Student Discipline

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

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 policy and decision of the University, in accordance with existing procedures.