Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures

  1. Purpose and Scope
    • This procedure applies to all students enrolled in a course or programme of studies with MULS (“Course”).
    • It explains the manner in which students are expected to conduct themselves and sets out the applicable disciplinary procedure in case of student misconduct.
  2. Student Code of Conduct (the “Code”)
  • Students are expected to be attentive and to participate in any class discussions.
  • Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times and to show respect and courtesy towards their peers and their tutors, and respect for MULS property and that of others. Students are to categorically refrain from any Misconduct (defined as set out in Section 3 below).
  • Students are to adhere to all academic requirements of the educational programme, including but not limited to: participating in lectures/ tutorials or other guided learning activities, submitting coursework/ assignments on time and adequately preparing for assessments, as necessary.
  • Students are to switch off their mobile phone or put it in silent mode during class times, and refrain from answering any calls unless it is a reasonable emergency.
  • Students are to abide by rules as stated in this
  1. Student Misconduct (“Misconduct”)

Student Misconduct can include, but is not limited to:

  • Academic Misconduct:Plagiarism, cheating, or falsifying records;
  • Behavioural Misconduct:Harassment, disruptive behaviour, threat of bodily harm, actions endangering self or others, theft, harm to property; or
  • Unethical Behaviour: Breach of confidentiality, taking videos or voice recordings without the consent of the person being recorded.
  • General Misconduct: Any other breach of the Code set out in Section 2 hereabove.
  1. Informal Resolution
  • Where appropriate, minor issues shall be resolved through an informal discussion between the teacher and the student, or between a teacher and the students, if the Misconduct involves more than one student, or if it concerns a complaint by one student against another student.
  • If the matter is serious or persistent, it shall be tackled under the formal disciplinary procedure, as set out in Section 5 below.
  1. Formal Disciplinary Procedure
    • Under the formal disciplinary procedure, a student, an MULS staff member, or a teacher (the “Complainant”) can make a formal complaint against a student, as a result of the latter student’s Misconduct (the “Student”). In cases of allegations of severe Misconduct that that lead to the Complainant filing a formal Police report against the Student, regarding an incident occurring during, or otherwise in relation to, the Course, a copy of the said Police report shall serve as the complaint.
    • The Complainant is to forward the complaint to the MULS Deputy Head of School at info@universitylanguageschool.com and the following workflow is triggered:
  • Investigation:The MULS Deputy Head of School shall gather evidence and witness statements from the Complainant, the Student, and any witnesses.
  • Notification:The Student shall be given at least 5 working days’ notice of a disciplinary hearing (the “Hearing”). The Student must receive all evidence being considered and shall have the right to be accompanied by a peer, a trusted friend or a legal advisor.
    • The case will be heard by a Board consisting of three persons to ensure impartiality:
  • A Senior Manager or the CEO as Board chair;
  • A teacher or practitioner not involved in the incident, as Board member; and
  • A staff member from a different department, as Board member;

provided that the above references to ‘Senior Manager’, ‘CEO’, ‘tutor’ and ‘staff’ shall refer to such roles within the MUHC (Malta Univeristy Holding Company Ltd) group of companies and not solely to MULS staff.

  • The Role of the Board:This shall be shall be to review evidence, hear the Student’s version of events, and determine if the allegations are proven on the “balance of probabilities”.
  • Potential Sanctions: Following the hearing, the Board may issue one or more of the following:
  • A Formal Warning: This shall remain on the Student’s file for the duration of the Course;
  • Requirement to Redo any Work or Assessment: Specifically for academic integrity issues;
  • Suspension: Temporary removal from the Course;
  • Expulsion: Permanent removal from the Course without the right to a refund.
    • The Board shall communicate its decision to the Student within (5) working days from the date of the Hearing, outlining the reasons for its decision.
  1. Appeals Process
    • Students have the right to appeal the Board’s decision within seven (7) working days. Appeals must be based on:
  • New evidence that was not available at the time of the Hearing;
  • Evidence of procedural unfairness; or
  • The severity of the sanction being disproportionate.
    • The appeal shall be heard by one (1) person more senior than the original Board chair and who was not involved in the initial decision.