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GRADUATEPROGRAMMESSTUDENTHANDBOOK
2017
AgaKhanUniversityGraduateProgrammesStudentHandbook
©OFFICEOFTHEREGISTRAR,2011Updated:September2017
The Graduate Programme Student Handbook is a collection of University-approved regulationsapplicabletoallAgaKhanUniversitygraduateprogrammes.TheBoardofGraduateStudiesapprovedtheHandbookforcirculationandusebyAKUgraduateprogrammesonApril21,2011.TheregulationsinthisHandbooksupersededepartmentalorprogrammaticgraduateregulations. AmendmentstotheHandbookapprovedbytheBoardofGraduateStudiesand/orAcademicCouncilaredulynoted.
AgaKhanUniversityGraduateProgrammesStudentHandbook
©OFFICEOFTHEREGISTRAR,2011Updated:September2017
TABLEOFCONTENTS
I.PROGRAMMESOFSTUDY
1.0DEGREEPROGRAMMES 1
2.0ADVANCEDDIPLOMAPROGRAMMES 1
II.STUDENTSTATUS
1.0AUDIT/NON-CREDITPARTICIPANTS 2
2.0VISITINGSTUDENTS 2
3.0LEAVESOFABSENCE 2
3.1ReasonsforLeavesofAbsence 2
3.2DiscontinuationfromaProgrammeofStudy 2
4.0VOLUNTARYWITHDRAWAL 3
III.EVALUATIONOFSTUDENTPERFORMANCE
1.0GRADING 4
1.1AegrotatStanding 4
1.2Incomplete 4
1.3Audit 4
1.4Thesis/DissertationGrading 5
2.0CALCULATIONOFAVERAGES 5
2.1CumulativeGradePointAverage(CGPA) 5
3.0MINIMUMPASSINGGRADE 5
4.0RE-SITS 5
5.0REPEATINGACOURSE 6
6.0BOARDOFGRADUATESTUDIESREQUIREDVERIFICATIONREGARDINGTHESUBMISSIONOFPHDANDMASTER’STHESES/DISSERTATIONS 6
IV.DEGREEREQUIREMENTS
1.0REQUIREDAVERAGE 7
2.0AWARDINGOFDEGREEWITHACADEMICDISTINCTION 7
3.0RESIDENCYREQUIREMENT 7
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4.0TIMELIMITS 8
5.0ACADEMICPROGRESSION 8
6.0TRANSFERCREDIT 8
V.TRANSCRIPTSANDGRADEREPORTS
1.0TRANSCRIPTS 10
2.0GRADEREPORTS 10
3.0DEGREE,DIPLOMAANDCERTIFICATEPARCHMENTREPLACEMENT 10
4.0STUDENTSWITHOUTSTANDINGACCOUNTSWITHTHEUNIVERSITY 11
VI.UNIVERSITYPOLICYONTHECONFIDENTIALITYOFSTUDENTRECORDS 13
VII.BOARDOFGRADUATESTUDIESGENERALGUIDELINESFORPHDAND
MASTER’STHESIS/DISSERTATIONSATAKU 14
VIII.UNIVERSITYSTUDENTACADEMICINTEGRITYPOLICY 24
IX.UNIVERSITYSTUDENTCODEOFCONDUCTANDDISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES 32
X.BOARDOFSTUDENTACADEMICAPPEALS 39
XI.STUDENTANTI-HARASSMENTPOLICY 42
XII.NAMESONDEGREES,DIPLOMASANDCERTIFICATESPOLICY 47
XIII.POLICYONREPEATINGACOURSEFORWHICHAPASSINGGRADEHAS
BEENAWARDED 48
XIV.GLOSSARYOFACADEMICTERMS 49
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I. PROGRAMMESOFSTUDYThe Graduate Programmes Student Handbook is applicable to the following (active and inactive)programmesofstudy. Graduateprogrammeswillbeaddedtothis listastheUniversity’sBoardofTrusteesapprovesthem.1.0 DEGREEPROGRAMMESDoctorofPhilosophy(Education)DoctorofPhilosophy(HealthSciences)
• BiologicalSciences• ClinicalSciences• Nursing• PopulationandPublicHealth
MasterofArts(DigitalJournalism)MasterofArts(MuslimCultures)MasterofBioethicsMasterofEducationMasterofHealthProfessionsEducationMasterofMedicineMasterofPhilosophy(Education)MasterofScience(Epidemiology&Biostatistics)MasterofScience(HealthPolicy&Management)MasterofScienceinNursing2.0 ADVANCEDDIPLOMAPROGRAMMESAdvancedDiplomainEducationAdvancedDiplomainHealthProfessionsEducation
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II. STUDENTSTATUS1.0 AUDIT/NON-CREDITPARTICIPANTSGraduate courses are not normally open to “auditors” who attend a course without the usualqualificationsandwithoutseekingacademiccredit.Auditorsdonotsubmitpapersorassignmentsnordotheywritetestsorexaminations.Enrolmentasanauditorrequiresthewrittenpermissionofthecourseinstructor,thedepartmentchair,andtheappropriateacademicentityhead.Uponcompletionofthecourse,andsubjecttoconfirmationfromtheinstructorthatthestudentattendedatleast80%of the instruction, thetranscriptnotation“AU”willberecorded. Noothergradewillbeassigned.Onceacourseistakenforauditthesamecoursemaynotbetakenforcredit.2.0 VISITINGSTUDENTSVisiting Students are individualswho are currently registered in a graduatedegreeprogrammeatanother university, andwho havemade arrangements through both their home university and agraduateprogrammeatAKUtospendsometimeatAKUaspartoftheirdegreeprogramme.VisitingStudentsarenotandmaynotbeenrolledinadegreeprogrammeatAKU.VisitingStudentsmaybeatAKUtotakeparticularcourses,ortheymaybeheretoengageinresearchrelevantfortheirdegreeunder the supervisionof anAKU facultymember. Withoutpriorwrittenapprovalof the relevantProgramme Coordinator, themaximum duration for a Visiting Student’s stay at AKU is one year.Acceptance ison the recommendationof theAKUacademicentityorprogramme. Thestudent isexpectedtopaytheappropriatetuitionandincidentalfeespercoursefeeforthetimethattheyareregisteredatAKU.3.0 LEAVESOFABSENCELeaves of absence are normally granted on a term-by-term basis and,whenever possible, shouldcommenceatthebeginningofaterm.DuringtheperiodofaLeavethestudentcannotexpecttobegivenguidanceonthethesisorbeentitledtousetheUniversity’sfacilities.DuringaLeaveofAbsence,notuitionwillbecharged,norwillthestudentbeeligibleforanyscholarshipsupport.Thelengthoftime for completing the degree and for eligibility for scholarship supportwill be extended by thedurationoftheLeaveontheresumptionofstudies.Astudentshouldresumestudiesatthebeginningofaterm.3.1 ReasonsforLeavesofAbsenceALeaveofAbsenceforuptooneyear ispermittedforreasonsof illnessor for reasonsrelatedtofamilyresponsibilitiessuchaspregnancyandchildrearing.StudentswhohavesuccessfullycompletedatleastonefullyearinagraduateprogrammemayapplyforaLeaveofAbsenceforuptooneyearforotherpersonalcircumstances,includingseverefinancialproblems,providedthatthestudent'ssupervisorandthedepartmentsupporttherequest.ALeaveofAbsencewillnotbegrantedtoallowastudenttopursueanotherprogrammeofstudy.3.2 DiscontinuationfromaProgrammeofStudyUponnotificationfromtheprogrammecoordinator,theRegistrar’sOfficewilldiscontinueastudentfromhis/herprogrammeofstudyshoulds/henotreturnwithintheapprovedLeaveofAbsencetimeperiod,orwhereotherarrangementstocontinuetheLeavearenotapproved.
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4.0 VOLUNTARYWITHDRAWALStudents who find it necessary to withdraw from a graduate programme of studymust officiallywithdrawfromtheprogrammeandtheUniversity.TherequestforwithdrawalmustbeforwardedtoProgrammeCoordinatorand,onceapproved,totheRegistrar’sOfficeforprocessing.Oncewithdrawnfromaprogrammetheindividualisnolongerconsideredastudentandmaynotattendclasses,receivesupervision,orhaveaccesstoanyoftheUniversity’sresources.
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III. EVALUATIONOFSTUDENTPERFORMANCE1.0 GRADINGUnlessotherwiseapprovedbytheBoardofGraduateStudiesandendorsedbyAcademicCouncil,thefollowinggradingschemeandgradepointscalewillbeapplicabletoallgraduateprogrammes1.
LetterGrade PercentageEquivalent GradePointA+ 95–100 4.0A 90–94 4.0A- 85-89 3.7B+ 80–84 3.3B 75–79 3.0B- 70–74 2.7C+ 65–69 2.3C 60–64 2.0C- 55–59 1.7*F <55 0.0P Pass ‡I Incomplete ‡IP InProgress ‡W Withdrawn ‡AU Audit ‡AG AegrotatStanding ‡
* Notapassinggrade.‡ GradeisnotusedinGPAcalculations.
1.1 AegrotatStandingAgradeof“AG”grantscreditforacourse,basedonthecourseworkalreadycompleted,whennofurther assessment is considered feasible because of illness or other extenuating circumstancesbeyondthestudent'scontrol.StudentsmayonlybegrantedanAGgradewiththeapprovaloftheacademic entity head (DeanorDirector) offering the course. TheAGgradehasnoeffect uponastudent’sCGPA.1.2 IncompleteAnIncomplete(“I”)gradeisassignedonlyinthecasewhereastudentwho,forillnessorcircumstancesbeyondthestudent’scontrol,hasmissedamajorassignmentorexamination.TheIncompletegrademaybeheldfor90daysfromthetimethegradeisassigned.Ifan“I”gradeisnotmadeupwithin90daysofthecompletionofthecourse,an“F”gradewillbeassigned.Beforethisgradeisassigned,studentsmustobtainapprovalfromthecourseinstructorandtheprogrammedirector.1.3 Audit
1TheMasterofMedicine(MMed)programmedoesnotfollowthisgradingscheme.MMedcoursesaregradedonaPass/Failbasis.
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See“StudentStatus”.1.4 Thesis/DissertationGradingThefinalgradeforastudent’sthesis/dissertationwillberecordedasaPass(P)orFail(F).Apercentagegrade for the thesis/dissertation is recorded on the student’s transcript. Credits for thethesis/dissertationwillbecountedtowardsthenumberofcreditsrequiredfortheawardingofthedegree.Thethesis/dissertationgradewillnotbeincludedinthecalculationoftheCGPA.AmendedbyAcademicCouncil:March24,20162.0 CALCULATIONOFAVERAGESAcumulativegradepointaverageiscalculatedasanindicatorofoverallacademicperformanceinaprogrammeandisusedasacriterionforacademicprogression,graduationrequirements,forawardsandotheracademicdistinctions.2.1 CumulativeGradePointAverage(CGPA)TermandoverallaveragesarebasedonthesegradepointsandexpressedasaGradePointAverage(GPA)andaCumulativeGradePointAverage(CGPA).
Course Credits LetterGrade GradePoints CreditsxGradePoint
One 4.0 A- 3.7 14.8Two 2.0 C+ 2.3 4.6Three 3.0 B 3.0 9.0
Totalcredits=9.0 Sum=28.4
CGPA=Sumof(creditsxgradepoints)Totalnumberofcreditsattempted
Thus, 28.49
CGPA=3.163.0 MINIMUMPASSINGGRADETheminimumpassingmarkinacourseisa‘C’(Cplain).4.0 RE-SITSAgradeof ‘C-’(Cminus) isconsideredunacceptableat thegraduate level.Astudentreceivingthisgrademaybepermittedtore-sitanexaminationorresubmitanassignment.Astudentwillbeallowedonlyoneattempttoraisetheirgradetoapassinglevel.Studentsappearinginare-sitwillbeeligibleforamaximumof‘C+’(Cplus)grade.Ifthestudentstilldoesnotpass,he/shewillbeaskedtorepeatthecourse.Transcriptswillnotethatastudenthasraisedhis/hergradeviaare-sit.AmendedbyAcademicCouncil:October27,2016
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5.0 REPEATINGACOURSEAfailinggrade(F)isassignedtoanygradelowerthanaC-(Cminus).Studentsreceivingafailinggradearenoteligibleforare-sitbutmustrepeatthecourse.Astudentrepeatinganycoursewillbeeligibleforamaximumof‘B’(Bplain)grade.Transcriptswillnotethatastudenthasraisedhis/hergradeviaarepeat.Whereastudentisrequiredtorepeatacoursebothattemptsatthecoursewillberecordedonthestudent’stranscript;however,thenewscorewillreplacethepreviousscoreinthecalculationofthestudent’sGPAandCGPA.6.0 BOARDOFGRADUATESTUDIESREQUIREDVERIFICATIONREGARDINGTHESUBMISSIONOFPHDAND
MASTER’STHESES/DISSERTATIONSAspartof theUniversity’sdegreeapprovalprocesses,academicentities/programmesof studyarerequiredtosubmitaFinalThesis/DissertationVerificationFormtotheBoardofGraduateStudies.
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IV. DEGREEREQUIREMENTS1.0 REQUIREDAVERAGEIn addition to successfully completing all required coursework as prescribed by the student’sprogrammeofstudy,andwhereapplicableathesis/dissertation,aminimumcumulativegradepointaverage(CPGA)of2.50isrequiredtograduate.2.0 AWARDINGOFDEGREEWITHACADEMICDISTINCTION2.1 GraduatestudentscompletingdegreecourseworkwithaCumulativeGradePointAverage
(CGPA)ofatleast3.50(withnore-sitsandnorepeats)andaminimumgradeof85%intheirthesis/dissertation,willhavetheirdegreesconferred“WithDistinction”.
2.1.1 Thethesis/dissertationlettergradewillberecordedasPass/Fail(andthusnotused
inthecalculationoftheCGPA).2.1.2 Thepercentagegradeassignedforthethesis/dissertationwillberecordedona
student’stranscript.2.2 Studentsreceivingasanctionforacademicmisconductwillbedeemedineligibleforhaving
theirdegreesconferred“WithDistinction”.2.3 ThePolicyisapplicabletothefollowinggraduatedegreeprogrammes:
• MasterofArts(DigitalJournalism)• MasterofArts(MuslimCultures)• MasterofEducation• MasterofHealthProfessionsEducation• MasterofPhilosophy(Education)• MasterofScience(Epidemiology&Biostatistics)• MasterofScience(HealthPolicy&Management)• MasterofScienceinNursing
AmendedbyAcademicCouncil:March24,20163.0 RESIDENCYREQUIREMENTInconferringitsgraduatedegrees,theAgaKhanUniversityverifiesthatitsstudentshavecompletedspecifiedcourseworkandotherdegreerequirements.Toassurethis,AKUhasestablishedaresidencyrequirementbasedonthenumberofacademicunitsrequiredforthedegree.Inassuch,inadditionto fulfillingany thesis/dissertation requirement,a studentmust completeno less than50%of therequiredcourseworktobeeligibleforanAKUdegree.AmendedbyAcademicCouncil:September22,20164.0 TIMELIMITS4.1 Unlessotherwisenoted,full-timestudentspursuingdoctorate-leveldegreesmustcomplete
alldegreerequirementsinnomorethansevenyears.
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4.2 Unlessotherwisenoted,full-timestudentspursingmaster’s-leveldegreesmustcompleteall
degreerequirementsinnomorethanfouryears(Pakistanmaster’sprogrammes:asperHECregulations,maximumofthreeyearsforfull-timestudents;maximumofsixyearsforpart-timestudents).
4.3 Requestsforextensionstothemaximumdurationforeachoftheabovedegree:
• Studentmustmakearequesttoher/hissupervisor.• Insupportoftheextension,thesupervisorwritestotheDean.• Insupportoftheextension,theDeansubmitstherequesttotheBoardofGraduate
Studies(BGS).• IfmembersofBGSsupporttheextension,thenaone-yearextensionisapproved.
5.0 ACADEMICPROGRESSIONIfattheendofanytermastudenthasacumulativegradepointaverage(CGPA)oflessthan2.50,thestudentwillbeplacedonacademicprobation.Thestudentsmaybeallowedtocontinuetheirstudieswith an aggregate CGPA below 2.50. Where a student is permitted to continue on academicprobation, evidence of significant academic improvement must be recorded at the end of thesubsequentterm. Studentswhofail toachievetherequiredminimumCGPAof2.50followingtherequiredacademicprobationperiodwillbedismissedfromtheirprogrammeofstudy.6.0 TRANSFERCREDIT6.1 TheDean/Directorisresponsiblefor:
6.1.1 Specifyingwhethertransferofcreditswillbeallowedinrelevantprogrammesofstudy.
6.1.2 Providingacademicunit-specificproceduresforpriorapprovalfortransferofcreditfromotherinstitution.
6.2OnlycreditsfromthoseinstitutionswhichtheUniversityrecognizesaretransferabledirectly.
6.2.1CreditsearnedatotherinstitutionsorAKUacademicunits/programmesmustbecertifiedtobeequivalenttothelevelandnumberofcreditsintheprogrammeofstudytowhichthecreditsarebeingtransferred.
6.2.2 Individualprogrammesofstudywilldetermineastaledatingpolicyfortransfercredits.Thatis,whetheracoursewillbeacceptedfortransfercreditifolderthanthestaledatenoted.Forexample,aprogrammemaydeterminethatacoursecompletedin2005cannotbeusedfortransfercreditin2016astheprogrammehasafive-yearstaledaterule.
6.3Transfercreditispermissibleonlyifthecandidatehasfulfilledallrequirementsofthecourse.6.4Thetransferofcreditsispermissibleforcreditsearnedbythecandidatebeforeadmissionat
AKU.6.5Transferredcreditsmaynotbeusedtomeetpracticum,lab,internshiporthesis
requirements.
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6.6AstheUniversityhasnocontrolontheawardingofgradesandcriteriaforpass/failatotheruniversities.Therefore,
6.6.1 OnlycreditswithagradeB(orthepercentageequivalent)orabovearetransferable.6.6.2 Thegradesobtainedatotherinstitutionswillbelistedonastudent’stranscriptand
notedastransfercredit,butthesecourseswillnotbeincludedinthecalculationoftheCGPA.
6.7Themaximumnumberofcreditsthatmaybetransferredwillnotexceed50%ofthetotal
numberofcourseworkcreditsrequiredforthestudent’sdegree.6.8TheUniversityallowsrecognitionofpriorlearningthroughtransferofcreditsfordiploma-,
bachelor-andmaster-levelqualifications.
6.8.1Foraccreditationofpriorlearningfromotherinstitutionsthecandidatewillberequiredtodoaqualifyingexam/paperorfulfilotherrequirementsasspecifiedbyeachprogramme.
AmendedbyAcademicCouncil:September22,2016
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V. TRANSCRIPTSANDGRADEREPORTS
1.0 TRANSCRIPTSOfficial transcriptswill be issued at the student’s request, subject to reasonable notice. RequestsshouldbesubmittedonaTranscriptRequestForminpersonorbywriting(includingemail) totheRegistrar’sOffice.Thestudent’ssignatureisrequiredontheform.Achargewillbeleviedforeachofficial transcript requested. Transcripts issueddirectly to the studentwill be stamped"Issued toStudent". Details regarding the issuing of transcripts can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.TranscriptswillnotbeissuedtostudentswhohaveanoutstandingaccountwiththeUniversity.2.0 GRADEREPORTSFollowingthesubmissionandrecordingoffinalgradestotheRegistrar’sOffice,gradereportswillbeissuedtostudents. GradereportswillnotbeissuedtostudentswhohaveanoutstandingaccountwiththeUniversity.3.0 DEGREE,DIPLOMAANDCERTIFICATEPARCHMENTREPLACEMENT3.1 TheAgaKhanUniversity,ontheendorsementofAcademicCouncil,issuesdegree,diploma
andcertificateparchmentsforpresentationtothoseindividualswhohavesuccessfullycompletedtherequiredprogrammeofstudy.
3.2 Incaseswhereagraduate’sparchmentisdamaged,destroyed,lostorstolen,thegraduate
maybeeligibleforareplacementparchment.3.3 DamagedParchments
3.3.1 Thissetofregulationsaddressesparchmentsthathavebeendamagedandthegraduateisapplyingforanewparchmenttoreplacethedamagedparchment.
3.3.2 Thedamagedparchmentmustbereturnedwitharequestforareplacementparchment.
3.3.3 TheRegistrar’sOfficerepresentativeateachoftheUniversity’scampuseswilldeterminewhetherareplacementiswarranted.
3.3.4 Ifitisdeterminedthatareplacementparchmentshouldbeprovidedtothegraduate,arequestwillbemadetotheUniversityRegistrartodoso.
3.3.5 Forthereplacementofdamageddegreeparchments,astheChancellorpersonallysignsdegreeparchments,theUniversitycanonlyrequest/deliverdegreereplacementparchmentsatthetimeofConvocation.
3.3.6 Forthereplacementofdamageddiplomaandcertificateparchments,asdiploma/certificateparchmentsaresignedbytheUniversityRegistrarandDean,thesereplacementparchmentscannormallybedeliveredapproximately45daysfollowingtheapprovaloftherequestforareplacementparchment.
3.3.7 ReplacementparchmentsarenotdistributedatConvocationbutdeliveredseparatelytotherequestor.
3.3.8 Areplacementparchmentwillhavetheword“Replacement”ontheparchment.3.3.9 Feeforreplacementparchmentis:Kenya(KSh1,000);Uganda(USh30,000);
Tanzania(TSh20,000);Pakistan(Rs1,000);UnitedKingdom(£10.00).3.3.10 Thefeeforthereplacementparchmentmaybechangedwithoutnotice.3.3.11 Whileanapplicationforareplacementparchmentmaybesubmittedbyan
individualotherthanthedegree,diplomaorcertificaterecipient,withoutprior
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writtenandlegallyauthorizednotification,thereplacementparchmentwillonlybepresentedtothegraduate.
3.4 LostParchments
3.4.1 Thissetofregulationspertainstorequestsforareplacementparchmentbecausetheparchmenthasbeenlost,stolen,destroyedorotherwiseisnotavailabletothegraduate.
3.4.2 Thegraduatemustmakeanapplicationtoreplacethelostparchment.3.4.3 Thegraduatemustmakeapolicereportstatingtheparchmenthasbeenlost.An
originalcopyofthepolicereportmustaccompanytheapplicationforreplacementofthelostparchment.
3.4.4 Thegraduatemustplaceanadvertinthenewspaperstatingthattheparchmenthasbeenlost.Acopyofthenewspaperadvertmustaccompanytheapplicationforreplacementofthelostparchment.
3.4.5 Inaccordancewithlocallegalrequirements,theapplicationtoreplacethelostparchmentmustbeaccompaniedbyanotarized/courtaffidavitattestingtotheparchmentbeinglost.(Forexample,inPakistan,anaffidavitonjudicialpaperworthRs100/=givingthereasonsfortheissuanceofareplacementparchmentwillbeendorsedbyaFirst-ClassMagistrate’ssignatureandthesealofthecourt.)
3.4.6 Acopyofthegraduate’snationalidentitycardorpassportmustaccompanytheapplication.
3.4.7 Inaddition,aspartoftheapplicationforthereplacementofalostparchment,thegraduatemustincludeastatementthatobligatesthemtoreturnthereplacementparchmentiftheoriginalparchmentisfound.
3.4.8 Forthereplacementoflostdegreeparchments,astheChancellorpersonallysignsdegreeparchments,theUniversitycanonlyrequest/deliverdegreereplacementparchmentsatthetimeofConvocation.
3.4.8 Forthereplacementoflostdiplomaandcertificateparchments,asdiplomaandcertificateparchmentsaresignedbytheUniversityRegistrarandDean,thesereplacementparchmentscannormallybedeliveredapproximately45daysfollowingtheapprovaloftherequestforareplacementparchment.
3.4.9 ReplacementparchmentsarenotdistributedatConvocationbutdeliveredseparatelytotherequestor.
3.4.10 Areplacementparchmentwillhavetheword“Replacement”ontheparchment.3.4.11 Feeforreplacementis:Kenya(KSh1,000);Uganda(USh30,000);Tanzania(TSh
20,000);Pakistan(Rs1,000);UnitedKingdom(£10.00).3.4.12 Thefeeforthereplacementparchmentmaybechangedwithoutnotice.Whilean
applicationforareplacementparchmentmaybesubmittedbyanindividualotherthanthedegree,diplomaorcertificaterecipient,withoutpriorwrittenandlegallyauthorizednotification,thereplacementparchmentwillonlybepresentedtothegraduate.
4.0 STUDENTSWITHOUTSTANDINGACCOUNTSWITHTHEUNIVERSITY4.1 This policy is applicable to all University students with the exception of those students
sponsoredbyanAKU-approvedMemorandumofUnderstanding/Agreement.4.2 AstudentwithanoutstandingaccountwiththeUniversity:
• Willbepermittedtocontinuestudiesandtowritehis/herfinalexaminations.
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• Willnotreceivehis/herexaminationresults.• Whereapplicableanddirected todo soby theheadof a student’sprogrammeof
study, the Office of the Registrar may issue appropriate letters of academicwarning/dismissal.
• Whohasmetallcertificate/diploma/degreerequirementsandhasbeenapprovedbyAcademic Council for the awarding of the credential/graduation,will have his/heracademic record indicate that s/he has successfully completed programmerequirements.
• Will not be given his/her certificate/diploma/degree parchment, transcript, gradereportoranyother"University-owned"documentation(forexample,thestudent'soriginaladmissionscertificates).
4.3 TheOfficeof theRegistrarwill releasecertificate/diploma/degreeparchments, transcripts,
gradereports,oranyotherdocumentationonlyuponreceiptofwrittencorrespondencefromtheFinanceOfficestatingthatallfeeshavebeenpaidorsatisfactoryarrangementshavebeenmade.
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VI. POLICYONTHECONFIDENTIALITYOFSTUDENTRECORDS (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:May22,2009)1.0 ACCESSTOSTUDENTRECORDS
ByapplyingforadmissiontoAgaKhanUniversityandbyenrollinginaprogrammeattheUniversity,students accept the Office of the Registrar's right to collect pertinent personal information. Theinformationisneededtoestablisharecordoftheirperformanceinprogrammesandcourses,providethebasisforawardsandtoassisttheUniversityintheacademicandfinancialadministrationof itsaffairs.StudentsalsoagreethatalldocumentationthattheysubmittotheUniversityinsupportofanapplicationforadmission,residenceaccommodationorfinancialassistance,oranypetitionorappeal,becomesthepropertyoftheUniversity.AgaKhanUniversityiscommittedtotakingeveryreasonablesteptoprotecttheconfidentialityandprivacyoftheinformationcontainedintherecordsofstudents.Unlesscompelledtodosobylaw,orauthorized by the student in writing, the Office of the Registrar will not normally disclose theconfidentialcontentsofstudentrecordstoanypartyoutsidetheUniversity.Anelectronic recordof students'achievementsat theUniversity ispreservedpermanently,butallotherdocumentationcontainedinstudents'filesmaybedestroyedwhennolongerrequired.2.0 ACCESSTOCONFIDENTIALSTUDENTRECORDSANDDISCLOSUREOFINFORMATION2.1 Publicaccess
It is theOfficeof theRegistrar'spractice tomakeaminimumof information freelyavailable toallinquirers.Thisinformationincludesthestudent'sactiveregistrationstatus,currentfieldofstudiesanddegree(s)thathavebeenconferredbytheUniversityandthedate(s)ofconferral.2.2 Studentaccess
Studentshavetherighttoinspectalldocumentscontainedintheirownrecord,withtheexceptionofevaluationsandlettersofreferencesuppliedtotheUniversitywiththeunderstandingthattheybekeptconfidential.Studentshavetherighttorequestthaterroneousinformationcontainedintheirrecordsbecorrectedandthatrecipientsofanyinformationfoundtobeinerrorbeadvisedofthecorrection.StudentswishingtoinspecttheirrecordmustmakeanappointmentwiththeseniorstaffmemberintheOfficeoftheRegistrarontheircampus.2.3 Employeeaccess
Employees of the Aga Khan University are permitted access to information contained in studentrecords,iftheyneedtoknowtheinformationinordertoperformtheirofficialduties.Asageneralrule,onlyemployeesinvolvedinsomeaspectofacademicadministrationorstudentaffairsaregivenaccesstothecontentsofstudentrecords.
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VII. GENERALGUIDELINESFORPHDANDMASTER’STHESES/DISSERTATIONSATAKU
(ApprovedbytheBoardofGraduateStudies:June5,2008)1.0 PREAMBLETheseguidelineshavebeendevelopedwiththeaimofbringingaboutuniformityinthepreparationof Theses/ Dissertationswith respect to graduate programmes at the University. All students areexpected to follow these guidelines when submitting their respective thesis/ dissertation forevaluation.However,inthecaseoftheses/dissertationswhicharesubmittedtoexternalcertifyingbodies,theguidelinesoftherespectivecertifyingbodywillbefollowed.
2.0 GENERALREGULATIONS2.1 IncludedocumentaryevidencetoshowthattheThesisEvaluationCommitteehasapproved
thethesis.2.2 Thethesismustbeprintedinblackink.Onlyhighestqualityofprintandduplicationwillbe
accepted.Broken,uneven,blurredorlightprintwillnotbeaccepted.2.3 Copieswhicharedisfiguredbycorrectingfluidorcorrectingtapewillnotbeaccepted.2.4 Thepapershouldhaveavertical/portraitorientation.2.5 Textshouldappearononesideofthepaperonly.2.6 Allphotographsandreproductionofphotographsmustbeofexcellentquality.Photocopies
mustnotbeused.2.7 Thepagesofthethesisshouldbecomplete,numberedandproperlycollated.Ifthethesisis
missingpagesitmaydelaytheawardingofthedegree.2.8 The spelling, grammar and syntax of the thesis should be carefully checked and errors
rectified.ItshouldbenotedthatAKUfollowstheBritishstyleofspelling.2.9 ThepaperselectedshouldbeofinternationalstandardA4size(i.e.210mmby297mm),white,
acidfreepaper(ofabout80gsm),andmustbeusedthroughouteachcopyofthemanuscript.Acidfreepaperisrequiredtobeusedtopreservethequalityofthemanuscript.
3.0 ORDERINGOFITEMSFORTHETHESIS3.1 Titlepage[seetemplate]3.2 SignedCommitteeApprovalPage[seetemplate]3.3 Dedication(optional)3.4 CopyrightAgreementPage(ifapplicable)3.5 Abstract3.6 Listofabbreviationsandsymbolsused(ifapplicable)3.7 Preface(optional)3.8 Acknowledgement(Anyspecialassistancegivenshouldbestated)[seetemplate]3.9 Declaration[seetemplate]3.10 Tableofcontents3.11 Listoftables3.12 Listoffigures(ifany)3.13 Listofillustrations(ifany)3.14 Listofmaps(ifany)3.15 Listofterms,symbolsorabbreviations(ifany)3.16 Bodyoftext3.17 Footnotesorendnotes(ifrequired)3.18 Bibliography(references/literaturecited)
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3.19 Appendices(ifany)3.20 Glossaryoffrequentlyusedacronyms(optionalanddependsonthethesis)3.21 Vita(forPhDcandidatesonly)
4.0 TITLEPAGE[seetemplate]Thetitlepageshouldincludethefollowinginorder:4.1 ThenameoftheUniversity4.2 Thenameofthefaculty/department/institute4.3 Titleofthethesisincapitalletters.4.4 Author’sname(ifdesiredstateanyqualificationsordistinction).4.5 Athesissubmittedinpartialfulfilmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeof(fillinthetitleof
thedegree).4.6 City/country.4.7 Monthandyearofsubmission.5.0 ABSTRACTEverythesisshouldhaveastructuredabstract,thenumberofwordsofwhichwouldbespecifiedbytheparticularprogramme;generally,forMaster’sthesistheabstractshouldbeofapproximately300wordsandfortheDoctoralthesistheabstractshouldbeofapproximately500words.6.0 FIGURESANDTABLES6.1 A table generally refers to numerical data or textual information presented in a column
format.6.2 Allgraphs,charts,linedrawings,maps,photographs,orothergraphicalrepresentationsare
consideredasfigures.6.3 Alltitlesoffiguresandtablesshouldbeonthesamepageasthefigureortableandshouldbe
labelledappropriately.Thelegendshouldbeplacedbeneaththefigure.However,wherethefigureandtablefillsthewholeA4page,thelegendwhichisplacedabovethetable,shouldbeplacedonthelefthand(verso)page.
6.4 Tablesshouldbeinsertedintheappropriateplaceinthetext;however,ifagroupoftablesrelatingtoonetopicismorethan4consecutivepagesthenthetablegroupshouldappearasanappendix.
6.5 Diagrams,maps,tablesetc.exceedingA4size(210mmx297mm)shouldbefoldedsoastoreadasaright-handpagewhenopened.
6.6 Afigure/tablemaybeincludedwiththetext,orifitislargerthan100mmlongitmayappearonaseparatepagewithnotext.Ifatable/figurewillnotfitonthepageoffirstmentionmoveittothetopofthenextpageandfillinthetextpagethatwillnormallycomeafterthefigure/table.
6.7 Leave2doublelinespacesbetweenthetextandthefiguretable.Ifacaptionislongerthanalineitshouldbesingle-spaced.
6.8 Special requirement for tables: Left align table title above the table. Table captions ordescriptionsshouldbeleftalignedunderthetable.
7.0 FONT7.1 Forthemainbodyofthetext,thefollowingfontsshouldonlybeused:
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7.1.1 This font is called ‘Times New Roman’ and is 12-point size.7.1.2 This font is called ‘Helvetica’ and is 11-point size.7.1.3 This font is called ‘Tahoma’ and is 11-point size.7.1.4 This font is called ‘Palatino’ and is 12-point size.
7.2 Condensedtypeisnotacceptable.7.3 Chaptertitle,sectionorchaptersheadingandsubheadings,maybeinadifferentstyleand
shouldstandoutclearlyfromthetextandshouldbeconsistentthroughoutthethesis.7.4 Charactersnotavailableontypewriters,wordprocessingequipmentortextfonts(suchas
superscriptsandmathematicalsymbols)maybewrittenbyhandneatlyinblackinkorfinefeltpen.
8.0 FORMANDSTYLEWhereitisnotaddressedinthisdocument,referenceshouldbemadetothePublicationManualoftheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation(APA),5thEditionandlater,orasspecifiedbytheUnit/programme.9.0FOOTNOTESANDENDNOTES9.1 Footnotesandendnotesshouldbeconsistentwiththepracticeintheprofession.Eachnote
shouldciteanauthorityforstatementsinthetext.9.2 Footnotescanbeplacedatthebottomofthepageinwhichitappearsinthetext,attheend
ofthechapter,withinthetextorattheendofthethesis(endnotes)aslongasplacementandformattingareconsistentthroughoutthethesis.Separatefootnotesfromthetextwithaline,andleaveonesinglelineofspacebetweenthelineandthefirstfootnote.
9.3 Donotfootnotethetitlepage.10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHYTheReferenceListorBibliographyshouldciteall the literatureorothersources referredto in thethesis.Individualentriesshouldnotbesplitovertwopages.Ifanentireentrydoesnotfitononepage,placetheentireentryonthenextpage.11.0 SPACING11.1 Thespacebetweenrowsoftextshouldbeoneandhalflinesortwolines.However,long
quotationsmaybesinglelinespacedandindented.
Thissentenceisanexampleoftheuseoneandhalflinespacing.Somepeoplepreferthisspacingas
comparedtothedoublelinespacing.However,thisisamatterofchoiceandthesubcommitteewill
havetodecideifthisorthedoublelinespacingistobeadopted.Perhapsbothkindsoflinespacing
couldbeallowedandthefinalchoiceleftuptothestudentwiththestipulationthatitbeconsistently
followed.
Nowthissentenceisanexampleofdoublelinespacing.Manypreferthiskindofspacingasthetext
readsbetter.Thelinespacingintheappendicesthoughmaybeofsinglelineastheappendicesare
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notpartofthemainbodyofthethesis.Thesubcommitteewillhavetodecideonwhichlinespacing
tochooseasthereareprosandconswithrespecttoeitherkind.Perhapsbothkindscouldbeallowed.
11.2 The‘TableofContents’,‘ListofTables’,‘ListofFigures’,‘ListofSymbols’,‘Bibliography’maybesinglelinespacedprovidedtherearetwospacesbetweenindividualentries.
11.3 EachFootnoteandEndnoteentryshouldbeseparatedbyasinglelineofspace.11.4 Appendicesshouldbesinglelinespaced.
12.0 PHYSICALLAYOUTOFTHEPAGE12.1 Forthepurposeofbindingaminimumof38mm,preferably50mmofleftmarginisrequired
forallpages.Othermarginsshouldbe25mmallround.Thisisapplicableforallpages.12.2 Thepagenumbersshouldbeprintedatthebottomofthepageandcentredandshouldbe
approximately18mmfromthepaper’sedge.12.3 Pagination
12.3.1 All pages shall be numbered in sequence. There should benoblankor duplicatedpages.
12.3.2 Thereisnopagenumberwrittenonthethesistitlepagebutitisconsideredaspage(i).
12.3.3 Allsectionsbeforethemaintext,includingthepreface,arenumberedinsmallromannumerals(i,ii,iii,iv,etc.).
12.3.4 The main text onwards including chapter pages, illustrations, figures, tables andbibliographyshouldbenumberedinconsecutiveorderinArabicnumerals(e.g.1,2,3,etc.).
12.3.5 TheappendicesshouldalsobenumberedconsecutivelywithArabicnumerals.12.3.6 Pagenumbersinlandscapedpagesshouldbeinportraitorientation.
12.4 Declaration
12.4.1 Thedeclarationshouldindicateifanymaterialcontainedinthethesishasbeenusedbefore and that the main text of the thesis is an original work. The declarationimmediatelyfollowstheacknowledgmentandmustbesignedbythecandidate.
12.5 DistributionoftheThesis
12.5.1 One copy each should be submitted to the Chair of the Thesis Committee, mainLibrary,Department,andResearchOffice.
12.5.2 Individualdepartmentsorunitsmayadvisethenumberofextracopiestobeprovidedbythestudent.
12.5.3 Itiscustomarytogiveeachmemberofthethesisevaluationcommitteeacopyofthefinalboundthesis.However,thisrequirementisprogrammespecific.
12.5.4 Thecostofmeetingthespecificationsforbindingforuptofourcopieswillbeincurredbythecandidate.Ifadditionalcopiesarerequired,therequestingbodyshouldbearthecost.
12.6 SpecificationsforBinding
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12.6.1 Thethesisshouldbesewnandboundinboardscoveredinbookclothorbuckramor
otherbindingfabrics.12.6.2 Thecovermustbestiffenoughtosupportthethesiswhenstackedupright.12.6.3 Thebindingshouldensurethatsheetscannotberemovedoraddedwithoutevidence
oftampering.12.6.4 Supplementarymaterialsuchascomputerdiscs,foldedmapsandotherlargefolded
sheetscanbeplacedinapocketinsidethebackcoveroftheboundthesis.12.6.5 Thecandidate’ssurnameandinitial,ashorttitle,thetitleofthedegreeandtheyear
shouldbeprintedonthespine.Letteringonthespineshouldreadfromtoptobottom.(ForformatofTitlePagereferItem#3)
12.6.6 ThesisBindingColourScheme:
Master’sThesis:GREENcolourwithembossedgoldletteringPhDThesis: BLACKcolourwithembossedgoldletteringAKUlogowiththeAyattobeprintedonthethesisfronthardboundcover
12.7 Chaptertitleheadingandsub-headings
12.7.1 AllChaptertitleheadingsandsubheadings(uptothreelevelsi.e.1.0;1.1;1.1.1)mustappearintheTableofContents.Aconsistentstyleshouldbefollowedforeachofthedifferentlevelsofheadings.
12.7.2 Headingsshouldbesinglelinespaced.12.7.3 Eachchaptershouldbeginonanewpage.12.7.4 Thefirstlineofeachparagraphshouldbeindented.
12.8 Colour
12.8.1 Theuseofcoloursisrestrictedtofigures.Alltextmustbeinblackink.12.8.2 If colours are essential in interpreting graphic illustrations, then they must be
reproducedaccuratelyinthesesamecoloursforinclusioninthethesis.12.9 Vita(forDoctoralcandidatesonly)
12.9.1 Avitaoftheauthorshouldbeincludedattheendofthethesisshouldbepreferablyofonepage.
12.9.2 Theinformationcontainedthereinataminimumshouldinclude:Candidate’sname;Nationality;Academicqualifications;Special/Researchinterests;Publications(ifany);AwardsandSpecialHonoursand;anyotherinformationofpertinence.
12.10 Multiple-VolumeThesis
12.10.1Iftheoriginalthesisexceeds50mminthickness,thethesismustbeboundinmorethanonevolume.Thesecondvolumeshouldcontainatitlepagewhichduplicatesthetitlepageofthefirstvolume.Also,individualidentificationsuchas‘VolumeOne’and‘VolumeTwo’mustbeincludedonbothtitlepages.AllpagesinadditionalvolumesmustcontinuethenumberingfromVolume1withthesecondtitlepagenotcountedornumbered.
12.10.2 Whenpublishedpapersaresubmittedasevidence,theyshouldnormallybeboundnearthebackofthethesisasanappendix.However,incasethepublishedpapersare
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ofunusualsizeitmaybedesirabletobindtheminaseparatevolumeandtheyshouldbeletteredinawaysoastosimulateaboundvolumeofthethesis.
12.11ElectronicVersion
12.11.1TheUniversityrequireselectronicsubmissionofalltheseswhichshouldbekeptbythe relevant department. The document should be in Adobe Portable DocumentFormat(PDF)format.Nocompressionorpasswordprotectionshouldbeemployed.
12.11.2ItistheAuthor’sresponsibilitytoensurethatthePDFversionofthethesismatches,forcompletenessandfidelity,withtheprintversionofthethesis.
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SAMPLE
“ACKNOWLEDGEMENT”
Firstofall,Iamgratefultomysupervisor____________________,whosescholarlyadvice,helpandconstantencouragementhavecontributedsignificantlytothecompletionofthisstudy.
IwishtothankmyThesisCommitteemembersfortheircriticalinputformystudy.
Ialsowishtothankthemanagement,staff,facultymembers,andmyfellowstudentsfortheirinvaluableinputandforbeingagreatsourceofsupporttomeduringmystudy.
Iamappreciativeoftheservicesof__________________whoassistedintheproofreadingandeditingofmypaperandto___________and_______________whoassistedwithformattingandothertechnicalaspects.
Mygratitudetothelibrarystaffaswellasfortheirsupport.
[Youmaywanttoacknowledgeanyfamilymembersorspecialfriendshere.]
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DECLARATION
Ideclarethisthesisdoesnotincorporatewithoutacknowledgementanymaterialpreviouslysubmittedforadegreeordiplomainanyuniversityandthattothebestofmyknowledgeitdoesnotcontainanymaterialpreviouslypublishedorwrittenbyanotherpersonexcept
whereduereferencehavebeenmadeinthetext.
[Ifeditorialassistancehasbeenobtained,thefollowingshouldbeadded]:
Theeditorialassistanceprovidedtomehasinnowayaddedtothesubstanceofmythesiswhichistheproductofmyownresearchendeavours.
________________________________________________(Signatureofcandidate)
_______________________________________Date
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[TitlePage]
AGAKHANUNIVERSITY
TypethenameofDepartment,Faculty/Institute
Typethetitleofyourthesis
incapitalletters(bold)
By
Typecandidate’snameincapitalletters
(ifdesiredstatequalificationsordistinction)
Athesissubmittedinpartialfulfilmentofthe
requirementsforthedegreeof
[fillinthetitleofthedegree]
City/Country
Date(Day,Month,Year)
©Copyright
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AgaKhanUniversity
TypethenameofDepartment,Faculty/Institute
SubmittedtotheBoardofGraduateStudies
Inpartialfulfilmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeof
[fillinthetitleofthedegree]
MembersoftheThesisEvaluationCommitteeappointedtoexaminethethesisof
[Typecandidate’snameincapitalletters]
finditsatisfactoryandrecommendedthatitbeaccepted
_____________________________
Chair,ThesisEvaluationCommittee
_____________________________
Member,ThesisEvaluationCommittee
_____________________________
Member,ThesisEvaluationCommittee
_____________________________
ExternalExaminer
_____________________________
ExternalExaminer
Date(day,month,year)
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VIII. STUDENTACADEMICINTEGRITYPOLICY (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:July22,2010;Revised:January27,2015)1.0 OVERVIEW1.1 Themainpurposeofauniversityistoencourageandfacilitatethepursuitofknowledgeand
scholarship.Theattainmentofthispurposerequirestheindividualintegrityofallmembersofthe University student community, including all non-degree / visiting, undergraduate,graduateandpostgraduatestudents.
1.2 The mission, vision, values, policies and practices of the Aga Khan University declare
unequivocallythatacademicintegrityisconsideredtobeanintegralcomponentofethical,professionalandpersonalbehaviour.
1.3 ItistheresponsibilityofallstudentsatAgaKhanUniversitytoensurethatallacademicwork
(formative, summative, certifying, papers, theses, dissertations, all examinations –professional,midterms,finals,etc.–projects,groupworkassignmentetc.)submittedaspartoftheircourseworkand/orprogrammeofstudy,inwholeorinpart,meetstheUniversity’stestforacademicintegrity.
2.0 STUDENTS2.1 Definition:forthepurposesofthisPolicy,astudentshallmeanandincludeanyindividual
admittedtoand/orenrolledattheUniversityforanycourseincludingthoseleadingtoanundergraduate,graduateorpostgraduatecertificate,diploma,ordegreeoranyindividualregisteredwithanyotheruniversityorinstitutionwhohasbeenacceptedforanapprovedprogrammeofstudyortrainingorapprovedtotakeacourseattheUniversity.
2.1.1 ForthepurposesoftheStudentAcademicIntegrityPolicy,PostgraduateMedical
Education(PGME)Interns,ResidentsandFellowsshallbedeemedtobestudentsoftheUniversity.
2.2 Studentsareresponsibleforbeingawareofanddemonstratingbehaviourthatishonestand
ethicalintheiracademicwork,includingbutnotlimitedto:
2.2.1 Followingfacultymember’sinstructionsrelatedtoreferencingsourcesofinformation,thepropermethodsforcollaboratingonacademicworkand/orengagingingroupwork.
2.2.2 Askingforclarificationoftheinstructionswherenecessary.2.2.3 Adheringtotheprinciplesofacademicintegritywhenconductingandreporting
research.2.3 Studentsareresponsibleforfamiliarizingthemselveswiththedefinitionsofbreachesof
academicintegrityintheUniversity’sresearchrelatedpolicies.2.4 StudentsareresponsiblefortheirbehaviourandmayfacepenaltiesunderthisPolicy,if
foundtobeguiltyofacademicmisconduct.3.0 ACADEMICDISHONESTYItshallbedeemedabreachoftheUniversity’sStudentAcademicIntegrityPolicyto:
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3.1 Collaborateonacademicworkwithoutapprovalortoimproperlycollaborateonacademic
work.Forexample,whentheinstructor,
• Statesthatstudentsmustcompleteanassignmentindependently;• Askstudentstocompleteanexperiment(lab)withapartnerbuttowriteindividual
reportsontheresults.3.2 Submitthesameorsubstantiallythesameacademicworkformorethanonecoursewithout
priorwrittenapprovalofthemember(s)offaculty.3.3 Plagiarise(cf.AppendixA).3.4 Cheatonexaminations,includingtheuseofunauthorizedaidsduringthewritingofthe
examination.3.5 Submitfalseoraltereddocuments.3.6 Submitfalseinformationorfalsemedicaldocumentationtogainapostponement,
advantageorleavefrommandatorysession(s).3.7 Provideafalsesignatureforattendanceatanyclassorassessmentprocedureoronany
documentrelatedtoattendanceorthesubmissionofmaterialwherethesignatureisusedasproofofauthenticityorparticipationintheacademicassessment.
3.8 Misrepresentacademiccredentialsfromotherinstitutionsortosubmitfalseinformationfor
thepurposeofgainingadmissionorcredits.3.9 Misrepresentregistration/participationinaconference,seminar,symposium,etc. 3.10 Submitorpresentworkasone’sownthathasbeenpurchasedoracquiredfromanother
source.3.11 Receiveand/ordistributetestorcoursematerialsthatareintheprocessofbeingprepared
orhavebeenstored.3.12 Alteragradeorusingalteredcoursematerialstohaveacoursegradechanged.3.13 Steal,destroyortamperwithanotherstudent’swork.3.14 Forge,alterorfabricateAgaKhanUniversitydocuments,includingbutnotlimitedto
transcripts,lettersofreferenceorotherofficialdocuments.3.15 Impersonateanotherstudenteitherinpersonorelectronicallyforthepurposeofacademic
assessment.3.16 Assistanotherstudentinthecommissionofacademicmisconduct.3.17 AbreachoftheUniversity’sPolicyonResearchMisconduct.(cf.AppendixA)
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4.0 DISCIPLINARYPROCEDURES4.1 Forundergraduatenon-creditcourses,certificates,diplomaandundergraduatedegree
programmes,anybreachoftheStudentAcademicIntegrityPolicywillbeimmediatelyreportedtotheBoardofUndergraduateStudies.
4.2 Forgraduatenon-creditcourses,certificates,advanceddiplomas,postgraduate,post-
doctoralandothergraduateprogrammes,includingPGME,anybreachoftheStudentAcademicIntegrityPolicywillbeimmediatelyreportedtotheBoardofGraduateStudies.
4.3 Onceinformed,theUniversityRegistrarwillconveneandreferthemattertotheUniversity’s
AcademicIntegrityCommitteeforinvestigation.4.4 TheAcademicIntegrityCommittee
4.4.1 TheAcademicIntegrityCommitteewillbeastandingcommittee,appointedbytheProvost,andshallconsistofatleastfivemembersofthefaculty,oneofwhomshallbetheChairperson.
4.4.2 Normally,theCommitteeshallbecomposedoftwomembersfromPakistan,twomembersfromEastAfricaandonememberfromtheUK.
4.4.3TheUniversityRegistrarshallserveassecretarytotheAcademicIntegrityCommittee.
4.4.4MembersoftheAcademicIntegrityCommitteewillbeappointedforatwo-yearterm,whichmaybeextendedforafurtherperiodoftwoyears.
4.4.5 TheProvostwillensurethereiscontinuityofmembershipontheCommitteeandwillhavethediscretiontoextendthetenureorco-optmembersontheCommitteewhosetenurehaveexpiredandwhoareinvolvedinon-goingcases.
4.4.6 TheremustbeaquorumofatleastthreemembersoftheCommitteepresentforahearingtoproceed.
4.4.7 TheAcademicIntegrityCommitteewillbeentitledtouseservicesofanypersonneloftheUniversityastheCommitteemaydeemappropriateforthepurposesofassistingtheCommitteeinconductingitshearings.
4.5 TheCommittee’sproceedings
4.5.1 Committeehearingswillbeconductedinafairandtransparentmanner.4.5.2 TheCommitteewillinvitetheconcernedstudent(s)topresenthis/her(their)
point(s)ofview.4.5.3 TheCommitteemay,atitsdiscretion,callotherpeopledeemedappropriatefor
seekinganyinformationorevidencewithregardtotheoffence.4.5.4 UnlessotherwiseauthorizedbytheProvost,theCommitteewillnormallycomplete
itsproceedingswithin15workingdays.4.5.5 TheoutcomeoftheCommittee’sinvestigationwillbecommunicatedinwritingto
theChairoftherelevantBoardofStudieswhowillinformthestudent(s)ofthehearingsoutcome.
4.5.6 AcopyofthedecisionoftheCommitteewillbesenttotheUniversityRegistrar.
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5.0 DISCIPLINARYPROCEEDINGS:ACADEMICDISHONESTY5.1 Whenastudentisfoundtohavebreacheditems3.1–3.2oftheUniversity’sStudent
AcademicIntegrityPolicy,thefollowingpenaltiesmaybeappliedindependentlyorincombinationforanysingleviolation.
5.1.1 Aletterreportingtheacademicdishonestyoffencesenttothestudentandcopied
tothestudent’sDean/Director,theRegistrar,thestudent’ssponsoringagent,and,whereapplicable/appropriate,thestudent’sparents.
5.1.2 Areductionofthemarkonthepiece(s)ofacademicwork.5.1.3 Amarkofzeroforthepiece(s)ofacademicwork.5.1.4 Areductionoftheoverallcoursegrade.5.1.5 Afailingmarkforthecoursewithatranscriptnotation.5.1.6 CancellationofadmissiontotheUniversityand/orenrolmentattheUniversity.5.1.7 SuspensionfromtheUniversity,withatranscriptnotation.5.1.8 ExpulsionfromtheUniversity,withatranscriptnotation.5.1.9 ArecommendationtoAcademicCouncil,theBoardofTrusteesandtheChancellor
torescindthestudent’sdegree.5.1.10 Anyotherpenaltiesasmaybedeemedappropriateforthecircumstances,witha
transcriptnotation.5.2 Whenastudentisfoundtohavebreacheditems3.3–3.17oftheUniversity’sStudent
AcademicIntegrityPolicy,thefollowingpenaltiesmaybeappliedindependentlyorincombinationforanysingleviolation.
5.2.1 Cancellationofadmissiontoand/orenrolmentattheUniversity.5.2.2 Suspension,withatranscriptnotation.5.2.3 Expulsion,withatranscriptnotation.5.2.4 ArecommendationtoAcademicCouncil,theBoardofTrusteesandtheChancellor
torescindthestudent’sdegree.5.2.5 Anyotherpenaltiesasmaybedeemedappropriateforthecircumstances.
6.0 APPEALS6.1 AnyappealoftheAcademicIntegrityCommittee’sdecisionmustbemadewithin10working
daysofthedateoftheletternotifyingthestudentofthedecision.
6.1.1 DisagreementwiththeCommittee’sdecisionisnotareasonforappeal.6.1.2 Studentsmustclearlystatethereasonfortheappeal.6.1.3 Studentsmustmaketheirappealinwriting.6.1.4 Anappealmayonlybemadebythestudent.Appealsreceivedfrompartiesother
thanthestudentwillnotbeconsidered.6.2 AppealsshouldbeaddressedtotheUniversityRegistrarwhowillberesponsiblefor
forwardingthemattertotheUniversity’sProvost.6.3 IncaseswheretheProvostisnotavailabletoconsideranappealwithintheprescribed
timelines,theProvostwillforwardthemattertoaViceProvostwhowillactinher/hisplace.
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6.4 Uponthereceiptofanappeal,theProvostorhis/herdesignatewillconveneandreferthemattertoanAppealsCommitteeforinvestigationandreview.
6.5 TheAppealsCommittee
6.5.1 TheAppealsCommitteewillbeanadhoccommitteeandshallconsistofthreemembersofthefaculty,oneofwhomshallbedesignatedastheChairpersonoftheAppealsCommittee.
6.5.2 TheAppealsCommitteewillbeentitledtouseservicesofanypersonneloftheUniversityastheCommitteemaydeemappropriateforthepurposesofassistingtheCommitteeinconductingthedisciplinaryproceedings.
6.5.3TheUniversityRegistrarwillserveasthesecretarytotheAppealsCommittee.6.6 TheAppealsCommittee’sproceedings
6.6.1 TheAppealsCommitteehearingswillbeconductedinafairandtransparentmanner.
6.6.2 TheAppealsCommitteewillinvitetheconcernedstudent(s)topresenthis/her(their)point(s)ofview.
6.6.3 TheAppealsCommitteemay,atitsdiscretion,callotherpeopledeemedappropriateforseekinganyinformationorevidencewithregardtotheoffence.
6.6.4 UnlessotherwiseauthorizedbytheProvostorhis/herdesignatetheAppealsCommitteewillcompleteitsproceedingswithin10workingdays.
6.6.6 TheoutcomeoftheAppealsCommittee’sinvestigationwillbecommunicatedtotheProvostorhis/herdesignateinwriting.
6.6.7 TheProvostorhis/herdesignatemayactupontherecommendation(s)oftheAppealsCommitteeorinaccordancewithhis/herjudgment.
6.6.8 Inexercisinghis/herrightofamakingdecision,theProvostshallnotberequiredtoprovideahearingtothestudent.
6.6.9 ThedecisionoftheProvostorhis/herdesignateshallbefinalandbindingonallparties.
6.6.10 AcopyofthedecisionwillbesenttotheUniversityRegistrarwhowillconveytheresultsoftheappealtothestudent(s).
7.0 USEOFPLAGIARISM-DETECTIONSOFTWARE7.1 Preamble
7.1.1 Inanefforttoensurethehighestacademicstandards,theUniversitysupportsacademicintegritythroughacademicpoliciesthatdefineacademicdishonesty.
7.1.2 TheUniversityanditsfacultyexpectthatallstudentswillbeevaluatedandgradedontheirownindividualwork.
7.1.3 TheUniversityrecognisesthatstudentsoftenhavetousetheideasofothersasexpressedinwritten,publishedorunpublishedworksinthepreparationofessays,papers,reports,theses,dissertationsandpublications.Studentsareencouragedtouseanti-plagiarismsoftwareasa‘plagiarismprotection’andlearningtool.
7.1.4 TheUniversityexpectsthatboththedataandideasobtainedfromanyandallpublishedorunpublishedmaterialwillbeproperlyacknowledgedandsourcesdisclosedincludingpropercitationswhenworkiscopiedorparaphrased.(cf.AppendixA)
7.1.5 Failuretofollowthispracticeconstitutesplagiarism.
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7.1.6 TheUniversity,throughtheavailabilityofplagiarism-detectionsoftware,specificallyTurnitin.com,desirestoencourageresponsiblestudentbehaviour,deterplagiarism,improvestudentlearningandensuregreateraccountabilityamongststudents.
7.1.7 Plagiarism-detectionsoftwareusesproprietarysearchtechnologytocheckassignmentsagainstInternetresources,proprietarydatabasesandpreviouslysubmittedstudentassignments.
7.2 Policy
7.2.1 TheUniversity’sPolicyontheUseofPlagiarism-DetectionSoftwarewillbepublishedinallundergraduateandgraduateprogrammeStudentHandbooks(orequivalent).
7.2.2 Facultywhowishtouseplagiarism-detectionsoftwareintheircourse(s)mustcomplywiththerequirementssetoutinthisPolicy.
7.2.2.1 “Use”isdefinedasmemberoffacultysubmittingstudents’assignmentsto
plagiarism-detectionsoftwarethemselvesand/orfacultymembersrequiringstudentstosubmittheirpaperstoplagiarism-detectionsoftwarebeforepapersaregraded.
7.2.3 Inthecoursesinwhichmembersoffacultyintendtouseplagiarism-detection
softwaretheymustcommunicatethistothestudentsinthecoursesyllabus.Thecoursesyllabusshouldinclude:
7.2.3.1 Anoticethatplagiarism-detectionsoftwarewillormaybeusedforallstudent
papersinthecourse: SampleStatement Inthiscourseyouwillberequiredtosubmitsomematerialinelectronicform.Whenthisis
required,itwillbenoted.TheelectronicmaterialwillbesubmittedtoTurnitinaplagiarism-detectionservicetowhichAKUsubscribes.Thisisaservicethatcheckstextualmaterialfororiginality.Itisincreasinglyusedinuniversitiesaroundtheworld.Apagedescribingtheplagiarism-detectionsoftwaretheUniversity’sreasonsforusingitareattached.
7.2.3.2 Anoticetostudentsthattheworktheysubmittoplagiarism-detectionsoftware
willbecomepartoftheplagiarism-detectionsoftwaredatabase;7.2.3.3 Astatementthatifthestudentobjectstohavinghisorherpaper(s)submittedto
thestudentpapersdatabaseofplagiarism-detectionsoftware,thatobjectionmustbecommunicatedinwritingtotheinstructoratthebeginningofthecourse.Thepaper(s)willthenberunthroughplagiarism-detectionsoftwareexcludingthestudentpapersdatabase,thusomittingthedepositingofthepaper(s)intothatdatabase.
7.2.4 Studentswhoareadvisedoftheuseofplagiarism-detectionsoftwareinaparticular
course,assetoutabove,aredeemedtoagree,bytakingthecourse,tosubmittheirpaperstoplagiarism-detectionsoftwarefor“textualsimilarityreview.”
7.2.5 Studentsatalltimesretainthecopyrightintheirwork.Moreover,plagiarism-detectionsoftwareprotectsstudents’privacybecauseitdoesnotmakestudents’papersavailabletooutsidethirdparties.Studentsshouldbeadvisedofthis.
7.2.6 Inthecoursesinwhichplagiarism-detectionsoftwarewillormaybeused,studentsshouldbeprovidedwithinstructionand/orresourcesaboutwhatplagiarismisandhowtoavoidit.
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7.2.7 Wheretheresultsofaplagiarism-detectionsoftwareoriginalityreportmaybeusedtochargeastudentwithacademicmisconduct,thestudentmustbenotifiedoftheresultofthereport,andthestudentmustbegivenanopportunitytorespondbeforeanydisciplinarypenaltyisimposed.Thedate,time,andresultsofsuchameetingshouldbedocumented.Ahardcopyoftheoriginalplagiarism-detectionsoftwareoriginalityreportmustberetained.
8.0 OFFICEOFTHEREGISTRAR8.1 TheOfficeoftheRegistrarshallberesponsiblefordevelopingpoliciesandproceduresto
detectmisrepresentationofcredentialsduringtheadmissionsprocessandtoprovidesupportinmaintainingacademicintegrityduringthewritingofexaminations.
8.2 TheOfficeoftheRegistrarisresponsiblefortheprocurementofplagiarismdetection
software.APPENDIXA1.0 DEFINITIONS1.1 Plagiarism Plagiarismisdefinedasthesubmissionorpresentationofanotherperson'sthoughtsor
wordsorsoftware,inwholeorinpart,asthoughtheywereyourown.Anyquotationfromthepublishedorunpublishedworksofotherpersonsmust,therefore,beclearlyidentifiedassuchbybeingplacedinsidequotationmarks,andstudentsshouldidentifytheirsourcesasaccuratelyandfullyaspossible.
1.1.1 Whatdoesthismean?• Whenwritinganassignment,youmustuseyourownwordsandthoughts.• Whenyouuseanotherperson’sexactphrasing,youmustdistinguishthetextor
materialtakenfromthatsourcefromyourown(i.e.throughtheuseofquotationmarksoranindentation).
• Whenyouuseanotherperson’sthoughtsorideas,thoughyoumaynotbedirectlyquotingthem,youmustbothacknowledgethatthesearenotyourownandreferencetheoriginalsource(i.e.throughafootnoteorotherappropriateformofreference).
• Ifyouareparaphrasingwhatanotherpersonhasstated,youmustusecompletelydifferentlanguage,essentiallyre-writingit.Alteringasentenceorparagraphslightlyisneitherappropriatenoradequate.Andremember,paraphrasesstillrequireareferencenotation.
• Eachinstructorhasspecificexpectationsforhowstudentsaretoacknowledgesourcesintheircourses.Theseareoftenexplainedinthecourseoutlineorinclass.Youareencouragedtoaskquestionsifyoudonotunderstandwhatyourinstructorexpectsofyouwhenitcomestoacknowledgingsourcesusedincourseworkorassignments.
• Theworkyoudoforacoursemustbeuniquetothatcourse.Submittinganassignmentthathasalreadybeengradedinanothercourseconstitutesplagiarism
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unlessyouhavesoughtandobtainedthepermissionoftheinstructorinwhosecourseyouarecurrentlyenrolled.
• Ifyouareunsurewhetherornottoreferenceasource,erronthesideofcautionanddosoanyway,asthesanctionsforplagiarismmaybequitesevere.
1.1.2 Whyisthisimportant? Themainpurposeofauniversityisthepursuitofknowledgeandscholarship.This
requirestheintegrityofallmembersoftheUniversitycommunity.AsastudentattheAgaKhanUniversity,youareexpectedtopracticeintellectualhonestyandtofullyacknowledgetheworkofothersbyprovidingappropriatereferencesinyourscholarlywork.Scholarsdonottakecreditthatisnotearned.AcademicdishonestyisdestructivetothevaluesoftheUniversity,nottomentionunfairtostudentswhopursuetheirstudieshonestly.
1.2 ResearchMisconductTheUniversity’sPolicyonResearchMisconductstatesthat“Misconductinresearchisdefinedtoincludeanyoneormoreofthefollowingacts:”
1.2.1. Fabricationand/orfalsificationofresearchrelateddataorinreportingresearchoutcomes.
1.2.2 Plagiarisminallresearchrelatedmattersincludingpublications,appropriationofanotherperson'sideas,processes,results,outputsorwordswithoutgivingappropriatecredit.
1.2.3 Inappropriateuseofothers’intellectualproperty(withoutreferenceoracknowledgment).
1.2.4 Denialofindividualrightssuchasauthorshiptocollaborativepartnersinresearchpublications.
1.2.5 Non-compliancewithInstitution’spolicieson‘conflictofinterest’,‘intellectualpropertyrights’and‘authorshipguidelines’.
1.2.6 Deliberatemisuseofinstitutionalorsponsor’sfundsforfinancialgains.1.2.7 Wilfulfailuretohonouranagreementorcontractwiththefundingagencyto
performcertaintasks.1.2.8 Publishinganydataorresultsthatareagainsttheinternationallyacceptedgeneral
principlesofresearchandscholarlyactivities.1.2.9 Deliberatedestructionofone’sownorothers’researchdataorrecordsorresearch
relatedproperty.1.2.10 Makinguseofanyinformationinbreachofanydutyofconfidentialityassociated
withthereviewofanymanuscriptorgrantapplication.
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IX. STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCTANDDISCIPLINARYPROCEDURES (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:November22,2007;Revised:July1,2017)1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 The Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures is devised with the primary
objectiveofensuringexemplarybehaviourandconductofstudentswhichtheycanachievebydisplayingthehighestdegreeofmoralandethicalvalues.
1.2 Accordingly,thepowersfordeterminationofanoffenceandimpositionofpenaltythereofin
accordancewith theprovisionsof thisCodeandProceduresshallvestexclusivelywith therespectiveacademicDean/Director(cf.Definitions,Section11),theDeanofStudents,theAssociateViceProvost(StudentExperience)orProvost,asthecasemaybe.
1.3 TheacademicDean/Director,DeanofStudents,AssociateViceProvost(StudentExperience)
orProvostisempoweredandcompetenttoinitiateaninquiryandimposeanypenaltyincaseswhereanoffenceaspertheprovisionsofthisCodeandProcedureshasbeencommittedbyanystudent,notwithstandingthefactthatthesaidindividualmayhavebeenexoneratedoracquittedbyacourtoflawunderprevailinglawsoftheland.
1.4 TheUniversityexpectsthatthebehaviourofitsstudentswithinandoutsidetheprecinctsof
the University will be in conformity with the highest standards of honesty, morality anddiscipline.Studentswill respect the rightsandprivilegesof themembersof theUniversitycommunityandsocietyatlargeatalltimes.TheywillconductthemselvesinwaysthatupholdthereputationoftheUniversityanditsprogrammes.
1.5 TheStudentCodeofConductoutlines theexpectationsof theUniversityof its students in
termsofgeneralconductaswellasnon-academicconduct.Whererequired,individualunitsof the University or those within a particular country or region, may develop policiesappropriatetotheirlegalandculturalcontext,whileremainingwithintheoverallframeworkcontainedherein.
1.6 AsaconditionofenrolmentattheUniversity,allstudentsassumeresponsibilitytoobserve
the Code of Conduct. In cases where there are grounds to suspect a breach or anyinfringementoftheCodeofConduct,disciplinaryactionundertheauspicesoftheDisciplinaryProcedures may be initiated for such behaviour committed either within or outside theprecinctsoftheUniversity.
1.7 A separate policy, the Student Academic Integrity Policy, comprehensively outlines the
University’sexpectationsofitsstudentsintermsofacademicconductandintegrity.However,generalandbasicacademicconductexpectationsareincludedinthispolicy.
2.0 GENERALSTUDENTCONDUCT2.1 Allstudentswillpresentthemselveswithdignitybefittingtheirstatusasmature,lawabiding
and responsible persons and show tolerance toward religious, ethnic, social and otherdifferences.
2.2 Studentswillrefrainfromanyactivitywhichissubversiveofdisciplineand/orbringsthe
Universityintodisrepute.
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2.3 Studentsinallsettingsoncampusareexpectedtodressinasimple,decentandappropriatemanner.
2.4 Studentsindividuallyorasagroupwillrefrainfromengaginginanyactivitywhichhindersor
preventstheparticipationofanotherpersonorgroupofpersonsinanyoftheactivitiesoftheUniversity.
2.5 Studentswillensurethattheiractionsdonot inanywaythreatenorendangerthehealth,
safetyorsecurityofotherpersonsorimperilthelatter’sproperties.2.6 StudentswillrefrainfromanybehaviourwhichwillcausedamagetoUniversityproperty.2.7 HostelrulesaretobereadinconjunctionwiththeStudentCodeofConductandDisciplinary
Procedures.
3.0 GENERALACADEMICCONDUCT3.1 Allstudentswilldiligentlyapplythemselvestotheirregisteredcoursesofstudy.3.2 Students shall attend lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical sessions, clinics and ward
assignments,examinationsandotherscheduledcoursesandactivities,inaccordancewiththeattendance requirements of the University with regard to each programme, except forreasonsacceptabletotheUniversity.
3.3 Eachstudentshallbesolelyresponsibleforcompletinghis/herscheduledexaminationsand
attendingotheracademicactivities,asperhis/herprogrammerequirements.3.4 Students will respect the confidentiality of information pertaining to all clients of the
Universityincludingpatientsandtheirrecords,andwilluseitinnoothercircumstancesthanforauthorizedacademicandprofessionalpurposes.
4.0 REQUESTSFORPRIORPERMISSION4.1 Studentswillberequiredtoobtainpriorpermissioninwritingthroughapprovedcommittee
structuresforthefollowing:4.1.1 Organizingco-curricularactivitiesoncampus.4.1.2 Makingpublicstatements,communicationorcorrespondencewiththepressorother
media formass communicationonbehalfof theUniversityor commentingon theinternalaffairsoftheUniversity.
4.1.3 InvitingGovernmentand/orforeigndignitaries,ministers,representativesofforeigngovernments/agenciesorotherpublicpersonalities intheirofficialcapacityontoanyUniversitycampus.
5.0 DISCIPLINARYOFFENCES5.1 Withoutprejudice to thegeneralityof theprovisionsof theStudentCodeofConduct, the
followingconductbystudentswillconstituteadisciplinaryoffence:
5.1.1 Repeated failure toconformtoscheduled instruction,practicalwork,examination,clinicalassignmentsand/orcoercingotherstudentstoactlikewise.
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5.1.2 Anyformofintimidation,insult,abusivelanguage,assault,molestationorharassmentofstudents,staff,faculty,patientsorotherclients,withinoroutsidetheUniversity.
5.1.3 Anyformofunauthorizedpicketing,rallies,demonstrationsororganizedobstructionsofanystudent/University/UniversityHospitalfunctioninanymannerwhatsoever.
5.1.4 Anyattempttoconceive,designoraffectanyplanofwhatevernaturewhoseobjectorconsequenceistodisruptacademicprogrammesoftheUniversityoritsoperations.
5.1.5 Malicious acts, theft, wilful damage or misuse of University’s or any third party’sproperty.
5.1.6 Studentsresidingoravailingthehostelanditsfacilitiesshallcomplywithallthehostelrules and will conduct themselves in a manner that respects the rights of otherresidentstudents,facultyandstaffoftheUniversity.
5.1.7 UnauthorizedhousingofpersonsinthehostelorotherbuildingsattheUniversity.5.1.8 Raisingfunds,acceptingdonationsorengaginginsimilaractivitiesforandonbehalf
oftheUniversitywithoutapriorwrittenapprovaloftheUniversity.5.1.9 Smoking,eating,drinkingwhereprohibitedinsettingsoftheUniversity.5.1.10 Procurement,possession,use,saleordisplayofanyweapon, including firearmsor
anyothercontrabanditemoncampusoratanyUniversity-relatedevent.5.1.11 Procurement, possession, use, sale and consumption of banned drugs, alcohol or
othercontrabanditemsoncampusoratUniversityrelatedevents.5.1.12 AttendanceoncampusoratUniversity-relatedeventsinanintoxicatedstateorunder
theinfluenceofbannedsubstances.5.1.13 Any act of violence causing injury or damage to any person or property at the
University.5.1.14 Providingwronginformation,givingfalseand/orfabricatedevidence,deliberately
concealingmaterial facts or information to the University in any proceedings andinquiriescarriedoutatanyforumbytheUniversity.
5.1.15 Committingor involvement inanyactofdeceit, fraud, forgerywiththeUniversity,students,stafforfaculty.
5.1.16 Abuse,unauthorizedorfraudulentuseofUniversitycomputers,networksystemsorcomputerfiles.
5.1.17 Failure to complywithoranyact in violationof, contraventionofordisregard forpublishedUniversitypolicies, regulationsor failure tocomplywith thedirectionofUniversityofficialsactinginperformanceoftheirduties.
5.1.18 Anyactprohibitedand/ornotpermittedunderany lawof thecountrywhere theUniversityislocated.
5.1.19 Assisting, supporting, facilitating, encouraging, and provoking any of the offencesreferredinclauses5.1.1to5.1.18above.
6.0 DISCIPLINARYPROCEDURE6.1 AnybreachofaDisciplinaryOffencewillbeimmediatelyreportedtotheDean/Directorofthe
student’s academic entity, the Dean of Students, the Associate Vice-Provost (StudentExperience),orhis/herdesignate.
6.2 Onceinformed,theDean/Director/AssociateVice-Provost,orhis/herdesignatewill:
6.2.1 Convene and refer the matter to the academic entity Disciplinary Committee for
investigation.6.2.2 InformtheUniversityRegistrarthataDisciplinaryCommitteehasbeenconvened.
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6.3 While theDisciplinary Committee is investigating an offence, theDean /Director / Dean ofStudents/AssociateVice-Provost,maysuspendthestudentorrestricthim/herfromspecificorallcampusbasedactivitiesuntiltheinvestigationiscompletedandadecisionreached.
6.4 TheDisciplinaryCommittee:
6.4.1 FortheUniversity’sacademicentities,theDisciplinaryCommitteemaybeastanding
committeeandshallconsistofatleastfivemembersofthefacultyandseniorstaffoftheUniversity,oneofwhoshallbetheChairperson.
6.4.2 TheDeanofStudents’/AssociateVice-Provost’sDisciplinaryCommitteewillbeanadhoccommitteeandshallconsistofat least fivemembersof the facultyandseniorstaffoftheUniversity,oneofwhoshallbetheChairperson.
6.4.3 Membersoftheacademicentity-basedDisciplinaryCommitteewillbeappointedbytheDean/Directorforaone-yearterm,whichmaybeextendedforafurtherperiodoftwoyears.
6.4.4 TheDean/DirectorwillensurethereiscontinuityofmembershipontheCommitteeand will have the discretion to extend the tenure or co-opt members on theCommitteewhosetenurehaveexpiredandwhoareinvolvedinon-goingcases.
6.4.5 Theremustbeaquorumofat least threemembersof theDisciplinaryCommitteepresentforahearingtoproceed.
6.4.6 TheDisciplinaryCommitteeswillbeentitledtouseservicesofanypersonneloftheUniversityastheCommitteemaydeemappropriateforthepurposesofassistingtheCommitteeinconductingthedisciplinaryproceedings.
6.5 TheDisciplinaryCommittee’sproceedings:
6.5.1 TheCommitteewillbeconductedinafairandtransparentmanner.6.5.2 TheCommitteewillinvitetheconcernedstudenttopresenthis/herpointofview.6.5.3 The Committee may, at its discretion, call other people deemed appropriate for
seekinganyinformationorevidencewithregardtotheoffence.6.5.4 UnlessotherwiseauthorizedbytheDean/Director/DeanofStudents/Associate
Vice-Provost, the Disciplinary Committee will normally complete its proceedingswithin15workingdays.
6.5.5 TheoutcomeoftheDisciplinaryCommittee’sinvestigationwillbecommunicatedtotheDean/Director/DeanofStudents/AssociateVice-Provostinwriting.
6.5.6 TheDean/Director/DeanofStudents/AssociateVice-Provostmayactupontherecommendation(s) of the Disciplinary Committee or in accordancewith his / herjudgment.
6.5.7 In exercising his / her right of making a decision, the Dean / Director / Dean ofStudents/AssociateVice-Provost,shallnotberequiredtoprovideahearingtothestudent.
6.5.8 AcopyofthedecisionwillbesenttotheUniversityRegistrar.7.0 DISCIPLINARYACTIONS7.1 IncasesofbreachesofDisciplinaryOffences5.1.1–5.1.9,theUniversitywillimposeanyoneor
moreofthedisciplinaryactionsgivenbelow,dependingontheseverityoftheoffence.
7.1.1 Counsellingofthestudent.7.1.2 Aletterofwarningorreprimandtothestudent.7.1.3 Probationforaspecifiedperiodoftimewithmandatoryperiodiccounselling.
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7.1.4 Thepaymentoffinebytheoffendercommensuratewiththenatureandgravityoftheoffencecommitted.
7.1.5 SuspensionfromtheUniversityforaspecifiedperiod.7.1.6 ExpulsionfromtheUniversityand/orexpulsionfromtheUniversityresidencesifso
required.7.1.7 Anyotherpenaltywhichtherelevantauthority/bodyoftheUniversitymaydeemfit
toimpose.7.2 NotwithstandingSection7.1,incasesofbreachesofDisciplinaryOffences5.1.10–5.1.19,the
Universitywillimposeanyoneormoreofthedisciplinaryactionsgivenbelow,dependingontheseverityoftheoffence.
7.2.1 SuspensionfromtheUniversityforaspecifiedperiod.7.2.2 ExpulsionfromtheUniversityand/orexpulsionfromtheUniversityresidencesifso
required.7.2.3 Anyotherpenaltywhichtherelevantauthority/bodyoftheUniversitymaydeemfit
toimpose.8.0 APPEALS8.1 AnyappealoftheDean’s/Director’s/DeanofStudents’/AssociateVice-Provost’sdecision
mustbemadewithin10workingdaysofthedateoftheletternotifyingthestudentofthedecision.
8.1.1 Disagreement with the Dean’s / Director’s / Dean of Students’ / Associate Vice-
Provost’sdecisionisnotgroundsforanappeal.8.1.2 Studentsmustclearlystatethereasonfortheappeal.8.1.3 Studentsmustmaketheirappealinwriting.8.1.4 Anappealmayonlybemadebythestudent. Appealsreceivedfrompartiesother
thanthestudentwillnotbeconsidered.8.2 Appeals should be addressed to the University Registrar who will be responsible for
forwardingthemattertotheUniversity’sProvost.8.3 In cases where the Provost is not available to consider an appeal within the prescribed
timelines,theProvostwillforwardthemattertoaDean/Director/ViceProvostwhowillactinhis/herplace.
8.3.1 TheDean/DirectorselectedbytheProvostmaynotbetheDean/Directorofthe
student’sacademicentity.8.3.2 Once selected the Dean / Director / Vice Provost shall become the Provost’s
designate.8.4 Uponthereceiptofanappeal,theProvostorhis/herdesignatewillconveneandrefer
themattertoanAppealsCommitteeforinvestigationandreview.8.5 TheAppealsCommittee
8.5.1 The Appeals Committee will be an ad hoc committee and shall consist of threemembersofthefacultyandseniorstaffoftheUniversity,oneofwhomshallbetheChairperson.
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8.5.2 The Appeals Committee will be entitled to use services of any personnel of theUniversityastheCommitteemaydeemappropriateforthepurposesofassistingtheCommitteeinconductingthedisciplinaryproceedings.
8.6 TheAppealsCommittee’sproceedings:
8.6.1 TheAppealsCommitteewillbeconductedinafairandtransparentmanner.8.6.2 TheAppealsCommitteewillinvitetheconcernedstudenttopresenthis/herpointof
view.8.6.3 TheAppealsCommitteemay,atitsdiscretion,callotherpeopledeemedappropriate
forseekinganyinformationorevidencewithregardtotheoffence.8.6.4 Unless otherwise authorized by the Provost or his / her designate the Appeals
Committeewillcompleteitsproceedingswithin10workingdays.8.6.5 TheoutcomeoftheAppealsCommittee’sinvestigationwillbecommunicatedtothe
Provostorhis/herdesignateinwriting.8.6.6 The Provost or his / her designate may act upon the recommendation(s) of the
AppealsCommitteeorinaccordancewithhis/herjudgment.8.6.7 Inexercisinghis/herrightofamakingdecision,theProvostshallnotberequiredto
provideahearingtothestudent.8.6.8 Thedecisionof theProvostorhis /herdesignate shall be final andbindingonall
parties.8.6.9 AcopyofthedecisionwillbesenttotheUniversityRegistrar.
9.0 SHARINGOFINFORMATION9.1 Where appropriate, information about a disciplinary offence may be passed on to the
student’sparents/guardians/sponsors.Thestudentorparentorbothmayalsoberequiredtogivewrittenassurancesorundertakingtosupportexpectedconductthroughouthis/herstayattheUniversity.
10.0 CONFIDENTIALITY10.1 Disciplinary proceedings held under the provisions of this Code of Conduct shall be of a
confidential nature. To ensure the safety and security of all concerned, all information,statement, evidence, material, etc. received and / or presented during the disciplinaryproceedingsshallbekeptstrictlyconfidentialandthestudentswillnotbeentitledtohaveaccesstoand/orseekcopiesofanyoftherecord(s)ofthedisciplinaryproceedings.
11.0 DEFINITIONS11.1 Student:shallmeanandincludeanypersonenrolledattheAgaKhanUniversityinacourse
orprogrammeleadingtoanundergraduate,graduateorpostgraduatecertificate,diplomaordegree; in a non-credit course; or any person registered with any other university orinstitutionwhohasbeenaccepted/approvedforenrolmentinacourse,programmeofstudyortrainingattheUniversity.
11.1.1 ForthepurposesoftheStudentCodeofConductandDisciplinaryProcedures,PGME
Interns,ResidentsandFellowsshallbedeemedtobestudentsoftheUniversity.11.2 Provost:TheUniversity’schiefacademicofficer.ForthepurposeofapplicationofthisCode
thistermshallbedeemedtoincludetheActingProvostorhis/herdesignate.
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11.3 Dean/Director:TheheadofanAKUacademicentity(College,School,Faculty,Institute,etc.).
ThistermshallbedeemedtoincludeInterimandActingDeans/Directorsortheirdesignate.11.4 Suspension:referstotheactofdebarringastudentcompletelyorpartiallyfromtheactivities
oftheUniversityforaspecifiedperiodoftime.Uponexpiryoftheperiodofsuspension,thestudent will be readmitted, contingent upon the terms and conditions of the suspensionwithout any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of the University or any of itsmembersofstaff,facultyorofficers.
11.5 Expulsion:referstotheterminationofenrolmentattheUniversity.11.6 Fine: shallrefertoanorderbytheUniversityforastudenttopayasumofmoneytothe
Universityaspenaltyforanyoffencecommittedbythestudent.Thestudentmayormaynotbepermittedtocontinuewiththecourseofstudiesuntilthefinehasbeenpaid.
12.0 STUDENTHANDBOOKS12.1 TheStudentCodeofConduct andDisciplinaryProcedures shouldbe included in academic
unit-specificstudenthandbooks.
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X. BOARDOFSTUDENTACADEMICAPPEALS (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:May23,2013;Revised:March17,2016)
1.0 MANDATEANDSCOPE
1.1 TheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealsshallbetheUniversity’sfinalauthorityforhearingstudentgrievancesarisingoutofAgaKhanUniversityregulations,policiesandproceduresthatacademicallyaffectstudents.
1.2 Appealsrelatingtochargesofacademicandnon-academicmisconductwillbeheardin
accordancewiththeappealproceduresoutlinedintheStudentCodeofConductandDisciplinaryProcedures.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 TheUniversityhasaresponsibilitytoprovidefairandequitableproceduresforthelodging
andhearingofstudentcomplaintsarisingoutofAgaKhanUniversityregulations,policiesandactionsthatacademicallyaffectstudentsdirectly.
2.2 Thispolicyisapplicabletofull-andpart-timestudentsadmittedtoanAKUprogrammeof
study.2.3 Forthispolicy,theUniversityRegistrarwillbetheadministrativeofficerresponsibleforthe
receiptandprocessingofappeals,fortheschedulingandholdingofhearingsbeforetheBoardofStudentAppeals.
2.4 StudentsarerequestedtospeakwiththeUniversityRegistrarorhisrepresentative
regardingacomplaintbeforesubmittinganapplicationforappeal.2.5 Theproceduresdescribedinthisdocumentareintendedtoprovideamechanismtoremedy
injustices.2.6 Studentswhowishtoraisequestionsorwhohaveaconcernarestronglyencouragedto
communicateinformallywiththeirinstructors,chair/directorofthedepartment/programmebeforeseekingareviewunderformalprocedures.
2.7 WhereFaculty-,College-,School-orInstitute-basedappealprocessesexist,studentsmust
ensurethattheyfollowtheseprescribedprocessespriortosubmittinganappealtotheBoardofStudentAppeals.
2.8 Faculty-,College-,School-andInstitute-basedappealprocessesmustbefiledwiththe
UniversityRegistrar.Changestoentity-basedappealprocessesmustbeimmediatelyreportedtotheRegistrar.
2.9 StudentswhosubmitanappealtotheBoardofStudentAppealsBoardwithoutfollowingthe
prescribedprocedurewillhavetheappealreturnedwithoutdecision.2.10 StudentsshouldnotethatanappealtotheBoardofStudentAppealsisthefinalrecoursein
dealingwithacademicappeals.
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3.0 APPEALS
3.1 Academicappealsmayfallintooneofthefollowingcategories:
3.1.1 Finalgrade:Astudentquestionshis/herfinalgradeortheassessmentofhis/herperformance.
3.1.2 ApplicationofUniversityregulations:ThestudentquestionstheapplicationofUniversityregulationsgoverningprogrammesofstudy.
4.0 TIMELIMITATIONS
4.1 Anappealofanacademicdecisionsmustbemadewithin30daysofthedateoftheletter
informingthestudentoftheacademicdecision.4.2 Appealsoffinalgradesmustbemadewithin30daysofthepostingofthefinalgradesbythe
OfficeoftheRegistrar.4.3 Astudentmustcommencetheappealprocessnotedinitems5.0and6.0,below,withinthe
30daysofthenotificationoftheacademicdecisionorthepostingofthefinalgrades.5.0 PROCESSFORTHEAPPEALOFGRADES
5.1 Studentswhohaveaquestionregardingthefinalgradeinacoursemustfirstdiscussthe
matterwiththecourseinstructor.5.2 Intheeventofanunresolveddisagreement,thestudentmustreferthemattertothechair
/directorofthedepartment/programme.5.3 Ifthestudentisnotsatisfiedwiththedecisionofthechair/directorofthedepartment/
programme,thestudentmaythenappealtotheDean/Directorofthestudent’sacademicunit.
6.0 APPEALSRELATEDTOACADEMICDECISIONS
6.1 Arequestforthereconsiderationofanacademicdecisionmust,whereapplicable,be
directedtotheDeanorDirectorofthestudent'sacademicunit.6.2 IfthestudentisnotsatisfiedwiththeDeanorDirector’sdecision,thestudentmaythen
appealtotheBoardofStudentAppeals.
7.0 MEDICALAPPEALS
7.1 TheUniversityendeavourstoaccommodatestudentswhosestudiesbecomeinterrupted,orwhomaybeunabletocompleteacademicwork,duetoanincapacitatingmedicalcondition.
7.2 Inthesesituations,thestudentmustproviderelevantmedicaldocumentationtosupport
his/herrequestforacademicaccommodationbasedonmedicalgrounds.7.3 TheUniversitymay,atitsdiscretion,requestmoredetaileddocumentationincertaincases.
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8.0 APPEALSPROCEDURE8.1 AllappealssubmittedtotheStudentAppealsBoardshallbemadeusingtheStudentAppeal
Form.TheStudentAppealFormisavailableontheOfficeoftheRegistrarwebsite,www.aku.edu/admissions/registraroffice
8.2 SubmissionsnotreceivedontheStudentAppealFormwillbereturnedtothestudent
withoutdecision.8.3 Appealsmustclearlystatetheargumentsandexpectationsofthestudent.Theresponsibility
todemonstratethevalidityoftheappealandtoprovidefullandappropriatesupportingdocumentationrestswiththestudent.
8.4 Dissatisfactionwith,orignoranceorneglectofUniversitypolicyorpublisheddeadlinesshall
notconstitutesufficientgroundsforappeal.8.5 Allappealsshallbesubmitted,inperson,bythepersonrequestingtheappeal,tothe
student’scampusOfficeoftheRegistrar.SubmissionsreceivedatcampusesotherthantheStadiumRoadcampuswillbeforwardedtotheUniversityRegistrar.
8.6 Anappealmaybedisqualifiedifreceivedoutsidethe30-dayperiod.8.7 Astudentmayabandonanappealatanytimeduringtheappealprocess.9.0 COMPOSITIONOFTHEBOARDOFSTUDENTACADEMICAPPEALS9.1 TheProvostshallnameaChairandfourmembersoffacultyastheUniversity’sBoardof
StudentAcademicAppeals.9.2 TheUniversityRegistrarshallbeanex-officio,non-votingmemberoftheBoardofStudent
AcademicAppealsandshallserveasSecretarytotheBoard.9.3 InestablishingtheBoardofStudentAcademicAppeals,thetenureoftheChairshallbefor
threeyearsandthereafterthetenureoftheChairshallbefortwoyears.9.4 InestablishingtheBoardofStudentAcademicAppeals,thetenureoftwofacultymembers
shallbefortwoyearsandtwofacultymembersforthreeyears.Thereafter,thetenureofmembersoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealsshallbefortwoyears.
9.5 Retiringmembersmaybereappointedforanotherconsecutiveterm.9.6 TermsofofficeshallcommenceonOctober1.10.0 HEARINGSATTHEBOARDOFSTUDENTACADEMICAPPEALS10.1 HearingsoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealswillbeheldatthecalloftheChair.10.2 MeetingsoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealsareheldincamera,andthusnotopen
tothepublic.
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10.3 StudentsappealingtotheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealshavearighttoafairhearing.Thisincludestherighttobenotifiedofdateatwhichthestudent'sappealwillbeconsidered,therighttoattendandpresentverbalargumentsandtherighttoaskquestionsduringtheappealhearing.
10.4 StudentsmustinformtheUniversityRegistraroftheirintentiontoattendthemeeting.10.5 TheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealsmayrequesttheattendanceofappropriate
individualstoappearbeforetheBoardtoprovideinformationpertinenttotheappeal.10.6 Wheretheappealisagainstanassignedfinalgrade,thefacultymembernamedinthe
appealwillbeinvitedtoattendthemeetingoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppeals.10.7 Ininstanceswhereafacultymember,chair/directorofthedepartment/programmeis
namedinanappeal,thestudent'ssubmissionwillbeavailabletotheindividualnamed.10.8 Thestudentandanyindividualwhosedecisionhasbeenappealedwillbeinformedinwriting
ofthedecisionoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppeals.10.9 ThedecisionoftheBoardofStudentAcademicAppealsisfinal.
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XI. STUDENTANTI-HARASSMENTPOLICY (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:May28,2014;Revised:July1,2017)1.0 PREFACE1.1 TheAgaKhanUniversityiscommittedtoprovidingitsstudentswithanenvironmentthatis
freefromallformsofharassment,intimidation,bullying,ragging/hazing,discriminationorexploitation. Each student enrolled at the University is responsible for fostering mutualrespectanddignity, forbeingfamiliarwiththispolicyandforrefrainingfromconductthatviolatesthispolicy.
2.0 PURPOSE2.1 Toeducatestudentsintherecognitionandpreventionofharassmentandtoprovideeffective
meansofeliminatingharassmentfromthelearningenvironment.3.0 SCOPE3.1 This policy is applicable to all AKU students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate
certificate, diploma or degree programme, including interns, residents and fellows of thePostgraduate Medical Education (PGME programme), any visiting students and anyoneparticipatinginaUniversityacademicactivity.
3.2 Aparalleldocument,theAgaKhanUniversityHumanResources“HarassmentPolicy”,covers
facultyandstaff.4.0 DEFINITIONS4.1 Nopolicydocumentcangiveafulldescriptionanddefinitionofbehavioursthatfallwithinthe
meaningofharassment.ThissetofdefinitionsismeanttoserveasaguideforactsthatwillbeconsideredascontraveningthespiritandintentoftheUniversity’sGuidingPrinciples.
4.2 Harassment
4.2.1 Anyunwelcomedconduct,verbalorphysical,towardsastudentbecauseofhis/her
age,maritalstatus,national/ethnicorigin,colour,religion,disability,genderidentity,sexual orientationwhen such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensivelearning environment that causes a student’s performance to suffer. Targetingstudent(s)becauseofbeingphysicallyormentallychallengedshallalsoconstituteanactofharassment.
4.2.2 Ridicule,derogatorycomments,jokesandinsults.4.2.3 Unwarranted behaviour that is shown towards a student that has the impact of
makingthatstudentfeelthather/hisrespectanddignityhasbeenviolated.4.2.4 Displayorcirculationofmaterialsand/orpictures,physicallyorelectronically(e.g.,
via email, SMS, socialmedia, etc.)which are degrading, sexually promiscuous andintimidating.
4.2.5 Shoutingatastudent,using insultingandabusive language,humiliatingorpubliclycondemning/criticisingher/hiscompetence.
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4.3 SexualHarassment
4.3.1 Sexual harassment refers to conduct of sexual nature that is unwanted andunwelcome. Sexual harassment includes inappropriate gazing at a person’s body,touching,pattingorpinchingoranyotherunsolicitedphysicalcontact.
4.3.2 Verbalconductofasexualnaturemayincludeunwelcomeverbaladvances,sexuallyoriented comments about physical appearance, requests for sexual favours andcontinuedsuggestionsforprivatesocialactivityafterithasbeenmadeclearthatsuchrequestsandsuggestionsareunwelcome.Offensiveverbalconductcouldalsoincludejokesofasexualnature,offensiveflirtationorlewdremarksofasexualnature,suchasexpressionsofsexualinterestthatareaddresseddirectlytothestudent.
4.3.3 Non-verbalconductofasexualnaturemayincludethedisplayofsexuallysuggestivepictures,objectsorwrittenmaterial,orsexuallysuggestivegestures.Verbalornon-verbalconductthatcreatesasexuallyoffensivelearningenvironmentalsoconstitutessexualharassment.
4.3.4 Demandingsexualfavoursorsexuallydirectedremarks/behaviourconstitutessexualharassmentwhensubmission toor rejectionof suchconduct ismade,explicitlyorimplicitly,abasisforanacademicdecision.
4.4 Bullying/Ragging/Hazing
4.4.1 Bullyingmeansoffensive,abusive,intimidatingorinsultingbehaviour,abuseofpowerand/or unfair punitive sanctionswhichmakes the student feel upset, threatened,humiliated and / or vulnerable, which undermines the student’s self-confidenceand/orreducesthestudent’sfeelingsofself-esteemandself-worth,andwhichmaycausethestudenttosufferstress.
4.4.2 Raggingand/orhazingmeansthepracticeofusingritualsandanyotheracts,conductor practices bywhich the dominant power of senior students, former students oralumni,isbroughttobearonstudentswhoareinanywayconsideredjuniorbyotherstudents. Raggingand/orhazingincludesindividualorcollectiveactsorpracticeswhichinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• Involvement in physical or psychological assault or threat or use of force or
wrongfulconfinementorrestraint;• Violatingthestatus,dignityandhonourofsuchstudents;• Exposingstudentstoridiculeandcontemptandaffecttheirself-esteem;• Verbalabuseandaggression,indecentgesturesandobscenebehaviour.
4.5 Cyber-bullying
4.5.1 Cyber-stalking:istheuseoftheInternetandmobiletechnologysuchasemail,SMS,
socialmediaorotherelectroniccommunications, tostalkandgenerallyreferstoapatternofthreateningormaliciousbehaviours,includingcommunicatingacrediblethreatofharm.
4.5.2 Cyber-harassment:usuallypertainstounconsentedconductsuchasthreateningorharassingemailmessages, instantmessages,ortosocialmediaandblogentriesorwebsitesdedicatedsolelytotormentinganindividual.Cyber-harassmentdiffersfromcyber-stalkinginthatitisgenerallydefinedasnotinvolvingacrediblethreat.
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5.0 REPORTING
5.1 TheUniversityguaranteesthatallcomplaintsthatarereportedwillbetakenseriously,willbeinvestigatedexpeditiouslyandthatallpartieswillbetreatedwithrespect.
5.2 AKUencouragesthereportingofallincidentsofharassment,regardlessofwhothealleged
offender may be. Students, who either believe that they have become the victim ofharassmentorhavewitnessedharassment,shouldimmediatelydiscusstheirconcernswiththeDean/Directoroftheiracademicentity,director/coordinator/academicheadoftheirprogramme,AssociateDean,PGME,ortheDeanofStudents/UniversityRegistrar&AssociateViceProvost,asapplicable.
6.0 PROCEDURES
6.1 InformalResolutionProcedure6.1.1 Informalresolutionisaimedatbringingtogetherthepartiestodiscussandresolve
thecomplaint.Astudentwhobelievesthats/hehasbeenharassedmaychoosetodiscussthematterwiththepersonwhohasengagedinthebehaviourand/orrequestthatamemberofhis/heracademicentityactasaliaisonforaninformaldiscussionwiththeinvolvedstudentormemberoffacultysoastoresolvethematter.
6.2 FormalResolutionProceduresWhereastudentdoesnotwishtopursuetheinformalresolutionprocedureorwheretheinformalresolutionprocedureisunsuccessful,theformalresolutionproceduresshouldbeundertaken.
6.2.1 MembersoftheUniversitycommunity(students,faculty,staff,alumni)whoreceive
complaintsofharassmentwillimmediatelycontacttheDeanofStudents/UniversityRegistrar & Associate Vice Provost, as applicable, for assistance in pursuing thematter.
6.2.2 Ifamemberoffacultyorstaffreceivesrepeatedallegationsofoffensesagainstthesameindividual,buteachstudentmakingtheallegationisunwillingtofileawrittencomplaintorappearasacomplainant,thatmemberoftheUniversitycommunityshallinformtheortheDeanofStudents/UniversityRegistrar&AssociateViceProvost,asapplicable,aboutthesame.
6.2.3 The Student Anti-Harassment Policy Review and Investigation procedures shall be
usedincaseswhereastudentchargesanotherstudentwithharassmentorwhereastudentchargesamemberoffacultywithharassment.
6.2.4 TheHumanResources“HarassmentPolicy”shallbeused incaseswhereastudentchargesamemberofstaffwithharassment.
6.2.5 TheDean/Directorofthestudent’sacademicentity,incoordinationwithdirector/coordinator/academicheadofthestudent’sprogramme,theAssociateDean,PGME,or,inthecasewhereastaffmemberisinvolved,aHumanResourcesseniormanager,shall attempt to make temporary arrangements so that the accused and thecomplainantdonothavetointeractduringtheinvestigationperiod.
6.2.6 Retaliationfromeitherpartyshallbestrictlymonitored. Duringtheprocessoftheinvestigation,classandclinicschedulesshallbestrictlymonitored.AnyoccurrenceofretaliationbytheaccusedshallresultinsuspensionfromtheUniversity.
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6.2.7 As harassment usually occurs when individuals are alone, it is often difficult toproduce evidence. It is strongly recommended that members of the Universitycommunity report anyoffensivebehaviour immediately to someone they trust, orseekguidance/help.
7.0 REVIEWSANDINVESTIGATION7.1 The procedures noted in this section of the Policy deal with formal inquiries where the
harassment has taken place between students or where the harassment has taken placebetweenastudentandamemberoffaculty.
7.2 All matters related to the review and investigation of any charge of harassment will be
undertakeninthestrictestconfidence.7.3 Reports/complaintsofharassmentfromstudentsmustbemadeinwritingandsignedbythe
personpreparingthecomplaintwithin10workingdaysoftheincident.Itshouldincludeafactualdescriptionoftheincident,includingquotationsofanyoffendinglanguageused.ThecomplaintshouldthenbesubmittedtotheortheDeanofStudents/UniversityRegistrar&AssociateViceProvost,asapplicable,orher/hisrepresentative.
7.4 The Dean of Students / University Registrar & Associate Vice Provost, as applicable, in
coordinationwiththerespectiveacademicentityhead,willreviewtheinformationprovidedbythestudent.
7.5 Onceithasbeendeterminedthatalloftherelevantinformationhasbeenprovided,theDean
of Students /UniversityRegistrar&AssociateViceProvost, as applicable,will conveneanInvestigatingCommitteetoconsiderthecase.
7.6 TheInvestigatingCommitteewillbecomprisedof:
• TheDeanofStudents/UniversityRegistrar&AssociateViceProvost,asapplicable–
asChairoftheCommittee• Two members of faculty appointed by the or the Dean of Students / University
Registrar&AssociateViceProvost,asapplicable.• TwostudentsrecommendedbytheManager,CampusandStudentLife
7.7 In cases where the student is charging another student with harassment, the student
membersoftheCommitteemustbeselectedfromanotheracademicentity.Incaseswherethestudentischargingamemberoffaculty,thefacultymembersoftheCommitteemustbeselectedfromanotheracademicentity.
7.8 Whereverpossible,withinfiveworkingdays,fromthedaythechargeiscommunicated,the
respondentshallberequestedtoappearbeforetheCommitteeforaninterview,orsubmitawrittendefence.Onher/hisfailuretoappearbeforetheCommitteeortosubmitawrittendefence,withoutareasonablecause,theCommitteeshallproceedex-parte.
7.9 TheInvestigatingCommitteemayrequesttheattendanceofappropriateindividualstoappear
beforetheCommitteeinordertoprovideinformationpertinenttothecase.7.10 Bothparties,thecomplainantandtheindividualwhohasbeenchargedwithharassment,shall
havetherighttobeaccompaniedbyacolleague/friendfromwithintheinstitution.
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7.11 The Investigating Committee shall give its findings and recommendations in writing withappropriatereasonswithin10workingdaysoftheinitiationofinquiry.
7.12 Incaseswhereastudenthasbeenfoundguiltyofharassment,theregulationsnotedinthe
University’sStudentCodeofConductandDisciplinaryProceduresshallprovide thepenalty(penalties)thatmaybeassessedandthemannerbywhichappealsareheard.
7.13 Incaseswhereamemberoffacultyhasbeenfoundguiltyofharassment,theInvestigating
Committee shall inform and provide its recommendation to the facultymember’s Dean /DirectorandtheVicePresident,HumanResources.TheDean/DirectorwillconsultwiththeVice-PresidentHumanResourcesorher/hisrepresentativeregardingsanctionsthatmaybeimposed.
8.0 COMPLIANCEANDACCESSTOTHEPOLICY8.1 The Dean of Students / University Registrar & Associate Vice Provost, as applicable, in
cooperation and coordination with the University’s academic entity heads, shall beresponsibleforwidedisseminationofthisPolicy.
8.2 TheStudentAnti-HarassmentPolicywillbeavailableontheOfficeoftheRegistrarwebsite,
www.aku.edu/registrar.
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XII. NAMESONDEGREES,DIPLOMASANDCERTIFICATESPOLICY (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:April28,2014)1.0 GENERAL1.1 TheOfficeoftheRegistrarmaintainstheofficialUniversitynameforallstudents.1.2 Thenamethatappearsonthedegree,diplomaorcertificatewillnormallybeinthesame
formatasitisstoredintheRegistrar’sOfficerecords(generally,firstname,middlename,lastname).
1.3 StudentsareresponsibleforverifyingthattheirnameiscorrectonRegistrar’sOfficerecords
and,whereapplicable,toprovideanychangesrequired,includinghyphens,spaces,lower/uppercaseletters,accents,etc.(Cf.,Registrar’sOfficeNameChangeForm)
1.4 Unlessadegree,diplomaorcertificateislostordamaged,itisUniversitypolicytoproduce
onlyonedegree,diplomaorcertificate.(Cf.,Degree,DiplomaandCertificateParchmentReplacementPolicy)
2.0 PAKISTAN2.1 TheHigherEducationCommission,Pakistan(HEC)atteststhedegreesawardedby
recogniseduniversitiesinPakistan.2.2 InorderfordegreestobeattestedbyHEC,universitiesarerequiredtoproducedegree,
diplomasandcertificatesinastandardmanner.2.3 TheOfficeoftheRegistrarwillproducethedegrees,diplomasandcertificatesof
programmesofferedAKU’sPakistan-basedacademicentitiesinthefollowingmanner:
2.3.1 Thenameofthestudentmustbethesameasislistedonthestudent’smatriculation,intermediate,bachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesandComputerizedNationalIdentityCard/Passport.
2.3.2 Forstudentswithsinglenames,thedegree,diplomaandcertificatewilllistthestudent’snameand,onthesameline,theapplicablenotation“s/o”(sonof)or“d/o”(daughterof)andthestudent’sfather’sname.
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XIII. POLICYONREPEATINGACOURSEFORWHICHAPASSINGGRADEHASBEENAWARDED
(ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:January14,2015)1.0 Withthepermissionoftheapplicableacademicunit,studentsmayrepeatacourseinwhich
agradeofC+orChasbeenawardedwhenthecourseisnextorsubsequentlyoffered.2.0 Thegradeawardedforarepeatedcoursewillsupersedethegradefromthefirstattemptat
thecourse,regardlessofwhetherthenewgradeishigherorlower.3.0 Bothgradeswillappearonthestudent’stranscriptbutthesecondgrade,whetherhigheror
lower,willbeusedinthecomputationofthestudent’saverage.4.0 Nocoursemayberepeatedmorethanonce.
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XIV. GLOSSARYOFACADEMICTERMS (ApprovedbyAcademicCouncil:April26,2012;Revised:August15,2015)AcademiccredentialAdocumentprovidedasevidenceoflearningbasedoncompletionofarecognizedprogrammeofstudy.
• Degree/diploma Anacademiccredentialawardedbyauniversityorotherauthorizedacademicinstitution
forsuccessfulcompletionofaprogrammeofacademicstudy.• AssociateDegree
Anacademiccredentialawardedbyauniversityorotherauthorizedacademicinstitutionforsuccessfulcompletionofaprogrammeofacademicstudyusuallylastingtwoyears.AKUoffersanAssociateofScienceinDentalHygiene.
• Bachelor’sorfirstdegreeAnundergraduatedegreeorafirstprofessionaldegree.
• Master’sdegreeAgraduatedegreeofferedbyuniversitiesthatnormallyfollowsanundergraduatedegree.
• DoctoraldegreeAgraduatedegreethatisonelevelhigherthanamaster’sdegree.
• Diploma Anundergraduateprogrammeofstudythatprecedesanundergraduatedegree
programme.AKUoffers:DiplomainGeneralNursing;DiplomainDentalHygiene.• Certificate AshortprogrammeofstudyofferedbytheInstituteforEducationalDevelopment.
AcademicrecordAfilecontainingacademicinformationabouteachstudentataneducationalinstitution.Itmayincludeinformationsuchasastudent’sprogrammeofstudy,transfercreditsawarded,namesofcreditandnon-creditcoursescompleted,coursegradesandgradepointaverage,repeatedcourses,priorlearningassessment,disciplinaryactions,andappeals,aswellasinformationaboutworkterms/industrialplacement,thesisandresearch.AcademicregaliaThecapandgownwornduringConvocationandotherformalandceremonialoccasions.
• AKU’sacademicregaliaarecalledtheJamiapoash.TheJamiapoashiscomprisedofaKhila’at(“robeofhonour”inArabic)andaSirpoash(“headwear”inPersian).
• ThebasiccoloursoftheUniversity’sacademicregaliaaregreenandwhite.AccumulationofcreditsCreditsfromalowerlevelqualification,suchasadvanceddiploma,accumulatedtowardstheawardofaqualificationatahigherlevel,providedthecandidatemeetsothernecessaryrequirementsforthispurpose.AdmissionTheformalacceptanceofacandidateforadmissiontoenteraprogrammeofstudy.AdvancedstandingRecognitionprovidedtoastudent,uponadmission,forcreditforpreviouscoursestakeninarelatedareaofstudythatmayenableentryintoahigherleveloftheprogramme.
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ASDHAssociateofScienceinDentalHygieneBlendedlearningLearninginacombinationofmodes.Oftenusedmorespecificallytorefertocoursesthatuseacombinationoftraditionalface-to-faceteachinganddistancelearningtechniqueson-line.BScNBachelorofScienceinNursingCertifyingexaminationReferstotheformalexaminationattheendofayearorcoursequalifyingacandidateforpromotiontothenextyearoftheprogrammeortheawardofthefinalqualification.ComprehensiveexaminationAspecifictypeofexaminationthatmustbecompletedbystudentsincertaindisciplinesandcoursesofstudy.Theformandgeneralrequirementsfortheexamvariesaccordingtotheacademicunitbuttypicallytestsknowledgeofthestudent'ssubjectareaandtwoormorerelatedareas,andmaybeusedtodetermineacandidate'seligibilitytocontinuehisorhercourseofstudy.ConfidentialinformationRecordedpersonalinformationaboutanidentifiableindividual;informationwhichissubjecttophysician/patientprivilege;informationwhichwassuppliedinconfidence,eitherexplicitlyorimplicitly;informationrelatingtothebusinessoftheUniversityorathirdpartyandincluding(butnotlimitedto)tradesecretsandscientific,technical,commercial,financialorlabourrelationsinformation,wheredisclosurecouldresultinsomeharmtoeithertheuniversityorathirdparty.ConvocationTheceremonyatwhichstudents,whohavesuccessfullycompletedanapprovedprogrammeofstudy,andwhoseprogrammecompletionhasbeenendorsedbyAcademicCouncil,receivetheirrespectivediploma/degreeparchments.CourseAsingleunitofstudyofferedbyaneducationalinstitutionthatispartofaprogrammeleadingtoacredential.Theofferingmust:
• Haveadefinedstartandenddate.• Haveanapprovedcreditweight.• Assignafinalgradethroughanapprovedgrading/assessmentprocess.
CourseparticipantTermusedbytheInstituteforEducationalDevelopmenttoidentifyindividualspursuingaCertificate,AdvancedDiploma,MasterofEducationoraPhD(Education).Alsosee“Student”.CreditAunitusedtoexpressthevalueofacourseorothertrainingactivityinrelationtothetotalrequirementsforadegreeordiplomausuallymeasuredinhoursofstudyorachievementofthresholdstandardorboth.Dean/Director
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Unlessotherwisespecified,referstotheheadoftheUniversityacademicunitorentity.DissertationSee“Thesis”.ElectivecourseFortheSchoolofNursingandMidwifery,InstituteforEducationalDevelopmentandInstitutefortheStudyofMuslimCivilisations:Acoursethatmaybeselectedaspartofaprogrammeofstudyandisnotacompulsorypartoftheprogramme.Enrichment/bridgingprogrammeAcourseorsetofcoursesdesignedspecificallytoprovideapersonwhoalreadypossessescertainqualificationswiththeadditionalorupgradingskillsandknowledgerequiredforadmissionintoaspecificprogrammeEnrolmentTheprocessofformallyassigningandrecordingastudent’scourseregistrationsintoaprogrammeofstudy.EntrancerequirementAsetofcriteriastipulatingeducationand/ortrainingorexperiencerequiredforeligibilitytoenterintoaneducationalprogramme.Mayincludeminimumlevelsofachievementand/orscoresonexaminations.Full-timestudentAfull-timestudentisdefinedasastudentwhosemaincommitmentistostudiesforthepurposeofobtaininganundergraduatediploma/degreeorgraduatedegree/advanceddiploma.Full-timestudentsarenormallylimitedinthenumberofhoursinwhichtheycanbeemployed.GradeArepresentationofastudent’sachievementinacourse,expressedonaletterand/ornumericscaleorinapercentage.GradepointAunitofmeasureconstitutinganumericalequivalentofalettergrade,servingtocalculategradepointaverages.GradepointaverageAmeasureofastudent’sacademicperformanceoveragroupofcourses,obtainedbydividingthesumofgradepointsearnedbythestudent,bythetotalnumberofattemptedcreditsinthesamegroupofcourses.GraduandApersonwhohasfinishedtherequirementsoftheirprogrammeofstudybuthasnotyetbeenawardedhis/herdiploma/degreeatconvocation.(Oncetheindividualhasreceivedhis/herdiploma,s/heisconsidereda‘graduate’.GraduationSee“Convocation”.
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GraduatestudiesStudiesundertakenfollowinganundergraduatedegree(mostoftenamaster’sordoctoraldegree).MAMasterofArtsMBBSBachelorofMedicine,BachelorofSurgeryMBioethMasterofBioethicsMEdMasterofEducationMHPEMasterofHealthProfessionsEducationMMedMasterofMedicineMPhilMasterofPhilosophyMScMasterofScienceMScNMasterofScienceinNursingOptionalcourseSee“Electivecourse”.ParchmentThedocumentattestingtotheawardingofanacademiccredentialuponsuccessfulcompletionofaprogrammeofstudyrequirements.Part-timestudentAstudentisonewhodoesnotmeettherequirementsofafull-timestudentasdefinedaboveisconsideredtobeapart-timestudent.Thereisnorestrictionwithrespecttotimespentongainfulemployment.PGMEPostgraduateMedicalEducation
• Pakistanoffersaone-yearinternshipprogrammefornewmedicalgraduates;residencyprogrammesin33disciplines;andfellowshipprogrammesin31disciplines.
• InEastAfrica,residencyprogrammesareofferedinninedisciplinesleadingtoaMasterofMedicinedegree.
PhD
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DoctorofPhilosophyPrerequisiteAcourseorotherrequirementthatmustbesatisfactorilycompletedbeforeenrolmentwillbepermittedintoanadvancedorsucceedingcourse.PostgraduateSee“Graduatestudies”.ProgrammeAnintegratedgroupofcoursesorlearningactivitiesinaparticularfieldofstudy.ProgrammeofstudyAninstitutionallydefinedsetofcourses/curriculumwhichleadstoanacademiccredential.QualifyingexaminationSee“Certifyingexamination”.RecordAnyrecordofinformationhoweverrecorded,whetherbyelectronicmeansorinprintformthatiscapableofbeingproducedfromamachine-readablerecordunderthecontroloftheUniversitybymeansofcomputerhardwareandsoftwareoranyotherinformationstorageequipmentandtechnicalexpertisenormallyusedbytheinstitution.RequiredcourseAcoursethatallstudentsfollowingaparticularprogrammeofstudiesmusttakeandsuccessfullycomplete.SemesterAdivisionoftheacademicyear.SemesterlengthsaredefinedbytheHigherEducationCommissioninPakistanandtheCommissionforUniversityEducationinKenya.Otherdivisionsmaybedefinedbytheacademicprogramme.StudentAcandidateforadmissiontoanacademicprogrammebecomesastudentoftheUniversityoncetheadmissionprocesseshavebeencompletedandthecandidateformallyacceptstheUniversity’sofferofadmission.Apersonremainsastudentuntiltheycompletetherequirementsoftheprogrammeorwithdraws,voluntarilyorasaresultofUniversityaction,fromtheprogramme.
• AtAKU,forthepurposesofsomeUniversitypolicies,PGMEInterns,ResidentsandFellowsaredeemedtobestudentsoftheUniversity.
StudyvisaAdocumentissuedbyimmigrationauthoritiespermittingindividualswhoarenotcitizenstostudyinthecountryinwhichtheprogrammeofstudyisoffered.SyllabusAdocumentwhichprovidesadescriptionoftheessentialfeaturesofaprogrammeofstudyanditscourses,includingobjectives,subjectcontent,teachingandassessmentstrategies.
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TermSee“Semester”.ThesisAsubstantialpieceofwrittenwork(sometimescalledadissertation)preparedbyacandidateforamaster’sordoctoraldegree.TranscriptTheofficialdocumentthatidentifiescoursestaken(titleandcoursenumber),creditsandgradesachieved,andcredentialsorqualificationsearned.TransferofcreditTheacceptanceorrecognitionofcreditsbyahostinstitutiononthebasisofsuccessfulcompletionofcoursesatanothereducationalinstitutionwithinoroutsidethejurisdictioninordertominimizetheduplicationoflearning.
• AtAKU,refersbothtocreditsearnedbythecandidatepriortoadmissioninaprogrammeatAKUandthoseearnedduringthestipulatedperiodofstudy,providedthecandidatemeetsothernecessaryrequirementsforthispurpose.
UndergraduatestudiesThefirstlevelofstudiestowardadiplomaorbachelor’sdegree.VisitingstudentAnindividualattendingapostsecondaryinstitutionbyspecialagreement.
• Auditorsandspecialstudents,whomaynotbeenrolledinanAKUprogrammeofstudy,areconsideredvisitingstudents.