Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Overview
A Guide to Fairness, Safety and Ethical Behavior
The purpose and importance of a Student Code of Conduct are multifaceted. It is a foundational document for maintaining a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment.
- It defines expectations and clearly outlines the behavioural standards and responsibilities expected of students.
- Promotes a safe environment and ensures physical, emotional, and intellectual safety for all academic community members.
- It fosters ethical behaviour by encouraging integrity, fairness, and respect, essential for personal and academic growth.
- Supports academic integrity to help prevent cheating, plagiarism, and other dishonest practices.
- It provides guidance and acts as a roadmap for students to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of misconduct.
- Ensures consistency and. creates uniform standards to handle behavioural issues fairly and systematically.
- Maintaining order and discipline and defining a clear code help prevent disruptive behaviours that hinder the educational process.
- Supports legal compliance and aligns with institutional, regional and national laws and lawful behaviour within the campus community.
- Empower students to know their rights and responsibilities.
- It effectively addresses conflicts by providing a framework for resolving disputes and constructively addressing violations.
A Student Code of Conduct is not just a set of rules; it is a guiding document that promotes a healthy and productive academic environment, preparing students for their roles as ethical and responsible citizens.
Code of Conduct
General Principles
Our code of conduct is designed to foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
It sets clear expectations for behaviour, emphasising kindness, collaboration, and integrity in all interactions.
We believe that respecting each other and valuing diverse perspectives create stronger, more vibrant student communities.
Adhering to these principles helps ensure a safe and supportive space where ideas can flourish, differences are celebrated, and everyone feels empowered to contribute.
We uphold these values to build trust, encourage growth, and achieve shared success.
Policies and Expectations
Our Code of Conduct ensures that all students have a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment. It sets clear expectations for behaviour, provides policies and guidelines, highlights rules and regulations, responsibilities, and rights to create a university and study experience where everyone thrives.
General Principles
The general code of conduct for the University of Fort Hare students includes guidelines and expectations to promote a respectful and conducive learning environment. While specific details may vary, the code generally covers the following areas:
- Respect and Integrity: Students are expected to treat fellow students, staff, and faculty with respect and integrity, fostering a positive community.
- Academic Honesty: Maintaining academic integrity is crucial. This includes avoiding plagiarism, cheating, and dishonest behaviour in scholarly work.
- Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance and participation in classes and university activities are encouraged.
- Behavior on Campus: Students should behave in a manner that does not disrupt the learning environment, including adhering to noise regulations and appropriate conduct in public spaces.
- Substance Use: The use of illegal substances and alcohol abuse is prohibited on campus, and students are expected to comply with relevant laws and university policies regarding substance use.
- Harassment and Discrimination: The university has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or bullying, promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all.
- Property and Facilities: Students are expected to respect university property and facilities, including not vandalizing or misusing resources.
- Conflict Resolution: Students are encouraged to resolve conflicts amicably and seek assistance from university staff or counselling services if needed.
- Compliance with Policies: Adherence to all university policies, regulations, and local laws is mandatory.
Academic Integrity
The University of Fort Hare’s Code of Conduct for Academic Ethics is designed to promote integrity, respect, and fairness in the academic environment.
- Academic Integrity: Students must commit to honesty in all educational endeavours. This includes avoiding plagiarism, cheating, and any form of academic dishonesty.
- Proper Attribution: Students must appropriately cite all sources and give credit for ideas, research, and contributions that are not their own.
- Respect for Intellectual Property: Students must respect the intellectual property rights of others, including copyrighted materials, patents, and trademarks.
- Collaboration: While collaboration is encouraged, students should ensure clarity on the boundaries of group work versus individual contributions and adhere to instructor guidelines.
- Responsible Conduct in Research: Students involved in research must follow ethical guidelines, including obtaining necessary approvals, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring the welfare of research participants.
- Respectful Discourse: Students are expected to engage in respectful discussions, acknowledge diverse viewpoints, and foster a constructive academic environment.
- Reporting Violations: Students are responsible for reporting any suspected violations of academic integrity to the appropriate university authorities.
- Compliance with University Policies: Adherence to all university policies regarding academic conduct is mandatory.
- Consequences of Violations: Students should be aware that violations of the academic ethics code may result in disciplinary actions, including academic penalties, suspension, or expulsion.
Behavioural Expectations
The University of Fort Hare emphasises several behavioural expectations for its students to foster a respectful and productive academic environment.
- Respect for Individuals: Students are expected to treat fellow students, faculty, and staff with dignity and respect, recognizing each person’s inherent worth.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: The code promotes an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics.
- Engagement and Participation: Participation in classes, discussions, and university activities is encouraged to enhance learning and community involvement.
- Responsibility: Students should take responsibility for their actions, meet deadlines, and manage their time effectively.
- Communication: Open and respectful communication with faculty, staff, and peers is vital for a positive academic experience.
- Civil Behavior: Students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue and debate, maintaining a respectful tone even in disagreements.
- Community Standards: Respecting university property and the rights of others is emphasized, reinforcing a collective responsibility for maintaining a positive campus environment.
- Adherence to Policies: Familiarity with and adherence to university policies, including those related to conduct, academic standards, and student rights and responsibilities.
- Reporting and Accountability: The code outlines procedures for reporting disrespectful behaviour and the consequences for violations, ensuring accountability and support for those affected.
Use of University Facilities and Resources
The University of Fort Hare provides resources and facilities for the entire student community, and it is every student’s responsibility to ensure that their fellow and future students have access to these facilities, too. Following a code of conduct ensures all stakeholders benefit from these resources and facilities.
- Respect and care: Students must treat all university property and resources with respect and care, ensuring they remain in good condition for the benefit of the entire university community.
- Authorised use only: University property and resources for academic, research, and university-approved activities and unauthorised or personal use is prohibited.
- Academic purpose: Use university resources, including facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure, solely for educational, research, or other university-sanctioned purposes.
- Compliance with policies: Adhere to all relevant university policies, including those concerning information technology, library use, and facility access.
- Avoiding damage or loss: Students must not engage in any activity that could damage, steal, or lose university property.
- Access control: You may only access facilities, systems, or equipment for which you have received proper authorisation. Sharing access credentials (e.g., ID cards and passwords) is strictly forbidden.
- Respect for facilities: Destruction, vandalism, or defacement of university property is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
- Misuse of equipment: Misusing laboratory, library, IT, or other equipment for purposes other than those intended is not allowed.
- Illegal use: Do not use university property or resources for activities that violate laws, including copyright infringement, hacking, or distribution of prohibited materials.
- Network use: Students must not engage in activities that disrupt the university network, such as installing unauthorised software or executing harmful scripts.
- Data protection: Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data and avoid unauthorised access or sharing of university information.
- Copyright compliance: Respect intellectual property rights when using university software, library databases, or other licensed resources.
- Report issues: Notify university authorities promptly if any property is damaged, malfunctioning, or misused.
- Accountability: Students may be held financially responsible for repairing or replacing damaged or lost university property.
Residence Policies
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) offers accommodation to students who share residences with their peers. Living together can be challenging and requires consideration and respect to keep life conflict-free and running smoothly. A strict, enforceable code of conduct must be followed to ensure the best living standards and maintain an environment conducive to studying.
- Alcohol and drugs (including marijuana) are prohibited in university residences.
- No smoking is allowed in the residence, residence rooms, or public areas; doing so will have dire consequences. (Look for a designated area suitable for your needs.)
- Noise is forbidden in residences. Any kind of noise (radio, CD player) should be played within the boundaries of a student’s room with the door closed, and it should not disturb the roommate.
- Visitors are only permitted to sleep over on weekends, at most two days (Friday and Saturday). The roommate should be informed and agree to that in advance.
- Visitors are always recorded; security will do the recording.
- Students should always produce student cards, and no students should provide them.
- A visitor must always be signed in/out by the person visited.
- No visitors after 23h00; during weekdays, no visitor should be at university premises (residences).
- A visitor is signed in between 7am and 23h00 on weekdays and weekends.
- Visitors are not allowed to use residence facilities, such as the TV room, kitchen, study room, and computer labs (if available).
- No cooking is allowed in the residence rooms under any circumstances. Cooking is only allowed in the residences in designated areas. Cooking appliances, particularly stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators, are prohibited.
- No student should sleep with a boyfriend(s) or girlfriend(s) in the presence of another student. That is an abomination.” This act will lead to an instant dismissal, expulsion, or suspension from residence.
- Squatting is prohibited: failure to comply means a student will automatically forfeit his/her room.
- Unregistered students will not be able to acquire a residence in future, and no registered students will be handed over to Saps for trespassing.
- Pregnant students will vacate university residences on the 32nd week of their pregnancy. This is non-negotiable.
- Every student should be responsible for university property and handle it with care. (If you brake, you pay.)
- Kitchens/bathrooms should always be kept clean clean after messing up.
- No fat/food should be thrown in the sinks. (These are meant for cleaning of teeth and face wash).
- Toilets should be flushed after use.
- No water/refuse should be thrown through windows/balconies under any circumstances; there are consequences for any misconduct.
- Parties are not allowed in residence.
- The university has no obligation to provide parking for students.
- Student cards should always be carried.
- No babies/toddlers are allowed in residences under any circumstances.
- Students are responsible for University property in the Residence and in their rooms and for keeping their rooms neat and tidy.
- Unless otherwise reported, damage to University property within a student’s room will be charged to the student.
- No furniture or other items on the stock register shall be removed from a student’s room.
- All missing items per stock register will be charged to the student’s account.
- Any University items brought into a student’s room without a permit from the source department/section may render the occupant liable for disciplinary procedures.
- Common room and TV room furniture should be handled carefully, and cushions and chairs shall not be removed.
- Students possessing permitted electrical appliances may connect these to wall plugs only.
- No installation that is likely to damage the building structure will be permitted. This includes antennae, satellite dishes, electric wiring, air conditioners, etc.
- Giving or lending a student card to another student or any other person or outsider for his personal use in or outside the University is strictly prohibited.
Student Discipline
The office of Student Discipline is under the Legal and Governance division within the Registrar’s office and is responsible for the protection of both students’ rights as well as the rules and regulations of the institution itself. The University’s discipline philosophy is inextricably wound with its mission to provide quality education to its students.
In the spirit of serving the public good and furthering education, the University is committed to using its rules primarily as an educative process and not primarily for a punitive process. The office strives to promote a learning environment that is safe, positive and in which the rights of all members of the campus community are respected.
If a student has contravened the rules, the disciplinary hearing is established, and its intention is inquisitorial rather than adversarial. The main objective of the hearing is to uncover the truth through the active participation of the Student Discipline Committee (SDC) instead of the SDC acting as a referee between legal representatives.
The Legal and Governance office is open for student advice regarding rules, regulations, and procedures for student complaints.
The legal office can be contacted on the following details:
Mrs Nokuthula Ndlovu
E-mail: ndlovu@ufh.ac.za
Alice Campus: 040 602 2236
East London Campus: 043 704 7154
Ms. Thabile Ndlazi
E-mail: tndlazi@ufh.ac.za
Alice Campus: 040 602 2236
East London Campus: 043 704 7671
Mr. Sikhokele Mvubu
E-mail: smvubu@ufh.ac.za
Alice Campus: 040 602 2236
East London Campus: 043 704 7671
Student Responsibilities
- in letter and in spirit, the rules of the University and the laws of the country
- ethical treatment of people, animals and the environment
- ethical use of resources and property
- ethical practices, including fulfilling obligations of teaching, learning, fair and accountable assessment, research and supervision
- plagiarism and all forms of intellectual dishonesty
- favouritism and nepotism
- violation of confidentiality
- abuse of power
- human rights and social responsibility
- equity and equal opportunity
- academic freedom and freedom of expression trustworthiness
- Integrity
- fairness
- courtesy
Respectful conduct is imperative to prevent:
- discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, health status or any category as defined in the Constitution
- sexual, racial or other forms of harassment
- disrespect for persons and property
- transparency
- inclusivity
- accountability
- good practice
- mutual responsibility for the maintenance of an ethos and environment conducive to safety, security, health and wellbeing
- misuse of personal and University information and property and the name of the University
- improper financial dealings and improper conflicts of interest
- practices threatening safety, security, health or wellbeing
- actions which impinge on the rights of others
Student Rights
Student rights refer to the legal and ethical entitlements and protections afforded to students in educational settings. These rights ensure fairness, equality, and safety while balancing the educational institution’s needs:
- Freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status
- The right to Privacy Protection of personal information.
- Confidentiality of grades, disciplinary records, and other sensitive information.
- The right to express opinions, beliefs, and ideas without fear of punishment, provided it does not disrupt the educational environment.
- Protection from harassment, bullying, and physical harm
- Fair treatment in disciplinary actions, including the right to be informed of accusations and the opportunity to defend oneself
- Appeal processes for disciplinary decisions
- The ability to explore ideas and express intellectual curiosity without censorship
- Fair assessment based on academic performance, not a personal bias
- The right to participate through opportunities to join student organisations, clubs, or extracurricular activities.
- The ability to participate in governance or decision-making processes affecting students (e.g. student representative councils)
- Protection against retaliation for reporting misconduct or discrimination
- Fair evaluation with grading and academic evaluations based on clear, consistent, and reasonable standards
Community Engagement Guidelines
As University representatives and students engaged in community involvement activities, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and responsibility. This Code of Conduct guides behaviour and attitudes that promote positive community relationships and reflect the University’s values.
- Treat all community members with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
- Be sensitive to cultural differences and practices, demonstrating inclusivity and appreciation for diversity.
- Act with honesty and integrity in all interactions and activities.
- Avoid any form of exploitation, discrimination, harassment, or behaviour that could harm individuals or the community.
- Represent the University truthfully and avoid misusing its name, logo, or resources.
- Be responsible and accountable by fulfilling all commitments made to the community and upholding the trust placed in you.
- Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for all activities or engagements.
- Take responsibility for personal actions and their consequences, including rectifying any harm caused.
- Maintain a professional demeanour in all communication and interactions
- Adhere to the guidelines and expectations of the community project or partner organisation.
- Dress appropriately for the setting and activity, respecting cultural norms.
- Abide by all local, national, and international laws while engaged in community activities.
- Follow the university’s policies and procedures, as well as the rules of any partner organisation or host community.
- Approach community involvement with a spirit of service, collaboration, and mutual learning.
- Listen actively to the community’s needs and perspectives.
- Contribute to sustainable and meaningful outcomes, avoiding actions that could create dependency or undermine community autonomy.
- Promote and practice environmentally sustainable behaviours.
- Minimise waste and respect the natural environment of the host community.
- Protect confidential information.
