Student Rights and Responsibilities

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1.2.1 Student Rights

Students at the University have the same rights and protections that are included in the constitution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as citizens or non-citizens. In addition, students must adhere to the rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE): 

  1. Students have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, or sex. 
  2. The teacher-student relationship within the classroom is confidential, and disclosure of a student's personal or political beliefs expressed in connection with coursework will not be made public without explicit permission of the student. It is understood that the teacher may undertake the usual evaluation of knowledge and academic performance.
  3. Students' records may be released to or examined by persons outside the University only upon request of the student or through compliance with applicable laws. 
  4. Students are free, individually or in association with other individuals, to engage in all campus activities as long as they do not in any way purport to represent the University. 
  5. Students are free to use campus facilities for meetings of student-chartered campus organizations, subject to regulations as to time and manner governing the facility. 
  6. Students may invite and hear speakers of their choice on subjects of their choice and approval will not be withheld by university officers for the purpose of censorship. 
  7. Students will have their views and welfare considered in the formation of the University policy and will be consulted by or may be represented on university committees that affect students as members of the University community on a case-by-case basis. 
  8. Individual's religious and spiritual beliefs are respected. 
  9. Students have freedom of research, of legitimate classroom discussion, and of the advocacy of opinions alternative to those presented in the classroom.
  10. Students will be evaluated on knowledge and academic performance for purposes of granting academic credit and not on the basis of personal or political beliefs.
  11. Students will be free from censorship in the publication and dissemination of their views as long as these are not represented as the views of Alfaisal University. 
  12. Students' publications are free from any official action controlling editorial policy. Publications shall not bear the name of the University or purport to issue from it without University approval. 
  13. Students are free, in abidance with University's regulations to form/join/participate in any group of intellectual, organizational, religious, social, economic, political, or cultural purposes. 

1.2.2 Student Responsibilities

  1. Remaining a member of Alfaisal community requires students to comply continuously with rules and regulations governing student's academic progress, social interactions, and personal behavior. 
  2. Students must avoid and not get involved in any form of academic misconduct such as: cheating, plagiarism and other misappropriation of the work of another, falsification of data, improperly obtaining or representing laboratory or field data, dishonesty in publication, publication or attempted publication of collaborative work without the permission of the other participants, abuse of confidentiality, misuse of computer facilities, misuse of human subjects, illegally or carelessly obtaining or using dangerous substances or providing such substances to others, falsification or unauthorized modification of an academic record, obstruction of the academic activities of another, aiding or abetting academic misconduct, attempted academic misconduct. 
  3. Students must be on a level of courtesy, civility and consideration that prevents them from any form of personal misconduct. They are expected to adhere to ethical standards in a variety of workplaces (e.g., classrooms, laboratories) within the explicit standards set by the University. Being physically or verbally threatening, disruptive, abusive, or hostile can make the workplace so unsafe or unpleasant that others cannot do their work. 
  4. Student must always present his/her Alfaisal Id at exams time.
  5. Students must not misuse or damage any of the University facilities and they should behave properly in the public areas inside campus. 
  6. Students will be exempt from disciplinary action or dismissal from the University except for academic failure, failure to pay a university debt or a violation of a student or University rule or regulation. Rules and regulations shall be fully and clearly promulgated in advance of the supposed violation. The University has no legal authority over a student when outside University property, except where the student is on the property of a university-affiliated institution, where the student is engaged in a project, seminar, or class for academic credit or as otherwise provided in the University rules, regulations, and procedure or on property that falls within the jurisdiction of university authority.
  7. By the end of their final year of academic study, students should meet professional and legal practice requirements. They must value intellectual engagement, research-based practices, and life-long learning.
  8. Regular and punctual attendance is required of all students for all classes, labs, seminars and/or clinical experiences. A student who is constantly late and/or absent from classes, seminars and/or labs may be unable to meet the course requirements and may not be able to receive a credit for the course.
  9. The use of cell phones or other electronic messaging devices during class or lab is not permitted. Text messaging or e-mailing in class is prohibited.
  10. It is recognized that every member of the community has the responsibility to conduct him or herself in a manner that does not violate the rights and freedoms of others. 
  11. A student or group of students cannot organize events inside Alfaisal University campus without written approval from Deanship of Student Affairs, Admissions and registration (SA). In case there is an event/activity to be conducted inside University's campus, SA personal must be notified in writing at least one week ahead of event/activity date and specified form(s) must be filled out and approved before proceeding in event/activity. 
  12. Also, a student or group of students cannot initiate and hold an event/activity outside campus by the name of Alfaisal University without having written approval from SA. 

1.2.2.1 Dress Code Policy

  1. Introduction

Alfaisal University is committed to creating learning, research and working environments that are inclusive and support the needs of all members of the university community.

This University welcomes the diversity of appearance which students and visitors bring to the campus. However, there may be occasions where health and safety or professional considerations restrict certain modes of dress and the wearing of jewelry items, footwear such as, for example, when working in labs.

The Dress Code policy aims to ensure health and safety standards are met, best practice is followed, and obligations required by wearing decent respectful clothes that goes with Saudi traditions, customs, and social norms are applied and implemented.

  1. Key Principles of the Dress Code Policy

The University does not prescribe a formal dress code for students, except for students who are required to wear protective clothing, for example in laboratories and workshops. The University supports students to wear appropriate clothing. The University expects students to practice appropriate standards of personal hygiene. Students on placement visits may be required to follow dress codes as applied by the external agency, such as clinical placements in the hospitals. In the case of the latter, any professional requirements of external organizations must be followed. The University does not permit the wearing of clothes or display of badges, screensavers etc. which show obscene material Any breach of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

  1. Identity and Visual Checks

All staff and students are expected to always carry University identity cards while on campus. The University is aware that some potential applicants and visitors may wish to wear niqab– however the University reserves the right to ensure that appropriate photo identity is received, and which can be verified. A private room will be made available, where possible in order to undertake such visual checks (through the temporary removal of the niqab) by a local female member of staff. Any person asked to remove their face covering for identification purpose may be denied entry if they refuse to do so. Similar visual checks will take place on key occasions such as prior to student examinations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate photo identification (e.g., University identity card or passport if the identity card is not applicable).

  1. Health and Safety

Health and safety requirements may mean that, for certain tasks, specific items of clothing such as overalls, protective clothing, uniforms, footwear etc. need to be worn or other items removed. The University is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of students and others who may be affected by its work activities. Where this is compromised by the wearing of certain dress (including footwear and jewelry items) or where this is likely to enhance the risk to other persons, a risk assessment for the activity will be carried out between the wearer and the supervisor/faculty. The responsibility for the final decision will rest with the Dean of Student Affairs, Admissions, and Registrations.

  1. Medical Emergency

It should be noted that whenever possible medical intervention will take account of religion and cultural sensitivities. However, removal of any religious or cultural symbol, or face covering may be required. It is preferable that a female member of staff is present when a female requires medical assistance and similarly for men. All first aid staff will be made aware of this preference.

  1. Placements and External Agencies

Students should dress according to both the University’s and the appropriate local guidelines and regulations. However, it should be noted that the University is not responsible for setting the dress code and/or wearing of symbols required by external institutions. The external dress code can include removing jewelry/symbols and making an individual’s face visible to ensure effective communication.

  1. Policy Implementation  

All students are expected to comply with this Policy. Colleges or other units hosting industry or other high-profile events at the University are responsible for advising about this Policy and compliance. All faculty and staff are responsible for implementing this policy within their area of responsibility. The University reserves the right to take appropriate action where any breach is identified.

  1. Complaints & Advise

If students believe they have been unfairly treated regarding the implementation of the Dress Code, they are asked to bring this to the attention of the contact the Deanship of Student Affairs, Admissions, and Registrations. For further advice and support please contact the Deanship of Student Affairs, Admissions, and Registrations.