PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Far Eastern University (FEU) is committed to maintaining a wholesome, orderly, and peaceful campus conducive to personal and intellectual growth.
The FEU Student Code of Conduct has been designed and established to foster a safe, trustworthy and inclusive community based on mutual respect and the highest ethical and moral standards among its members.
The University, after observance of due process, reserves itself the right to implement and apply corrective actions or sanctions to any student who violates any of the University’s rules and regulations, policies or fails to satisfy its academic standards. It is encouraged that all students found to have committed violations should reflect on their actions, leading to an active pursuance of individual growth and development and contributions to the community.
In this context, students are guided by the FEU Student Code of Conduct articulated here.
ARTICLE I
General Conduct and Behavior
Section 1. Students shall always conduct themselves in appropriate manner and appearance in accordance with the policies promulgated by the University.
Section 2. Students shall wear their proper school and civilian attire and validated school identification cards upon entry and while inside the campus.
Section 3. Students shall not bring into the University premises objects, videos, films, pictures and other similar materials which tend to are incite violence or the commission of offenses against life and humanity.
Section 4. Students shall not bring into the premises of the University any alcoholic drink, prohibited drug or controlled substance and other related paraphernalia.
Section 5. Students shall not enter the University premises under the influence of liquor or any prohibited drug or controlled substance or drink or take liquor or any prohibited drug while inside the University premises.
Section 6. Students shall not engage in gambling, lottery or in any other scheme where chance, monetary and/or material considerations are involved. Such schemes include the enticement of the students to part with their money or property in consideration of promise of gain or benefit. Students shall not bring any gambling paraphernalia, playing cards or any card games inside the University.
Section 7. Students shall not bring into the University premises explosive materials and pyrotechnics, firearms and deadly weapons of any kind. The use of a weapon or a threat to use one shall aggravate the act without prejudice to the application of existing laws.
Section 8. Students shall always be respectful and observe proper decorum while inside or outside the University and in using online platforms. They shall refrain from using language and/or committing acts in any form or medium, that are disrespectful, profane, vulgar, indecent, scandalous, or which in any manner may cause prejudice or tend to disturb or tarnish the good reputation and integrity of the University and its stakeholders.
Section 9. Students shall not vandalize or damage any property of the University or of other students, faculty members, employees, or officials of the University. Students shall not post announcements, without first having secured written permission from proper authority.
Section 10. Students should always observe clean as you go (CLAYGO) practice and shall not commit any form of littering or unsanitary acts within the University premises.
Section 11. Students shall not, in any manner, commit acts which shall disturb classes and academic functions or display unruly behavior.
Section 12. Students shall not commit any form of dishonesty, including but not limited to:
A. Violation of test-taking guidelines
B. Falsification or forgery of documents
C. Misrepresentation of any kind
D. Plagiarism
E. Unethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
F. Concealment or omission of material facts
G. Unjust enrichment, theft, robbery or pilferage
H. Solicitation of funds and sponsorship without the approval of appropriate school authorities.
I. Credit and debit card fraud through the use of digital and non-digital applications.
J. Computer hacking, identity theft or the use of computer system in the commission of illegal or improper acts.
K. Lending/borrowing of IDs and Certificate of Registration
Section 13. Students shall not form and maintain any form of barricade, or make or maintain any form of obstruction to prevent, coerce or threaten students, faculty members, officials or personnel of the University from entering or going out of the campus.
Section 14. Students shall not be involved in any form of hazing or any activity which promotes violence, coercion or threats against their fellow students and any member of the school community. Students shall neither join nor recruit others to become members of organizations not recognized by the University.
Section 15. Students shall not smoke or vape while inside the campus. They shall not bring into the University premises cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, matches and lighters.
Section 16. Students shall refrain from publicly displaying acts of intimacy.
Section 17. Students shall voluntarily submit themselves and/or their belongings for lawful inspection and/ or search when requested by proper authorities.
Section 18. Students shall refrain from playing basketball, volleyball and other similar games in prohibited areas.
Sectio 19. Students shall not use school facilities without proper authorization or permit.
Section 20. Students shall refrain from engaging in all forms of bullying, harassment and other similar activities.
Section 21. Students shall not initiate and participate in any concerted activity or rally inside the University premises.
ARTICLE II
In the Classroom
Section 1. Students shall enter and leave the classroom in an orderly manner.
Section 2. Students shall enter only the classroom only after the outgoing class has left the room.
Section 3. Students may leave the classroom only upon permission of the faculty during class hours.
Section 4. Students shall not eat inside the classroom and in other restricted areas.
Section 5. Students shall keep the classroom clean and orderly.
Section 6. Students shall put their mobile phones and other electronic devices in silent mode while inside the classroom and are not allowed to use the same while the class is ongoing. In no instance shall the students be allowed to use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during examinations, quizzes and other class activities.
Section 7. Students shall not be allowed to sit in or join any class where they are not officially enrolled without securing prior approval from the faculty concerned.
Section 8. Students shall be liable for any damage to University property because of their willful or negligent acts.
ARTICLE III
In CAD, Academic and Clinical Laboratories
Section 1. Students shall not possess or use any unauthorized software on any assigned computer, machine or equipment inside the CAD, Academic and Clinical Laboratories.
Section 2. Students shall not upload or download any program, software or virus that may cause the computer system to stall or crash or which may otherwise affect its normal function.
Section 3. Students shall not eat or bring any food or beverage to the CAD, Academic and Clinical laboratories.
ARTICLE IV
In Libraries
Section 1. Students shall always observe proper conduct in the library. Smoking, eating, making unnecessary noise, engaging in loud conversations and scandalous acts are strictly prohibited.
Section 2. Students shall not bring out any library material without the necessary permit.
Section 3. Students shall not destroy library materials, furniture and equipment in the library.
Section 4. Students shall wear the proper school and civilian attire and a valid FEU identification card to avail themselves of library services.
Section 5. Students shall deposit food, containers, tumblers and beverages in the designated area before entering the library.
Section 6. Students shall turn off or set to silent mode their mobile phones and other electronic devices before entering the library.
ARTICLE V
In Corridors, Passageways and Elevators
Section 1. Students shall not loiter or create any disturbance in the corridors at all times.
Section 2. Students shall keep all stairways, corridors and other common areas clear for passage.
Section 3. Students shall maintain order and observe proper conduct in using the elevator.
ARTICLE VI
In Academic and Social Functions
Section 1. Students shall wear appropriate and decent clothing while attending social and academic functions.
Section 2. Students shall observe proper decorum during social functions and follow the rules and regulations of the activity, organizers and venue.
ARTICLE VII
Outside the Campus
Section 1. Students shall always refrain from committing acts that may embarrass the University, besmirch its reputation or bring dishonor upon its name.
Such acts include, but are not limited to:
A. Public display of intimacy
B. Drunkenness
C. Disturbance of public peace
D. Smoking and vaping
E. Gambling
F. Engaging in physical fights or verbal tussle
G. Dishonesty
H. Use or possession of illegal substance
I. Use or possession of deadly weapons
Section 2. All provisions on students’ behavior shall also apply when students are on approved off-campus activities.
ARTICLE VIII
Offenses and Interventions
Section 1. General Provisions
A. All cases involving discipline and welfare of students shall be under the jurisdiction of the Office of Student Discipline.
B. All academic dishonesty cases are endorsed to the Office of Student Discipline for the necessary intervention, which includes the referral of the matter to the Center for Learning Enrichment and Research for Students (CLEARS) for appropriate action.
C. The Office of Student Discipline handles all cases involving violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The institutional disciplinary process encourages the internal, swift and amicable resolution of complaints.
D. The Office of Student Discipline may recommend the convening of the Student Conduct Committee for the formal investigation of a case and decide the appropriate intervention after due process, considering the following:
1. Nature of and the circumstances surrounding the violation
2. Respondent’s prior disciplinary record
3. Character and position of the complainant or aggrieved person
4. Case Precedents
5. General safety concerns
6. Pertinent and applicable aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
E. The interventions to be implemented by the Office of Student Discipline shall be discussed with the student during the conference called for the purpose. The student shall exercise the prerogative of whether or not to inform or involve their parents or guardians regarding disciplinary action. The student will sign a Student Consent and Undertaking form.
F. Any appeal on the intervention/s to be implemented shall be addressed to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (SVPAA) whose resolution on the appeal shall be considered final and executory.
G. A student who is proven have committed a serious violation by the Student Discipline Committee and whose continued presence shall be detrimental to his own interest and that of the other members of the school community shall be dropped from the rolls of the University.
H. Prohibited items brought by students inside the campus shall be confiscated and shall be disposed of accordingly.
Section 2. Classifications of Offenses
Specific violations are grouped and defined as follows:
1. Minor Violations – refer to acts that do not involve serious injury or harm or those acts arising from simple misconduct or sheer negligence.
2. Major Offenses – refer to acts that may endanger the life and safety of the FEU community and those that are against the fundamental values of discipline, honesty and integrity. It also includes the repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
A. OFFENSES AGAINST SAFETY AND SECURITY
1. Minor
a. Not wearing proper school or civilian attire and FEU Identification or temporary ID while inside the campus.
b. Tampering of ID including the putting of any material that would alter or block the information listed in the ID.
c. Lending one’s ID, Certificate of Registration (COR) or nameplate or using another student’s ID, COR and nameplate.
d. Refusal to submit to usual security inspection.
2. Major
a. Possession of alcoholic drink within the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
b. Drinking or being under the influence of liquor within the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
c. Possession of deadly weapons inside the University premises or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
d. Improper use and tampering of fire alarms and safety equipment.
e. Unauthorized entry into the school premises.
f. Computer hacking, identity theft or the use of computer system in the commission of illegal or improper acts.
g. Engaging in reckless activities that might lead to damage to life or property.
h. Keeping prohibited items inside the locker.
i. Utterance or posting of bomb threat or jokes.
j. Possession or discharge of firearms and explosives
k. Possession, use or sharing of any prohibited drug or controlled substance or chemicals or any drug paraphernalia within the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
l. Possession of pyrotechnics and inflammable materials within the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
B. OFFENSES AGAINST PERSONS
1. Minor
a. Inciting to a fight
2. Major
a. Disrespect towards a University official, teaching and non-teaching personnel, fellow students or any other member of the FEU community.
b. Harassment or intimidation
c. Any form of bullying
d. Defamation verbally or any act constituting the irresponsible use of social media and other communication platforms
e. Using abusive, disrespectful or indecent language against a fellow student, faculty, staff or visitor
f. Physical assault
g. Grave threat
h. Other analogous cases
i. Habitual disregard or willful violation of established policies, rules or regulations consisting in the commission of three (3) or more minor offenses, regardless of nature
C. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
1. Minor
a. Writing on walls and other University equipment or property.
b. Posting of stickers and announcements in unauthorized areas.
2. Major
a. Destruction of University property or personal belongings of any member of the FEU community or visitors on campus.
b. Accessing or using confidential school documents.
c. Unauthorized use of University tax identification number, official seal, logo or other trademarks without prior approval or permission.
d. Use and uploading or downloading of unauthorized software or virus that may cause University computer or computer system to stall, crash or affect its normal function.
e. Non-observance of the policy on computer security breach.
f. Unjust enrichment, theft, robbery or extortion.
g. Misappropriation, unauthorized use or budget reallocation of recognized and accredited student organization.
h. Selling, disposing of or tampering of stolen property.
i. Other analogous cases
j. Habitual disregard or willful violation of established policies, rules, or regulations consisting in the commission of three (3) or more minor offenses, regardless of nature.
D. OFFENSES AGAINST ORDER AND CONDUCT
1. Minor
a. Simple misconduct
b. Littering, spitting or any other unsanitary acts.
c. Creating disturbance in the corridor during class hours, or blocking of corridors and stairways.
d. Eating outside the designated areas.
e. Unauthorized use of classrooms and other school facilities.
f. Unruly behavior while inside the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity.
g. Unauthorized use of mobile phones or electronic gadgets during class hours and University activities.
h. Smoking and vaping while inside the University and outside during an academic function or school activity.
i. Nonobservance of general administrative and institutional policies
j. Use of inappropriate attire or clothing while inside the University and outside during an academic function or school activity.
2. Major
a. Unauthorized possession of listed prohibited items within the University and outside during an academic function or school activity.
b. Gambling or playing online games within the University or outside the campus during an academic function or school activity.
c. Possession, display, and distribution of subversive and lewd materials, videos, films, pictures and literature
d. Creating barricades or any form of obstruction
e. Disturbance of ongoing classes, academic function or any school activity
f. Bribery or attempt to bribe a faculty member, non-teaching staff or any security personnel.
g. Invasion of another person’s space or privacy.
h. Refusal to comply with notices issued in the course of investigation of disciplinary cases.
i. Committing retaliatory acts against the complainants in a disciplinary case.
j. Hazing or organizing or being involved in the activities of groups or organizations which are not recognized by the University.
k. Solicitation of funds or sponsorship packages using the name of the University or any of its department.
l. Acts of subversions and insurgency.
m. Demonstrations or boycotting of classes, including use of class hours and classrooms in the pursuit of their objectives.
n. Any act tending to cause dishonor or discredit to the name of the University.
o. Other analogous cases
p. Habitual disregard or willful violation of established policies, rules, or regulations consisting in the commission of three (3) or more minor offenses, regardless of nature.
E. OFFENSES INVOLVING DISHONESTY
1. Minor
a. Violation of basic test-taking guidelines
b. Representing the University or any recognized and accredited student organization in activities without official authorization.
2. Major
a. Plagiarism
b. Violation of University AI Policy
c. Perjury, misrepresentation, concealment or omission of material facts.
d. Any form of credit and debit card fraud in official transactions with the University.
e. Forgery, falsification or alteration of any University records.
F. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC MORALS
1. Minor
a. Gambling while inside the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity
b. Swearing while inside the campus or outside the University during an academic function or school activity
2. Major
a. Unauthorized possession, display and distribution of lewd materials.
b. Public display of intimacy.
c. Acts of indecency or lasciviousness
Section 3. Formative and Corrective Actions/Sanctions
The Student Discipline Office takes a formative and corrective approach in the implementation of the Student Code of Conduct, making sure that due process is at all times observed and the appropriate disciplinary action is accordingly imposed.
The goals of these formative and corrective actions are to make the students realize the inappropriateness of their actions, to address underlying issues that may have contributed to the situation and to restore their relationships with the affected members of the FEU community.
Depending on the assessed needs and the nature of the violation, formative and corrective actions may include, but are not limited to one or a combination of the interventions listed below:
1. Minor Violations
Minor violations refer to acts that do not involve serious injury or harm or those acts arising from simple misconduct or sheer negligence. The interventions are as follows:
First Offense: Mediation, Educational Conversations, Counseling
Second Offense: Warning, Reprimand
Third Offense: Community Service, Payment of damages for destroyed or lost property if applicable
2. Major Offenses
Major Offenses refer to acts that may endanger the life and safety of the FEU community and those that are against the fundamental values of discipline, honesty and integrity. It also includes the repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Penalties may be imposed separately or may be a combination of different penalties for multiple violations.
First Offense: Mandatory participation in educational, counselling programs or seminars, learning sessions, community outreach programs, community administrative service, restitution for lost or damaged property, and the like
Second Offense: Forfeiture or suspension of privileges, loss of scholarships, disqualification from Latin honor, deferment of graduation, if graduating, non-readmission, suspension, restitution and imposition of special task related to the nature of the offenses committed
Third Offense: Temporary withholding of student records, restriction in participation in school activities, mandatory referral to clinical or psychological assessment and compliance with any resulting treatment plan, restitution, deferment of graduation, dismissal or expulsion
Not all violations will be considered in the same manner, and the University reserves the right to impose different sanctions and or remedies depending on the facts and nature of each case.
A. When the behavioral violation is perpetrated by a non-FEU student within the University or during University- approved activities with the cooperation or participation of an FEU student, the latter shall be liable for the acts of the former.
B. The imposition of the disciplinary interventions for violation of any rule or rules under this Code shall not preclude the University from referring the case to the proper government authorities when the same may involve violations of penal laws.
C. Any appeal or request for reconsideration of interventions imposed for behavioral violations must be addressed to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (SVPAA) who shall decide on the merit of the request and render the final decision on the case.
Section 4. Scholastic (Academic) Dishonesty
First offense: No recorded violation but the student must undergo a special counselling session and attend a full day seminar-workshop on academic integrity at the FEU Center for Learning Enrichment and Research for Students (CLEARS).
Second offense: Forfeiture or suspension of privileges, loss of scholarships, disqualification from Latin honor, deferment of graduation, if graduating, non-readmission, suspension, restitution and imposition of special task related to the nature of the offenses committed
Third offense: Temporary withholding of student records, restriction in participation in school activities, mandatory referral to clinical or psychological assessment and compliance with any resulting treatment plan, restitution, deferment of graduation, dismissal or expulsion
• Students who have more than one case of academic dishonesty will be automatically disqualified from Latin honors and from scholarship grants.
• A second offense of academic dishonesty in addition to the commission of a major violation under the Student Code of Conduct will merit a penalty of dismissal.
ARTICLE IX
Student Conduct Committee
Section 1. Cases which cannot be readily resolved by the Office of Student Discipline by reason of conflicting claims between the parties, or where informal resolution process fails, or those cases where the violation committed is a major offense and where the intervention to be imposed for the offense is dismissal, shall be referred to the Student Conduct Committee.
Section 2. The Student Conduct Committee oversees and reviews all disciplinary cases that impose the sanctions of either suspension or dismissal and submits recommendations to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (SVPAA) who decides or make appropriate actions on cases of these nature.
Section 3. The Student Conduct Committee is a composed of seven (7) members headed by a member of the Deans and Directors Council with the Director of the Office of Student Discipline as an ex officio member in addition to five other members who are either faculty, academic officials and at least one student.
Section 4. Whenever necessary, the Student Conduct Committee shall conduct a clarificatory investigation of the case that shall become the basis of their recommendations to the SVPAA.
ARTICLE X
Conferences, Seminars, Educational Tours, Picnics, Outings, etc.
Extra-curricular activities may be allowed with the approval of the President or the Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs, upon the favorable recommendation of the Director of Student Development.
ARTICLE XI
Posters
Only posters or notices bearing the signature of the Director of Student Development shall be allowed on designated areas.
ARTICLE XII
Use of the University Seal or Logo
No student shall be allowed to use the University seal or logo or to reproduce the same in any printed form, engraving or by any manner of reproduction without the written approval of the appropriate University officials.
ARTICLE XIII
Institute Policies
Special policies inherent to the courses that their students are enrolled in may be imposed by the Institutes. Such policies shall form part of the Student Code of Conduct, violations of which are to be classified as minor offenses.
ARTICLE XIV
Student Conduct Records
A. Disciplinary Hold and Clearance
Re-enrollment or withdrawal necessitates the fulfillment of all academic and non-academic responsibilities. Students found guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct are issued a disciplinary hold which will be cleared only upon compliance with the imposed corrective action or sanction. Students should be able to complete the intervention during the semester in which the violation was committed.
In instances where their cases have not yet been resolved or they have not served adequately the prescribed corrective action or sanction, the student may request for temporary clearance for purposes of enrollment.
B. Certificate of Good Moral Character
The Office of Student Discipline issues the standard Certificate of Good Moral Character (CGMC) to students who have no record of any major offense or multiple minor offenses under the Student Code of Conduct.
However, a Type B CGMC may be issued provided that:
• The student does not have any other ongoing disciplinary case;
• The student has acknowledged accountability and expressed remorse for his or her actions;
• The student has already rendered and fulfilled all sanctions or corrective actions and obligations related to the violation committed;
Students sanctioned with non-readmission, dismissal, or expulsion may not be issued CGMCs.
C. Discipline Records
Discipline records are considered confidential records and only those persons authorized by the student or by the Office of Student Discipline may have access thereto and any information cannot be released to third parties unless authorized in writing by the concerned student.
Discipline records are kept for five years after the recorded commission of the offense. At the end of this period, these records are destroyed or disposed of.