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Code of Conduct

Guidance for Life Sciences students: expected attitudes and behaviours

As a Life Sciences student you are expected to comply with university guidelines regarding conduct. The quality manual sets out the regulations, policies and procedures around teaching and learning at the University of Nottingham. Therefore, the following expectations are not exhaustive. We strive to provide you with an inclusive, respectful and considerate environment where you can be yourself and are encouraged to perform to the best of your ability.  

General attitudes and behaviours  

You are expected to:  

• Ensure that your views about a person’s lifestyle, culture, beliefs, race, colour, gender, sexuality, age or social status do not prejudice your interactions with staff or students. For further information on our approach to creating an environment for all students and staff which is not only free from discrimination, but celebrates and values diversity please see equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ensure that you take responsibility for your own health, including mental health. This includes seeking appropriate medical advice and/or support
• Inform the university if you have any disability or medical condition either existing or which develops during the course that might affect your studies or pose a risk to others. You can notify us of a disability before you arrive too, so we can assist you with the appropriate support
• Show proper concern for the effects of your behaviour on others and the reputation of the university, adhering to the university Code of Discipline
• Ensure that you are aware of and undertake all health and safety measures
• Avoid the use of offensive language or text or bullying behaviour especially on social networking sites, for example Facebook, or in your face-to-face interactions with others, adhering to university regulations including university Social Media Policy
• Maintain communication with staff by:
  • Attending scheduled appointments with personal tutors and initiating additional contact where necessary
  • Responding promptly to requests for information and completing all appropriate forms, including those used to record extenuating circumstances which may have affected performance or caused absence from examinations
  • Regularly reading and responding to your university e-mail and checking your timetable
  • Participating responsibly in student feedback processes
• Be prepared to inform an appropriate member of staff if you observe behaviour in students or staff which is at variance with the standards outlined in this document 
• Take responsibility for supporting your peers, but know when to seek further advice 

General university student responsibilities

You are expected to:  

• Take significant responsibility for your own learning, personal development and wellbeing, including:
  • Making yourself familiar with all dates relevant to the course and being available when required for teaching and assessment
  • Raising any problems affecting your studies with student welfare, your personal tutor, module leader or other appropriate member of staff
  • Completing assessments on time
  • Avoiding all forms of cheating and plagiarism and other academic offences, including fabrication of results, you can learn more about academic conduct within your induction programme
  • Read and comply with the university's regulations and codes of practice relating to students including safety guidelines and instructions
  • Keep the university informed of any changes to your contact details
  • Assist in the continued development of the university by letting us know where improvements can be made and by participating in our decision- making processes as appropriate. For further information on how your views can bring about positive changes, please see academic representation
  • Recognise that your conduct and behaviour on- or off-campus reflects on you and the university and undertake to act with consideration and respect for the welfare and interests of your peers and members of the wider community