Students' Attitude Towards Addis Ababa University Students' Code of Conduct

1.1 Introduction
Colleges and universities often function as small towns with their own habits, expectations and unwritten rules. One of the most important "laws" on campus is the college code of conduct. These documents generally state the values of the college and provide guidance on specific rules and punishments that can be dealt to students and student behavior generally. In some cases, violating the college code of conduct can lead to being expelled from the university. Other parts of the code sometimes spell out how you can appeal a college decision you disagree with. In any case, it is worth your time to become familiar with your college's code of conduct.
The college code of conduct is a statement of the rules that must be followed by students during their studies. These documents often state the college's values as well as explaining what is expected of students on campus. 1.2 Statement of the problem
In higher education institutions knowing students attitude towards the Students Code of Conduct is very important in achieving the vision and mission of the institution set at its very foundation. Students Code of Conduct plays indispensable role in maintaining harmonious relation among students and teachers particularly and between the communities of the university generally.
However it doesn’t mean that a mere having of Students Code of Conduct can maintain the needed relation between the university communities. In order to maintain and protect good relation among the members of the university community, having a more developed Students Code of Conduct which doesn’t create negative attitude on students is needed. A Students Code of Conduct that creates bad attitude on students and not easily acceptable by the students, rather than enforcing good relation among the members of the university community, hinders the existing relation among them and thus the university can’t achieve the goals which it was established to achieve. For example among other things a university can’t regulate issues relating to academic misconduct, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and the like. Moreover it will not be able to administer the interaction of students and teachers. So it is necessary to have a Students Code of Conduct which helps the university in maintaining a good relationship between its communities.
But having such Students Code of Conduct in reality is not as easy as having in theory. In order to have a Students Code of Conduct which is supportive to the university achieving its goals, it is necessary to know students attitude towards the issue. Based up on these premises, this paper intends to analyze first year social work students’ attitude towards the university Students’ Code of Conduct.

1.3 Objective of the study
The primary intentions of conducting the research are 1. Identifying how first year social work students are familiar with the university Students’ Code of Conduct. 2. Identifying those students attitude (Positive/Negative) towards the Students’ Code of Conduct. 3. Reason out why students fell so.
1.4 Significance of the study
The conduction of this research has direct and indirect significance to Addis Ababa University as well as other universities. To mention some, it gives a clue to the university to design policies which will provide facilities helping students to improve their knowledge of the Students’ Code of Conduct. Improvement of students’ knowledge of the Code of Conduct eases the maintenance of harmonious relation between students, in particular, and the university community in general. The attainment harmonious relation among the community of the university boosts the achievement of the mission of the university. So this research, by far, will increase the capacity of the university in maintaining good interrelations among students and in achieving its purposes in which it was established.
Another importance of the study is that it gives a highlight to the university to legislate a Students’ Code of Conduct which will make students better off. Upon knowing whether the attitude of students towards the Students’ Code of Conduct is good or bad, the university can enact another Students’ Code of Conduct if their attitude is bad to the existing one. And if students’ attitude is good, the university will design policies which will preserve this good attitude of students and make it continuous and sustainable throughout all the time.
Thus the study has direct and indirect importance to the university in achieving its objective. Furthermore the existence of good relationship among the university community, not only realizes the motives of the university, but also helps the existence of peace and security in the city/Addis Ababa, and by far in the country. 1.5 Scope of the study
The scope of the study is limited to Addis Ababa University first year social work students during the academic period of May-June 2013. It basically focuses on qualifying and measuring the knowledge, attitude, and perception of these students to the code of conduct of the university. 1.6 Limitation and Delimitation of the study

Chapter-two
Related literature review
2.1 WHY STUDENTS CODE OF CONDYCT
The primary mission of Students Code of Conduct is to set forth the community standards and procedures necessary to maintain and protect an environment conducive to learning and in keeping with the educational objectives of the University. An environment conducive to learning is one that preserves the freedom to learn -- where academic standards are strictly upheld and where the rights, safety, dignity and worth of every individual are respected.1 university of Oregon’s student conduct code
The purpose of the Student Conduct Code is to maintain the general welfare of the university community. Thus the university strives to make the campus community a place of study, work and residence where people are treated, and treat one another, with respect and courtesy. The university views the student conduct process as a learning experience that can result in growth and personal understanding of one's responsibilities and privileges within both the university community and the greater community.2 Colorado university scc
A corollary mission of the Students Code of Conduct is to teach students to live and act responsibly in a community setting, with respect for the rights of other students and members of that community, and for the property, common resources, code of conduct, and laws associated with that community, and to encourage the development of personal integrity.3 university of Oregon’s student conduct code
The preamble Palm Beach County Schools code of conduct describes that the purpose of Code of Student Conduct is to reinforce positive behavior and provide students with opportunities to develop appropriate social skills. It also states that Outlining the interventions and consequences for students who engage in inappropriate behavior, explaining the rights of students with disabilities, including procedural protections, when disciplinary action is taken, describing the rights and responsibilities of all members of the school community, and engaging students in a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment
Students are simultaneously members of the University community and the broader community (e.g. city, state, nation, and world). The Student Conduct Code, and the processes of its administration and enforcement, is directed specifically toward maintaining the standards of the University community. Within its jurisdiction the University may impose disciplinary sanctions against students when their conduct materially interferes with the educational objectives of the University or with the members of the community living in the university.4 ibid
The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to set forth the specific authority and responsibility of the University in maintaining social discipline and to outline the educational process for determining individual student and student organization responsibility for alleged violations of University regulations. The disciplinary process follows established procedures to promote and provide an educational experience that facilitates the development of the individual student and the student organization. Also included are university procedures that exist to: provide fair treatment for all students, to support the rights of every student and student organization, to educate all students about the importance of community-based resolution of misconduct. The prohibited conduct, procedures and sanctions established in this document are applicable to the resolution of complaints against any student at the University of Nevada, Reno for allegedly engaging in specified prohibited conduct. The University administration views the student conduct process as not only a disciplinary process but also a learning experience for the student involved, with the expectation that this experience has the potential of resulting in individual student growth, change in behavior, and increased understanding of the student’s responsibilities and privileges within the University Community. 5 University of Nevada, Reno preamble

2.2 VIOLATIONS OF CODE OF CONDUCT

.
To better understand what college codes of conduct require of students, it is useful to look at a few examples from public institutions around the United States. In the event a student is accused of violating the code of conduct, these documents usually describe punishments and how students can appeal decisions.
University of Washington Student Code of Conduct
In addition to defining standards of conduct for students, the code also discusses off-campus activity, the appeals process and how decisions are made when the code is violated. The University of Washington Code also prohibits hazing, damaging university property, restricts the possession of firearms on campus, and a requirement that students conduct themselves in an honest and professional manner. Interestingly, the Code of Conduct for the university is actually issued by the Washington State Legislature.
Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct and Policies
The requirements of Georgia State are comparable to U.W. in some respects. For example, the code of conduct defines how students will be judged when they violate the code and how they can appeal decisions they disagree with. The Georgia State Code also singles out several types of problematic student behavior that can result in disciplinary action such as alcohol use, drug use, hazing and sexual misconduct. Beyond these common requirements, the Georgia State Code also governs freedom of expression on campus and student organizations.
Florida State University Student Conduct Code
As with the University of Washington example above, the Florida State Conduct code is part of the state's law. The document sets out rules regarding harassment, hazing, weapons (firearms and other kinds), use of illegal drugs and alcohol, gambling and use of university computers. Many university's have IT policies and standards that define how students can use their college's technology but not all place those requirements directly into the college code of conduct. The Florida Code also defines student rights and the process students go through if they are accused of violating the code. * The College Code of Conduct: Private University Examples
Codes of conduct at private colleges and universities share many similarities with public colleges. For example, damaging university property and alcohol use are often covered in student codes of conduct in most cases. However, private schools are not directly under the authority of state governments in the same way as public schools.
Dartmouth College Standards of Conduct
Dartmouth's code of conduct is presented as part of the student handbook. Though most codes of conduct require students to be honest, Dartmouth's standards apply to applicants as well; there is an entire standard relating to "Misrepresentation in Admission Materials." As an Ivy League college, it is understandable that Dartmouth's administration is concerned with inaccurate, false or otherwise misleading admissions information. The rest of Dartmouth's standards cover typical ground including sexual misconduct, weapons, hazing and so forth. Dartmouth's standards are also noteworthy insofar as they also include a section on copyright.
Pepperdine University
As a private Christian university, Pepperdine's code of conduct has some special requirements. One of the general principles of the code is based on religious beliefs: "... all members of the University community are encouraged to respect the teachings of Jesus and historic, biblical Christianity." As with most institutions of higher education, Pepperdine's code also prohibits harassment, violence and any activity that may violate local, state or federal laws. The code also singles out the use of false identification, advertising on campus without permission and sexual activity outside of marriage. Students seeking to study in a Christian environment may find Pepperdine (and other Christian colleges) offer exactly what they want.

Oregon

2.1 Standards Relative to Academic and Personal Integrity.

Integrity is a bedrock value of the University community and includes respect for open and honest intellectual exchange as well as respect for University records and for the Student Conduct Code itself. All students must be honest and forthright in their academic studies. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another, to cheat on an assignment, or to allow or assist another to commit these acts corrupts the educational process. Students are expected to do their own work and neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance.
Among the violations of these standards the University of Delaware includes, but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism and academic misconduct. Such violations are also mentioned in the student code of conduct of Oregon University.
(a) Cheating
Cheating is an act or an attempted act of deception by which a student seeks to misrepresent that he or she has mastered information that has not been mastered. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
i. Copying of all or any portion of another’s academic work and submitting it, in part or in its entirety, as one’s own; ii. Allowing another person to copy one’s own academic work—whether intentionally or recklessly; iii. The unauthorized use or possession of a class textbook, notes, or any other material to complete or prepare an academic work; iv. The unauthorized collaboration with any other person on an academic exercise, including collaboration on a take-home or make-up academic exercise;
v. The unauthorized use of electronic instruments, such as cell phones, PDAs, translators or personal response systems (clickers) to access or share information; or vi. The unauthorized completion for another person of an academic work, or permitting someone else to complete an academic work for oneself, including through the use of personal response systems (clickers).

(b) Fabrication
Fabrication is the use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings. Fabrication includes, but is not limited to: iThe false citation or acknowledgment of a direct or secondary source, including the incorrect documentation of a source; iiThe citation, in a bibliography or other list of references, of sources that were not used to prepare the academic work; iii. The inclusion in an academic work of falsified, invented, or fictitious data or information, or the deliberate and knowing concealment or distortion of the true nature, origin, or function of such data or information; or iv. The unauthorized submission of an academic work prepared totally or in part by another.
(c) Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else’s words, ideas, images, or data as one’s own. When a student submits academic work that includes another’s words, ideas, images, or data, whether published or unpublished, the source of that information must be acknowledged with complete and accurate references and, if verbatim statements are included, with quotation marks as well. By submitting work as his or her own, a student certifies the originality of all material not otherwise acknowledged. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
i. The quotation or other use of another person’s words, ideas, opinions, thoughts, or theories (even if paraphrased into one’s own words) without acknowledgment of the source; or ii. The quotation or other use of facts, statistics, or other data or materials (including images) that are not clearly common knowledge without acknowledgment of the source.

(d) Academic misconduct
Academic misconduct is any other act that disrupts the educational process or provides a student with an academic advantage over another student. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
i. The unauthorized possession, copying, distribution, sale, or other transfer of all or any part of an academic exercise, or the answers or solutions to an academic exercise, whether or not the exercise has been administered; ii. Changing, altering, attempting to change or alter, or assisting another in changing or altering any grade or other academic record, including grades or records contained in a grade book or computer file, that is received for or in any way attributed to academic work; iii. Entering any University building, facility, office, or other property, or accessing any computer file or other University record or storage for the purpose of obtaining the answers or solutions to an academic exercise or to change a grade; iv. Continuing to work on an academic exercise after the specified allotted time has elapsed;
v. Bribing another person to obtain an academic exercise, including answers to questions of an unadministered academic exercise; vi. Failing to adhere to standards of professional behavior established by a faculty member, academic program or college in conjunction with an academic course; or vii. Posting of notes or other materials from a class (whether the student is enrolled in the class or not) on the Internet, whether or not for a fee, if the faculty member has expressly prohibited the posting of such materials.

2.2 Standards Relative to Respect for Property and for Shared University Resources.
The following conduct violates standards of respect for property and shared University resources: (a) Engaging in behavior that could reasonably be foreseen to cause disruption of, obstruction of, or interference with the process of instruction, research, administration, student discipline, or any other service or activity provided or sponsored by the University; (b) Damage, destruction, theft, or unauthorized use of property located on the University campus or property owned or controlled by the University; (c) Unauthorized entry into or use of University property or University-recognized living units, facilities, residence halls, equipment, or resources; (d) Disorderly conduct (including that resulting from the use of alcohol), unreasonable noise, or conduct that results in unreasonable annoyance; (e) Failure to comply with the reasonable directions of public officials acting in performance of their duties on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity when such conduct poses a danger to personal safety or property or obstructs or impairs educational or other Institutional activities; (f) Violation of University Policy on the acceptable use of computing resources. Unacceptable uses of computing resources include, but are not limited to: (A) Use of electronic forums to violate other sections of the Student Conduct Code; (B) Sharing of accounts or computer lab passes; (C) Violation of electronic privacy; (D) Interference with computer use or operations; (E) Commercial or illegal use of electronic or computer resources; (F) Violation of copyright law; or (G) Threats, abuse or Harassment, as defined in OAR571-021-0105(), conduct made or transmitted via electronic forums or electronic mail.
(3) Standards Relative to the Rights of Individuals and to the Welfare of the University Community. An environment conducive to learning is one where the rights, safety, dignity and worth of every individual are respected. The following conduct endangers such an environment, and threatens the welfare of the University community as a whole: (a) Physical contact that endangers, threatens, or harms the health or safety of any person or behavior that causes a reasonable person to fear such contact; (b) Hazing, as defined in OAR571-021-0105(18); (c) Possession, use, or threatened use of a weapon, ammunition, or any object or substance used as a weapon on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity unless expressly authorized by law or University Policy. A concealed weapons permit does not constitute authorization; (d) Unauthorized possession, use, or threatened use of dangerous chemical or biological substances or explosives; (e) Tampering with fire-fighting equipment, turning in a false alarm, or engaging in conduct that constitutes a significant fire hazard; (f) Harassment, as defined in OAR571-021-0105(17), because of another person’s race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identification, national origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or for other reasons, including but not limited to harassment prohibited by University Policy. (g) Unwanted Contact, as defined in OAR571-021-0105(38); (h) Sexual Misconduct. A mission of the Student Conduct Code is to encourage good decision-making, personal integrity, and interpersonal behavior that is cooperative rather than coercive and that respects the rights of others. Sexual misconduct violates these values, and is committed when a student engages in sexual behavior described in OAR571-021-0105(30). (A) A complaint alleging Sexual Misconduct may be filed whenever Sexual Misconduct: (i) Materially interferes with another person’s academic performance or participation in a University Sponsored Activity, or performance of University employment; (ii) Is committed on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity; or (iii) Demonstrates reasonable threat to the health or safety of a Member of the University Community or the alleged student survivor. (B) Sexual gratification or pleasure of any party involved is not relevant to a determination of whether Sexual Misconduct occurred. (C) A violation of provisions of the alcohol or drug policy in the Student Conduct Code does not affect a person's ability to file a complaint regarding another person’s Sexual Misconduct on the same occasion. (D) Consent to one form of sexual activity does not automatically operate as consent to any other form sexual activity. A “no” always means that consent is not present, whereas a “yes” to one act at one time does not mean “yes” to other acts or to the same act at other times. Voluntarily making oneself incapacitated does not mean one is giving consent to any form of sexual activity. (j) Prohibited alcohol use, which includes: (A) Possession or consumption of alcohol by those under 21 years of age on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity; (B) Furnishing of alcohol to a person under 21 years of age; or (C) Consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a person at least 21 years of age or furnishing of an alcoholic beverage by or to a person at least 21 years of age, except in such areas and at such times as the University authorizes. (k) Prohibited drug use, which includes: (A) Manufacture, processing, distribution, or cultivation of a Drug, including but not limited to marijuana or narcotics, on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity, except as expressly permitted by law; (B) Sale of a Drug, including but not limited to marijuana or narcotics, on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity; or (C) Possession of a Drug, including but not limited to marijuana or narcotics, on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity except as expressly permitted by law. (l) Lewd or indecent conduct on University Premises or at a University Sponsored Activity. Lewd or indecent conduct includes, but is not limited to, any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record that would be an invasion of privacy pursuant to ORS163.700. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom. (m) Gambling, as defined and prohibited in ORS167.108 to 167.164 except as authorized by ORS464.270 to 464.530.

(1) Forms of Sanctions (a) Expulsion. Student status is severed permanently. A Student who has been expelled from the University shall not be permitted to participate in any University Sponsored Activity or allowed to reside on University Premises. (b) Suspension. (A) Individual Suspension. Student status is severed for a specified period. A student who has been suspended from the University shall not be permitted to participate in any University Sponsored Activity or allowed to reside on University Premises during the period the student is suspended. (B) Group Suspension. A Student Organization loses University recognition and all privileges associated with such recognition for a specified period. Imposition of this sanction against the ASUO or a recognized Student Organization requires approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs. (c) Negative Notation on Transcript. Entry of the fact of violation on the Student’s permanent academic record as the sole or an additional sanction may be imposed at the discretion of the hearing officer or panel. After the expiration of the period of time, if any, set by the hearing officer or panel, the notation shall be removed upon the request of the Student or former Student. (d) Revocation of Degree. An academic degree previously awarded by the University may be revoked if it was obtained by fraud or a significant part of the work submitted in fulfillment of, and indispensable to, the requirements for such degree constitutes Plagiarism. The Academic Requirements Committee may, upon appeal of a University graduate subjected to degree revocation, stipulate the requirements for obtaining a degree. (e) Grade Penalty. A Student admitting Academic Misconduct or found responsible for Academic Misconduct is subject to a grade penalty as determined by the instructor in the course in which the violation occurred. (f) Disciplinary Probation. In lieu of another sanction, a period of probation may be imposed during which any violations of the Student Conduct Code will result in more serious sanctions than might be otherwise imposed. A Student or Student Organization on probation may or may not lose designated privileges during the period of probation. During the time on probation, a Student or Student Organization may, by demonstrating good conduct, avoid additional sanctions. Imposition of this sanction against the ASUO or an ASUO-recognized group requires approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs. (g) Restitution. The Student or Student Organization is required to replace or restore damaged, stolen, or misappropriated property. (h) Educational Activity. The Student or Student Organization is required to complete a project or activity designed to help the Student or Student Organization understand why the behavior was inappropriate and encourage future compliance with the Student Conduct Code. The educational activity is designed to correspond to the severity and nature of the violation and to clarify the impact of that behavior on Members of the University Community. Educational activities may include, but are not limited to, assessments of substance abuse and other behaviors, community service, workshops, papers and similar assignments. (i) Loss of Privileges. The Student or Student Organization is denied specified privileges normally associated with Student Status or recognized Student Organization status, such as participation in or sponsorship of University activities, use of University facilities or services, or living in University-owned or supervised housing. Imposition of this sanction against the ASUO an ASUO-recognized group requires approval by the Vice President of Student Affairs. (j) Conduct Reprimand. The Student or Student Organization is given written notice that the conduct engaged in is inconsistent with University standards and expectations and informed that future violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in the imposition of more serious sanctions. (k) Suspended Sanction. The execution of any sanction authorized under the Student Conduct Code may be suspended. When suspending a sanction, a time limit for the suspension period shall be designated, and subsequent violations of the Student Conduct Code that will terminate the suspension and result in the imposition of the original sanction shall be specified. In the absence of any such violation, the original sanction shall be deemed completed at the end of the suspension period.
(2) Medical Leave. Actions taken pursuant to University policies on medical leave shall not be deemed disciplinary sanctions within the meaning of the Student Conduct Code.
(3) Failure to complete a sanction will be handled pursuant to OAR571-021-0240

Delaware

Sexual Assault 1. Statement of Policy
The University will not tolerate sexual assault. Sexual assault occurs when consent is not received, a person is physically forced, intimidated or coerced into a sexual act, or when a person is physically or mentally unable to give consent. Assault may be committed by an acquaintance or a stranger. Violations will be adjudicated by the University and may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Sexual Assault Amnesty
The Office of Student Conduct grants Amnesty to students who may have violated the Code of Conduct’s Alcohol Policy at the same time of the incident when he or she became a victim of sexual assault. Therefore, no alcohol charges are applied to a student who reports that he or she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of a sexual assault. 2. Consent
Consent is an affirmative decision to willingly engage in mutually acceptable sexual activity given by clear words or actions. It is an informed decision made freely and actively by all involved parties. In order for a sexual encounter to be consensual, each participant must agree to engage in each act of sexual activity in the sexual encounter.
Relying solely on non-verbal communication can lead to miscommunication about one’s intent. It is important not to make assumptions. Confusion or ambiguity may arise at any time during a sexual interaction. Therefore, it is essential that each participant clarifies his or her willingness to continue at each progression of the sexual interaction.
Consent may not be inferred from silence, passivity or lack of active response alone. Furthermore, a current or previous dating or sexual relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent in every instance, and consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Being intoxicated does not diminish one’s responsibility to obtain consent.
Conduct will be considered “without consent” if no clear consent, verbal or non-verbal, is given. In some situations, an individual’s ability to freely consent is taken away by another person or circumstance. Examples include, but are not limited to, when an individual is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs, scared, physically forced, intimidated, coerced, mentally or physically impaired, passed out, beaten, threatened, isolated or confined.
The use of alcohol or drugs can limit a person’s ability to freely and clearly give consent. Alcohol and other drugs can lower inhibitions and create an atmosphere of confusion over whether or not consent has been freely and clearly given. The perspective of a reasonable person will be the basis for determining whether one should have known how the use of alcohol or drugs impacted another’s ability to give consent. Being intoxicated or impaired by drugs is never an excuse for sexual assault. 1. Prohibited Activities
Specific violations of this standard include, but are not limited to:
Any uninvited, unwelcome advance, request for sexual favor, or touching or kissing of a sexual nature, where such conduct placed the victim in a position where he or she reasonably felt unable to avoid the uninvited conduct. Conduct includes, but is not limited to, rape, sodomy or oral copulation, sexual assault, or battery.

Rowan

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of students towards the university’s code of conduct. The subjects of the study are first year social work students.The survey looked at two factors; knowledge of the code of conduct and attitudes towards the code of conduct. ……………….Data analysis of the student’s responses showed that in general, students are not as familiar with the code of conduct as they should be and this may be one factor explaining why students feel that the code of conduct does not impact their behavior.

Participants
The target population was first year university social work students. This year 56 first year students were registered in social work. I tried to include all the members of such department, but unfortunately some of the students were not available during the study period and some of them did not want to participate in the study. Thus I collected data from 40 students of them (40/56).
The minimum sample size to represent this population at 95% confidence level was calculated to be 384. We selected our study sample by employing a systematic sampling method. One in every four students in student enrollment lists was selected for the study. The number of students selected for the sample was 486. We collected data from 402 of this group (participation rate: 402/486), because some of the students were not available during the study period and some
Data collection
Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared by me based on relevant literature and included open-ended and multiple choice questions regarding the knowledge and attitudes toward the code of conduct. Questionnaires distributed to the subject of the study in their classrooms. Every student who filled in the questionnaire was informed of the objective, significance and motivation of conducting the research.