Kaplan’s student disciplinary policy is reflected in our Student Code of Conduct. This code of conduct was approved by the Kaplan Academic Board, which aims to guide the conduct of students in both the academic and non-academic aspects of their student life. It is, however, only meant to provide an overview, and should not be treated as an exhaustive list. Students are expected to uphold both the spirit and the letter of the Code at all times.
The Student Code of Conduct is modelled on the core values of Kaplan:
Integrity
We place being ethical above all else because doing things right is the only path to long-term growth. Our ethics and integrity must be irreproachable.
- Observe and uphold the laws of Singapore as well as the various policies and regulations of Kaplan at all times. Kaplan’s policies and regulations are published in our Student Handbook. International students are reminded to understand and observe the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) regulations which govern your Student’s Pass. ICA regulations can be found at:
https://kaplan.constructdigital.net/how-to-apply/
https://www.ica.gov.sg/
https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/IA1959-RG1?DocDate=20190329
- Observe the laws of the host country and the policies and regulations of the respective academic partner if you participate in education trips. Students on internships should adhere to the employer’s employment policies and standards of conduct.
- Protect the academic standards and reputation of Kaplan. Similarly, respect your reputation and academic integrity. Be honest and transparent in your conduct and behaviour at all times. This extends beyond your personal conduct into details like being honest with your class attendance and communal conduct, which can include reporting incidents of suspected cheating or dishonesty of any form, encompassing academic misbehaviour like plagiarism to inappropriate behaviour like gambling and fighting.
- If you wish, on your own accord, to show your appreciation to lecturers or staff, please keep to small gifts. Gifts should not be extravagant or given with the intention of exchanging it for any information related to yourself, lecturers, staff or students.
Knowledge
We always strive to learn more and to use that knowledge to the benefit of our students, colleagues, employees and community.
- Be open and free to express your views and opinions on campus. While doing so, bear in mind the need to act within acceptable standards of behaviour and the laws of the country.
- Maintain harmony among the multi-ethnic and multi-religious community on campus. Be respectful towards the customs and beliefs of others.
- Respect intellectual property rights, and use IT resources and the campus Wi-Fi network responsibly. Reference can be made to our Academic Misconduct Policy in the Student Handbook.
- Dress well as a show of respect for others. Skimpy, revealing clothes printed with vulgar or offensive words or pictures, singlets and slippers should be avoided.
Support
We provide a supportive environment for our students, employees and community. Everything we do is designed to support our students’ success.
- Respect the rights of all on campus and create a positive learning and social environment for all.
- Treat others with dignity and respect regardless of their age, gender, race, religion and nationality. Students should not engage in hate speech or conduct that violates another’s dignity or create an environment that is hostile, degrading or offensive for another person. This includes unwanted sexual advances, offensive body language, speech or gestures, and any other forms of harassment.
- Treat Kaplan staff and lecturers with respect and decorum at all times as they are doing their best to create a conducive learning environment for all. Observe classroom etiquette and be considerate with the use of electronic gadgets and consumption of food/drinks on campus.
- Respect the health and safety of others. This includes:
- Not being a threat of any kind to another person
- Not possessing any weapon or object that can cause harm to others
- Not using or supplying prohibited substances
- No smoking, consumption of alcohol or vaping on campus
- You are not allowed to bring any companion to attend class with you or ask anyone to attend class on your behalf. Any such person will be asked to leave the classroom immediately and appropriate action will be taken against you
- Be identifiable with your face uncovered and have your Kaplan student card or personal identification documents with you at all times
- The same standards that apply to face-to-face behaviour also apply to online behaviour. Irresponsible use of digital and social media on or off campus may have a significant detrimental effect on the interest, welfare or reputation of Kaplan or other members on campus. Be mindful that what you post online can be copied freely and can continue to exist even after the original item has been removed. Be respectful and responsible before posting anything online.
Opportunity
We continually look for new and better ways to create opportunities for our students, employees and communities. This is fundamental to our mission: We build futures one success story at a time.
- Respect the rights of all on campus so that there is opportunity for success for all.
- Work together with the staff and students on campus to take good care of the learning infrastructure in place. This includes not vandalising, littering or doing anything that will cause damage to any property. Observe proper access and conduct with the physical and online learning infrastructure available on campus.
- Make maximum use of the learning facilities and platforms on campus. Keep yourself updated and participate in learning activities and events organised.
- Participate in the various student activities organised for a holistic learning experience.
Results
We succeed when our students succeed. We gauge our success by how well our students meet their measurable goals.
- Attend all scheduled classes to maximise learning.
- Complete all homework and assignments, and ask questions when unsure.
- Complete all student formalities including financial matters, access to course materials and submission of documents on a timely basis so that you can focus on learning when your classes begin.
- Attempt all tests, assessments and examinations and learn from your mistakes. Speak with your lecturers for further understanding and clarification where necessary.
Policies referred to within the Student Code of Conduct:
- ICA regulations on Student’s Pass Holders
https://kaplan.constructdigital.net/how-to-apply/
https://www.ica.gov.sg/
https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/IA1959-RG1?DocDate=20190329
- Academic Misconduct Policy in the Student Handbook
- IT Acceptable Use Policy in the Student Handbook
Useful links:
- Misuse of Drugs Act – https://www.cnb.gov.sg/drug-information/misuse-of-drugs-act
- Smoking Legislation – https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/smoking-prohibition/smoking-legislation
- Internet Code of Practice – https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/Imda/Files/Regulations-and-Licensing/Regulations/Codes-of-Practice/Codes-of-Practice-Media/PoliciesandContentGuidelinesInternetInterneCodeOfPractice.pdf
Disciplinary Process
A set of student disciplinary procedures is established to provide a fair and effective mechanism for the investigation and resolution of a student’s alleged violations of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct.
A “student” is defined as an existing student on campus or one who was a student on campus during the occurrence of the violation of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct.
Procedures
- Any member (lecturer, staff, student) on campus or member of the public may lodge a complaint about a student’s violation of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct to the respective Programme Management (PM) Office.
- The PM staff who receives the complaint will give written notice of it and its allegations of the student having violated the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct to the Head of Department or Head of School. For academic-related offences, the first point of reference is the relevant academic policies found in the Student Handbook.
- In all cases, an investigation will take place, and the student complained about may or may not need to attend a disciplinary interview. At least two staff should be present at the interview, and one of the staff should preferably be of the same gender as the student. Failure of the student to attend the interview may result in a decision made in the student’s absence.
- Further misconduct after a warning has been issued may result in expulsion and exclusion from studies with Kaplan in Singapore. Under such circumstances, there is no form of refund to the student.
- All reasonable care will be taken to protect the student’s legal rights and freedom, and to ensure that the student’s parent/legal guardian is informed as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes clear that the student may face formal disciplinary action. This applies to students below the age of 18 and if necessary, students aged 18 years old and above.
- Possible consequences resulting from a violation of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct could include:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Fine or restitution
- Searching of locker or personal belongings
- Grade penalties (for academic misconduct)
- Disciplinary probation
- Withdrawal of privileges
- Suspension, indefinite suspension and expulsion
- Where it is believed that the student has committed a criminal offence, Kaplan in Singapore may refer the matter to the police and the student may be suspended while pending the outcome of police enquiries. Any Kaplan disciplinary action related to alleged criminal offences will be based on reasonable belief.
- Should the case arise that the student is not satisfied with the decision made, he/she may do the following:
- For academic-related offences, submit an official appeal to the Appeals Committee through Programme Management within 7 working days of receiving notification of disciplinary action. The matter will be handled by the Appeals Committee.
- For non-academic offences, submit a written appeal to the Kaplan in Singapore Management through Programme Management within 7 working days of receiving notification of disciplinary action. The student will be notified of the decision of the appropriate authority in 14 working days from the date of submission or first hearing, whichever is later.
- Where the student is still dissatisfied with the result of the appeal, reference can be made to the Dispute Resolution Policy for the next course of possible action.
At any stage, Kaplan in Singapore reserves the right to inform the relevant government authorities where necessary.
Programme termination due to expulsion may take place in the procedures. Expulsion of a student is very serious and this action should be taken only in a severe case or cases of violation of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct. Expulsion should be a proportionate response after the case is thoroughly investigated and it has to be approved by the Chief Operating Officer of Kaplan.
Reasons for programme termination due to expulsion would include:
1) Violation of the Kaplan Student Code of Conduct
2) Breaking of government regulations (eg. ICA regulations or other Singapore laws)
3) Expulsion by university partner
4) Academic misconduct (Reference to Academic Misconduct Policy)
5) Other reasons arising from Kaplan’s student policies
Expulsion is categorised accordingly:
(1) Irrevocable Expulsion
(2) Expulsion with Opportunity of Readmission
(3) Expulsion with No Opportunity of Readmission
(1) Irrevocable Expulsion
Students who are expelled due to the breaking of ICA regulations governing Student’s Pass holders. This is in line with ICA’s stand. For this category, there is no chance of appeal for students.
Should there be a case where the student gets acquitted by the relevant authorities and produces written evidence of this, the student may resume his/her studies or re-enrol, depending on the time lapse. Should such situations arise, the student should submit all supporting documentation to the PM concerned and Kaplan will then work with the student on his/her resumption of studies, subject to the various student policies and university policies where applicable.
(2) Expulsion with Opportunity of Readmission
(3) Expulsion with No Opportunity of Readmission
For the above, a student would be given the opportunity to appeal following expulsion. A student under expelled these categories may appeal to the Management in writing, within 14 days from the date of the expulsion letter, stating grounds for appeal.
In the case of (2), a student has to submit a fresh application if they wish to be readmitted and this would be treated as a fresh application.
Pending a decision on any appeal, a student who has been expelled is to comply with the order of expulsion.
A student’s expulsion and any appeal for (2) or (3) has to be recommended by the Director, Programme Management or the relevant programme/school’s Management member and ultimately approved by the Chief Operating Officer.