Office of the Proctor

Preamble

Daffodil International University (DIU) is committed to the freedom of speech as stated in article 39 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and constructive debate of alternative views, theory and data. It recognizes and respects all peaceful and non-obstructive forms of dissent, whether individual or collective, that are within the University regulations and which do not interfere with the regular and essential academic/ non-academic operations of the University. This Code of Conduct has been formulated to provide a clear statement of the University’s expectations of students in respect of academic matters and personal behavior. Study at the University presents opportunities for interacting with other members of the University community. The University recognizes and values the diversity of student experiences and expectations, and is committed to treating students, both academically and personally, in fair and transparent manner. All students, in return, are required to comply with the requirements set down in this Code of Conduct (CoC).

Daffodil International University reaffirms its commitment to:

• High academic standards, intellectual rigor and a high-quality education;
• Intellectual freedom and social responsibility;
• Recognition of the importance of ideas and the pursuit of critical and open inquiry;
• Tolerance, honesty and respect of relationships throughout the university community; and
• High standards of ethical behavior.

All students are required to be aware of and act consistently with these values.

Accordingly, the DIU authority, through the representation of Disciplinary Committee (DC), who have performed their responsibilities in good and due form; do hereby establish DIU Code of Conduct (CoC) for students.

1. The Disciplinary Code

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this code is to outline the acceptable standard of conduct and disciplinary actions applicable to students, in case of violations of the standard conduct. It is acknowledged that a disciplinary code and disciplinary actions are necessary for the smooth operation of an educational institution and the safety and fair treatment of all students.

1.2 Underlying Principles

This code is based on the following principles:

• Any violation of the CoC, as stated in this document, is a cause for initiating necessary disciplinary action(s). The judicial system is subject to the authority of the Vice-Chancellor of the University as he/she deems appropriate, except that the DC shall have the authority to approved disciplinary warning as a sanction. The DC shall consider the cases and make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor for necessary sanction(s).
• Proctor’s Office has the authority to the application of discipline at the University and at any event that is organized under the University banner, inside or outside the premises. The Proctor’s Office ensures that there is no violation of the CoC.
• When enforcement of discipline is needed, emphasis is given on guidance and rehabilitation rather than the imposition of punishment.
   
• The DC is the apex body related to disciplinary matters concerning students.
• If a student is alleged of an activity that violates both this conduct and the law of the land, then the disciplinary action at the University will normally proceed, while civil or criminal proceedings will be initiated by informing the law enforcement agency. The application of discipline in all instances must be consistent and fair.
• The Proctor's Office may take measures to protect the discipline of the students in the surrounding areas outside the University.
• Activities of any group/dealers in the surrounding areas outside of the University which poses a threat to the University and its students; with the permission of the university authorities, the Proctor's office can take action with the help of law enforcement agency.

1.3 Disciplinary Sanctions

Based on the severity of the misconduct, the range of official sanctions shall be recommended by the DC for violation of regulations (both academic and social). The disciplinary sanctions are the following:

1.3.1 Verbal Warning (VW)

In case of moderate offense, an Assistant Proctor under the guidance of the Proctor should conduct a disciplinary interview with the student involved along with the student affected/witness(es) that may result in an official warning. This is a notice to the student that his/her conduct was questionable and that if the student is eventually found in violation of a rule while on disciplinary warning; subsequent action may be more severe. The verbal warning shall become matter of record in the student’s file/ or automated system to track the student’s behavior for future reference.

1.3.2    Calling Guardian and Warning Letter (CG & WL)

More serious offense or repetition of the misconduct can result in calling of guardian along with a final written warning through the Registrar Office where the student and guardian shall execute a bond to take on the liability of any future disciplinary actions. The final written warning shall be recorded to the student’s file or in the automated systems to track the student’s behavior for future reference.

1.3.3    Monetary Fine (MF)

Students will be charged with a monetary fine for violating specific Code of Conduct (CoC). The monetary fine will be imposed based on the violation of code and/or repetition of the occurrence.

1.3.4    Disciplinary Probation (DP)

The status of disciplinary probation is assigned for a specific period of time. Though students will be allowed to continue with academic activities in the University, disciplinary probation status may impose some conditions or tasks to comply. During the disciplinary probation period if the student is found “in-violation” for another violation of the CoC, more severe sanctions may be imposed such as suspension or expulsion. The violation of the code requires rectification for future progressive and or corrective measures in conduct, Proctor’s Office will keep the student on disciplinary probation by counseling. During the disciplinary probation period, the student’s behavior will be closely monitored and he/she will be called to the Proctor’s Office for hearing in every week. The Proctor’s office will communicate with student’s mentor to take his/her class attendance and class behavior report.

1.3.5 Temporary Suspension (TS)
 
The student may, if necessary, be temporarily suspended, before, during, or pending the outcome of the inquiry. Such a sanction requires the student to leave the campus immediately. It may be imposed upon a student by the Department Head, the Chairperson of DC or the Proctor through the Registrar Office. Any instantly suspended student, who returns to the campus during the period of interim suspension, shall be subjected to disciplinary dismissal or disciplinary expulsion. The suspended student must be stay off university property until an official hearing is conducted by the Proctor’s office. During the Temporary Suspension period if he/she puts pressure on the complainant person, shall be subjected to disciplinary dismissal or disciplinary expulsion.

1.3.6    Disciplinary Suspension (DS)

The case where a student is accused of major breach of conduct by committing a severe misconduct will be directed to the Disciplinary Committee (DC). Such as a student may be suspended for up to 2 (two) semesters as per the decision made by the DC. The disciplinary suspension will start from the following semester for the stipulated period of time. If the student has voluntarily refrained from registering for the semester during which the DC holds its hearing, that semester will not be counted within the stipulated period of disciplinary suspension.

1.3.7    Disciplinary Expulsion (DEP)

In this case the student will be ineligible to be admitted in this university anytime in future. Disciplinary Expulsion is a sanction that removes the student from the individual’s academic program and permanently separates a student from the University without the opportunity to graduate or re-enroll at the University in future. Disciplinary expulsion shall be executed by the approval of the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

1.3.8    Compensation to the University (CPS)

Compensation shall be charged to any student who alone, or through group activities, organizes or knowingly participates in the events causing such damages or costs.

1.4 Filing a Complaint

If a student or group of students have concerns about treatment by another student(s), it is appropriate to seek help from the Proctor’s Office. The student feeling mistreated may directly come to the Proctor’s Office, meets the available assistant proctor, narrate the incident and file a complaint. The complainant is required to file a written complaint in a formal complaint form which is available at the Proctor’s Office. Students also welcome to lodge a complaint electronically by email and also using the google form.

1.5 Student Code of Conduct (CoC)

1.5.1    Personal Conduct

All students must:

• Treat all employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers any other members of the public and other students with respect, dignity, impartiality, courtesy and sensitivity.
• Maintain a cooperative and collaborative approach to inter-personal relationships.
• Act honestly and ethically in their dealings with others.
• Respect the privacy of everybody.
• Ensure that they do not act in a manner that unnecessarily or unreasonably impedes the ability of employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers any other members of the
   
  public and other students to carry out their study, research or work at the University, to access or use the resources of the University including in the Library, Lecture theatres and Laboratories;
• Ensure that they do not become involved in or encourage discrimination against or harassment or bullying of employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers any other members of the public or other students.

1.5.2    Academic Conduct

All students must:

• Ensure that their enrolment and progress in their awarded course is lawful and consistent with the rule and resolutions of the Daffodil International University. Students must not enroll with other University at the same time with this University.
• Read all official correspondence from the University, including email.
• Act ethically and honestly in the preparation, conduct, submission and publication of academic work, and during all forms of assessment, including formal examinations and informal tests;
• Avoid any activity or behavior that would unfairly advantage or disadvantage another student academically.
• Conform to the university's requirements for working with others.

Discipline is an important aspect of Daffodil International University (DlU). The University serves as an instrument for molding the character and behavior of the student and this prepares them to take up their future careers as well as the mantle of leadership. Also it is generally accepted that is education constitutes the single most important instrument for the acquisition of knowledge and skills that indispensable for the building of manpower base to promote socioeconomic advancement. Therefore, DIU has formulated above code of conducts. If students violate those, university will take preventive measure and also will hand in punishment to offenders to maintain peace and academic environment of the university. [See section 1.3 Disciplinary Sanction].

1.6 Violation of Code of Conduct and the punishments

For punishment’s abbreviation please see the keywords section.

Other factors may be added later depending on the time and situation and on the behavior of the students.

1.7 Further Regulations

1.7.1   Following Campus Security

Security of DIU students, faculty, staff, and physical property is of upmost importance. Students are required to follow instructions of security or administrative staff in all matters concerning security of the above. Failure to do so will be considered Disruption (above). Students may be asked to submit to a search of their person or possessions while on campus. Failure to submit will be considered Disruption or Disobedience.

• Students are not allowed to stay inside the campus outside the stipulated evening schedule. In this case the time announced by the Registrar's Office should be accepted.
• Students must obey the instructions of campus security personnel.
• Enter the hall within the time limit set by the hall provost. In this case the code of conduct of the hall is to be followed.
• All campus gates will be closed after 11 pm, so students will have to use the campus route to reach Hall 2 during this time. Otherwise one has to enter with the permission of the hall authority and by writing his/her identity at the gate.
• No student will be allowed to enter the campus after evening without an identity card.

1.7.2   Proper use of Student IDs

Students are required to wear their own IDs at all times when on campus. Students may not enter campus or use any facilities for any reason without possessing and wearing their IDs. It is solely the student's responsibility to maintain possession and care of the ID at all times.

• Loss or Theft: Loss or theft of an ID must be reported to Administration immediately. A fee must be paid to replace it. The ID will be replaced within a suitable time upon receipt of payment.
• Forgotten IDs: If a student forgets an ID, he/she may be issued a temporary ID only upon payment of a fine.
• Do not Share: Students may not lend or share IDs with other persons for any reason. Lending one's ID to another will result in disciplinary action for both the original student and the recipient.
• Do not use: If you are not a registered student of the university for a particular term or if you are barred from entering the campus for disciplinary reasons then do not use your ID card even if it works in machines at the entrances of both campuses. You have to take special permission from the authorities to enter into the university.

1.8 Proctor Office

The role of the Proctors is to ensure the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the university.

Specific areas include:

• Ensuring the personal safety of students, teachers or employees of the university;
• Maintaining and safeguard the assets of the university;
• Assisting in solving non-academic disputes among the students with other students, faculty or admin;
• Controlling unauthorized access to the university premises; and
• Ensuring that the DIU Code of Conduct is properly followed.

The Proctor’s Office is the first contact point to start disciplinary proceedings. It assesses and investigates complaints, and takes necessary steps, from counseling or issuing an official warning to referral to the Disciplinary Committee, depending on the gravity of the offences and as per the advice of the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee.

The Proctor's Office will refer any complaints of Sexual Harassment to the Sexual Harassment Committee, who will then investigate and make recommendations to the Disciplinary Committee. It will inform the Students’ Affairs Office about all proceedings involving students.

1.8.1   Sexual Harassment Committee

The role of the Sexual Harassment Committee is to investigate complaints of sexual harassment / assault on, or in some cases off, the university campus. More specifically;

• To receive complains of sexual harassment / assault;
• To perform an investigation based on supportive evidence and interviews.
• To recommend possible actions to the Disciplinary Committee.