Academic Catalog

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

At the University of Dubai (UD), the educational process is a collaborative venture between the university as the education provider and students as the recognized beneficiaries. Without the intentional engagement of students, little, if any, learning will take place.

 

Student Rights

Freedom of Expression

This includes the right to express or disseminate information and ideas, as well as the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas. The University highly praises the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition, or appeal, and promotes a balanced and respectful debate. With this privilege comes a responsibility on the part of students to refrain from any debate that may cause or promote hatred, bigotry, discrimination, harassment, distress to any of the University community members and University visitors. In addition, students must respect the laws and conventions of the UAE and Islamic values.

 

Free Speech in Cyberspace

Students have the right to express themselves on technology platforms and social media such as email, blogs, creating webpages or hosting a chat room. These platforms, however, must be regulated by the University to ensure that no abuse or profane language is used.

Dress Code Students have the right to dress as they wish if they conform to the standards stipulated by the dress code of the University of Dubai. Inappropriate clothing includes:

1. Revealing clothes that expose the student’s back, shoulders, chest, stomach, navel, or cleavage.

2. See-through clothing, or those intended to be worn as undergarments that reveal any body parts or give the same impression.

3. T-shirts that carry inappropriate, provocative, or offensive phrases, slogans, words, or pictures

4. Tops with spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, tube blouses, halter tops or muscle shirts.

5. Dresses, shorts, skirts, or other attire that is above the knee.

6. Apparel with revealing holes, rips or tears that are revealing.

 

General Provisions

If a student violates the guidelines stated in this policy, the UD faculty or staff have the right to send the student home to change his/her outfit. In such a case, the student will be considered absent. If the student continues to violate the UD dress code guidelines set in this policy considering earlier advice by the UD faculty/staff or security, the student may be subject to disciplinary action. (See policy 6.11)

 

Freedom of Religion

Students have the right to practice their religion individually so long it does not disrupt educational activities or interfere with the rights of others.

 

Student Clubs

Students have the right to form clubs and organizations that may be academic or non- academic in nature, but which promote camaraderie and congeniality among the members. The formation of clubs and organizations is regulated by the Department of Student Services.

 

Learning Environment

Students are entitled to have access to faculty offices (during office hours), classrooms, laboratories, the library, all types of available academic technology, as well as open presentations, and other resources necessary for the learning process.

 

Equal Protection and Discrimination

All students have the right to equal protection. This means students have the right to be free from discrimination at UD. No student may be denied an equal educational opportunity or discriminated against because of:

  • Race
  • National origin
  • Religion 
  • Color 
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Economic status
  • Physical, intellectual or sensory handicap 

 

Harassment

Harassment based on age, gender, race, color, national origin, disability, or religion is a type of discrimination and is prohibited. Students must report any form of harassment immediately to the Department of Student Services for immediate action. Harassment can come in various forms, including:

  • Assaults or unwanted touching
  • Theft or vandalism 
  • Threats of bodily injury
  • Unwanted sexual advances 
  • Derogatory comments, slurs, or gestures

 

Right to Privacy

Students have the right to have their academic and medical records kept confidential. UD is not permitted to share any of this information unless prior written consent is given by the student. 

 

Searches on Campus and Law Enforcement

A. Searches on Campus

Different rules apply when a student is on campus, and the rules are different depending on who is doing the searching – university officials or law enforcement personnel. A search by a UD official is considered reasonable if the official has a reasonable suspicion that the search might uncover evidence that a student has violated a university rule. To conduct a search, a police officer requires a search warrant. Students have the right not to give their consent for a search, however, the primary objective of reaching a resolution must be the utmost consideration when deciding whether to cooperate or not.

B. Drugs

Using and bringing drugs on campus is prohibited. Students have the right to report any suspicious activity to UD management for their own safety and security and for that of others. 70 17.1.11 Students’ Records: Privacy and Access Students have the right to privacy and are allowed access to their academic and personal reports and records, such as academic grades, disciplinary actions, attendance records, test scores and health records. In certain cases, UD may disclose students’ records without prior consent to third parties such as:

  • School officials who have “legitimate educational interests.”
  • Legal authorities in compliance with a court order. 
  • Financial aid providers who have requested financial records. 
  • Accreditation bodies.
  • Potential employers.

 

The Right to Education

Students have the freedom to study subjects that concern them and to form conclusions for themselves and express their opinions.

 

Class Attendance

The student has the right to be informed about the UD attendance policy and how to follow up on his attendance status on a regular basis.

 

Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

Each student subject to disciplinary action arising from violations of the UD Code of Conduct is assured a fundamentally fair process. Students are obliged to respect and obey UD rules and policies while on campus or when representing UD in the community. UD respects all students’ fundamental rights, including the right to free speech and freedom of religion. 

  • Before UD can expel or discipline a student for violating its rules, the student has the right to “due process,” or fair procedures. This means, except in emergencies/extenuating circumstances, before a student is excluded from class, suspended, or expelled, a student has the right to know what he/she is accused of doing and what rule he/she is accused of breaking.
  • A student also has the right to an opportunity to tell his/her side of the story. When the disciplinary actions are more severe, such as a long-term suspension or expulsion, a student has the right to a more formal hearing process where he/she can present his/her case and challenge the disciplinary actions UD wants to impose.

 

Students’ Responsibilities

Along with rights come certain responsibilities, academic and non- academic integrity are essential part of student responsibilities.

 

Academic Responsibilities

  1. Students play an important active role in the creation of a high-quality education environment. They cannot be passive, nor can their participation be superficial.
  2. The outcomes of the learning process in the form of projects, assignments, papers, presentations, examinations, and other demonstrations of learning should show clear evidence of significant student engagement.
  3. In-depth learning requires performance over time and continued accumulation of knowledge and skills. Short-term experiences and engagement with the subject matter should not make up the whole of students' experiences.
  4. Students need to acknowledge their responsibilities to their fellow students by actively participating in group learning experiences.
  5. Students who fail to shoulder the above responsibilities and take up challenging tasks are considered inappropriate for the purpose of fulfilling the course learning objectives.

 

Non-academic Responsibilities

  1. Students at UD are expected to act consistently with the values and ethics of the university community and to obey local and federal laws of the country.
  2. Students are responsible for exercising their freedom with honesty, integrity, and respect for the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
  3. Every student is responsible for abiding by all UD policies.
  4. Every student is responsible for contributing to making / maintaining UD community safe and respectful.
  5. Students are expected to be individually responsible for their actions whether acting individually or in a group. UD considers that students have an obligation to make legal and responsible decisions concerning their conduct, to serve as model and convey UD’s expectations of conduct to external guests.
  6. Every student is responsible to learn and obey all health and safety procedures outlined for classrooms, laboratories, and off campus activities.
  7. Students are responsible for activating their UD email accounts and to read emails directed to their UD email accounts, and for the responsible use of available on-campus technology.

 

UD Code of Conduct

The University of Dubai (UD) is keen to ensure a university culture characterized by intellectual and personal honesty, social integration, ethical behavior, and respect for the rights of the individual. UD also expects its students to be self-disciplined in both their approach to studying and in their general conduct and behavior. The UD Code of Conduct is designed to promote this culture at UD and hence sets out the standard of conduct.

 

Code of Conduct During Examinations

A student whose absence from a particular course reaches 25% or more does not qualify to take any exams thereafter. Duties of qualifying students inside the exam hall include:

a) Students are supposed to enter the exam hall 10 minutes before the start of the exam so that they may start on time. Students who arrive late, but before the exam’s half-way point, will be allowed to take the exam. However, no extra time will be allowed for late comers. Students are not permitted to enter the exam hall after the half-way point (from the official starting time).

b) Students must present their UD Identification Card (or any official/authentic photo ID) when signing to record their attendance at the exam. A student who fails to show an appropriate form of photo identification is not permitted to take the exam.

c) Students are not allowed to leave the exam hall before the halfway point of the exam.

d) Mobile phones are strictly prohibited during mid-term and final exams (including make-up exams). Any telephone seen during any of these exams will result in an (F) in the course, with no question, reason or even investigation.

e) Students must carry their own calculators for exams that require the use of calculators. Students caught borrowing or lending calculators during exams will fail the course.

f) Students are not permitted to wear a sun hat (baseball cap) during the exams. Anyone refusing to take off their hat when requested to do so will be dismissed from the exam room.

g) Prayer during exams is not allowed.

h) Students are not permitted to go to the bathroom during exams unless they can produce a medical report to prove there is a genuine medical reason for them to be allowed to do so.

i) All kinds of digital or electronic diaries, dictionaries and advanced calculators with text saving options are forbidden in the exam hall.

j) Students must not bring notebooks, textbooks, and/or class materials into the exam hall.

k) Students must not violate the examination code of conduct and must adhere to the instructions received from the invigilators, including being asked to change seats.

Any actions such as talking, whispering, looking at other students, or any cheating or attempts to cheat will not be tolerated and will result in sanctions as shown in sections Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct.

 

Code of Conduct During Internship

The interns are expected to act in a professional and ethical manner that makes the employer want to host interns from UD in the future. The Code of Conduct for the Internship Program is set to specifically address the issues and concerns regarding the behavior and attitude of interns during their internship program. Interns are expected to always act in a professional manner and must abide by the rules, policies and procedures of the University of Dubai, the host company and the city/country of work placement. Failure to adhere to the stipulations in this Code of Conduct shall result in either revoking one’s internship and/or academic suspension or probation.

  • Work Ethics
  • Absenteeism - Students are allowed a maximum of 5 days (excused) absence due to any of the following reasons:

1. An accident (involving the student) to be supported by a police report.

2. Student accompanying the parent/family member for medical treatment/ emergency supported by the patient’s medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health.

3. A sickness condition supported by medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health.

4. A death of an immediate family member supported by the death certificate. (A family member refers to father, mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, grandparent, cousin, niece, and nephew).

5. Any other absence(s) beyond the above stated 5 days will automatically result in a grade of “F” irrespective of the reasons.

  • Tardiness - Students are expected to be always punctual. However, following situations are unavoidable and can be excused:

1. An emergency/life and death situation for which the student must submit supporting documents duly attested by the concerned agencies (e.g. police report, medical certificates etc. as stated in 1 above)

2. Interns who will be late must inform their field supervisors at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled work.

3. Any unexcused tardiness of more than 5 times is equivalent to 1 day of absence.

  • Compliance - Interns are expected to always comply with the field supervisor’s instructions. This ensures a smooth workflow and a productive transfer of knowledge and learning experience. Acts of disobedience and abandonment of internship post will be seriously regarded and result in failing the internship program. 

1. Interns are expected to always be in their best professional behavior/conduct/appearance during the internship program as they represent the University of Dubai.

2. Interns must familiarize, adhere, and comply with the set rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the host company, the University of Dubai, the directives set forth by the Internship and Career Development Center, and the assigned Academic Supervisors.

3. Interns must display initiative and foresight to work with minimum supervision and flexibility in a diversified workplace.

4. Interns must be proactive and display strong leadership and team – working skills.

5. Interns must possess good writing, verbal and listening skills.

6. Interns should dress appropriately at work at all times. Some companies require that interns come to work in corporate attire or local dress while others are comfortable with casual clothing. Interns must take note of the dress code of the company so as not to offend or be put in an embarrassing situation.

7. Interns must maintain a highly professional and business – like manner of communication. The use of abusive, vulgar, or profane language is not allowed.

8. The use of illegal drugs, alcohol and weapons is strictly prohibited. Under no circumstance will this be allowed, and anyone caught doing so will be dealt with the corresponding disciplinary action(s).

9. The use of violence, inflicting harm, threatening, and coercing co-workers at the workplace is strictly prohibited.

10. Discourtesy and rudeness whether verbal, physical or visual harassment is not allowed.

11. Any damage, loss, theft, or destruction to property in the workplace is the sole responsibility of the intern. The intern must compensate/indemnify for items lost or damaged be it accidental or intentional in nature.

12. Conducting personal business over the phone, internet or email is not allowed unless doing so is part of an assigned internship task wherein prior approval by the field supervisor has been given.

13. Engaging in acts of impropriety, personal and/or sexual harassments in the workplace is absolutely prohibited.

  • Academic Honor Code - Participating in the Internship Program requires dedication and commitment on the part of the students. Students are expected to approach their internship with an openness to learn, grow, develop, and take criticism in a positive manner to successfully complete the Internship.

 

Code of Conduct during the Program (including Internship)

Program students must adhere to the stipulations of the Code of Conduct and refrain from practicing any of the following acts:

  • Plagiarism is:

o Submitting paperwork that is not of your own without proper referencing the source.

  • Cheating is:

o Submitting the work of others and claiming it as your own.

o A person assisting the person in the act of cheating is also guilty of the same offense.

o Fabrication is falsifying or inventing any information, data or citation that was not gathered in accordance with the standard guidelines.

o Bribery.

o Tampering/falsifying of records, certificates, and official documents.

o Disciplinary Action - If a student violates the Internship Code of Conduct, a written report will be required from the Academic Supervisor and the Director of Student and Alumni Affairs. This report will be submitted to the UD Investigation Committee who in turn will investigate and submit its recommendation to the university President.

  • The following disciplinary actions shall be implemented for violating the Internship Code of Conduct:

1. Warning Letter - For first time violations, a warning letter is sent to the intern clearly specifying that any repetition whether of the same offense or not, will be dealt with a more severe sanction / disciplinary action.

2. Withdrawal and Failure from the Internship Program - Intern is withdrawn from the internship depending on the following severity of the case: 

o Repetition of the same violation.

o Resulting in the defamation of the University’s reputation.

 

Jurisdiction on the Code of Student Conduct

  • University disciplinary action(s) for violation(s) of the UD Code of Conduct will be enforced on/at:
  • University controlled property.
  • University-sponsored activities either on UD premises or off-campus.
  • Functions or events organized by university-sponsored organizations or recognized student organizations.

 

Library Code of Conduct

  • No user may mark, mutilate, or annotate books, and any marking or damage found must be reported to the librarian at the time of check-out.
  • Patrons shall normally be responsible, in whole or in part, for any damage caused to library materials, equipment, furniture or the premises in general.
  • The borrower is responsible for the material checked-out on his/her ID card. 
  • Students who do not abide by the library’s code will face appropriate disciplinary actions. 
  • Patrons must comply with the provision of any relevant legislation, such as laws relating to intellectual property rights, including copyright.
  • Patrons must comply with the terms of any license agreement between the university and a third party, which governs photocopying, and the use of software and access to data.

 

IT Resources Code of Conduct

  • All the users of the IT facilities, whether accessed locally or through the internet, are governed by code of ethics:
  • Users must not use IT facilities for games, chatting, downloading unacceptable material, storing non-academic material or any other personal material (such as personal advertising), creating, exchanging, displaying, or publicizing offensive and libelous statements. Social and moral practices in the UAE must be observed by all users.
  • No equipment may be removed from the University without prior written permission from the administration. 
  • Users must take all precautions to avoid causing corruption of data in the system.
  • Users must not deliberately modify or change the integrity of the online services and facilities of the University.
  • Users must not remove or modify information stored in the system.  It is the responsibility of users to ensure that they are computer literate and familiar with the IT equipment available. 
  • Users are responsible for charges incurred using the IT facilities other than those offered by UD. These may include buying books from Amazon.com, or subscribing to e-journals and e-books, buying other goods electronically, sending faxes etc. 
  • The university disclaims any responsibility for loss of data, and/or its corruption due to malfunctioning of equipment, or power cuts while working etc. 
  • When downloading information from remote sites users must take all reasonable precautions not to infringe the copyright laws of the UAE.
  • Any violation of this code of ethics will be dealt with in accordance with the UD disciplinary policy.

 

Breach of the UD Code of Conduct:

Disciplinary Sanctions Student violations will be referred to the SIC committee who will in turn recommend appropriate disciplinary sanctions. A sanction refers to a decision made by the SIC in response to any student action not in compliance with the Code of Student Conduct and which is thus considered a violation. Sanctions should be proportionate to the nature, severity, and regularity of the violation(s). These sanctions may fall into one or more categories, as described in section 21. Students with repeat offenses receive higher penalties.

Any evidence related to the violation(s) must be kept with the SIC committee till the release of the SIC report (including cheat sheets …). If a student manages to hide the instrument used for cheating, or the invigilator suspects there has been a possible violation but can’t see the instrument used, then the invigilator has the right to privately frisk the suspected student. This may be done only in the presence of a witness, and both must be of the same gender as the student. For all such cases, a hearing must be held to hear all parties involved and to recommend disciplinary action, if deemed appropriate, according to the outlined UD procedures. An informal resolution may be achieved when the violation is minor and can be resolved between the respondent and a faculty/Dean/Director.