source. Students must document any information they use when quoting the works of others.

 

Dishonesty
Students must act with integrity and honesty in all their dealings at the College. Forms of dishonesty include but are not limited to:

  • Forging official documents or parts thereof, including medical reports.
  • Claiming individual or group work to gain favor, privilege, or benefit.
  • Illegal copying of software.
  • Involvement in bribery of any kind within academic relationships.
  • Providing false personal information to instructors, such as requesting a makeup exam or a deadline extension, or justifying absence from a lecture.

 

Second: Non-Academic Misconduct

University ID (Student Card)
The university ID is an important document, and students must maintain and care for it as a personal responsibility. It may not be used for purposes other than those intended or lent to anyone inside or outside the College. Students must carry it at all times and present it upon request without objection.

 

Disruption of Academic Activities
Students of the Smart University College for Modern Education have the right to express their views to the College administration in an organized and civilized manner in public places within the campus after notifying and consulting the Director of Student Affairs. Any student or group of students, including the Student Union Council, is prohibited from calling for the suspension of studies without the College administration’s approval, as only the Dean is authorized to suspend studies.

Any disruption of lectures, courses, exams, or College activities due to student protests, sit-ins, or strikes is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to interrupting lectures, laboratories, library operations, seminars, research circles, exhibitions, meetings, celebratory festivals, exams, or preventing others from attending events or falsely triggering fire alarms or emergency situations. Students and faculty members who wish to attend lectures or go to their offices or study areas must not be prevented from doing so. Staff must also not be hindered from going to their workplaces. Under no circumstances is it permissible to intimidate or threaten any member of the College community while performing their duties and responsibilities.

 

Distribution and Publication of Unapproved Materials
Any materials distributed or published on campus, such as statements, flyers, posters, or audiovisual materials, must be pre-approved and stamped by the Student Affairs Office. Any materials deemed offensive or inconsistent with the College’s mission and objectives will be removed. This includes publishing offensive materials on social media through known individuals or official pages that harm the College’s reputation, its staff, or individuals or groups, or publishing incitement materials that may cause conflicts or strife. Such actions may subject the perpetrators to disciplinary measures.

 

Theft
Theft from students or others on campus or at any College-sponsored event outside the campus is strictly prohibited. This includes using any College equipment or services (such as phones, tablets, copiers, or computers) without prior permission, as well as possessing stolen property.

 

Vandalism/Intimidation/Endangering Public Safety
Students are expected not to threaten others and to maintain their safety and protect the property of the Smart University College for Modern Education, including offices, classrooms, laboratories, workshops, the library, halls, gardens, and courtyards. Disciplinary action will be taken against any actions contrary to these principles, including but not limited to:

  • Participation in acts of sabotage and intentional damage (such as spraying paint or graffiti) to property and trees on campus or during College events outside the campus.
  • Littering and disposing of trash (empty bottles, cigarette butts, food containers, etc.) in non-designated areas on campus.
  • Irresponsible and reckless use of fire extinguishers, damaging or tampering with them, as well as tampering with fire alarms, surveillance cameras, or other safety devices or systems in the College.
  • Vandalizing or attempting to vandalize private property.
  • Possessing private property without prior consent from the owner or the person legally authorized to handle it.
  • Unauthorized entry or making copies of keys without prior permission or any unauthorized use of College facilities.
  • Participating in individual or group demonstrations on campus without prior approval and wearing masks or full head and face coverings.
  • Conducting military or paramilitary activities on campus.
  • Starting fires for any reason on campus.

 

Causing or Contributing to Psychological or Physical Harm
Any actions that lead to psychological or physical harm are prohibited, including but not limited to:

  • Using force that causes injury or attempting to use force or inciting violence and harming others on campus or during any College-sponsored activity outside the campus.
  • Participating directly or indirectly in intimidation, coercion, extortion, bribery, bullying, harassment, or threats of using force or harming others on campus or during any College activity outside the campus.
  • Participating in any physical assault, including attacking others.
  • Engaging in any behavior that poses a danger or “injury” to others, such as intentionally starting fires or causing riots.
  • Participating in any activity that endangers the safety and health of individuals or behaving in a manner that humiliates or degrades others or prevents them from pursuing their academic studies.
  • Participating in a hunger strike on campus (whether real or fabricated) voluntarily or involuntarily, regardless of the reason.
  • Possessing weapons or dangerous materials and using or distributing any type of weapon, explosive devices, dangerous chemicals, or any tools designed to cause physical harm or threaten to cause physical harm on campus or during any College-related activity outside the campus. This also includes the use of fireworks and firecrackers. Tools and devices that mimic weapons and pose or are likely to pose a threat to someone’s life are considered weapons.
  • Possessing, using, distributing, selling, or attempting to sell or distribute drugs, narcotics, or stimulants on campus or during any College activity outside the campus.

 

Discrimination
The Smart University College for Modern Education prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, disability, illness, or political affiliation, except as stipulated by Palestinian law. This includes intimidation, insult, or threats against others verbally, in writing, or through electronic means.

 

Harassment
Any act or speech that offends honor, dignity, or modesty, or violates good conduct or morals, is strictly prohibited on campus or during any College activity outside the campus.

 

Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
Consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of drugs on campus or during any College activity outside the campus is strictly prohibited. Smoking is also not allowed inside the Smart University College for Modern Education.

 

Computer Use
Unauthorized access to protected computer accounts or any other computer functions, intentional transmission of computer viruses, and unethical use of the College’s computers or website are not permitted.

 

Library Misconduct
Any action that hinders the safe and effective use of the library by all patrons for individual and group study, research, reading, and other academic activities is prohibited.

 

Other Forms of Unacceptable Behavior

  • Criminal behavior and rebellion against laws, regulations, and instructions.
  • Refusing to provide personal identification and appropriate documents upon request by security guards.
  • Bringing any type of animal onto campus without prior permission from the relevant authority.
  • Taking someone else’s property without prior explicit consent.
  • Inviting speakers or presenters to the College without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Making public statements on behalf of the College without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Organizing or holding any activity or event at the College without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Using College property without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Organizing gatherings or races at the College without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Organizing gatherings, races, or activities outside the College without obtaining prior written permission.
  • Using the College’s name, logos, units, or facilities for any purpose without prior written approval.
  • Disregarding the customs and traditions of Palestinian society in choosing clothing, appearance, and general demeanor.

 

Article (15): List of Disciplinary Actions

 

Warning
The Disciplinary Committee or the Dean (the College Dean or Academic Vice President for academic misconduct and the Director of Student Affairs for non-academic misconduct) may issue an official warning to the accused student. This warning may be verbal and documented or written. If the warning is written, a copy of the written warning notice will be placed in the student’s academic record, indicating that they have violated or may have violated College policies or regulations. If the Dean later determines that the student has misbehaved again, the previous warning and the surrounding circumstances may be reported to the College Disciplinary Committee. If the Committee is notified, it will take this warning into account when imposing additional penalties on the student.

 

Reprimand
(A reprimand will be written and issued by the College Dean, Department Head, or Director of Student Affairs, depending on the nature of the misconduct.)

A reprimand is a text indicating that the student has violated College regulations. The purpose of the reprimand is to express the College community’s strong disapproval of this violation. Examples include unintentional plagiarism and failure to properly cite references.

 

Dean’s or Director of Student Affairs’ Warning
This warning will be written, and only two warnings may be issued by the Dean, Academic Vice President, or Director of Student Affairs during the student’s enrollment at the Smart University College for Modern Education. It is recommended that any violation of College regulations or misconduct after the second warning from the Dean, Academic Vice President, or Director of Student Affairs may lead to consideration of suspending the student from studies. Warnings from the Dean, Academic Vice President, or Director of Student Affairs are usually accompanied by secondary or discretionary disciplinary actions, as mentioned below (examples: plagiarism, academic dishonesty, disrupting lectures, psychological or physical harm, discrimination, and harassment).

 

Disciplinary Probation
The College Disciplinary Committee may place a guilty student on probation for a maximum of one semester as part of the disciplinary action. During this period, the student continues to enjoy all the rights and privileges of any student, except as stipulated by the College Disciplinary Committee. If the Committee determines during the probation period that the student has committed further violations, the Committee will be notified to consider the probation period and take additional disciplinary actions.

 

Suspension from Studies
The Disciplinary Committee may recommend a disciplinary suspension from studies ranging from one day to two weeks, during which the student is prohibited from exercising any rights or privileges granted to a regular student at the College. The decision is implemented after the Dean’s approval. The suspension decision will be written and become part of the student’s permanent record. Upon the end of the suspension period, the student may be readmitted and re-enrolled in the College based on the recommendation of the College Disciplinary Committee. Examples include cheating, theft, verbal violence, and property damage.

 

Expulsion (Dismissal)
This action permanently deprives the student of the right to participate in any academic or other College activities. Expulsion requires the Dean’s approval, and a student who has been expelled from the College may only be readmitted under exceptional circumstances and based on the recommendation of the College Disciplinary Committee. Final decisions in this regard are the responsibility of the College Dean.

Examples include the use of violence and physical harm, academic dishonesty, possession of dangerous weapons or materials, endangering public safety and hacking the College’s website or email.

 

Important Note: In extraordinary circumstances where the student’s presence poses a danger to the College community, the student may be asked to withdraw and not be present on campus pending a meeting of the College Disciplinary Committee.

 

Penalties for Group Misconduct
The penalties mentioned here apply to a group of students. The Disciplinary Committee or an internal investigation committee at the College may combine different penalties in a single decision and may use all alternative forms of penalties.

Each student is responsible for their misconduct, regardless of whether the misconduct occurred within a group or if the student is a member of that group. Misconduct committed by members of a group may lead to disciplinary action and penalties against individuals. The College Disciplinary Committee may suspend the rights and privileges of a group for a specified period. The loss of these privileges may include but is not limited to College funding, suspension or revocation of privileges to apply for funding, suspension or revocation of privileges to use College spaces, suspension or revocation of privileges to sponsor or endorse others, and/or participation in any social or other activities, as well as suspension of fundraising for the group. For individual students, penalties may include warnings, disciplinary probation, suspension of privileges, suspension from studies, or expulsion from the College.

 

Discretionary Penalties/Loss of Privileges
In addition to the disciplinary actions mentioned above, the following penalties or secondary disciplinary actions may be imposed on students who violate the Student Code of Conduct. These penalties may be academic or non-academic and usually involve the suspension of certain rights and privileges for a specified period:

Academic Actions:

  • The student may be denied any form of financial aid, scholarships, or financial rewards.
  • The student may be denied an honors certificate, merit certificate, or recognition for outstanding academic achievement.
  • The student may receive a failing grade in a course, exam, or any academic assessment.

 

Non-Academic Actions:

  • The student may be prohibited from representing the Smart University College for Modern Education in any official role or activity or from participating in any social or cultural event on campus or using College spaces and facilities to hold specific activities.
  • The student may be prohibited from holding a responsible position or serving as an ambassador for any group, team, or association at the Smart University College for Modern Education.
  • A recommendation may be made for the student to receive psychological counseling or consultation based on the recommendations of the student advisor in cooperation with the Director of Student Affairs.
  • The student may be required to pay financial compensation.
  • The student may be referred to an external entity for additional actions (this may include filing charges against the student).
  • The student may be required to complete additional academic work or volunteer hours in the community or other duties as deemed appropriate for their situation by a specified date.

 

Article (16): Complaint Procedures

Any person who has been subjected to misconduct by a student at the College or has witnessed a specific violation of the Code of Conduct must submit a written complaint or follow the approved systems and forms to the Director of Student Affairs at the Smart University College for Modern Education. Any person who provides false or deliberate testimony to cover up any violation of the Code of Conduct is considered a partner in the violation or breach.

Academic violations are directed to the Academic Vice President.
Non-academic violations are referred to the Director of Student Affairs.
For violations that require suspension or expulsion from the College, they will be referred to the College Disciplinary Committee, chaired by the Director of Student Affairs.

 

Article (17): Formal Hearings in the Disciplinary Committee

The College Disciplinary Committee will ensure that students accused of any violation understand the charges and evidence against them. The Committee will notify the student of the charges in writing. Evidence will be presented in the presence of the student, who will have the right to object and challenge, including the right to challenge witness testimony in the presence of the Committee. When determining penalties, the Disciplinary Committee must take into account the student’s disciplinary record at the College.

 

Article (18): Appeal Procedures

Every student accused of a violation has the right to be heard in a hearing regarding any disciplinary charges against them based on College regulations and laws. Any student may appeal to the Director of Student Affairs or the College Dean regarding decisions made by the College or department, or may petition the College Disciplinary Committee against any disciplinary action taken against them by the Director of Student Affairs or the College Dean. If necessary, especially when there is a decision to suspend or expel the student, the matter may be referred to the College Board of Directors through the College Dean.

 

Article (19): Maintaining the confidentiality of disciplinary procedures and their outcomes is the responsibility of the accused student, the complainant, and all persons involved or informed about these procedures. Unless permission is granted to disclose these procedures, any disclosure of them and their outcomes may subject the disclosing person to punitive actions.

 

Article (20): Faculty and administrative staff are responsible for implementing the provisions of this Code of Conduct.