Code of Conduct Policy

1. Code of Conduct Policy

In the School of Economics and Finance, besides the traditional face-to-face delivery, we also offer to our students various online learning activities. Student expectations of the standards and quality of online teaching should match those of face-to-face delivery. Students can expect that: 

• our teaching (both in-person and online) offers opportunities for effective interaction between students and teachers, as well as among students.
• a wide range of high-quality assessment methods is employed, both in-person and online, assessing fully the intended learning outcomes, with consideration of students’ personal circumstances (e.g., digital poverty, special examination arrangements).
• learning material as well as several online activities are available in each module’s QMplus page allowing students to engage asynchronously, in their own time, with the module’s content. 
• details about each module’s teaching mode, structure, and assessment methods are clearly communicated in a timely fashion by the teaching team, and that feedback is provided regularly through various formative assessments. 

In addition, by participating in SEF’s learning activities (in-person and online), you agree to:

• come prepared and organised to the sessions: do the required reading, attempt the problem sets, and prepare your questions for your tutors.
• arrive on time for all allocated learning activities.
• participate to the best of your ability in class activities (in-person and online): attend lectures and classes, participate in discussion forums and online polls, submit your assessments within set deadlines, ask questions, and give your feedback.
• participate in all learning activities (in-person and online) with academic integrity.
• mute your microphone when entering an online class or meeting unless you are invited to speak. Wear headphones, and use video only if instructed so by the online session organiser. 
• attend online sessions from an appropriate place, and, to the best of your ability, avoid noisy environments.
• use the University’s online platforms only for communication relevant to your studies.
• use the QMUL email for any communication with the University, and use a subject line in your emails.
  

2. The Discipline Policy for Undergraduate Students:

The discipline policy for all learning activities and interaction with university staff is based on a common understanding that the University - its lectures/classes (in-person and online), professional services departments, as well as the QMplus page of each module - is the place where:

(1) all students can engage with their studies through lectures, classes, discussions, discussion forums, emails, notes on virtual boards or any other learning method uninterrupted. 

(2) all students can interact with staff, tutors and peers about module content or anything that concerns their studies openly and in a polite manner. 

(3) all participants conduct themselves professionally.

(4) all participants help to maintain and establish a positive and supportive learning environment.  

Any disruptive behaviour which interferes or has the potential to interfere with the normal learning environment, and which is in violation of the code of conduct, will not be tolerated and will be subject the offender to School and QMUL disciplinary procedures. Students who do not cooperate with the Discipline Policy will be asked to leave the lecture or class or university area. The student will be referred to the School for disciplinary action.

While in class the policy requires that instructors on undergraduate courses (both lecturers and class teachers) enforce a few simple and fundamental rules. Whilst instruction is in progress, disruptive behaviour of any sort, including, but not limited to, conversing, using mobile phones, tablets or laptops for non-academic reasons (checking email, listening to music, and so on) will not be tolerated and will subject the offender to School and QMUL disciplinary procedures. Silence or turn-off your phone and use the internet only for activities related to the session. 

Students who do not cooperate with the Discipline Policy will be asked to surrender their student id card and to leave the lecture or class. The student will be referred to the School for disciplinary action. 

Generally, we expect from you to always conduct yourself professionally and with respect towards your peers and Queen Mary staff whether in person or online. We expect everyone who works and studies at the School of Economics and Finance to respect the right of individuals to hold their own views and values; however, we will not tolerate these views or values to be presented in a way that intimidates, degrades or is impolite to others. 

For more information about student misconduct and resultant disciplinary action please see the QMUL Code of Student Discipline. 

3. Class attendance policy

In addition to the discipline policy, which all students are expected to adhere to, there are a number of rules about class attendance (both online and face-to-face): 

(1) Attendance at classes is compulsory.

(2) Students must attend their allocated class.

(3) Students must attend the entire session as attendance might be recorded at any time during the session.

(4) Students are responsible for ensuring that they do not arrive late to their class. It is a sign of professionalism to be on time. Arriving late to the lecture theatre or classroom, where late is defined as more than fifteen minutes after the scheduled beginning of the lecture/class, is not permitted. Students arriving more than fifteen minutes late to a lecture/class will not be permitted to enter, although if there is a designated break in a lecture (not a class) students may be permitted to join at this time.

(5) Falsifying attendance records hinders our ability to identify students at-risk of disengagement and constitutes an action of misconduct.