When there is reasonable evidence that a student has committed a disciplinary offence, or when such misconduct comes to the attention of the Head of the Academic Unit, disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated without delay in accordance with these Regulations. Cases involving students from multiple academic units or other appropriate circumstances shall be handled by the President of the University.
Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted by an InvestigationCommittee appointed by the President or the Head of the Academic Unit, as applicable. The Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, members, and a Secretary, and shall complete its investigation within sixty (60) days from the date the Chairperson receives the appointment order.
The President or the Head of the Academic Unit may impose disciplinary sanctions without appointing an Investigation Committee where:
the accused student has submitted a written confession; or
the student has been convicted by a final court judgment and sentenced to imprisonment without suspension, or to a more severe penalty, except in cases involving negligence or petty offences.
The Investigation Committee shall gather evidence relating to the alleged misconduct, invite the accused student and relevant persons to provide statements or explanations, and submit a report with recommendations to the authorized decision-maker.
Rights of a Student Accused of a Disciplinary Offence:
(1) The right to be informed of the appointment of the Investigation Committee, the right to object to committee members, and the procedures for such objection.
(2) The right to be informed of the allegations, the disciplinary charges, and available supporting evidence,
as well as the right to present explanations and evidence in defense.
(3) The right to submit oral or written explanations, together with supporting evidence, within fifteen (15)
days from the date of notification of the charges.
(4) The right to be accompanied during the investigation by a trusted advisor or legal counsel.
(5) The right to appeal a disciplinary sanction within thirty (30) days from the date of receiving, or being deemed to have received, notification of the disciplinary order.
Any student who has been subjected to a disciplinary sanction and considers that such order is incorrect, inappropriate, or unjust shall have the right to appeal in accordance with the criteria and procedures prescribed in these Regulations. During the appeal process, the disciplinary sanction shall remain in effect. The right of appeal is strictly personal and shall not be exercised on behalf of another person, nor may it be delegated to another person.
An appeal against a disciplinary order shall be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Appeals and Grievances Committee. The appeal shall contain essential information, including the facts and grounds of appeal demonstrating why the order is alleged to be incorrect, inappropriate, or unfair; the student’s affiliated unit and address; and the student’s signature. The appeal may alternatively be submitted using the prescribed appeal form.
Appeals shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Appeals and Grievances Committee by one of the following methods:
(1) Direct submission to the designated officer.
(2) Registered mail with return receipt requested.
(3) Electronic mail in accordance with University announcements.
Rights of the Appellant Student
(1) The right to make an oral statement during the consideration of the Appeals and Grievances Committee,
provided that such intention is indicated in the appeal letter or submitted separately in writing;
(2) The right to inspect, request copies of, or obtain records of witness statements, evidence, or other relevant documents;
(3) The right to withdraw the appeal during the consideration process of the Appeals and Grievances Committee by submitting a written request to the Chairperson through the Committee Secretary. Upon withdrawal, the appeal process shall be deemed terminated;
(4) The right to have a trusted advisor or legal counsel present during the appeal proceedings together with
the appellant student.
If, upon consideration, the Appeals and Grievances Committee finds that the disciplinary order is appropriate and justified, it shall uphold the disciplinary order. If it finds that the order is incorrect, inappropriate, or unjust, it may amend or revoke the order accordingly, or take any other action deemed necessary to ensure fairness and compliance with the law, as appropriate in each case. The Committee shall notify the appellant of its decision in writing without delay. If the appellant is a minor, the lawful guardian shall also be notified.
