Character-Development-Program.docx
- 1. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT A. PREAMBLE PECIT is a community of students, faculty, staff and administrators. As community, it recognizes the need to establish a code of conduct that contains rules and regulations that promote growth and development, guide student actions, and define sanctions that will be imposed when rules and regulations are violated. For the benefit of the community at large, these regulations limit certain behaviors and activities. They also protect the academic integrity, health, welfare, safety, rights and property of the institution. Any student whose conduct violates this will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion. Ultimate authority for student discipline is vested in the Board of Trustees of PECIT. Disciplinary authority is delegated to the Head of Student Affairs in consultation with the School Administrators as Head of Academic Affairs as set forth in policies, rules, or regulations adopted by the board. B. RATIONALE The primary purpose for the imposition of discipline in the college setting is to protect the campus community. Consistent with that purpose, reasonable efforts will be made to foster the personal, educational and social development of those students who are held accountable for violations of school regulations. The purpose of publishing is to give students general notice of prohibited behavior. C. INHERENT AUTHORITY The PECIT reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community. Such action may include taking disciplinary action against those students whose behavior off school premises indicates that they pose a substantial danger to others. D. PURPOSE OF THE DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM People grow and mature in communities. Living in a community requires depending upon the knowledge, integrity and decency of others. In turn, PECIT as a community help students mold habits and values that will enable them to achieve the highest personal satisfaction, including the satisfaction associated with helping to make a better community. E. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY 1. Discrimination Right: No student shall be subject to discrimination on the grounds of age, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in any activity sponsored by the school on or off the school grounds. Responsibility: Students shall not engage in discrimination against other students or faculty members. Every student shall treat all members of the school community with respect and courtesy.
- 2. 2. Freedom of Expression and Inquiry Right: Students have fundamental freedom of expression and inquiry. Such freedom is protected in order to build a community dedicated to the pursuit of truth, grounded in respect for diversity and civil discourse. Responsibility: Students must express themselves in a civil and lawful manner that does not substantially disrupt the operation of the college, or interfere with the right of others. 3. Academic Integrity Right: Students have the right to expect a learning environment where academic integrity is valued and respected. Responsibility: Students are responsible for demonstrating academic integrity and shall not engage in or condone acts of academic dishonesty. 4. Freedom of Association Right: Students have the right to freedom of association. Responsibility: Students are responsible for respecting the rights of others to freedom of association. When assembling and expressing their views, students must do so in a manner which does not substantially disrupt the educational process or the operations of the college. 5. Freedom from Arbitrary and Capricious Grading Right: Students have the right to be free from arbitrary or capricious grading, and to seek appropriate review of legitimate grievances. Responsibility: Students are responsible for achieving reasonable standards of performance and behavior established for each course. 6. Right of Privacy Right: Students have rights to privacy, inspection and challenge of their educational records, as provided by the private law of the education system. Responsibility: Students have responsibility to respect the established privacy rights of others, including the privacy of educational records belonging to other students. 7. Freedom of the Press Right: Students may publish news and commentary in accordance with established standards. Responsibility: Students should not misuse college property (Including computer resources) or the college name for unauthorized purposes. Students are responsible for adhering to pertinent laws, including laws regarding
- 3. obscenity, invasion of privacy, prohibited harassment, and threats of violence. Students shall adhere established standards of journalistic ethics, including a commitment to honest reporting, and a responsibility to allow diverse views to be heard. 8.Freedom of Speech Rights: Students have the right to be free from unlawful intimidation or coercion, including sexual harassment. Responsibility: Students have responsibility to encourage a diversity of views, and to follow democratic procedures designed to create a climate of reasoned discourse and action. 9. Freedom from Harassment Right: Students have the right to be free from unlawful intimidation or coercion, including sexual harassment. Responsibility: Students are responsible for respecting the rights of others to be free from unlawful intimidation or coercion, including sexual harassment. PROCEDURAL PROTECTIONS FOR STUDENTS 10. Students accused of disciplinary violations are entitled to the following procedural protections: a. To be informed by the Head of Students Affairs of the charges against them, and the identity of the complaint. b. To be allowed to request an informal resolution of the case. c. To hear and respond to evidence upon which a charge is based. d. To call and engage relevant witnesses. e. To b e assured of confidentiality. f. To be allowed to request that any person conducting a disciplinary conference, or serving as a hearing officer, inhibit on the ground of personal bias as determined by Head of Student Affairs and School Administration. g. To be considered innocent of the charges until proven responsible by clear and convincing evidence. 11. Primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class, or dismissal on disciplinary grounds, must be proceeded by a hearing or disciplinary conference. 12.Academic integrity is a core institutional value at PECIT. Students, faculty, administrators and staff have the right to expect a learning environment where academic integrity is valued and respected. To protect that right, it is essential that faculty address academic integrity issues when an incident is first identified, e.g., cheating, fabrication, facilitation and/or plagiarism. The faculty member may assign a grade sanction and will inform the student in writing.
- 4. a. The student may appeal the findings and sanctions to the Head of Student Affairs in writing within three (3) business days of notification of the sanction. If the student appeals, the imposition of the sanction will be delayed until the appeal process is complete. Violations and make recommendations to the Head of Academic Affairs. The Head, Student Affairs will inform the faculty member of the status of the appeal in writing. b. The School Administrator may accept, reject, or modify the recommendations and within seven (7) working days of receipt of these recommendations, will inform the student, the faculty member in writing of the decision. At this point the faculty member will make any necessary grade adjustment. c. The School Administrator’s decision is final except when the sanction is suspension or expulsion. In this case, within seven (7) working days of notification of the decision, the student will have the right to appeal to the Board of Trustees. 13. PECIT except that its student will adhere to high standards of good citizenship. The following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Head of Student Affairs and the School Administrator: a. Intentionally or reckless causing physical harm to any person on school premises or at School – sponsored activities. b. Sexual assault or sexual harassment, as defined in School regulations. c. Unauthorized use, possession or storage of any weapon on school premises or at school – sponsored activities. d. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency on school premises or at school – sponsored activities. e. Any act or omission committed on or off campus that constitutes a serious criminal offense. A serious criminal offense indicates that the student constitutes a substantial and continuing danger to the safety or property of the college or members of the campus community. f. Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code. g. Unauthorized distribution or possession for purposes of distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug on school premises or at school – sponsored activities. h. Soliciting, making, possessing, or using any forged, altered, or falsified identification on school premises, or at school – sponsored activities; soliciting, making, possessing, or using any forged, altered, or falsified school documents, on or off – campus. i. Intentionally interfering with the freedom of expression of others on school premises or at school – sponsored activities. j. Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, facilitation, and fabrication. k. Theft of property or of service on college premises or at college-sponsored activities; knowing possession of stolen property on college premises or at college – sponsored activities. SANCTIONS 14. Sanctions that may be imposed for any violations of this Code include: a. Warning: notice, orally or in writing, that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct may be cause for additional disciplinary action. b. Censure: a written reprimand for violation of specified regulations, including a warning that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct may be cause for additional disciplinary action. c. Restitution: repayment to the school or to an affected party for damages resulting from a violation of this Code.
- 5. d. Disciplinary Probation: exclusion from participation in privileged or extra – curricular institutional activities for a specified period of time. Additional restrictions or conditions may also be imposed. Violations of the terms of disciplinary probation, or any other e. Suspension: exclusion from school premises, and other privileges or activities, as set forth in the suspension notice. f. Expulsion: permanent termination of students status, and exclusion from college premises, privileges and activities. g. Other Sanctions: other sanctions may be imposed instead of, or in addition to, those specified in other sections. h. Academic Dishonesty: the standard penalty for an act of academic dishonesty is a failure in the course. Lesser sanctions that may be imposed include the following: a reduction in the grade in the course; a reduction in grade for an assignment, exam, or project; repetition of an assignment and/or a written warning. 15. Repeated or aggravated violations of any section of this Code may also result in expulsion or suspension or in the imposition of such lesser penalties as may be appropriate. 16. Attempts to commit acts prohibited by this Code may be punished to the same extent as completed violations. 17. Students subject to expulsion or suspension from the school will be entitled to a hearing before an official or a body, appointed in accordance with policies set forth in this Code. Students subject to lesser sanctions will be entitled to a disciplinary conference. 18. The purpose of campus disciplinary proceedings is to provide a fair evaluation of an accused student’s responsibility for violating college regulations. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applied, nor shall deviations from prescribed procedures necessarily invalidate a decision, unless significant prejudice to a student respondent or the college may result. STANDARDS OF DUE PROCESS Offenders shall be required to pay for damages as a result of said violation/s. for other infractions, hereunder are specific penalties; First Offense – 1 week suspension from entering the laboratory. Second Offense – 2 weeks suspension from entering the Laboratory. Third Offense – The student shall be dropped and not be allowed to continue his/her training in that computer subject for the rest of the semester. GRIEVANCE A grievance refers to any controversy between students as the aggrieved party and member of the academic community as respondent that maybe the cause of the complaint. A grievance maybe informal or formal. A grievance made orally is considered informal. Only when a grievance is put in to writing and duly signed that it becomes a formal complaint. An informal grievance should be settled formally following a set of manner a person conducts himself or herself. A grievance may be academic or behavioral, an academic grievance is one that arises from any controversy related to learning or to performance in academic course while a behavioral grievance is one that arises from the manner a person conducts himself or herself. THE Ad-Hoc GRIEVANCE BOARD Principal Function The Ad-Hoc Grievance Board is a quasi-judicial body that hears and decides all grievance cases filed by students, group or class against any member of the faculty brought to the college level in accordance with the defined procedures.
- 6. Composition The Discipline committee shall be composed of the following: The School President VP for Academic Chairman of the Student Discipline The OSAS Head The Chairperson of the Program to which the student belongs. SSG / SSC President Powers The discipline committee exercises the following powers: To define the procedure to be followed in the conduct of its hearings; To summon witnesses or persons whose assistance is needed in arriving at a just and fair decision; To have access to all information and documents relevant to the case; To recommend to the Dean appropriates measures consistent to its finding; and To be fair and objective in hearing the merits of the case without prejudice to either the complainant of the defendant. PROCEDURE IN GRIEVANCE CASES Informal Grievance If the controversy arises, the students are encourage to seek the assistance of the Student Council regarding the process of informal grievances. Students are encouraged to settle it with their respective faculty member through a sincere dialogue. If the concern is not settled through the dialogue between the student and the faculty concerned, the student should approach the Chairperson of the faculty who shall then facilitate a dialogue, to act as mediator and to amicably resolve the matter. To ensure that there is sufficient time to facilitate the dialogue between the student and the faculty concerned, the student should approach the Department Chairperson not later than (3) calendar weeks after the consultation day. If on the last day of filing a formal grievance, the parties concerned have not yet conducted a dialogue, or a dialogue transpired but the issue was not resolved, then the student may already file a formal grievance on that day. Formal Grievance After the informal grievance process has been availed of by the student, and the student decides to pursue the grievance formally, the steps to be taken are as follows: a. Write a complaint against a Faculty Member. b. The student approaches the Student Affairs, College Dean for technical assistance on the requirements and the process of formal grievance. c. Schedule for a dialogue if possible, make amicable settlement.
- 7. Complaint against a Faculty The student files a written complaint with the Program Chair to which the concerned faculty member belongs at anytime during the term, but not later than (4) calendar weeks (28 calendar days) after consultation day. The complaint should be signed by the student and accomplished in 3 copies to be distributed as follows: Original – Chair of the Program One (1) copy – Faculty Member (respondent) One (1) copy – Student File duly received and dated by the Chairperson of the Department (or any representative) A formal complaint should contain the following: The name of the member of the faculty against whom the complaint is filed. A narration of the circumstances surroundings the commission of the act complaint of. The specific action asked for from the faculty member and the College. Original – Department File One (1) copy – Student (Complaint) One (1) copy – Faculty Member (respondent) APPEAL OF CASE Appeal to the Ad-Hoc Grievance Board A party not satisfied with the resolution of the Program Chair may appeal the resolution to the Ad-Hoc Grievance Board, in writing, within (5) days from receipt of the resolution. The appeal shall be taken in accordance with these procedures: The appellant sends a letter to the Dean of the faculty concerned requesting that the Board be convened to hear the grievance complaint. Upon receipt of the letter, the Dean requires the Program Chair Concerned, in writing to immediately forward to the Dean’s Office the complete record of the case which includes the original of the complaint, the answer, the resolution, and other documents related to the case if any. Upon receipt of the complete record of the case, the Dean immediately convenes the Board for the purpose of hearing the case. Sexual Harassment Any complaint on sexual harassment should be handled in accordance with the college policies, rules, and regulations implementing R.A. 7877, otherwise known as the “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act”. The Institution is committed to the prevention of sexual harassment of the student, defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: SCHOOL WIDE DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLAN It is the responsibility of our school to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Behaviors that impede the learning process will not be tolerated. To achieve this type of environment we felt we needed to incorporate the following principles:
- 8. 1. To identify a common set of rules and consequences. 2. To be firm, fair, and consistent. 3. To create a safe and positive learning environment. There are three (3) components of the school wide discipline plan: 1. Rules 2. Positive interventions 3. Consequences The purpose of specifying these components is to: 1. Provide consistent management of students by the teacher 2. Provide specific information regarding expected behavior to the parents 3. Improve social skills and increase appropriate behavior of the students The success of the system depends entirely upon consistent implementation, which includes application of rules, consequences and rewards by the teacher and parents. In order to maximize learning opportunities, create a positive school atmosphere, and teach appropriate school behaviors, all components must be implemented. Specific School Behavioral Guidelines School / Classroom Rules The suggested rules to be appropriate for the classroom. They are applicable to all school activities, levels, and classes: 1. Students are required to wear their uniform properly in entering the school or classrooms 2. Students are required to regularly attend the Monday morning assembly (Flag Ceremony) 3. Students are required to follow school’s signs, directions and classroom’s instructions carefully. 4. Students are expected to be responsible and keep their things to themselves. 5. Students are expected to take responsibility for their actions or choices. 6. Students are expected to show respect others, and school’s / classroom’s properties. 7. Students are required to make the school / classroom neat and clean always. 8. Students are required to dispose their waste into the garbage can properly. 9. Students are required to avoid making disruptive behavior inside and outside the classroom during sessions. 10. Students are required not to cheat during quizzes and examinations. 11. Students are required not to use cell phones and related gadgets inside the classroom during sessions 12. Female students are discouraged from getting pregnant during the duration of their course so as not to disturb or disrupt their attention and concentration on their study. Otherwise, they will be advised to stop. DISCIPLINE REFERRAL PROCESS Major Cases: Immediate disciplinary action by an administrator 1. Abusive / Inappropriate Language 2. Profanity 3. Fighting / Physical Aggression 4. Harassment / Bullying 5. Stealing / Forgery
- 9. 6. Use / Possession of Weapons 7. Property Damage / Destructive to School Property 8. Threats 9. Recurring Level 2 Behavior Minor Cases: Communication with the students, parents, and teacher before involving the administration. 1. Inappropriate Language 2. Physical contact 3. Defiance / Uncooperative (Not obeying the school and classroom rules & Regulation) 4. Disruption 5. Property Misuse 6. Failure to complete work (recurring) 7. Lying / Cheating 8. Public Display of Affection (PDA) 9. Disrespectful Behavior 10. Rude / Discourteous / Excessive Talking 11. Recurring Level 1 Behavior ENGLISH ONLY POLICY FOR BASIC EDUCATION English will be spoken by all teachers and students in all areas of the school throughout the school day from 8:00am to 5:00pm (including breaks). All staff will use English, where practically possible, in office and other support areas, and especially in the presence of students and teaching staff. Exceptions: Foreign language classrooms Talking to prospective parents/visitors Emergency situations/health issues with the School Nurse.