Student Code of Conduct
(Adopted at the meeting No. 1 of the Academic Council of Qarabağ University on October 1, 2024)
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. The Disciplinary Rules for Students at Qarabağ University (hereinafter – the Rules) regulate student conduct and encourage ethical behavior.
1.2. These Rules have been developed in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Education,” the Charter of Qarabağ University (hereinafter – the University), and other relevant legal and regulatory acts in force in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
1.3. The Rules clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of students, strengthen mutual respect and cooperation within the University’s academic environment, ensure students’ active and result-oriented participation in the educational process, promote appropriate conduct in the public sphere, and safeguard University property.
1.4. The Rules establish a clear and fair framework for everyone at the University and provide the basis for appropriate measures in cases of rule violations.
1.5. These Rules enter into force after adoption by the Academic Council and approval by the Rector in accordance with established procedures.
II. MAIN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
2.1. Main rights of students:
2.1.1. to receive education in accordance with state educational standards and acquire modern knowledge;
2.1.2. to use the University library and other educational resources free of charge;
2.1.3. to participate in research activities and conferences;
2.1.4. to appeal decisions and orders of the University administration;
2.1.5. to participate in the academic and public life of the University and take part in discussions;
2.1.6. to exercise other rights provided for by legislation.
2.2. Main responsibilities of students:
2.2.1. to comply with the University charter and disciplinary rules;
2.2.2. to treat University staff and other students with respect;
2.2.3. to use University property carefully and for its intended purpose and bear financial responsibility for any damage caused;
2.2.4. to attend classes regularly and actively participate in the educational process;
2.2.5. not to use the University’s official emblem or logo unlawfully or in a distorted form;
2.2.6. to refrain from actions that may harm the University’s professional reputation or disrupt the educational process;
2.2.7. to fulfill other responsibilities provided by legislation.
III. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
3.1. The following principles guide the maintenance of discipline at the University:
3.1.1. Principle of equality — equal rights must be ensured for students when applying encouragement measures or disciplinary liability, regardless of race, nationality, religion, language, gender, financial status, beliefs, or membership in political parties or public associations.
3.1.2. Principle of humanism — disciplinary sanctions must not aim to humiliate human dignity; they should respect the student’s personality and support the realization of their rights.
3.1.3. Principle of transparency — the decision-making process in disciplinary matters must be transparent, students must be informed of their rights and responsibilities, and the reasons for decisions must be clearly explained.
3.1.5. Principle of regulation and restoration — disciplinary measures should aim to correct student behavior and support academic and social development, with preference given to restorative and rehabilitative solutions.
3.1.6. Principle of proportionality — disciplinary sanctions must correspond to the nature and severity of the violation.
IV. DISCIPLINE IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
4.1. Participation in examinations
4.1.1. Cheating, assisting others, and exchanging information during exams are prohibited.
4.1.2. The use of micro-earpieces, mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices during exams is prohibited. These devices must be submitted to the instructor or supervisor before the exam and kept securely.
4.1.3. The use of reference materials during exams is not allowed unless otherwise specified.
4.1.4. Exams are conducted in accordance with University regulations.
4.2. Participation in classes
4.2.1. Attendance — students must attend classes regularly and immediately inform the dean’s office if attendance issues arise.
4.2.2. Classroom conduct — students must arrive on time. If late for a valid reason, they may enter the classroom quietly with the instructor’s permission. Phones and other devices must remain on silent and should not be used for non-academic purposes. Students must not disrupt the class.
4.2.3. Preparation of coursework — assignments required by the instructor must be completed on time. If additional information is needed, students should contact the instructor promptly.
4.2.4. Active participation — students must actively engage in classes and discussions.
V. ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY
5.1. Academic integrity
5.1.1. Students must avoid plagiarism and must not use others’ work without proper citation. References must follow the University’s citation format.
5.1.2. Complaints regarding plagiarism must be submitted to relevant bodies and investigated objectively.
5.1.3. Information collected in plagiarism investigations must remain confidential and personal rights must be protected.
VI. INCENTIVES FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
6.1. Students may receive the following incentives for academic success:
6.1.1. Expression of gratitude;
6.1.2. Award of a certificate or diploma;
6.1.3. Valuable gifts as prizes;
6.1.4. Targeted scholarships.
VII. RULES FOR USING UNIVERSITY PREMISES
7.1. Use of outdoor areas
7.1.1. Consumption of alcohol, smoking, and use of prohibited substances on campus are strictly forbidden.
7.1.2. Entry into areas marked “No entry for unauthorized persons” (technical rooms, roofs, basements, archives, boiler rooms, server rooms, etc.) is prohibited.
7.1.3. Waste must be disposed of in designated bins.
7.2. Use of laboratories
Students may enter laboratories only during relevant classes and in the presence of instructors or lab assistants. Safety rules must be strictly followed and protective equipment used when required. Equipment and materials must be returned after use and used only for designated purposes.
7.3. Use of the library
Students must maintain silence, return materials according to library rules, refrain from bringing food and drinks, register for library services, compensate for lost or damaged materials, and avoid leaving personal belongings unattended.
7.4. Use of classrooms
Students must maintain cleanliness, return items after use, switch off computers and equipment after classes, turn off lights, follow usage instructions for devices, report malfunctions immediately, and report unattended items.
7.5. Use of equipment and information resources
Students must report technical problems rather than attempt repairs themselves, follow instructions for equipment use, compensate for damaged or lost equipment, use university resources only for educational purposes, and comply with legal and cybersecurity rules when using internet services.
7.6. Use of university attributes
Students must use the University logo and emblem ethically and may not use them for personal or commercial purposes. Social media posts involving University symbols must not harm the institution’s reputation or contain misleading or offensive content.
VIII. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES AND THEIR APPLICATION
8.1. When imposing disciplinary measures, the student’s personality, reputation, academic performance, and the nature of the violation are considered.
8.2. The Rector issues disciplinary orders based on recommendations from the University’s Disciplinary Commission.
8.3. Disciplinary measures (except expulsion) remain valid for six months.
8.4. Possible disciplinary sanctions include:
- Warning — written notice regarding misconduct;
- Reprimand — officially announced and recorded in the student’s file;
- Severe reprimand with final warning — officially announced and recorded;
- Expulsion from the University — applied in cases of serious violations.
8.5. Serious violations leading to expulsion include:
- academic fraud;
- violent actions harming health;
- intentional damage to university property;
- actions damaging the university’s reputation;
- activities that could be used against the state, particularly in liberated territories;
- being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or psychotropic substances on campus;
- committing a crime on campus;
- using offensive language toward university staff;
- violating safety rules in ways that endanger lives or health.
8.6. When students violate disciplinary rules, information about the violation is submitted to the Disciplinary Commission together with official documents and relevant explanations confirming the violation.
8.7. The Disciplinary Commission conducts an investigation into the violation. During a hearing held orally, the Commission reviews the submitted documents, listens to explanations, and, taking into account the nature of the violation, its degree of severity, and its impact on others, makes a decision and submits a recommendation to the Rector on whether to apply an appropriate disciplinary sanction or to refrain from doing so. Meetings of the Disciplinary Commission are recorded in official minutes.
8.8. Parents of underage students have the right to participate in meetings of the Disciplinary Commission concerning their children. In cases involving serious violations, the parents of the relevant students are invited to attend the meeting.
8.9. Decisions of the Disciplinary Commission are publicly announced. A copy of the order issued based on the Commission’s recommendation is provided to the student.
8.10. Disciplinary sanctions involving expulsion from the University may be appealed to the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan or to a court. Other disciplinary sanctions may be appealed to the Academic Council of the University.
IX. FINAL PROVISIONS
9.1. These Rules enter into force upon approval by the Academic Council.
9.2. Violations of these Rules may result in disciplinary liability for students.