Student Contract

Conduct

Students must not intentionally:

  1. disrupt or attempt to disrupt the teaching or administration of the Department, or use aggressive or harassing behaviour, either physical or verbal, towards any student, tutor or other employee of the Department, or any visiting speaker;
  2. abuse alcohol or drugs on any premises where Departmental courses are held;
  3. damage or deface any Departmental property or any property on premises where Departmental courses are held;
  4. misuse computing and network facilities in the Department, or misuse remote computing facilities accessed from Departmental systems via computer networks;
  5. use deliberately plagiarised material or any other unfair means for the purposes of examinations or continuous assessment. (Plagiarism is defined as substantial or verbatim quotation from an unacknowledged source);
  6. contravene the regulations pertaining to the course on which they are enrolled with respect either to the regulations governing the academic conduct of the course or the payment of fees;
  7. contravene any regulations which may be published from time to time by the Department.

Online netiquette

Applicable where the course is wholly or in part conducted online.

The practices of courtesy and respect that apply to working with any group also apply online, and, as students cannot see each other, these practices may require even more attention over the Internet. Below are some guidelines to help.

By enrolling on this course you are agreeing to abide by the following online netiquette guidelines:

1. Participate
In the online environment, it's not enough to turn up. If you don't join in no-one will know that you are there!
2. Share questions and tips
Questions you send to the discussion board will help others, and taking part in discussions will help you to learn. It is often the case that where a student encounters a problem, it is the experience of other students that is most valuable. Students come to this course from a range of different backgrounds and cultures, so that there will be within a group a great deal of relevant, and complementary, experience. This means that all members have something to contribute.
3. Think before you click
Before you ‘post’ your comments, check through what you have written. Did you say exactly what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? While you can't anticipate all reactions, do read your messages carefully before you send them.
4. Remember that we can't see the grin on your face
When you make an ironic comment, we can't see the concern on your face if you only say a couple of words or write something which may seem harsh or critical, and we can't read your mind and fill in the gaps if you abbreviate your comments. Help us "see" you by explaining your ideas fully. You could also use an emoticon, such as :-), to let the reader know that your comment is meant to be ironic or funny.
5. Remember there is a person who will be reading your message.
Ask for feedback if you are not sure how your ideas and comments will be taken. Because visual clues are often lacking in online communication, electronic messages can easily seem harsher than they are intended to be. If you disagree with what someone has said, please bear this in mind as you express that disagreement. "Flaming", or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is not acceptable and any such postings will be removed from the discussion areas. If you think you have been offended by someone please do not "flame" on the board, as this makes things unpleasant for the whole group. You can take the matter to your tutor, who will help you to resolve it.
6. Keep your messages short and to the topic
When composing your messages aim to express your thoughts concisely. Obviously you will want to explain your point, but if you write a very long message it has the same effect as someone 'holding forth' or 'rambling' in a face-to-face discussion. Practise your communication skills by 'listening' to others as well as expressing your ideas. In addition, reading lengthy messages on a computer screen may be tedious for you and your readers. Lengthy postings don't hold people's attention and are less likely to get a response.
7. Any derogatory or inappropriate comments are unacceptable...
and are subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred anywhere else within the University. Any offensive postings will be removed from the discussion areas.