1. PURPOSE

Koç University’s primary aim is to create an academic and social environment where the highest standards of quality in teaching, research, and campus life can be achieved, institutional integrity is maintained, and rights and privileges of its members are not compromised.

Students, as members of the University community, are expected to be respectful of the rights and interests of the university and its members.

By becoming members of Koç University, students accept to make themselves aware of and comply with the law, and University rules and regulations.

The purpose of this document is to articulate the standards of conduct at Koç University, and sanctions that may be imposed when the student members of the university community fail to comply with these standards.

  1. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Koç University aims to create an environment where the students have the following rights:

2.1. Rights in Class

Students have the right to receive a paper or an electronic syllabus of the course which, in the minimum, provides information about course materials, attendance and other requirements, and grading scheme.

Students have the right to express their opinion on the academic subject matter of a course freely even when in dispute with the view of the instructor, without any concern for academic penalty. However, differences of opinions should always be presented in a manner that is in accordance with the principles of classroom conduct at Koç University.

The faculty members are expected to respect students’ confidentiality rights in grading and performance evaluation. As such, course grades and examination scores are to be announced only in Koç University Academic Information System (KUSIS) or Learning Management Systems (LMS) without disclosing the students’ identities publicly.

2.2. Right to Join and Participate in Student Organizations

Students of Koç University are free to join and participate in student organizations that are formed in accordance with the procedures established by the Office of the Dean of Students.

2.3. Transparency of the Disciplinary Action Process

Students can expect disciplinary action process to be implemented through established and announced procedures.

DISCIPLINARY BY-LAW REGARDING STUDENTS OF INSITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2.4. Transparency of the Grievance Process

Students can expect to have access to established procedures for respectfully presenting and addressing their concerns/complaints to the University.

Academic Grievance Procedure

2.5. Prompt Responses from Administration

Students have the right to expect prompt and courteous responses from the University’s academic and administrative departments.

2.6. Definition of examination hardship

An examination hardship is defined as three or more midterm or final examinations scheduled within a day. A student facing an examination hardship shall be given a new examination date for one of the examinations causing the hardship.

The student must notify the instructors of the examinations no later than two weeks prior to the examination date for courses in the regular semester, or no later than one week prior to the examination date for courses in the Summer Semester

2.7. Reading e-mails Received from Koç University

Koç University makes use of e-mail announcements and notifications to inform its students about important news, updates about rules and regulations on campus, or procedural information. Students are expected to read the email messages sent to their Koç University email accounts and it is the students’ responsibility to be informed about these notifications.

  1. APPLICATION

The standards of conduct articulated in this document apply to all undergraduate, graduate, transfer, exchange, and special students of Koç University.

The exercise of individual responsibility is not limited to on-campus conduct, and Koç University may choose to exercise jurisdiction over off-campus incidents if the conduct occurs at a Koç University function or property.

  1. CODE OF CONDUCT

4.1. Introduction

Sections 4.2-4.17 of this document articulate specific examples of acts and behaviors that are considered unacceptable within the University community. This list is not all-inclusive, and additional rules exist in the policies published by the University. These rules and policies may be enforced by the procedures published by the Higher Education Council, or the University and its administrative units.

4.2. Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes and is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, multiple submissions, and collusion, the definitions of which are stated below:

4.2.1. Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying from a classmate or providing answers or information, either written or oral to others, in an examination or in the preparation of material subject to academic evaluation.

4.2.2. Plagiarism

 

Plagiarism is borrowing or using someone else’s writing or ideas without giving written acknowledgement to the author. This includes copying from a fellow student’s paper or from a text or internet site without properly citing the source.

4.2.3. Multiple Submissions

Multiple submission includes resubmission of the same work previously used in another course or project, without the permission of the instructor for both courses.

4.2.4. Collusion and Impersonating

Collusion is getting unauthorized help from another person such as having someone else write one’s assignment or having someone else take an exam with false identification. Impersonating a student in an examination is also considered a grave act of dishonesty.

4.2.5. Fabrication

Fabrication includes, but is not limited to, falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

4.2.6. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

Facilitating academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, knowingly helping another student commit an act of academic misconduct (e.g., cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, multiple submissions).

4.3. Other Forms of Dishonesty

Other forms of dishonesty, including, but not limited to, fabricating information or intentionally providing false information to the University and is considered a violation of the code of conduct.

Falsification of records; and/or giving false information include and are not limited to altering, tampering, forging, or knowingly using falsified documents or records (including Koç University parking permits and identification cards); giving or providing false statements, written or oral, and/or providing false information during any university proceeding or to any university administrator or official.

4.4. Theft and Property Violations

Intentional, negligent, or attempted acts resulting in theft or property damage are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Theft, destruction, damage, abuse, or fraudulent use of property of the University or property of others while on University premises or at official University functions.
  • Possession of any property when the student had knowledge or reasonably should have had knowledge that it was stolen.

4.5. Theft or Damage of Intellectual Property

This includes but not limited to;

  • sabotaging or stealing another person’s assignment, book, paper, notes, experiment, or project,
  • improperly accessing or electronically interfering via computer or other means with the property of another person or the University.

4.6. Misuse and Abuse of Computational Facilities

Koç University computer systems, software, network, information technology, and related technologies are expected to be used in line with the objectives of the University. The users of Koç University computing facilities must make themselves aware of, and comply with campus computer use policy published by the Information Technology Directorate unacceptable use includes but not limited to:

  • Unauthorized entry into a file for any purpose.
  • Unauthorized transfer of a file.
  • Unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted computer software or other digital content.
  • Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
  • Use, or attempted use, of another person’s identification and/or password.
  • Tampering with the communications of others.
  • Use of computing facilities to send obscene, abusive, harassing or threatening messages.
  • Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, University official, or any other member of the University community.
  • Using personal web pages hosted on University computer network not primarily focused on the mission of the University.
  • Unauthorized use of computing facilities and network for personal financial or other commercial gain.
  • Attempt to damage or to degrade the performance of University computers and networks. Policies and Procedures

4.7. Unauthorized Use of University Resources or Name

Unauthorized use of university resources or name includes but not limited to unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any University services, equipment, resources, or properties, including the University’s name, insignia, or seal.

Except as provided herein, no student shall give, sell, or otherwise distribute to others or publish any recording made during any course presentation without the written consent of the University and the instructor/presenter. This policy is applicable to any recording in any medium, including handwritten or typed notes.

4.7.1. Selling Course Notes

Unless authorized by the University and explicitly permitted by the course instructor, sale or commercial distribution of course notes or recordings by a student is a violation of the Koç University Code of Conduct whether or not it was the student or someone else who prepared the notes or recordings. This policy is applicable to any recording in any medium, including handwritten or typed notes.

4.7.2. Copying Course Notes

Students currently enrolled in a course may provide a copy of their own notes or recordings to other currently enrolled students for non-commercial purposes reasonably arising from participation in the course, including individual or group study.

4.7.3. Private Lessons

University facilities are not to be used for providing and attending private lessons.

4.8. Violation of University Policies

Students are expected to make themselves aware of and comply with the published university policies, rules, regulations, and announcements.

4.9. Mental or Bodily Harm, Reckless Action and Disregard

Inflicting or intent to inflict bodily and/or mental harm on any person, taking any reckless action, or showing reckless disregard, from which mental or bodily harm could result to any person is unacceptable. This includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse of all types, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, physically restraining any person and/or other conduct which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any person.

4.10. Sexual or other Forms of Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects a person’s employment or education, unreasonably interferes with a person’s work or educational performance, or creates an intimidating or offensive working or learning environment.

Harassment by a student of any person include the use, display, or other demonstration of words, gestures, imagery, or physical materials, or the engagement in any form of bodily conduct, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability, that has the effect of creating a hostile and intimidating environment to substantially deteriorate a reasonable person’s participation in University activities, or use of University facilities. Harassment must target a specific person or persons; and must be addressed directly to that person or persons.

4.11. Obstruction and Disruption

Obstructing or interfering with teaching, research, and administrative activities or functions of the university is unacceptable, and considered a grave disorderly conduct.

4.12. Failure to Comply

Students are expected to comply with directions of, and, when required, identify themselves to faculty and staff of Koç University.

4.13. Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized access includes, but not limited to, entry, without official authorization, to any university facility, private room, as well as official university records. Unless authorized, students are not allowed to possess, duplicate or use keys or access devices to university offices, laboratories or facilities.

4.14. Unauthorized Surveillance and Photography

Students are expected to respect the privacy of all members of the university. Making unauthorized video or photographic images in locations where university members have the right to privacy is unacceptable. Storing, sharing, or distributing such unauthorized images is considered an equally grave violation of the code of conduct.

4.15. Alcohol and Substances

Students cannot possess, consume or transport alcoholic beverages on campus, in any university-owned buildings, or on university property. Public intoxication and/or driving under the influence is prohibited. Possession, use, sale or attempt to obtain any illegal substance is considered a grave violation of the Code of Conduct.

4.16. Destructive Devices and Weapons

Students cannot possess weapons, including all firearms (including legally registered ones), compressed air-guns, pellet guns, or illegal knives, dangerous chemicals, or explosive devices (including fireworks) of any description.

4.17. Gambling

Conducting or organizing any form of gambling is prohibited.

  1. CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT

Students at Koç University are required to adhere to classroom code of conduct and to refrain from all forms of unacceptable behavior during lectures. The activities which are prohibited in class include and are not limited to:

  • Engaging in side conversations.
  • Using cell phones and other electronic devices, unless permitted by the instructor.
  • All cell phones should be switched off/set to silent before entering the lecture room. If you expect a very important call, please switch your phone to silent mode and let your professor know in advance that you may receive a call.
  • Using laptops for purposes that are not course-related.
  • Arriving late or leaving early without the prior permission of the instructor.
  • If you have to leave during class for an emergency, please try to minimize the disruption.
  • Reading material, e.g., magazines, newspapers, novels etc., that are not course-related.
  • Working on personal activities or the assignments of other courses.
  • Interrupting the professor or other students.
  • Students should request permission from the instructor before asking questions or making comments.
  • Trashing the classroom.
  • Eating and drinking are allowed as long as impact on others is minimized and students clean up their garbage after class.

Failure to comply with the Classroom Code of Conduct may result in dismissal from class and disciplinary action.

  1. SANCTIONS

The following sanctions may be imposed upon students found to have violated the Code of Conduct. The University may choose to keep a written record of an incident which reflects unfavorably on a student’s file as long as he or she is a student of the University.

Confiscation: The University may confiscate goods used or possessed in violation of University rules and regulations.

Restitution: The University may require the student to compensate for loss, injury, or damage.

Restriction of Privileges: The University may deny or restrict a student’s privileges, including, but not limited to, access to KUAIS, or an official transcript for a defined period of time.

University Dormitory Suspension: The University may suspend a student’s contract with dormitory services.

University Dormitory Expulsion: The University may terminate a student’s contract with dormitory services.

Suspension: The University may suspend a student’s enrollment for a defined period of time, after which the student is eligible to return to the University.

Expulsion

 

 

Resources

 

Yükseköğretim Kurumları Öğrenci Disiplin Yönetmeliği

UCLA: 3; 4.1; 4.2.5; 4.2.6; 4.4; 4.7; 4.7.1; 4.7.2

Rice University: 4.3; 4.9; 4.16

University of Virginia: 2.6; 2.7

UC Berkeley: 4.5; 4.11

UC Davis: 4.10