Student Discipline

Room 111, NRH building
Nicanor Reyes St. Sampaloc Manila
Tel. No. 7777-338 loc. 288
Email: studentdiscipline@feu.edu.ph

OVERVIEW

The Student Discipline is tasked to develop, monitor, implement, and improve policies and processes pertaining to the code of conduct of all types of students.  It provides consultancy, case reports, and complaint desk for violations incurred by students through:

1. Referrals and incident reports from FEU stakeholders;
2. Written or walk-in complaints from fellow students; and
3. Caught –in-the-act violations.

To address these complaints and violations, SD conducts an investigation through its discipline officers and/or Ad Hoc Committee and through conference with parents.  It provides resolution of cases and recommendation in coordination with Guidance and Counseling and Health Services and monitoring of the implementation of student discipline resolutions and recommendations in coordination with program heads and deans.  SD also manages the students’ welfare desk such as cases of lost and found, uniform exemption, request for ID, student complaints, handling and disposal of confiscated items, handling of incident reports, viewing of CCTV.  SD is the office in charge of records management of students’ violations, blocking/unblocking of students in the FEU computer system, issuance of clearance from violations, and of certificate of good moral character.

VISION-MISSION

Student Discipline aims through its just implementation of the Student Code of Conduct to help maintain a wholesome safe, orderly, and peaceful FEU campus.  It takes a formative stance in inspiring FEU students to grow in discipline towards their full holistic development.

OBJECTIVE

The Student Discipline aims, through its just implementation of the Student Code of Conduct, to help maintain a wholesome, safe, orderly, and peaceful FEU campus. It takes a formative stance in inspiring FEU students to grow in discipline towards their full holistic development. The Student Discipline (SD) has the following core processes:

1. Development, Monitoring and Improvement of Policies and Processes
2. Development and Dissemination of the Students’ Code of Conduct
3. Implementation of Approved Students’ Code of Conduct
4. Management of Students’ Desk
5. Student Discipline Records Management
6. Clearance of Transfer Students
7. Issuance of Student Clearances and Certificates of Good Moral Character
8. Preparation of Management Report
9. Conduct of Research-based Evaluation

Student Discipline is committed to facilitate the development of the student’s moral character and personal discipline through modes of conduct consistent with the University core values of Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness, and the fundamental values of honesty, fairness, integrity and justice.

Towards this ends, the SD renders the following services:

1. Formulates and recommends to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Services (AVPAS) and/or the University President policies on the conduct of the students.
2. Implements the Student Code of Conduct and recommends the appropriate disciplinary action against offenders to the proper University authorities.
3. Sits in the different committees of the University
4. Monitors student behavior in community services projects, functions and other University approved activities.
5. Serves as students’ desk, tasked to resolve/address students concerns.

PROGRAM

The Tamaraw Advocacies, Learning Experiences and Services (TALES) provides meaningful firsthand and vicarious alternative learning experiences such as community immersion, charity work, literacy program, film viewing, etc. This program that supports the holistic development of students is part of Far Eastern University’s formative and responsive approach by providing options for those who need to render community service hours due to violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

POLICIES

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

The Far Eastern University is committed to maintaining a wholesome, orderly and peaceful campus conducive to personal and intellectual growth. The University sets high standards and expectations for the students who choose to become a part of it by established rules of conduct intended to foster behaviors that are consistent with professional and educational setting. Thus, the need for the students to conduct themselves in ways that support a scholarly environment.  Dedication to study, respect for authority, strict observance of the rules and regulations of the University, and unfailing courtesy are expected at all times of all students.  The Administration, after due process, reserves to itself the right to suspend, dismiss from the University at any time, strike from the list of candidates for graduation and/or withhold the diploma from, or expel any student who violates any of the rules and regulations of the University or fails to satisfy its academic standards.  In this context, students are guided by Far Eastern University (FEU) Student Code of Conduct articulated here.

ARTICLE I

General Behavior

Section 1.  Students shall at all times conduct themselves in an appropriate decorum and appearance in accordance with the policies promulgated by the University.

Section 2.  Students shall wear their proper school attire and validated school identification cards upon entry and while inside the campus. (Refer to University School Attire and FEU ID Card Policyand Institute Uniform Code)

Section 3.  Students shall not bring into the University objects, videos, films, pictures or literature which are morally offensive or subversive. (Refer to Policy on Prohibited Items)

Section 4.  Students shall not bring into the premises of the University any alcoholic drink or any prohibited drug or controlled substance, including any prohibited drug or controlled substance paraphernalia. (Refer to Policy on Drugs and Prohibited Substance)

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. (Refer to Policy on Drugs and Prohibited Substance)

Section 6.  Students shall not engage in gambling, lottery or in any other scheme where chance, monetary and/or material considerations are involved while inside the University campus. Such schemes include, with or without the element of chance, the enticement of the students to part with their property in consideration of an empty promise of gain or benefit.  Students shall not bring any gambling paraphernalia, playing cards or any card games inside the University premises.  They shall not play any card games while inside the University premises. (Refer to Policy on Prohibited Items)

Section 7.  Students shall not bring into the University premises explosive materials and pyrotechnics, firearms, and deadly weapons which include brass knuckles, stun guns, lead pipes, knives, icepicks, or any other pointed or bladed objects. The use of weapon, or a threat to use one, or threat to use of such weapon shall aggravate the act without prejudice to existing laws.  (Refer to Policy on Prohibited Items)

Section 8.      Students shall at all times be respectful and proper in their conduct. They shall refrain from using language and/or committing acts in any form or medium, that are disrespectful or profane, vulgar or indecent, scandalous, or which in any manner may cause anguish 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 Administration of the University. The students shall not post announcements, posters, or streamers in the school premises without first having secured written permission from proper authority, i.e., school officials and the Student Development.

Section 10.    Students shall not commit any form of littering or unsanitary acts (e.g. improper disposal of chewing gums) within the University premises.

Section 11.    Students shall not, in any manner, disturb classes and academic functions. Neither shall the students display unruly behavior while inside the campus.

Section 12.    Students shall not commit any form of dishonesty, including but not limited to:

a.   Violation of test-taking protocol (Refer to Policy on Violation of Test-Taking Protocol)

b.   Falsification of or forgery in documents

c.   Misrepresentation of any kind including lending/borrowing of IDs, Certificate of Registration, and school attire

d.   Plagiarism (Refer to Policy on Plagiarism)

e.   Concealment or omission to state material facts

f.   Theft, robbery, pilferage

g.   Credit card fraud

I.    Computer hacking and/ or identity theft (Refer to Policy on Computer Security Breach).

Section 13.    Students shall not form and maintain any unauthorized barricade, make or maintain any form of obstruction to any entrance to or exit from the University campus or prevent, coerce or threaten any other student, faculty member, official or personnel of the University from entering into or going out of the campus.

Section 14.    Students shall not be involved in any form of hazing, or any activity, including, but not limited to, coercion, threats which may result in actual or threatened infliction of harm and physical injury upon the person of their fellow students, faculty members or employees of the University. Students shall neither be members nor recruit others to become members of organizations not recognized by the University. (Refer to Policy on Fraternities)

Section 15.    FEU is a non-smoking campus.  Students shall not smoke at all times while inside the campus. They shall not bring into FEU premises cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes and lighters. Smoking zone is twenty meters from the gates. (Refer to Policy on Prohibited Items)

Section 16.    Students shall refrain from publicly displaying acts of intimacy such as but not limited to kissing, necking, petting, and all similar acts which are malicious, vulgar or indecent.

Section 17.    Students shall maintain peace and order inside the campus. They shall submit themselves and/or their belongings for lawful inspection and/or search when requested by proper authorities. They shall not engage in unauthorized use of school facilities. They shall refrain from playing ball in the FEU Plaza and other prohibited places.

Section 18.    Students shall refrain from engaging in all forms of bullying, harassment or acts of lasciviousness. 

Section 19.  Students shall not participate in any subversive and/or concerted activities or rallies inside the campus.

ARTICLE II

Behavior in the Classroom

Section 1.      Students, as a sign of respect, shall rise when called upon to recite or when propounding questions to the professor.

Section 2.      Students shall enter and leave the classroom quietly and in an orderly manner.

Section 3.      Students waiting to occupy a classroom shall enter only after the outgoing class and the professor have left the room.

Section 4.      Students shall leave the classroom only upon permission of the professor.

Section 5.      Students shall not eat in the classroom and in all other restricted areas.

Section 6.      Students shall keep the classroom and campus clean and free from litter.

Section 7.      Students shall not be allowed to communicate with fellow students or disseminate information inside the classroom during class hours without approval from the proper authority.

Section 8.      Students shall put their mobile phones and other electronic devices in silent mode while inside the classroom and shall not be allowed to use the same while class is going on unless permitted by the faculty.  In no instance shall the students use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during examinations and or quizzes.    

Section 9.      Students shall not be allowed to sit in and or join any class where they are not officially enrolled without securing prior approval from the faculty concerned. 

Section 10.    Students shall be liable for any damage to University property as a result of any wilful, intentional or negligent acts.

ARTICLE III

Behavior in CAD and Internet Laboratories

Section 1.      Students shall not use or possess any unauthorized software related to the assigned machine works inside the Computer Laboratory.

Section 2.      Students shall not intentionally upload within the Computer Systems Department any program, software or virus that may cause the Computer System Department to stall or crash, or which may otherwise affect its normal function.

Section 3.      Students shall not eat or bring any food or beverage in the CAD and internet laboratories.

ARTICLE IV

Behavior in Libraries

Section 1.      Students and library users shall, at all times, observe proper conduct. Smoking, eating, making unnecessary noise, loud conversation and mutilation of library materials, furniture and equipment in the library premises are strictly prohibited. 

Section 2.      Students shall wear the proper school attire to avail of library services.

ARTICLE V

Behavior in Corridors, Passageways, and Elevators

Section 1.      Students shall not loiter or create any disturbance in the corridors during class hours.

Section 2.      Students shall keep all stairways and corridors clear for passage.

Section 3.      Students shall maintain order and observe proper conduct in using the elevator.

ARTICLE VI

Behavior in Academic and Social Functions

Section 1.      Students shall attend social functions in clothing appropriate for the occasion.

Section 2.      Students shall behave properly during social functions and observe rules and regulations of the venue.

ARTICLE VII

Behavior outside the Campus

Section 1.      Students, while in school attire, shall at all times refrain from committing acts that may embarrass the University or bring dishonor upon it. Such acts include, but not limited to:

a.   Public display of intimacy

b.   Drunkenness

c.   Disturbance of public peace

d.   Smoking

e.   Gambling

f.    Engaging in physical fights or verbal tussle

g.   Dishonesty

Section 2.      All provisions on students’ behavior shall also apply when students are on approved off-campus activities.

ARTICLE VIII

Penalties

Section 1.   General Provisions

1. All cases involving discipline of students shall be under the jurisdiction of the Student Discipline. 

• Complaints for academic dishonesty (plagiarism and violation of test-taking protocol) are handled by the University Academic Integrity Committee (UAIC) and are referred to the Student Discipline for implementation of sanction.  Any appeal must be addressed to the UAIC.

• Student Discipline handles complaints for behavioral (social) violations.  The University’s disciplinary process encourages the informal resolution of complaints with the agreement of the student. The resolution process is used to determine if a student engaged in behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct understands and accepts responsibility for his or her own behavior.

• The Student Discipline, after due process, shall determine and impose the proper penalty for the behavioral violation, taking into account 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.   Precedent cases

5.  Safety concerns of the University

6.   Pertinent and applicable aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

• The penalty to be imposed by the Student Discipline shall be discussed to the parent and the student during the conference called for the purpose. 

• Any appeal on the penalty to be imposed shall be made to the Director of the Student Discipline who shall decide on the appeal. 

• The results of the parent conference and or the disposition on the appeal, shall be the basis of the memo, if any, to the Institute for the implementation of the penalty imposed.

e.   A student who is certified as undesirable by the Student Discipline and or the Committee on Discipline shall be dropped from the rolls of the University, in addition to such disciplinary actions as may be imposed by the Student Discipline.

f.    Prohibited items and or those items which are not allowed to be brought by students inside the campus shall be confiscated, and will not be returned to the student.  Students who insist on bringing these items inside the campus will be meted a major offense.

Section 2.   The following offenses are classified as minor and major offenses:

1. Minor Offenses

1. not wearing proper school attire and or FEU Identification card or temporary ID while inside the campus
2. simple misconduct which includes violation of Institute or classroom imposed policies
3. littering/unsanitary acts which include spitting
4. smoking (outside the campus)
5. loitering in the corridors, creating any disturbance in the corridor during class hours, or blocking of corridors and stairways
6. eating in restricted areas
7. unauthorized use of classrooms and other school facilities
8. chewing of gums within the campus
9. unauthorized postings of announcements, posters, or streamers in the school premises
10. refusal to submit one’s self and or belongings for lawful inspection and/ or search when requested by proper authorities
11. unruly behavior while inside the campus such as but not limited to yelling, shouting invectives, unreasonable screaming, boisterous laughter, jumping out of the windows and horseplay
12. unauthorized use of mobile phones or electronic gadgets during class hours
13. playing card games inside the campus
14. violation of Institute- imposed policies

• Major Offenses

1. possession of alcoholic drink
2. drinking of and/or being under the influence of liquor
3. possession, display and distribution of pornographic or morally offensive materials, pictures, videos and films
4. possession of deadly weapons which include brass knuckles, stun guns, lead pipes, knives, icepicks, or any other sharp, pointed or bladed objects inside the University premises or outside the University during an academic function or school activity
5. disrespect in any form
6. vandalism or malicious destruction of University property or of any member of the FEU community, including visitors on campus
7. smoking (inside the campus)
8. dishonesty which may include lending ID to another or using someone else’s ID, Certificate of Registration, and school attire
9. violation of test- taking protocol
10. creating barricades/obstruction
11. harassment or any form of bullying
12. possession of firearms, pyrotechnics, and explosive materials
13. use of unauthorized software
14. deliberate bringing into the campus of other University prohibited items
15. possession, display and distribution of subversive materials, pictures, videos and films
16. public display of intimacy such as but not limited to kissing, necking, petting, and all similar acts which are malicious, vulgar or indecent
17. inciting to fight
18. acts of lewdness and indecency, making sexual advances in words or deeds to another student or to any member of the academic community, display of immoral conduct and obscenity within the campus
19. defamation (slander/libel), public or malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or insult or assault of persons, character, organizations, institutions  using any form of communication and media (including social network sites, yahoo groups, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, etc.)
20. representing the University in off-campus activities without authorization from the Student Development
21. deliberate illegal entry into the school premises
22. deliberate disruption of on-going classes, academic function, or any school activity, that
23. initiating offensive action that clearly provokes violence in any form
24. using profane, abusive, disrespectful or indecent language against a fellow student or visitor
25. refusal to undergo random drug testing
26. bribery or attempt to bribe a faculty member or a member of non-teaching staff or the security guards/ officers in exchange of favors
27. computer hacking and/or identity theft
28. perjury, concealment or omission to state material facts
29. willful failure to comply with summonses or notices issued for purposes of investigation conducted in connection with discipline-related offenses
30. plagiarism
31. gambling
32. 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
33. other forms of serious misconduct

c.   Grave Offenses

1. possession, distribution, or use of prohibited drug or controlled substance or chemicals  and or any drug paraphernalia 
2. taking of and or being under the influence of prohibited drug or controlled substance 
3. credit card fraud
4. theft/ robbery/ pilferage/ unjust enrichment/ extortions or any attempt thereof
5. assault resulting to physical injury or death
6. hazing and or recruitment or membership to fraternities, sororities, or other organizations not recognized by the University
7. intentionally making a false statement of any material fact, or practicing fraud or deception in connection with anything that pertains to the University
8. involvement in fraternity-related disorders
9. threatening another with any act amounting to a crime, delict or wrong, or with the infliction of any injury
10. forgery/ falsification and or alterations or misrepresentation of academic or official records or documentation of any kind
11. acts of subversions and insurgency, such as unauthorized demonstrations, rallies and boycotting of classes, including use of class hours or classrooms to encourage students to join in subversive acts or insurgency
12. acts of lasciviousness or lewdness, or commission of any act of immorality
13. conviction before any court for a criminal offense involving moral turpitude
14. grave misconduct or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance, tending to cause dishonor, discredit or contempt to the name of the University or bring the name of the University into disrepute

Section 3.   Social (Behavioral) Violations

1. Penalties

1. Minor social (behavioral) offenses will be penalized as follows:

First offense:             Warning

Second offense:       Reprimand with counseling and conference with parents

Third offense:           Suspension

• Major Offenses, depending on their seriousness and gravity, after due process and with prior notice to the parents, shall be punishable by any of the following:

First offense:             Suspension

Second offense:       Dismissal or Exclusion

• Grave offenses, after due process and with prior notice to the parents, shall be punishable by dismissal.

• Depending on the assessed needs and the nature of the violation, other sanctions may be imposed such as, but not limited to, student and parents’ undertaking, mandatory participation/ attendance in educational programs and seminars/ learning sessions, community outreach programs, community service, letter of apology, suspension of library privileges, loss of scholarships, and mandatory referral for psychological or psychiatric assessment and compliance with any resulting treatment plan.

• 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.

• The imposition of the disciplinary sanctions for violation of any rule or rules under this Code shall not preclude the University from endorsing the case to the proper government authorities when the same may involve violations of penal laws.

• Any appeal or request for reconsideration of sanctions imposed for behavioral violations must be addressed to the Director of Student Discipline who shall decide on the merit of the request and make final decision on the case.

Section 4. Scholastic (Academic) Dishonesty

1. Penalty for Plagiarism

First case:           No recorded violation but the student must attend a whole day seminar-workshop on academic integrity at the FEU Language Learning Center (LLC)

Second case:      Up to a maximum of five days suspension and student must report to LLC for a whole day academic citation exercises.

Third case:          Suspension for a period not exceeding one semester to take effect immediately

• Penalty for Violation of Test-taking Protocol

First case:           No recorded violation but the student must attend a whole day seminar-workshop on honesty, integrity and uprightness at the Guidance and Counseling (G&C)

Second case:      Up to a maximum of five days suspension and student must attend two (2) special TALES sessions

Third case:  Suspension for a period not exceeding one semester to take effect immediately

• Students who have more than one case of academic dishonesty will be automatically disqualified from Latin honours and from scholarships.

• A second case of academic dishonesty plus commission of a major behavioral violation under the Student Code of Conduct will merit a Dismissal.

• Any appeal involving academic dishonesty must be addressed to the University Academic Integrity Committee (UAIC).

ARTICLE IX

Committee on Discipline

Section 1.      Cases which cannot readily be resolved by the Student Discipline by reason of conflicting claims between the parties, or those cases where informal resolution process fails, or those cases where the violation committed is classified as grave offense or where the penalty to be imposed for the offense is dismissal, shall be referred to the Committee on Discipline.

Section 2.  The Committee on Discipline shall be composed of five members, to wit: a representative each from two separate Institutes (of proven independence, integrity and probity), a representative each from two separate academic services department, and a Discipline Officer.

Section 3.  Whenever warranted, the Committee on Discipline shall conduct a formal investigation of the case and receive evidence that shall form the basis of their findings and recommendations to the Director of Student Discipline.

Section 4.  Any appeal may be addressed to the Director of Student Discipline who shall decide on the merit of the appeal (based on new information not available at the time of the investigation, significant procedural error, or other equally reasonable cause), review the findings of the Committee on Discipline and make final decision on the case.

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 similar literature bearing the signature of the Director of Student Development shall be allowed to be posted on designated areas.

ARTICLE XII

Use of the University Seal

No student shall be allowed to use the University seal or to reproduce the same in any printed form, engraving or by any manner of reproduction without the written approval of the University.

ARTICLE XIII

Institute Policies

Necessary behavior policies inherent to the courses that their students are enrolled may be imposed by the Institutes. Such behavior policies form part of the Student Code of Conduct, violation of which are to be classified as minor offenses.

The Student Code of Conduct 2017- 2018 is a product of separate consultation among the student leaders, parents, faculty, and other stake holders; it is effective starting the First Semester, AY 2017- 2018 until further revised.

POLICY ON UNIVERSITY UNIFORM

1. The policy on University uniform shall be enforced whenever a student enters the campus and while inside the campus, whether she/he has classes or not and regardless of the day of the week.  For specific uniform requirements (i.e. laboratory gowns, duty uniforms), please refer to the Institute Uniform Code/Policy.
2. PE uniforms and institute –approved uniforms shall also be considered proper uniform.
3. For Institutes with Memorandum of Agreement with hospitals, business corporations, and educational institutions, the Institute Policy prevails

. ONLY IARFA female students are allowed to wear moss green slacks similar to the material used by male students.

. Medical Technology, Nursing and Psychology students are allowed to wear white uniforms inside the campus.

. Students under OJT uniforms must first secure approval from the Student Discipline.

• Students with NSTP subject must wear their NSTP shirts along denim pants.
• Students should only use ID lanyard that bears either the FEU logo, the University ‘s name or acronym.  This may be purchased from recognized merchandise stores in FEU or from student organizations that sell approved lanyards.  Lanyards from other universities or companies are not allowed.

POLICY ON DRUGS AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

Drug addiction and/or substance abuse is a disease.  The drug addict is a sick person.  The drug pusher is most probably a user as well and sells drugs to support the addiction.  Like other person, drug addicts need treatment.  This is the premise of the University’s policy on the issue of drugs and prohibited substance in the community.  Drug addiction is one of the biggest threats that the University and the country are facing.  Arresting this threat will require the cooperation of the entire community.

The University will extend support to those in the community affected by the disease of drug addiction or substance abuse.  It will help students who voluntarily seek assistance on drug addiction or substance abuse by referring them to appropriate treatment centers and through the following mechanisms:

.           Possession of drugs and prohibited substances, as well as use of the same are considered as major offenses under the Student Code of Conduct.

.           The student caught in possession of or under the influence of drugs and/or prohibited substance will be subjected to drug test, upon a valid waiver (issued by him/her, or by his/her parents in case of a minor)

.           Voluntary appearance of the student and his/her parents or guardians, if any, at the scheduled date and time of drug test constitutes valid waiver.

.           The student caught in possession of drugs and/or prohibited substance and who tested negative for drug use, shall upon due process, be advised to take a leave of absence for up to one year, without prejudice to the disciplinary action to be taken against him/her.

.           The student caught in possession of or under the influence of drugs and/or prohibited substance and who tested positive for drug use shall, upon due process, be excluded or dismissed from the University.

.           A student who was excluded or dismissed but sought rehabilitation may be readmitted to the University upon certification by a rehabilitation center that the student has completed the prescribed course of treatment.  The student must also agree to participate in the post-treatment counseling and support group session provided by the center.

The University, however, will not tolerate individuals who attempt to introduce drugs into the community.  Those found guilty of this offense will be expelled or dismissed.  National laws covering these offenses will also be applied.

POLICY ON FRATERNITIES

The University prohibits membership of its students in fraternities, sororities, and other organizations operating within the University premises which are not recognized by FEU.

As a pre-requisite for admission to the University, all freshmen and transferee students are required to execute the Statement and Undertaking which states the following:

1. The student is not a member of any organization operating within the University premises which is not registered with the Far Eastern University;
2. For the duration of the student’s stay in the University, the student shall not join and or shall not participate in any organization not recognized by the University;
3. The student acknowledges and understands that the student’s admission into the University is a privilege and that the University has the right and authority to choose the persons or individuals that may be admitted as students of the University;
4. The student acknowledges and understands that the University has likewise the authority to prescribe rules and regulations governing non-membership of the students in any organization in the University. Pursuant to its right to academic freedom, the University may withhold recognition to organizations whose existence is considered inimical to the maintenance of peace and order in the school campus;

• The student recognizes and accepts that the student’s continued stay in the University is subject to compliance with prescribed disciplinary rules and regulations, especially those on non-membership in fraternities, sororities or organizations not recognized by the University, the policies relating to prohibited drugs and substances, and the policies relating to other illegal and immoral activities that may destroy the integrity of the University;

• The student undertakes to abide by whatever University rules and regulations;

• The student understands that the University can dismiss the student if the student is found to have falsely certified to any conditions of this Statement and Undertaking; and

• The student  executes and submits the Statement and Undertaking as a prerequisite of the student ‘s admission in the University.

The Statement and Undertaking shall be signed by the student and his/her parents or guardian.

POLICY ON COMPUTER SECURITY BREACH

1. Computer security breach refers to the act of accessing a University computer or computer network without authority or beyond authorized access and content.

• The acts that constitute computer security breach include but are not limited to the following:

1. Hacking or identity theft, or introducing false information (e.g., using someone else’s account and sending offensive mail, posting malicious remarks, and uploading malicious and sensitive pictures)
2. Altering information (e.g., changing the password of someone else’s account and changing data in files beyond one’s authorized access, etc.)
3. Damaging or destroying information (e.g., deleting someone else’s files, etc.)
4. Preventing authorized use of information
5. Preventing normal operation (e.g., changing the configuration or CMOS set-up of a personal computer or laptop, introducing computer virus, etc.) of computers or computer networks of the University

• Students who commit any of the aforementioned acts shall be charged a major offense under the Article VIII, Section 2(b) of the Student Code of Conduct.

FEU STUDENT’S RIGHTS

The Far Eastern University (FEU) has the implicit or “built-in” obligation of providing students with atmosphere that promotes or assists in attaining its primary undertaking of imparting knowledge.  It is the legal responsibility of the University to ensure that adequate steps are taken to maintain peace and order within the campus premises and to prevent the breakdown thereof.

The students while in FEU, are in the custody and hence, the responsibility of the University authorities as long as they are under the control and influence of the University, whether the semester has not yet begun or has already ended, or even if the student is just relaxing in the campus in the company of his classmates.

The students, by enrolling and attending the University, place themselves under the custodial supervision and disciplinary authority of the University authorities, which is the basis of the University’s correlative responsibility for the students’ torts, committed while under the University’s disciplinary authority.

Hence, the FEU students are expected to exhibit a high degree of maturity and personal integrity; they are entitled to their rights with corresponding obligations, and are therefore responsible for their own actions.  That being stated, hereunder are the rights of the FEU students.

1. ACADEMIC RIGHTS

Section 1. Academic Freedom.

1. Students have the right to choose their field of study from among existing curricula without prejudice to the pre-existing requirements for admission in certain programs of the University.
2. Students shall express their opinion inside and outside the classroom in a respectful manner and subject to existing University policy.
3. Student shall resort to procedures, as provided for in the Students’ Handbook, for the redress of their grievances concerningfaculty, grades, class policies, and other academic-related matters.

Section 2. Academic Procedures.

1. A copy of the updated Student Handbook should be made available to each student.
2. Students have the right to complete information ontheir individual program of study.
3. No regular classes shall be conducted during activity periods.
4. Students shall not be required to attend any academic activity during Universitymandated and/or national holidays.
5. Students shall be provided course outlines at thebeginning of every semester.
6. Students shall be graded according to theirmerits.
7. Students have the right to be informed at the beginning of each semester how they will be evaluated in their course.
8. Any change of requirements which are initiated by the faculty should have the approval of the Institute and prior consent of the class must be secured taking into consideration the individual concerns of the students.
9. Absences shall not be taken against the grades of student unless they haveexceeded the maximum tolerable absences.
10. Students have the right to know their class performancedata during the semester.
11. Students have the right to see their graded quizzes, exams, projects, amongothers, before final examinations.
12. Students have the right to an explanation concerning the bases oftheir gradesfor particular items, especially essays, oral exams, and group work.
13. In case of group work, the students have to be provided a system ofmarking by the faculty that ensures just and equitable grading of individualmembers of the group.
14. Students shall be informed of long examinations at least one (1) week advance, and the major examinations at least two (2) weeks in advance.
15. Students shall be informed of any major papers, projects, and other requirements, including the due dates thereof during the class orientation at the first day of classes.
16. In the event that students fail to comply with or submit any major requirement because of some grave reason, such as but not limited to sickness, hospitalization or accident, they shall have the right to do make-up workpending the presentationof relevant and valid proofs.
17. Students have the right to see their papers and the computation of theirfinalgrades within two weeks from the posting of the grades or any such period prescribed for any petition to change a grade.
18. Grades already given to students can only be changed if there was manifest error in computation or encoding, and for as long as the students will still have passing mark in the course, if such was the case.  A passing final grade already given and posted to the student’s records can no longer be changed to a failing grade.
19. Students have the right to consult their teachers at the consultation hours chosen by the faculty, which should be announced to the students during the class orientation at the first day of classes.

Section 3. Security of Tenure.

Students have the right to complete their program ofstudy in the University, except in cases of academic deficiency, violation of Student Code of Conduct, health and safety reasons, behavioral deficiency, or non- payment of tuition and fees.

Section 4. Evaluation of Faculty.

Pursuant to the right of the students to quality education through competent and committed faculty as shown in their attendance and punctuality in their classes, their specialization and expertise, and teaching competence, the students have the right to evaluate their faculty towards the end of the semester.

Section 5. School Facilities.

The students have the right to adequate academic facilities, such as but not limited to adequateclassrooms, library,research, laboratory, andphysical educationfacilities, including open spaces for student academic interactions.

II.   ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Section 1.  Subject to submission of all requirements and settlement of or clearance of pending impediments, students have the right to be issued official certificates, diplomas, transcripts ofrecords, record of rating, transfer credentials, and other similar documents within seven (7) working days from the filing of request. 

Section 2. Students have the right to be informed of tuition fees, special fees or assessments, and their breakdown, as well as due dates for payments.

III. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Section 1. Students shall express their views and opinion inside and outside the classroom in a respectful manner and subject to existing University policy.Any opposition to school policies,which are disadvantageous to the interests of the students, shall not be a groundfor denying or withdrawing scholarship grants and privileges of deserving students.

Section 2. Theprivacyof communicationandcorrespondenceof students is inviolable. However, any form of private communication andcorrespondence that violates University policies or injurious to the reputation of the University or any of the stakeholders is not allowed.

Section 3. Rights of Student Publications.

1. Students have the right to publish student newspapers and other similarpublications, as guided by Republic Act 7079 (otherwise known as the “CampusJournalism Act”.), without fear of persecution from, and without threat of being in any way penalized or punished by University officials for any view responsibly expressed. The student publication shall notbe subjected to any kind of coercion, bribe, duress or censorship.
2. The student editor-in-chief and his/her staff shall be selected according to official procedures, without the interference or influence of the University officials.
3. During their term, the editor and the editorial staff can only be removed upon compliance with both substantive and procedural due process.

Section 4. Right to Religious Expression and Practice.

a.      The University recognizes the students’ right to religious expression.  It shall endeavor to provide students with adequate multi-faith religious services and facilities.

 b.     Studentsshall have the right to practice their respective religions aslong asthey do not hinder the practice of other faiths and beliefs and do not transgress the policies of the University, as well as its Vision and Mission.

Section 5. Choice of Attire.

Students shall have the right to dress according to their respective SOGIE while keeping within the prescribed school attire of the University.  In the absence of school attire, students are expected todress simply, appropriately, and decently.

IV. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN POLICY-MAKING

Section 1.  Adjustment of tuition fees may only be effected after students and or their parents have been consulted at least thirty (30) daysbefore the start of the academic year when the adjustments are to take effect.

Section 2.  Students shall have the right to be consulted on any proposed increase orcreation of University fees.  The justification for such shall be disseminated and discussed in consultative meetings properlydocumented and circulated.

Section 3.  Involuntary contributions shall not be imposed on students.

Section 4. Students shall have the right to be consulted, through their representatives, before any University policy affecting them isapproved and implemented.

V. RIGHT TO ORGANIZE

Section 1. Student Organizations.

1. The University prohibits membership of its students in fraternities, sororities, and other organizations operating within the University premises which is not recognized by FEU.
2. Student organizations have the right to seek accreditation subject to standards and requirements set by the Student Development and their respective Institute.
3. Student organizations shall enjoy autonomy—they have their own leadership structure and they set their own directions and goals that complement the thrust of Student Development and their respective Institute.  The faculty advisers of the student organizations act in anadvisory capacity. The Office of Student Development sets the parameters within whichthe organizations shall operate.

Section 2. Student Council.

1. The University shall ensure the democratic and autonomous existence of the student councils in each Institute.
2. Despite the presence of Institute Student Councils, there shall be one supreme body, the FEU Central Student Council (FEUCSO), which shall be the official representative of all the student organizations in the University. 
3. All student councils, including all the other student organizations in the University, shall have their own sets of officers, both elected and or appointed, and shall have the right to determine their policies and programs onmatters within their respective jurisdiction, guided by their respective duly ratified constitution and/orby-laws.
4. The University shall also provide, free of charge, shared spaces to house the FEU Central Student Council, and the student organizations under it.

Section 3. Security of Tenure

Student leaders shall be assured ofsecurityof tenure in their positions for the duration of their term, unless removed due to poor academic standing, academic and or behavioral violations of the Student Code of Conduct, or impeachment.

Section 4. Student Activities Finances.

On behalf of theStudent Council and the Student Publications, the school shall collect the student organizationfee and the student publication fee, the allocation of which shall be in accordance with existing policy and subject to audit by the Student Development.

Section 5. Allocation of Facilities for Student Activities.

The University shall provide, free of charge, shared spaces to house theoffices of the different recognized student organizations withinthe campus, subject to the Policy on Use of University Premises.Wheneverpossible, it shall allow student organizations to use the University facilities for their events free of charge during the Activity Periods, to support and encourage student participation in extra-curricular activities.

Article VI. RIGHT TO SECURITY

Section 1. While the students have the right to be free from any form of unreasonable search and seizure as defined by law, students shall, however, upon entering the campus, submit themselves to inspection by the security officers when requested.  Bags, portfolios, brief cases and packages are subject to inspection at all times.  Items prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct shall be confiscated and subject to proper disposal, without prejudice to imposition of sanctions for violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Section 2. All students shall have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, to be free from physical andsexual harassment, and to be protected from libelousand slanderous statements.

Section 3. With the pursuit of academic excellenceand attainment of the exercise of academic freedom in mind, the University endeavors to have an atmosphere freefrom fear and unreasonable restraint for the students.

Article VII. RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

1. Students shall have the right to be informed of the complaint against them, to answer the charge/s hurled against them, and to be rendered an impartial decision.
2. Students have the right to choose whether to undergo informal resolution process or to request for a full investigation on the case by the Ad Hoc Discipline Committee.

c.     The students have the right to have their parents witnessthe presentation of their defense duringthe hearing conducted by the Ad Hoc Discipline Committee.

d.    Sanctions on the students shall not be meted out without affording the students due process, particularly the observance of the following rights:

        1.   To be presumed innocent until proven otherwise

        2.   To be informed of the charge(s)

        3.   To confront the complainant and the evidence against them

        4.   To be heard.

e.    All decisions in any disciplinary proceeding of the students involved shall be based on relevant and substantial evidence.

f.     The gravity of disciplinary sanctions shall be proportionate to the seriousness ofthe violation committed.

g.    The students have the right to appeal the decision on their case to the Director of Student Discipline.

Article VIII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. No policy shall be enforced ex post facto.

Section 2. Students shall have the right to file an appeal on any policyand decision of the University, in accordance with existing procedures.

ATTY. ROSALIE D.C. CADA, LLM
Director

Discipline Officers

Atty. Willie Y. Ciubal
Cecille A. San Juan
Lawrence P. Arojado
Teem P. Torres (for FEU Makati)