Student Handbook
January 2013 Semester
Updated: 13 May 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
1
Glossary of Terms
3
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
APPENDIX
Registration and Course Enrolment
1.1 Enrolment
1.2 Course registration
1.3 Requirements as to courses
1.4 Transferring to another programme
1.5 Deferment
1.6 Withdrawal from course
1.7 Withdrawal from programme
1.8 Cancellation of enrolment by University
1.9 Academic progression policy
4
4
5
7
8
9
9
9
10
Academic Matters
2.1 Assessment and examination
2.2 Credit exemption
12
13
Study Skills, Resources and Support
3.1 Study skills and support
3.2 Library services
3.3 Tutorials, lectures and seminars
3.4 Reports, assignments and essays
3.5 Support and counseling
3.6 C-three (Counselling & Care Corner)
3.7 Student records
3.8 Communication via MyMail account
3.9 Facilities, equipment and services
15
16
16
17
17
17
18
19
19
Money Matters
4.1 Types of fees
4.2 Payment methods
4.3 Responsibility for fees
4.4 Late payment or non-payment
4.5 Refunds
4.6 Government funding / subsidy
21
21
21
21
22
22
Regulations and Policies
5.1 Rights and Responsibilities
 Personal Representation to the Media
 Student Grievance Procedure
 Student Disciplinary Regulations
 Student Fee Regulations
5.2 Academic Matters
 Assessment and Examination Regulations
 Graduation Regulations
Honour Code
25
25
26
28
38
39
47
51
SIM UNIVERSITY
Student Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of this Handbook
This Handbook provides you with information on certain important aspects of University life – the
sources of available help, support services and key regulations applicable to all students. While the
information provided in this Handbook was correct at the time of publication, the University reserves
the right to alter procedures, fees and regulations should the need arise. You should carefully read all
official correspondence, other sources of information for students and the official University notice
boards to be aware of changes to the information in this Handbook.
Apart from this Handbook, you will receive other course/study guides at the start of your studies,
produced by your School, setting out all the essential information pertaining to your programme of
study and the academic requirements. The University reserves the right to discontinue or vary
courses at any time without notice. You should always check with your School’s officers when
planning your courses. Some courses and units may be altered or may not be offered due to
insufficient registration or changes to teaching personnel.
Rights and responsibilities
You have both rights and responsibilities as a student at the University. The formal relationship
between you and the University is set out in the Honour Code and Student Contract which you signed
at enrolment. This included an undertaking to abide by all the University’s rules and regulations. The
key rules and regulations are set out in Section 5 of this Handbook. The Honour Code is set out in
the Appendix to this Handbook.
The University is keen to ensure that your student experience is a positive one. Making your views
known can help to bring about improvements, both for you and for future students. If you feel
something is not right, please raise your concerns promptly. The Student Grievance Procedure (see
Section 5) provides guidance on how you can initially try to resolve the problem informally and also
sets out the more formal procedures available to you.
Equality
The University values the diversity of the student body and is committed to creating and sustaining a
positive and mutually supportive environment. All students are equally valued and respected and are
encouraged to thrive academically.
Brief facts about the University
Background and Core Values
SIM University is a university in Singapore dedicated to working adults, allowing them to pursue
lifelong learning and higher education while balancing career, family and social responsibilities. It
adopts a flexible and practice-focused learning approach and offers more than 50 academic
programmes in various disciplines. Eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents taking SIM
University’s undergraduate programmes enjoy a government subsidy of up to 55% of tuition fees.
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The University’s core values are:
Spirit of learning
Passion for excellence
Integrity
Respect and trust for the individual
Innovation
Teamwork
Management
The governance of the University comes under the purview of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
The Board appoints staff and determines the terms of appointment. It also controls the University’s
finances, property and general affairs.
The highest academic body of the University is the Academic Board, which regulates the admission
and examination policies and processes of the University and has the power to award degrees,
diplomas and certificates.
The President is the academic and administrative head of the University, assisted by the Provost,
Registrar, Vice-President (Learning Services) and Deans of the Schools.
Academic Structure
The University has four Schools offering courses on a diverse range of subject areas, each led by a
Dean: School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Business, School of Human Development and
Social Services, and School of Science and Technology. Each School comprises a number of
programmes each managed by a Head of Programme (“HoP”). Although students may read courses
from more than one programme, each student belongs to one School only, for administrative
purposes.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AT
Academic Termination
CGPA
Cumulative Grade Point Average
credit exemption
a credit exemption award exempts a student from one or more specific
courses in a programme
credit recognition
a credit recognition award reduces the number of cu that a student needs to
obtain to qualify for the degree that he/she is pursuing
CP
Curriculum Plan
cu
Credit Unit
DAB
Disciplinary Appeals Board
EA
Examination Administration Department
EAC
Examinations and Awards Committee
eCR
Electronic Course Registration
GPA
Grade Point Average
GS
General Studies
HoP
Head of Programme
MyMail
the email account provided by the University to each student for use in the
course of his/her studies with the University
MyUniSIM
the University’s Learning Management System
OCAS
Overall Continuous Assessment Score
OES
Overall Examinable Score
OSAR
Office of Student and Alumni Relations
RS
Rank Score
SASC
Student Affairs and Support Committee
SDG
Student Disciplinary Group
TMA
Tutor-marked Assignment
TOP
Transfer of Programme
UCore
University’s Core Courses
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Section 1
Enrolment and Course Registration
Enrolment is the process through which you formalise your agreement with the University to
undertake your studies for a given academic programme. When you enrol, you become entitled to
receive tuition, use the University’s facilities and ultimately receive the qualification for which you are
studying. It also imposes on you an obligation to pay all tuition and other applicable fees to the
University. The sanction against non-payment of debts to the University begins with having certain
services withdrawn (e.g. library and computing access) and can lead to withdrawal of your enrolment.
The University wants to help you resolve any financial, academic and/or other problems that you may
have. Please contact the Student Support Department for help in dealing with any difficulties as soon
as possible in order to resolve these prior to course registration.
1.1
Enrolment
1.1.1
New students. To be admitted into the University, you must accept the University’s
offer of a programme on or before the specified deadline. If you fail to do so, the
University’s offer will be deemed to have been withdrawn.
1.1.2
Existing students. You are entitled to continue your studies in each subsequent
semester, provided:
1.1.3
1.2
(a)
you are not in debt to the University;
(b)
you have completed the electronic course registration for the following
semester (see Section 1.2.1 below); and
(c)
you have made academic progress within the maximum candidature period
(see Section 1.8.1 below).
To qualify to be enrolled as a student of the University, you must fulfil the following
age criteria as at 1 January / 1 July of the semester of study:
(a)
18 years or older if you are applying for the General Studies (“GS”)
programme; and
(b)
21 years or older if you are applying for all other programmes.
Course registration
1.2.1
Electronic Course Registration (“eCR”). The eCR is an important tool to help you plan
the course(s) that you would like to read for the following semester (including those
that you need to repeat). In April and October of each year, you will be informed via
an announcement in the Student Portal to choose your next semester’s course(s) by
the stipulated deadline through the eCR (subject to you passing all the courses in the
then current semester). If you do not submit your course registration by the stipulated
deadline, you will not be able to proceed to the next stage of your programme and
your enrolment may be withdrawn at the discretion of the University (see Section
1.8.2 below). Please refer to the eCR guide for more information.
Note: You are required to complete your course registration notwithstanding that you
do not wish to take any course in the following academic semester or that you
will complete your programme (i.e. acquiring remaining final cu) by the end of
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the then current academic semester. This enables you to exercise your option
to "repeat" if necessitated by your results of the then current semester.
1.2.2
Offer of course(s). The final decision of the University to offer you the course(s)
indicated by you via the eCR will depend on your course results for the then current
semester as well as the available vacancies in the course(s) selected by you. If you
had submitted via the eCR by the stipulated deadline, you will receive a proforma
invoice for your course offer via e-services in the Student Portal after the release of
your results for the then current semester. Please follow the instructions in the
proforma invoice on the payment of course fees and other related matters by the
stipulated deadline(s). If you do not pay the course fees by the stipulated
deadline, the University shall be deemed to have withdrawn its offer of course(s). Any
future reinstatement will be entirely at the University's discretion.
1.2.3
Amending course choices. To make changes to your choice of courses after the eCR
registration deadline, please submit the Add/Drop application through the e-services
in the Student Portal before the Add/Drop deadline set out in the course offer
notification. A non-refundable fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) must accompany
every application. All applications are subject to the University’s approval.
1.2.4
Over/under-subscribed courses. For under-subscribed and over-subscribed courses,
your choice of reserved courses will be offered to you, subject to availability.
Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that there are no timetable schedule conflicts
for the courses that you wish to take (i.e. both class timetable and examination
timetable).
1.3
Requirements as to courses
1.3.1
Course criteria. You may register for a course only if you have fulfilled the prerequisites (if any) for that course. Courses are spread over 6 or 13 study weeks from
January to April and July to October, with examinations in May and November. Each
degree programme is comprised of compulsory and elective courses. Each course
has a value of cu.
1.3.2
Second University degree. You will not be admitted to a second degree programme
at the University until you have fulfilled the requirements for the first degree
programme with the University.
1.3.3
Credit units. The total cu (“cu”) of courses for degree programmes registered for by
you per semester shall not exceed 30cu (of which a maximum of 20cu are for new
and/or repeat courses and the remaining 10cu shall be for re-sit examinations, if any).
You may also choose a limited number of additional reserved courses during course
registration. These reserved courses are to be used only in the event that any of the
first 20cu courses that you chose has reached its course quota or is not offered.
Students enrolled on or after January 2007 are permitted to take up the quota of 10cu
of UCore courses in a single semester in addition to the cap of 30cu for that semester.
Note: It is very important to assess your state of readiness for a course in order to
avoid academic difficulties. Please consult your HoP for advice on whether
your choice of courses is sensible in the light of your current academic
progress. You should take note that taking 20cu in a semester or 40cu a year
is considered a heavy study workload. You should be mindful of your
academic progress before deciding on the number of cu to register. If you are
in doubt, it is always beneficial to consult your HoP from the School.
1.3.4
University core (“UCore”) courses. The objective of UCore courses is to broaden the
students’ curriculum through imparting a common set of skills and areas of knowledge
beyond their chosen academic disciplines.
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(a)
Students in the January 2007 – July 2009 intakes are required to complete a
compulsory 4cu course: i.e. Effective Communication (COR100) and any two
other 3cu courses to be selected from a list of offerings.
(b)
Students in the January 2010 intake and onwards are required to complete a
compulsory 2.5cu course: i.e. Essential Academic Writing Skills (COR160), and
any other UCore electives to be selected from a list of offerings in the
curriculum plan (“CP”), to make up the remaining 7.5cu. In total, students must
complete at least one course from each of the three available baskets of
courses.
(c)
The basis of assessment for each UCore course is available in the course
material. There are 2 types of assessment bases for UCore courses:
(i)
the overall continuous assessment score (“OCAS”) + the overall
examinable score (“OES”) = 100%
(ii)
OCAS
= 100%
(d)
There is no re-sit option if students withdraw or fail any component of the
UCore courses. Except for Effective Communication (COR100) or Essential
Academic Writing Skills (COR160), such students can choose to repeat the
same UCore courses or select from a list of other course offerings in the UCore
curriculum. If a student fails COR100 and/or COR160, he/she must repeat
these course(s).
(e)
Students may take courses within the UCore curriculum on top of their
maximum permitted course load. For students enrolled in the January 2007
intake and onwards, the grade attained for each UCore course will be reflected
in the transcript and will contribute towards the student’s CGPA computation.
(f)
Students reading Chinese and Tamil programmes will follow the UCore courses
specified in their respective CP.
1.3.5
Graduation requirement. A student must complete at least 30cu of level 3 courses to
graduate. Please refer to Graduation Regulations in Section 5.2.
1.3.6
Re-reading courses. You cannot register to read a course for which you have already
been awarded a course credit or a course certificate.
1.3.7
Pending results (for degree programmes). Typically, a few students in each semester
may have course results that are pending. If your course allocation for the
following semester is dependent on the results that are pending, the University will
allow you to continue with your studies based on the courses that you have chosen
until all your results that are pending have been finalised.
1.3.8
Collection of course materials. Information on the collection of course materials will
be announced through the Student Portal.
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1.4
Transferring to another programme
1.4.1
University’s policy. The University’s policy on transfer of programmes (“TOP”) is set
out as follows:
(a)
(b)
The University currently offers the following programmes:
(i)
basic degree programmes (“Basic Degree”);
(ii)
basic degree with honours programmes (“Basic with Honours”).
Students who have successfully completed the basic degree are
invited by the University to proceed to the honours phase of the
programme only if they meet the requirements for honours set by the
University; and
(iii)
direct honours degree programmes (“Direct Honours”).
Students who are undertaking a Basic Degree programme or a Direct Honours
programme may only apply to transfer to:
(i)
another Basic Degree programme or equivalent; or
(ii)
another Direct Honours programme;
provided that the new programme will continue to be offered by the University.
1.4.2
(c)
Students in a Basic with Honours programme and who have completed the
basic degree portion of the programme are not permitted to apply to transfer to
any other programmes.
(d)
If a student’s application to transfer is approved, he/she must complete the new
programme by 2013 if the student was admitted to the University prior to 2006.
A student who enrolled with the University in or subsequent to 2006 must
complete the new programme within 8 years from his/her year of admission.
Degree students.
(a)
Applications to transfer can only be made during the TOP application period.
You will need to complete and submit the online “Application for Transfer of
Programme” form together with a non-refundable fee of S$107 (inclusive of
GST). Applications received after the stipulated application deadline will only
be considered at the next TOP period.
(b)
Transfers are not automatically approved. You will need to check if any funding
arrangements you have in place will be affected by such a change. The
University will consider your TOP application and give you a reply within 3
weeks of the close of the TOP period.
(c)
Subject to the University’s TOP policy, a student is entitled to a maximum of 2
TOP applications throughout his/her time of study with the University.
(d)
If your TOP application is successful:
(i)
the transfer will be effective in the following semester;
(ii)
the transferability of cu previously obtained by you to the new
programme will be determined by the credit exemption policy and
degree profile of the new programme as at the effective date of transfer;
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1.4.3
(iii)
there will be no refund for cu previously obtained but which do not form
part of the degree profile of and are not transferable to the new
programme;
(iv)
the University will allow the transfer of any credit exemption previously
granted to you if these fit the profile of the new programme, except if
the new programme is the GS programme. There will be no refund of
fees paid for credit exemptions that are not transferable to the new
programme;
(v)
you are expected to fulfil all the requirements of the new programme,
including payment of applicable course fees, CGPA and UCore
requirements, etc.
General Studies programme. Students who are reading the GS modular programme
may apply for a transfer to the GS degree programme after completing at least 20cu
with at least a CGPA of 2.0. Approval will be given by the University on a case-bycase basis.
(a)
Students who are reading the GS modular programme and have completed
80cu (including 10cu of UCore courses) will be awarded the Diploma in
General Studies. If these students wish to qualify for the GS degree
programme award, they will be required to complete another 50cu where at
least 40cu must be from levels 2 and 3 courses.
(b)
A Diploma in GS graduate may apply for a transfer to other undergraduate
degree programmes, provided the student meets all admission requirements of
the undergraduate degree programme applied for. Such students may transfer
10cu from the UCore courses plus 40cu of relevant courses with at least a
CGPA of 2.0 to the receiving degree programme.
Credit exemption, if granted, (for courses covered in the GS programme) will not
count towards the CGPA requirement for the regular undergraduate degree
programme.
1.5
Deferment
1.5.1
Applicability and frequency. Deferment is only applicable to students in degree
programmes as there is no maximum candidature period for the GS programme1 .
Subject to the University’s approval, a student in a degree programme may defer
his/her studies any number of times provided he/she is able to complete the degree
programme within the maximum candidature period of 8 years from the time of his/her
admission to the University.
1.5.2
Deferment application. If you wish to defer your studies in a particular semester,
please submit the online Application for Deferment form to the University before
payment of course fee and commencement of the semester. Each deferment
application must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of
GST).
1.5.3
Duration of deferment. If approved, the period of deferment shall only be for one
semester only. You must resume your studies in the next following semester (e.g. if
you applied for and are granted deferment in January 2010, you must resume your
studies in July 2010).
1
Please note that subsidy from the Ministry of Education is only for 8 years for students in degree programmes including GS
students undertaking the GS degree programme.
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1.5.4
1.6
1.7
1.8
Re-sit examinations. If you have re-sit examination(s) in a particular semester, you
should not apply for deferment in that semester. If you do, you will have to repeat the
relevant course(s) and pay all applicable fees if you opt to take the same course(s) in
the future.
Withdrawal from course
1.6.1
Generally. A student may withdraw from one or more course(s) in a particular
semester. There will be no refund of course fee(s) paid. All withdrawals will be
reflected in the student’s academic transcript as “W”.
1.6.2
Capstone courses. A student may withdraw from the capstone courses either by
withdrawal through the normal withdrawal procedure or be deemed to have withdrawn
due to non-submission of the capstone project proposal. No grade will be given and a
student will have to re-register for the course(s) and pay the full fee(s).
Withdrawal from programme
1.7.1
Application. To withdraw from a programme and end your studies with the University,
submit the online Application for Withdrawal from Programme form. The student ID
card must be returned to the University. You will receive an acknowledgement letter
from the University. There will be no refund of course fee(s). A student is deemed to
have withdrawn from his/her programme if he/she does not register to read any
course for the following semester within the stipulated deadline (see Section 1.1.2 (b)
above).
1.7.2
Consequences of withdrawal. Please consult your HoP or the Student Support
Department of the University before making a decision to withdraw from a programme.
When you withdraw from a programme, your registration for all courses at the time of
withdrawal will be cancelled. You may re-apply for admission to the University based
on the then prevailing admission criteria. The University may, at its sole discretion,
allow you to count any course credits or credit exemptions obtained prior to your
withdrawal from the University, to your programme of study.
Cancellation of enrolment by University
1.8.1
Failure to make academic progress. The University has the right to cancel the
enrolment of a student who fails to make academic progress, having regard to all
relevant information, including any mitigating circumstances. A student fails to make
academic progress when he/she fails to achieve a CGPA rating of at least 2.0 (see
Section 1.9 below on Academic Progression Policy). In respect of a degree
programme student admitted to the University prior to January 2006, the CGPA
requirement is not applicable.
1.8.2
Failure to submit course registration or accept course offer.
cancel the enrolment of a student who:
1.8.3
The University may
(a)
fails to submit his/her eCR within the stipulated deadline;
(b)
declines the University’s offer of registration for a course; or
(c)
fails to accept the University’s course offer letter within the stipulated deadline
and has not made any application for deferment or withdrawal from programme.
Indebtedness. The University may cancel the enrolment of a student who has failed
to pay tuition and other fees due to the University within the stipulated time for
payment (including any grace period(s) granted).
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1.9
1.8.4
Appeals against cancellation. A student whose enrolment has been cancelled by the
University may appeal to the University in writing to Registrar@unisim.edu.sg. The
appeal must be submitted to the University within 14 days of the date of the
University’s written notice to the student of the cancellation (“appeal period”). A nonrefundable fee of S$107 (inclusive of GST) must accompany the written appeal. If the
appeal is successful, a student will be required to pay the administrative fee of
S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) for application of course registration or deferment.
1.8.5
Re-admission after cancellation of enrolment. If no appeal is received within the
appeal period, a student must go through the admission process to gain re-admission
to the University. If re-admitted, the University may, at its discretion, allow a student
to count any course credits obtained prior to the cancellation of enrolment only if they
are relevant and applicable to the programme that he/she has re-applied to study.
For degree programmes, any credit exemption previously granted will be re-assessed
and if awarded and accepted, the student will be required to pay the
prevailing credit exemption fee as applicable.
Academic progression policy
1.9.1
University’s policy. Students who do not attain at least a CGPA score of 2.0 for 2
semesters will face academic termination (“AT”). A student will receive an “Academic
Warning” letter from his/her Dean if his/her CGPA falls below 2.0 for the first time.
The next time his/her CGPA falls below 2.0, he/she will receive an AT letter from the
Registrar. Students who are given AT are permitted, only once, to apply to restart
their current programme or transfer to another (replacement) programme (collectively,
“Re-start Students”). All Re-start Students must take a semester off prior to restarting their current programme or moving into the replacement programme. The
“semester off” will not be factored into a Re-start Student’s candidature computation.
Students who are given AT will not have access to the Student Portal one month after
the release of the semester examination results, but they will be able to communicate
with the University via their MyMail account.
1.9.2
Re-start for non-AT students. Students who are not on AT but have CGPA below 2.0
may opt to apply to restart their current programme of study or transfer to a
replacement programme. Such students must take a semester off prior to re-starting
their current programme or moving into the replacement programme. The “semester
off” will not be factored into the students’ candidature computation.
1.9.3
Credit recognition and exemption on re-start. Re-start students may transfer credits
from previously completed courses to their re-start or replacement programmes,
subject to a maximum of 60cu and 10cu of UCore courses, and provided:
(a)
the courses in question match the CP of the re-start or replacement programme;
and
(b)
the CGPA of the courses in question is at least 2.0.
Re-start Students will be eligible for the credit exemptions that were previously
granted to them if these are applicable to the re-start or replacement programme.
1.9.4
MOE subsidy. Re-start Students who are eligible for MOE subsidy will continue to
benefit from the MOE subsidy for the unconsumed portion of their maximum
claimable registered cu or 8-year candidature period, whichever constitutes the
shorter eligible subsidy period. The “semester off” will not be factored into the
maximum 8-year candidature period.
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1.9.5
Candidature period. A student’s period of candidature commences from the day
he/she first enrolled with the University. Re-start Students will not have their period of
candidature re-set. Re-start Students who are near the end of the maximum
candidature period may appeal to remain in their programmes. However, they will not
be eligible for the MOE subsidy beyond 8 years.
1.9.6
Fee payable. Re-start Students are required to pay a fee of S$107 (inclusive of GST)
to re-start their programmes or to transfer to another programme. This is in addition
to the course fees payable.
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Section 2
Academic Matters
This section of the Handbook explains the various elements of the academic side of your life at the
University. Your School may also provide you with essential information relating to your programme
of study, including the detailed arrangements for learning, teaching and assessment, and the rules
that govern academic matters. Please refer to these documents regularly.
2.1
Assessment and examination
2.1.1
Assessment Basis. Your academic performance is determined on the basis of 2
assessment components:
(a)
the OCAS; and
(b)
the OES.
Please refer to the Assessment and Examination Regulations in Section 5.2. All
course results are approved by the University’s Examinations and Awards Committee
(“EAC”). The University may vary the OCAS and OES requirements from time to time.
2.1.2
Grade Point Average (“GPA”). The University uses the GPA system and the
Cumulative Grade Point Average (“CGPA”) indicators to track a student’s progress at
programme level over the duration of study. It is important that you read through the
University’s Graduation Regulations in Section 5.2 so that you are fully aware of the
requirements for graduation.
2.1.3
Mark thresholds for the award of course results. To pass a course, a student must
achieve/fulfil:
(a)
A minimum OCAS of 40 marks out of a total of 100 marks;
(b)
A minimum OES of 40 marks out of a total of 100 marks; and
(c)
the compulsory attendance requirements, where applicable (for instance,
laboratory sessions)
The rank score (“RS”) of a course shall determine the course grade. The RS is
2
computed based on the weighted percentage of OES and OCAS for the course .
2.1.4
Threshold for re-sit and repeat.
(a)
If a student attains an OES of between 15 to 39 and an OCAS of at least 40,
he/she will only re-sit the written examination or re-submit the examinable
assignment work during the next examination period for the course. Some
courses require mandatory attendance for laboratory sessions as part of the
requirements to pass the course. These thresholds are applicable to all
courses unless the requirements of a course specifies otherwise.
(b)
If a student fails to attain an OES of at least 15 or an OCAS of at least 40,
then he/she will repeat the entire course.
2 For example, if both the OES and OCAS are equally weighted (i.e. 50% each) and a student has obtained an OES and
OCAS of 50 and 75 marks respectively, then his/her rank score is RS = 0.5 × OCAS + 0.5 × OES = 63 (rounded up). With
this rank score of 63 marks, then his/her grade will be a B-. Please note that the weighted % of OCAS and OES components in
a course is not necessarily a 50:50 rule as in the illustration above.
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2.1.5
2.1.6
Automatic withdrawal from course.
(a)
A student who is absent from an examination or who does not submit the
end-of-course assessments (“ECA”) is deemed to have automatically
withdrawn from the course. In such an event, the course will not have a
grade and hence will not be included in the CGPA computation. It will be
denoted by a ‘W’ status on the student’s academic transcript to indicate that
the student withdrew from the course during the semester;
(b)
Following the rules for re-sit and repeat, the outcome of the course will then
be either a ‘W + re-sit’ or a ‘W + repeat’;
(c)
If it is a re-sit category, the student must take the examination or submit a
new ECA in the next presenting semester. The University does not limit the
3
number of withdrawals for each student in the 8-year candidature period . As
such, a student may choose to withdraw in the next semester by being absent
for the re-sit examination or not submit the new ECA in the next semester.
The outcome of the course in question in the second semester will
automatically be reflected as a “W + repeat”.
Assessment for UCore courses. The assessment bases for specific UCore courses
are in the course materials. There are 2 types of assessment bases for UCore
courses:
OCAS + OES
= 100%
OCAS = 100%
There is no re-sit option if students withdraw from or fail any component of the UCore
courses. A student must repeat the course if it is compulsory or attempt another
course.
2.2
Credit exemption
2.2.1
Credit exemption policy. The University grants exemption in its degree programmes
to students who have successfully completed some academic study at a higher
educational level. This level is defined as a local polytechnic diploma or beyond
(“Higher Qualification”). A credit exemption award exempts a student from one or
more specific courses in a programme whereas a credit recognition award reduces
the number of cu that he/she needs to obtain to qualify for the degree. The award of
credit exemption is at the sole discretion of the University. Please see the Graduation
Regulations in Section 5.2. The credit exemption policy may change from time to
time. Your credit exemption application will be assessed based on the policy in force
at the time of assessment of the claim for credit exemption (i.e. at the point of
admission).
2.2.2
Applicability. Credit exemptions only apply to selected undergraduate programmes in
the School of Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Human Development and
Social Services, and in the School of Science and Technology. All undergraduate
programmes offered by the School of Business are not eligible for credit exemption.
2.2.3
Maximum credit exemption. Higher Qualifications from fields of study related to a
student’s degree programme at the University will generally be eligible for the
maximum credit exemption award up to a maximum of 20cu. The syllabus, content
and assessments of the Higher Qualification courses will be evaluated to determine
3 A student may choose to withdraw in the next semester for being absent for the re-sit examination or not to submit the new
ECA in the next semester. The outcome of this course in the second semester will then automatically be a ‘W + repeat’.
Page 13
the number of credit exemptions. Higher Qualifications from unrelated fields are
generally not eligible for credit exemptions.
2.2.4
2.2.5
General principles.
principles:
The award of credit exemption is governed by the following
(a)
the Higher Qualification must have been obtained from a recognised institution
within the last 8 years prior to the commencement date of the degree
programme at the University (or 10 years for languages, translation and
interpretation disciplines);
(b)
the previous study must be academic in nature; have an established syllabus
and well-structured course work, and its courses are assessed through
controlled examinations. Qualifications based solely upon work experience are
not within the scope of the scheme. However, this does not exclude courses,
which, while primarily academic in nature, have a practical element, particularly
if this element is assessed and requires the application of theory to practice;
and
(c)
the period of study for the Higher Qualification has been completed. The
programmes must be examinable and the student must have obtained an
overall pass mark. Successful completion of part of a Higher Qualification
degree programme may be considered for award of credit recognition on a
case-by-case basis;
(d)
the period of study will be considered in the award of credit exemption in
conjunction with the level, content and completion of the relevant Higher
Qualification under review.
Application and appeal for credit exemption.
(a)
Application for credit exemption must be submitted upon application of
admission to the University.
You cannot apply and/or appeal for
credit exemption once you have commenced your programme with the
University.
This includes situations where students obtained additional
qualification during their course of study at the University.
(b)
Application for credit recognition may be submitted upon application for
admissions to the University or during your candidature.
(c)
There is no fee payable for the application of credit exemption. You are,
however, required to pay a credit exemption fee upon acceptance of the credit
exemption awarded. The credit exemption fee payable per course is 15% of the
course fee. There is no fee payable for the award of credit recognition.
Page 14
Section 3
Study Skills, Resources and Support
3.1
Study skills and support
3.1.1
Independent learning.
(a)
you will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning and to make
effective use of all the resources at your disposal to develop your subject
knowledge and your critical and analytical skills;
(b)
the most important aspect of a university education is to teach you to think for
yourself. This implies learning where to find information and, in particular, how
to apply the literature of your subject effectively;
(c)
your school will provide guidance on the specific skills required for your
particular subject. This guidance may be delivered during your normal classes
or via course guides or online sessions;
(d)
the Teaching and Learning Centre will provide guidance on generic study skills
through specially prepared e-modules such as “Studying at UniSIM”,
“Academic Integrity”, “Learning from Constructive Feedback” and “Getting the
Most Out of your Study Materials” and through workshops such as “Successful
Learning at UniSIM” which is conducted every semester. There are also
monthly e-post articles which aim to equip you with practical strategies used in
the study of your courses as well as self-regulation skills to monitor and
motivate the effective and efficient use of study skills; and
(e)
you are encouraged to maintain 6 to 8 hours of self-study per course on a
weekly basis. Self-study is not just about reading books. With the University’s
structured package books, you will learn from a combination of materials which
include, but not limited to printed materials, videos, audio programmes,
computer-based materials depending on the needs of the course.
3.1.2
Generic skills.
In addition to subject-specific skills, all students are offered
opportunities to develop a range of generic skills such as self-motivation, problem
solving, making presentations, working within a team towards a common goal, etc.
These will not only improve your academic performance but also enhance your job
prospects.
3.1.3
Printed materials. The types of course materials a student needs may vary from one
course to another. You should refer to the set of specially written study units and
workbooks which provide the essential study information you require, such as:
(a)
some courses may require textbooks. Textbooks are packaged with other
course materials. In some instance you may be required to purchase additional
reference materials separately. Please refer to the announcements on the
Student Portal; and
(b)
recommended reading which is optional and varies from course to course.
Whilst you are not expected to read all the recommended texts, you may use
some of them to help in solving difficult questions or pursue a special interest.
These books are available at the University’s Tay Eng Soon Library. You may
like to purchase some of the recommended books.
Page 15
3.2
3.3
3.1.4
Course guide. With the help of the course guide for each course, you will be able to
pace your learning accordingly. The course calendar indicates the number of
assignments involved in the course and the respective assignment submission dates.
3.1.5
E-learning and specialised software. Some courses provide e-learning materials
which are posted on MyUniSIM. These are useful learning tools and form an
important component of your self-study.
Some courses may utilise specialised
laboratory or other software. Students may access such software on the University’s
servers via VPN connections. Students are expected to have their own internet
access in order to utilise these e-learning and other online materials and facilities.
3.1.6
Self-help study groups. Students are encouraged to set up meetings and discussion
groups amongst themselves.
A successful study group requires a
facilitator/coordinator to coordinate the meeting place, time, agenda etc. Many
students find self-help study groups beneficial in that they add new insights to their
studies and hence broaden their learning experiences.
Library services
3.2.1
Tay Eng Soon Library. The University library offers access to thousands of electronic
journals, ebooks and databases, printed books and journals. More information about
the library can be found at http://www1.sim.edu.sg/sim/pub/slib/index.html. Using
library resources is an essential part of your education. Otherwise, you can neither
extend your studies to fields not in the course nor keep abreast of new developments
after the course is over. You need real effort to master the printed and computerbased bibliographies, abstracting services, catalogues, indexes and other means that
enable you to search the literature systematically. To help you, some courses include
guides to the use of libraries and literature. Students also have access to the Richard
Eu Library at SIM Management House.
3.2.2
Library card. The student ID card you receive when you register with the University or
your NRIC acts as your library card and provides access to the University’s library
and its services. Please ensure that you update your contact details via the Student
Portal at http://www.unisim.edu.sg as the library uses this information to contact you.
3.2.3
Borrowing from the library. You may borrow up to 6 items including print and/or nonprint media. Borrowed items should be returned as soon as you finish with them and
certainly by the due date. Fines are charged for the late return of borrowed items.
More information on borrowing from the library is available online at
http://www1.sim.edu.sg/sim/pub/slib/using-the-library/borrowing.html.
.
Tutorials, lectures and seminars
Apart from self-study and submitting assignments, regular tutorials and lectures or seminars
enable you to have more in-depth discussion with your instructors and fellow students.
3.3.1
Tutorials. These provide the chance for you to clarify issues and problems on course
work and assignments with your instructor. They also allow you to interact and learn
together with other students. Tutorials are normally conducted in the evenings, and
last an average of 2.5 hours;
3.3.2
Lectures. Lectures are organised to help students focus on key learning points. They
also allow you to interact with students from other tutorial groups. Lectures are
normally conducted in the evenings, and last an average of 2.5 hours. Lectures may
be delivered online;
3.3.3
Seminars. Seminars are flexible sessions that aim to facilitate learning – not just from
the seminar instructor but also among students. They are structured around various
class activities, which may include class discussions, presentations, case studies,
Page 16
computer exercises and so on. Seminars focus on interactive and active learning.
They are normally conducted in the evenings, and last an average of 3 hours.
3.4
3.3.4
Capstone projects. Students undertaking capstone projects should meet with their
respective supervisors in the first week of the semester to agree on a timetable of
meetings and assignments. The supervisor will provide guidance to the student at
regular meetings and define the responsibilities of the student and goals of the
Capstone project, monitor progress toward those goals, review drafts of the student’s
work and provide direction and assistance where needed.
3.3.5
Changes. You are assigned to specific groupings based on your course combination
and the availability of instructors. Due to the large number of students and the many
combinations of courses taken by students, the University will not be able to
accommodate requests to change the allocated groupings. You must stay in your
allocated group throughout the semester or academic year. Students are not allowed
to attend any other groups that have not been allocated to them.
3.3.6
Attendance. Class attendance is not compulsory unless otherwise stated by the
course. Some courses may have mandatory laboratory requirements. Failure to
attend the mandatory laboratory session(s) may lead to a “Fail” grade for the course.
In addition to scheduled laboratory sessions, there may be drop-in laboratory
sessions. There will not be any make-up lessons for those lectures, seminars or
laboratory sessions that you have missed.
3.3.7
Language of instruction. Unless specified otherwise, English shall be the language
used for and in all tutorials, lectures, materials, counselling, examinations,
assessments and administration in the University.
Reports, assignments and essays
Written assignments form part of your workload.
your sources are correctly referenced.
3.5
Beware of plagiarism and ensure that all
Support and counselling
If you have difficulties that might affect your studies, you should consult your course instructor
or HoP or the Student Support Department of the University. The University also runs a
counselling centre to assist students on non-academic issues.
3.6
C-three (Counselling & Care Corner)
3.6.1
Why C-three? University life can be fun and exciting, but it can also present many
stressful moments for those who have left school for many years. Managing the
demands of work, family and studies can create a high level of anxiety and stress.
Help is available for students to tap on.
3.6.2
C-three services. C-three offers a safe and conducive environment for students with
personal challenges to seek help and guidance from professional counselling
psychologists and counsellors. Counselling services are offered to all students at no
cost regardless of age, race, language, or religion. C-three is located at:
SIM Headquarters
Level 3 Room 3.08
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday:
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Wednesday:
8:30 am to 8:00 pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays.
Page 17
You may request for an appointment via:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
3.6.3
3.7
telephone number 6248 1600;
email: counsellingservices@unisim.edu.sg;
the Student Portal; or
walk-in (subject to the availability of the psychologist/counsellor)
Confidentiality and privacy. Information shared during counselling sessions will not
be released to anyone without the written consent of the student unless required by
law or to prevent imminent danger to the student and/or others.
Student records
3.7.1
Personal identifier number. Your personal identifier (“PI”) number is the University’s
means of finding your records in the University’s system. Your PI will stay with you
throughout your studies with the University. You should always quote it in verbal or
written communication with the University.
3.7.2
Changing your name. If you change your name, you must inform the University in
writing and provide the appropriate documentary evidence in the form of a marriage
certificate or deed poll or letter of declaration signed by a solicitor or a Justice of
Peace. Award certificates will be issued only in the name that you hold at the time of
the award and may be different from the name in the academic transcripts.
3.7.3
Changing your address. You may update any change of address online via the
Student Portal at http://www.unisim.edu.sg. Although the University will endeavour to
change its record of your address promptly, there may be some delay. You should
place a re-direction order with the post office to avoid missing any correspondence
from the University. The University will not accept responsibility for your non-receipt
of correspondence or materials.
The University accepts only one local mailing
address per student.
3.7.4
Confirmation of student status.
The University can provide you with an official
confirmation of your status as a registered student. Requests should be sent via your
MyMail account, and addressed to the Student Support Department at email address:
students@unisim.edu.sg.
3.7.5
Access to student record.
3.7.6
(a)
you can access your electronic records at the Student Portal via
www.unisim.edu.sg with your the University login ID and password;
(b)
the University is committed to the principles of data protection and follows best
practices in handling the information it holds. All personal information is held in
secured computer and manual files. Your student record is made available
only to those directly concerned, either academically or administratively, with
your progress as a student; and
(c)
if you have been sponsored to read a programme/course, the University may
release the results of your courses directly to your sponsor without seeking
your permission.
Academic transcripts. Academic transcripts are records of all the courses taken and
the grades obtained by you. Your transcript will include information on:
(a)
failed and withdrawn courses;
(b)
total credit exemption granted (if any); and
(c)
total cu of courses taken at approved institutions (if any).
Page 18
If you need to provide formal evidence to a third party (employer or prospective
employer, sponsor, professional bodies etc.) of the award of credit for course(s)
completed, you may request the University’s Student Support Department for a
certification letter via email address: students@unisim.edu.sg.
3.8
Communication via MyMail account
3.8.1
MyMail account. Each student is given a MyMail email account. All communication
with the University faculty and staff must be conducted via your MyMail account and
should include your name at the time of registration, your PI number, and the
programme that you are currently enrolled in or has completed with the University.
3.8.2
First point of contact. The Student Support Department and MyUniSIM Technical
Helpdesk are a student’s first point-of-contact with the University on enquiries related
to administrative matters and My UniSIM respectively. The contact options and
operating hours are as follows:
Student Support Department
(a)
Student Hotline: 6248-9111 (Option 1)
(b)
Walk-in Counter Service
(c)
Email: students@unisim.edu.sg
Mondays – Fridays
Saturdays
:
:
8:30 am – 7:30pm
9:00 am – 1:00pm
MyUniSIM Technical Helpdesk
(a)
Student Hotline: 6248-9111 (Option 2)
(b)
Email: bbsupport1@unisim.edu.sg
Mondays – Fridays: 8:30 am – 7:30pm
Saturdays
3.8.3
Communication from UniSIM to students. The University uses one or more of the
following channels to communicate with students:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
3.9
: 9:00 am – 1:00pm
Telephone calls
Student Portal
Email
SMSes and/or
Snail mail
Facilities, equipment and services
3.9.1
Class venues. Your classes, including laboratory sessions may be held at one or
more of the following premises:
(a)
SIM HQ (461 Clementi Road);
(b)
SIM Clementi Centre (535A Clementi Road, located adjacent to the SIM HQ);
and
Page 19
(c)
such other venues as may be designated by the University from time to time.
3.9.2
Car parks. Paid parking at the University is available to all students. Students are to
comply with car park regulations.
3.9.3
Smoking. The University is a smoke-free campus. Students who violate this policy
shall be subject to disciplinary action according to the University’s disciplinary
procedures.
3.9.4
SIM student membership.
Every student of the University will be enrolled
automatically as a student member of SIM. For more information on membership
privileges,
please
refer
to
http://www.sim.edu.sg/mbs/pub/gen/mbs_pub_gen_home.cfm.
3.9.5
Laboratory facilities. During specific tutorials/seminars, students may access the
laboratory facilities on University campus and other designated locations. These
facilities provide a comprehensive infrastructure to support you in your coursework.
3.9.6
Orientation and seminars. Upon acceptance of the University’s offer for admission,
you will be invited to attend an orientation as well as special seminars. These events
are held in the month of January and July depending on your time of admission. The
orientation session provides a platform for you to meet with the University’s academic
and/or administrative staff.
.
3.9.7
Telephone and electronic mail. You may use the telephone and/or email contact of
your instructors to discuss matters concerning your academic studies.
3.9.8
Students with disabilities. A wide range of special services is available to support
students with disabilities. These include advice and/or information on the course(s)
chosen and course materials in alternative forms. It may be possible for students with
disabilities to take their examinations away from the designated examination venues.
The University will conduct off-site examinations should a situation warrant it – e.g. a
critical medical condition certified by a medical professional that prevents a student
from taking the examination under usual conditions.
The University encourages
students, regardless of individual circumstances, to inform the University as early as
possible if they need additional help. A written request supported by valid documents
is required for the University to make available the special services or arrangements.
3.9.9
Online portals. The various online platforms for students to access academic and
administrative information are:
(a)
the University Student Portal – you can login to the University’s Student Portal
at http://www.unisim.edu.sg. General announcements, administrative forms,
FAQs on MyUniSIM, specific programme information and access to MyUniSIM
are found on this portal;
(b)
MyUniSIM – MyUniSIM is a user-friendly web-based learning management
system that supports a flexible teaching and learning environment.
It
facilitates self-paced learning with tools for online content sharing, course
management (i.e. course materials), assessment management (i.e. continuous
assessments), and online collaboration and communication. It also supports
online marking. Students are required to submit their assignments via ‘Turnitin’
in MyUniSIM. Marked assignments will be returned to students via this
platform.
Instructors will also supplement classroom experience with online course materials,
conduct online discussions and manage projects to enhance instructorstudent interaction. You are strongly encouraged to access MyUniSIM regularly.
Page 20
Section 4
Money Matters
4.1
Types of fees
4.1.1
Course fee. This fee is payable if you accept the offer of a course in the University.
4.1.2
Credit exemption fee (for degree programmes only). See Section 2.2.5.
4.1.3
Transfer of programme fee (for degree programmes only). See Section 1.4.2.
4.1.4
Deferment fee. See Section 1.5.2.
4.1.5
Add/Drop course registration fee. See Section 1.2.3.
4.1.6
Appeal against Cancellation of Enrolment fee. See Section 1.8.4.
4.1.7
Overseas examination fee (for degree programmes only).
Assessment and Examination Regulations, paragraph 3.5.3.
4.1.8
Re-sit examination fee. Re-sit fee for a 5cu course is S$80.25 (including GST) and
S$107 (including GST) for a 10cu course.
4.1.9
Appeal to review TMA scores.
Regulations, paragraph 1.9.3.
See Section 5.2,
See Section 5.2, Assessment and Examination
4.1.10 Examination Grade Appeal fee. See Section 5.2, Graduation Regulations paragraph
7.1.
4.1.11 Re-start application fee. See Section 1, paragraph 1.9.6.
4.2
Payment methods
The University accepts payment by cash, NETS, cheque and selected credit cards. For
online payment, eNETS and credit card (VISA and MasterCard) are acceptable. Cheque
payments should be made payable to “SIM University”. The University will issue receipts for
all payments received.
4.3
Responsibility for fees
A student remains ultimately liable to the University in respect of any fees payable,
notwithstanding that the student has a sponsor who has undertaken to pay any fees due.
4.4
Late payment or non-payment
4.4.1
Regulations. The University’s procedures for dealing with late or non-payment of fees
are set out in the Student Fee Regulations (see Section 5). If you know that a
payment will be late or if you encounter difficulties over payment of your fees, please
contact the University’s Student Support Department promptly. Whenever possible, a
realistic payment plan will be agreed with you. If you experience on-going financial
hardship, please contact the Student Support Department for advice. You may also
wish to inform your HoP or personal tutor, particularly if concerns about financial
matters are affecting your studies.
4.4.2
Debts to the University. Students with any kind of debts to the University will not be
able to view their examination results for the prior semester and/or course offers for
Page 21
the new semester until their debts have been cleared. In the meantime, a student will
not be able to qualify for course credit or any other award. Debts may include
unreturned home kits, equipment on loan, set books on loan and other
loan items from the University or other entities of the SIM Group. The University may
also exercise the right to withhold course results, academic references, transcripts
and certificates and to impose a late fee penalty of 5% calculated on the outstanding
amount and cancel your student registration.
4.5
Refunds
It is the policy of the University not to refund fees.
4.6
Government funding / subsidy
4.6.1
4.6.2
Eligibility.
(a)
all existing students enrolled in undergraduate degree programmes who are
Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents are eligible for the
government subsidy, provided he/she has not previously received government
sponsorship or subsidy for a first degree (local or overseas), e.g., first degree
from the University, NUS, NTU or SMU or an overseas university funded by
government scholarship/bursary;
(b)
there are age and work experience criteria to be fulfilled in order to qualify for
the subsidy. There will be no retrospective claim for subsidy. Documentary
proof or declaration is required for all the above criteria;
(c)
Post-graduate, Graduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificate programmes are not
eligible for the subsidy;
(d)
In respect of the Bachelor of Counselling cum Graduate Diploma in Counselling
programme, the subsidy is only available for the Bachelor’s portion and not
applicable to the Graduate Diploma;
(e)
for students in the GS programme in the Certificate or Diploma track who
accumulate enough cu to be awarded a Degree, no retrospective claim of
subsidy is allowed;
(f)
there is a one-time only eligibility for each student, i.e., for his/her first
government-subsidised undergraduate education (local or overseas).
Subsidy Quantum. For eligible students, depending on the programme of study, MOE
will subsidise at the following rates:
(a)
for Singapore citizen: up to 55% of the published course fee;
(b)
for Singapore permanent resident: up to 20% of the published course fee; and
Students are required to pay the subsidised fee, which is the difference between the
full course fee (set by the University) and the subsidy, and any prevailing GST on the
subsidised fee. The percentage of subsidy is the same for every semester and
applies to all the University’s published course fees for undergraduate degree
programmes.
4.6.3
Subsidy coverage. The subsidy covers course fee for new and repeat courses. It
does not cover:
(a)
re-sit fees;
Page 22
(b)
extra courses taken beyond the requirements for the undergraduate degree
programme;
(c)
auxiliary charges like administrative fees (e.g. Add/Drop course application,
deferment, transfer of programme, examination appeal, etc.), credit exemption
fee, credit transfer fee, overseas travel expenses, etc;.
(d)
any penalty charges (e.g. late payment fee); and
(e)
any other miscellaneous fees.
4.6.4
Changes in eligibility status. If you were not eligible for the subsidy upon admission
to the University, but subsequently fulfil the eligibility criteria, you will be eligible for
the subsidy from the next academic semester, upon your written notification to the
University.
4.6.5
Number of cu subsidised. The government will provide the subsidy for a maximum of:
(a)
200 registered cu over a maximum 8-year candidature period for an honours or
direct honours degree; or
(b)
160 registered cu over a maximum 8-year candidature period for a basic
degree.
The subsidy cut-off point will be either the maximum 8-year candidature period, or
upon consuming the maximum claimable registered cu, whichever is earlier4. Credit
exemption counts towards the cap for subsidised cu5.
4.6.6
Transfer/re-admission of university students. If you are transferring from a full-time
degree programme from an autonomous university to the University, you will be
eligible to receive the full subsidy subject to satisfying the criteria listed in Section
4.6.1 above. If you are transferring from a part-time degree programme from an
autonomous university to the University, you will be eligible to receive the balance
claimable subsidy subject to satisfying the criteria listed in Section 4.6.1.
4.6.7
Changes to programme of studies. If you apply for a transfer from one basic degree
programme to another basic programme, the maximum claimable registered cu for
your new programme will be the balance claimable registered cu carried forward from
your current programme.6 If you apply for a transfer from an honours programme to a
basic degree programme, the maximum claimable registered cu for your new
programme will be the unused portion of the 160cu available for a basic degree
programme7.
4
For an eligible student, the government will provide the subsidy for the total remaining cu required to complete his/her
programme plus an additional 30cu for repeat courses (if required). For example, if a student has 40cu remaining before
completion of the degree programme, the student will receive a maximum of 70 claimable registered cu (40cu remaining and 30
additional cu). No retrospective claim will be allowed. If an eligible student is invited back to do an honours programme, his/her
maximum claimable registered cu for the honours course will be the unused cu from the allocation of 200cu for an honours
programme. For example, a BSc Psychology student who has used up 140cu to complete his/her basic psychology degree will
be able to claim up to 60cu for the honours portion (i.e., 200cu less 140cu). The subsidy will be available within 8 years from
the date he/she started the basic degree programme with the University.
5
For example, if you have been awarded 40cu of credit exemption at the time of admission for your basic degree, your
maximum claimable registered cu will be 120.
6
For example, if a BSc Psychology student who has used up 70 registered cu of subsidy, and applies for a transfer to a BSc
Math programme, he/she will be able to claim up to 90cu (i.e., 160cu less 70cu) for the BSc Math programme.
7
For example, a BSc (Hons) Psychology student who has used 70cu of subsidy applies for a transfer to a BSc Psychology
programme will be able to claim up to 90cu (i.e., 160cu less 70cu).
Page 23
4.6.8
No obligations. There is no requirement to repay the subsidy or to undertake a
service bond. Students do not have to pay back the subsidy to the MOE or the
University. However, the cu of withdrawn course(s) will be counted towards the
claimable registered cu given to you8. However, should you choose to re-enrol with
the University at a later period, you can only claim the balance registered cu within 8
years from the start of the semester wherein you first enjoyed the subsidy9.
4.6.9
Other sponsorships or concessionary fees. All students receiving the University’s
sponsorship will be entitled to the subsidy, subject to meeting the criteria for the
subsidy. Students who do not wish to take the subsidy shall inform the University in
writing.
8
For example, if you are eligible for 160 registered cu and you registered and then withdrew from 10cu of course(s) after
course fees payment, your balance left for claiming will be 150 registered cu
9
For example, if you are eligible for 160 registered cu and you consumed 20cu before withdrawing from the programme, you
can only claim 140 registered cu the next time you enrol in a the University undergraduate programme within 8 years from the
start of the semester when you first enjoyed the subsidy
Page 24
Section 5
Regulations and Policies
5.1.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When you enrol with the University, you agree to be bound by all the University’s rules and
regulations. This section sets out the main regulations of a general nature applicable to students.
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for maintaining these and you should periodically check this
Handbook for updates.
Regulations may change from time to time, and you will be expected to comply with those in force at
any given time. Listed below are various regulations of relevance to students.
Personal Representation to the Media
1.
It is recognised that from time-to-time, students may be approached by the media on topics
related to their personal interests or non-work related activities. Students may participate in
such interviews in their personal capacity.
2.
Students are free to communicate with and through media (including digital and social media
such as Stomp and Facebook) without the approval of the University only when the
communication is solely in the student’s personal capacity and is an expression of the
student’s personal opinion which has no bearing on, prejudice or implications to the University
and the staff/students/alumni/associates of the University or the SIM group of entities..
3.
Students are encouraged to use media (including digital and social media) in a constructive
and responsible manner. Media and public platforms should not be used to raise concerns
and grievances relating to studies, University affairs or affairs within or related to the SIM
group of entities. Students who have concerns and grievances to raise should make use of
established and formal channels through our Student Support Department at
students@unisim.edu.sg and as specified in this Handbook.
4.
Students who wish to start a social media site that is related to or uses the name of the
University and/or the SIM group of entities must obtain the prior approval of the University in
writing through the Student Support Department at students@unisim.edu.sg .
5.
Students should not engage in communication that is offensive, vulgar, distasteful, sexually
suggestive, seditious, or libellous. All logos, content and photos belonging to and/or in
connection with the University and/or the SIM group of entities may only be used with the prior
approval of the University in writing. Students are reminded not to post confidential and/or
proprietary information belonging to or in the possession of the University and/or the SIM
group of entities, its faculty, students, alumni or employees and to observe all applicable
legislation and regulation pertaining to personal data protection and intellectual property rights.
Page 25
Student Grievance Procedure
1.
Introduction.
1.1
The objective of these grievance procedures is to provide students with a fair and expeditious
way to resolve a claimed grievance through the use of informal communication and, if
necessary, formal grievance review.
1.2
Grievances may include issues of conduct in classrooms, School facilities, projects or
disputes arising from supervisory relations or interpretation of School policy or procedure.
Appeals under the Examination and Assessment Regulations shall not be brought under this
procedure.
1.3
Students may raise grievances jointly.
2.
Informal resolution
2.1
A student shall, in the first instance, raise the grievance with the Student Support Department
of the University within 14 working days of any occurrence giving rise to the grievance.
2.2
The Student Support Department shall arrange for an administrative officer and a
representative from the student’s School, or an administrative department, to attend
meeting(s) with the student to resolve the grievance.
3.
The formal stage – Grievance Review Panel
3.1
If the grievance is not resolved informally within 14 working days after the student first
contacted the Student Support Department, the student may request for a formal review by
the University’s Grievance Review Panel (“GRP”). The student can do so by submitting to
Manager, Student Support Department, a written request within 14 working days of the first
informal resolution meeting.
3.2
The written request should state the grievance, describe the facts and supporting evidence,
indicate what redress the student seeks and provide a brief chronology of the attempts to
resolve the grievance.
3.3
Upon receiving such a written request, the Manager, Student Support Department, shall
promptly convene the GRP to hear the grievance.
3.3.1
Academic matters. If the student’s grievance concerns academic matters, the
composition of the GRP shall comprise:
(a)
(b)
(c)
3.3.2
Administrative matters. If the student’s grievance concerns administrative matters,
the composition of the GRP shall comprise:
(a)
(b)
3.4
Manager, Student Support Department as Chairperson of the GRP;
Representative of the student’s School, nominated by the Dean of that
School; and
A representative nominated by the Chairman of SASC.
Manager, Student Support Department as Chairperson of the GRP; and
Two representatives nominated by the Chairman of SASC.
The GRP shall meet within 14 working days of receipt of the written request by the Manager,
Student Support Department. The student and respondent (if any) shall attend the meeting.
The GRP may request the presence of such other persons as it deems appropriate for the
purpose of ascertaining the facts and evidence in the case.
Page 26
3.5
The decision of the GRP shall be based solely on the evidence presented and testimony
heard at the formal hearing. The decision of the GRP shall be determined by majority vote.
The GRP shall promptly communicate its decision and any recommendations to all interested
parties for appropriate action. The student will be provided a written statement of the GRP’s
decision. The decision of the GRP shall be conclusive and binding on the student and all
other parties involved.
4.
Confidentiality
If information is to be kept confidential, the student should make this clear to the person to
whom a grievance is made. Students should understand that in exceptional circumstances it
may be difficult for confidentiality to be respected, for instance where a criminal offence has
been disclosed. Students should also understand that in some circumstances the demand for
confidentiality may make it difficult for the University to assist them with their grievance.
Page 27
Student Disciplinary Regulations
1.
Authority for the Regulations
1.1
The SASC of the University’s Academic Board is empowered to make these Regulations to
provide for the discipline of students. The SASC has authority to:
1.1.1
classify the misconduct that constitute disciplinary offences;
1.1.2
classify the disciplinary offences that may be adjudicated by Deans and Heads of
academic units and the deposit that is required to be paid for appeals against any
sanction(s) imposed for the disciplinary offence;
1.1.3
establish the procedures for disciplinary proceedings before the Student Disciplinary
Group (“SDG”), a sub-committee of the SASC; and
1.1.4
establish the procedures governing disciplinary proceedings before the Disciplinary
Appeals Board (“DAB”), a sub-committee of the Academic Board.
1.2
These disciplinary procedures are designed to allow for fact-finding and decision making in
the context of an educational community, and to encourage students to accept responsibility
for their own actions. The intent is to provide adequate procedural safeguards to protect the
rights of the individual student and the legitimate interests of the University. The University
may, in its absolute discretion, use mediation or conciliation procedures in addition to or in
place of these disciplinary procedures.
2.
Definition of Misconduct
2.1.
Students of the University shall conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the
University’s educational mission and shall be disciplined for misconduct adversely affecting
that mission, regardless of whether the alleged misconduct occurs on or off campus. The
general definition of misconduct under these Regulations is improper interference, in the
broadest sense, with the proper functioning or activities of the University, or of those who
work or study in the University; or action which otherwise damages the University or its
reputation.
2.2
Students are subject to disciplinary action for the following:
2.2.1
Academic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited to a violation of one or more of
the following standards of academic honesty in any academic activity. Students
found engaging in these behaviours shall be presumed as having done so
intentionally or knowingly:
(a)
cheating: using/possessing unauthorized materials, study aids or other
information, including but not limited to using unapproved resources,
information or assistance to complete an assignment, paper, project, quiz or
examination; intentionally or knowingly collaborating on any academic work in
violation of oral and/or written instructions provided by a faculty member; or
submitting a paper for which the content and organisation is substantially the
same as a paper previously submitted for another course, without first obtaining
permission from the instructor of that course;
(b)
plagiarism: representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own without
properly acknowledging their source. Plagiarism includes, without limitation,
submitting a research paper obtained from a commercial research service, the
Internet, or from another student as if it were original work; making simple
changes to borrowed materials while leaving the organisation, content or
Page 28
phraseology intact; or copying material from a source, supplying proper
documentation but leaving out quotation marks;
2.2.2
(c)
fabrication: inventing, altering or falsifying any data, citation or information.
Fabrication includes but is not limited to citation of a primary source which the
student actually obtained from a secondary source; or invention or alteration of
experimental data without appropriate documentation;
(d)
facilitation: helping another student violate, or attempt to violate, any standard
of academic honesty, or failure to report known violations of academic honesty.
Conduct that:
(a)
disrupts or improperly interferes with the teaching, learning, research,
assessment, administrative, consultative, social or other University or
University-authorized activities, whether on University premises or elsewhere;
(b)
obstructs or improperly interferes with the functions, duties or activities of any
student, faculty member, staff member or representatives of the University or
any authorised visitor to the University;
(c)
constitutes violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive behaviour or
language while engaged in any University or University-authorised activity,
whether on University premises or elsewhere;
(d)
is likely to cause injury or impair safety during any University or Universityauthorized activity, whether on University premises or elsewhere;
(e)
in relation to premises provided by another institution or organisation for use by
University students, constitutes a serious breach of the rules and regulations of
such institution or organisation;
(f)
constitute acts of disturbance that threaten the rights and privacy of any
member of the University, whilst on University premises or engaged in
University or University-authorised activity or resident in University-owned or
managed accommodation;
(g)
infringes copyright or other intellectual or proprietary rights;
(h)
tarnishes or discredits the University or which may in any way be detrimental to
or prejudice the reputation, goodwill, interest or welfare of the University;
(i)
involving or resulting in criminal activity or civil action. Violations of law may be
regarded as misconduct under these Regulations regardless of whether the
offence is prosecuted in a court of law;
2.2.3
Fraud, deceit, deception, dishonesty or any act of bad faith in relation to the University
or its staff or in connection with holding any office in the University or in relation to
being a student of the University or impersonation of others, within or without the
University, in connection with the student’s academic attainments or financial awards,
the student’s admission to the University or otherwise in connection with the
University;
2.2.4
Unauthorised use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information including, but
not limited to:
(a)
information relating to proceedings of the University;
(b)
personal data regarding applicants, other students, graduates, clients and staff;
Page 29
(c)
information which is confidential or proprietary to the University, a third party
and/or protected under the applicable laws governing unauthorised access to
or use, obstruction or interception of computers or the unauthorised access,
disclosure or modification of data, information or material (including but not
limited to the Computer Misuse Act (Chapter 50A);
2.2.5
Unauthorized access, use or misuse or abuse of University property, facilities,
equipment or services including, but not limited to, library resources, computer
equipment, computer accounts, computer software and hardware, telephones and
other digital devices;
2.2.6
Contravention of any rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, codes of conduct or
procedures as may from time to time be prescribed by the University;
2.2.7
Doing any act or engaging in any conduct which is likely to pose an actual or potential
threat or hazard to general public health, hygiene and sanitation, including without
limitation, the breach or failure to comply with any conditions, measures or safeguards
imposed or any restraint, restriction or quarantine orders issued against you in
relation to the control of infectious diseases within the meaning of or pursuant to the
provisions of the Infectious Disease Act (Chapter 137);
2.2.8
Storing or bringing upon any part of University premises any unlawful goods,
chemicals, gases or any explosive, combustible or hazardous substance or material,
which would pose an actual or potential threat or hazard to the general safety and
public health of the students, employees or staff of the University or visitors to
University premises;
2.2.9
Failure to attend before the medical review panel (referred to in Section 2.3) for the
relevant examination and/or assessment to be conducted for purposes of allowing the
President to determine if the student is fit to continue his/her course of studies at the
University;
2.2.10 Sexual, racial or any other kind of harassment of any student, faculty or staff of the
University;
2.2.11 Maliciously and without reasonable cause, laying a complaint against any student,
faculty or staff of the University;
2.2.12 Defamation, physical or violent verbal abuse of any person;
2.2.13 Theft of University or private property, or causing intentional or reckless damage to
University or private property;
2.2.14 Failure to comply with the directions of University officials, their authorized agents and
police or regulatory agencies acting in the performance of their duties, including
refusal or failure to appear in person, answer questions fully or produce any
documents as may be required at or during the course of any disciplinary
investigation or proceedings or making a false testimony;
2.2.15 Tampering with safety equipment or the inappropriate use or possession of safety
equipment on property owned or controlled by the University;
2.2.16 Violations of the conditions of a sanction imposed through University disciplinary
procedures, subject to any right of appeal under these Regulations;
2.3
Where a student is deemed to be in a state of mind or health which is perceived to pose a
threat, affect the welfare of staff and/or students, or is disruptive to the learning and teaching
process, the University reserves the right to refer the student for a health assessment before
any recommencement of study can be considered.
Page 30
3.
Disciplinary Sanctions
3.1
The decision of a hearing body, in all circumstances, shall be discretionary, shall include what
entry shall be made on the record of the student and may include any one or more of the
following sanctions:
3.1.1
Warning. Notice to the student, orally or in writing, that continuation or repetition of
the conduct found wrongful, or participation in similar conduct, within a period of time
stated in the warning, shall be a cause for disciplinary action;
3.1.2
Censure. Written reprimand for violation of specified regulation, including the
possibility of more severe disciplinary sanction in the event of conviction for the
violation of a University regulation within a period of time stated in the letter of
reprimand;
3.1.3
Disciplinary probation. Exclusion from participation in privileges or extra-curricular
University activities (other than the right to follow courses of instruction or attend
examinations) as set forth in the disciplinary probation for a specified period of time;
3.1.4
Restitution.
Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property.
Reimbursement may take the form of appropriate service to repair or otherwise
compensate for damages;
3.1.5
Monetary fine. For any offence, the imposition of a fine not exceeding Singapore
Dollars Ten Thousand (S$10,000);
3.1.6
Withdrawal and/or Suspension. Exclusion from classes or examinations as set forth
in the notice of suspension for a definite period of time;
3.1.7
Expulsion. Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The conditions for
re-admission shall be at the sole and absolute discretion of the University.
3.1.8
Revocation of admission and/or degree. Admission to or a degree, diploma,
certificate or other academic distinction awarded from the University may be revoked
for fraud, misrepresentation or other violations of institutional standards in obtaining
the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation;
3.2
A student who has been suspended and who is found “not guilty” shall be allowed full
opportunity to make up whatever work was missed due to the suspension.
3.3
No record of the disciplinary proceedings will be entered in the student’s file unless a final
disciplinary sanction is found to be warranted.
3.4
Any of the disciplinary sanctions provided for herein may be exercised notwithstanding that
the person who is liable to be the subject of disciplinary proceedings (the “person concerned”)
has ceased to be a student at the time the disciplinary proceedings are instituted or at the
time the disciplinary matters are adjudicated either in the first instance or on appeal, provided
that the circumstances giving rise to the disciplinary proceedings arose while the person was
a student of the University or in connection with the person’s admission to the University.
3.5
Any of the disciplinary sanctions provided for herein may be exercised without prejudice to the
right to exercise any other disciplinary powers or any other powers contained in any other
rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, codes of conduct or procedures as may from time to
time be prescribed by the University.
4.
Disciplinary Procedures
4.1
Initiation of disciplinary proceedings
Page 31
4.2
4.1.1
Disciplinary proceedings against a student may be initiated upon formal complaint
made to the student’s HoP and/or Dean or upon the independent initiative of the HoP
and/or Dean of the School in which a student is enrolled.
4.1.2
Any member of the faculty, administration or staff or any student of the University may
initiate disciplinary proceedings by filing a complaint against any student for a
disciplinary offence with the student’s HoP and/or Dean. Upon being satisfied that a
student has committed a disciplinary offence, the HoP and/or Dean shall notify the
student:
of the offence;
(b)
of the sanction(s) imposed;
(c)
that the student may, within a stipulated time limit and upon payment of a
deposit stipulated by these Regulations, appeal to the Dean of the
corresponding School (in the case of disciplinary action by a Head of
Programme); and
(d)
that the Dean of the relevant School may vary the sanctions imposed in the
first instance.
4.1.3
In the event where the student decides to appeal against any sanction(s) for a
disciplinary offence, an appeal fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) must be paid. If the
Dean of the relevant School subsequently vacates or reduces any of the sanction(s)
imposed in the first instance, this appeal fee shall be refunded to the student.
Otherwise the appeal fee shall be forfeited.
4.1.4
In response to an appeal, the Dean of the relevant School shall adjudicate the matter
and may vary or vacate any of the sanction(s) imposed in the first instance.
4.1.5
Any decision made by the Dean of a School pursuant to these Regulations shall be
final and binding on the student.
Disciplinary action by Deans and Heads
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3
(a)
In respect of disciplinary offences, the Deans shall be entitled to exercise one or more
of the disciplinary powers set out in paragraphs 3.1.1 to 3.1.6 of these Regulations,
provided that Deans shall not have powers to:
(a)
impose any fine exceeding Singapore Dollars One Thousand (S$1,000) for a
single disciplinary offence, or exceeding Singapore Dollars Five Thousand
(S$5,000) in aggregate for multiple disciplinary offences;
(b)
withdraw or suspend any academic privileges, benefits, rights or facilities for
more than one month; or
(c)
withdraw or suspend any non-academic University privileges, benefits, rights or
facilities for more than one semester.
Deans are empowered to deal with disciplinary offences only in relation to persons
who are students at the time the allegations of offences are adjudicated. All other
offences shall be dealt with by the SDG as set out in paragraph 4.4 below.
Interim summary action
4.3.1
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Regulations, the Provost may, by giving
notice in writing to a person who is a student at the time of the notice, summarily
suspend or withhold any privilege, benefit, right, or facility or take any other summary
Page 32
action as the Provost may think fit against such student, if the Provost has reason to
believe that such action is necessary to:
4.3.2
4.4
(a)
protect the interests of the University or any employee or student of the
University; or
(b)
ensure the proper functioning of the University.
Subject to any decision made by the Disciplinary Appeals Board on appeal, a decision
made by the Provost in accordance with paragraph 4.3.1 of these Regulations shall
be final and binding on the student.
Disciplinary action by the Student Disciplinary Group
4.4.1
The SDG is empowered to deal with all circumstances calling for disciplinary action,
and exercise any of the disciplinary powers set out in paragraphs 3.1 of these
Regulations.
4.4.2
Where a disciplinary matter is referred to the SDG, the SDG shall meet to adjudicate
the disciplinary matter, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings in accordance
with the following procedures, rules, policies, guidelines, codes of conduct, or any
other procedures as may from time to time be prescribed by the University:
(a)
if the Chair(s) of the SDG is of the opinion that grounds exist for the exercise of
disciplinary action against a person, the Registrar shall give notice thereof (the
“Notice”) to the person concerned providing:
(i)
an explanation of the charges that have been made;
(ii)
a summary of the information gathered;
(iii)
a reasonable opportunity for the student to reflect upon and respond on
his/her own behalf to the charges; and
(iv)
an explanation of the applicable disciplinary procedures.
(b)
upon receipt by the person concerned of the Notice, the person concerned
may, within such period as may be specified in the Notice, make submissions
and provide documentary evidence to the SDG in respect of the matter(s)
specified in the Notice;
(c)
the SDG may at any time request the production of such documents as the
SDG deems appropriate to any paper or oral hearing;
(d)
at any paper or oral hearing, legal counsel of the University may attend for the
purpose of giving legal advice to the SDG;
(e)
in the case of a paper hearing, the SDG shall adjudicate the disciplinary matter
on the basis of the Notice, any submissions or documentary evidence provided
and any other documents which may be required by the SDG to be produced;
(f)
in the case of an oral hearing, the SDG shall fix a date and time for the oral
hearing and provide the person concerned at least 14 days’ notice of the
hearing save and except if the hearing relates to an examination misconduct,
the oral hearing shall be fixed within such reasonable time as the University
deems reasonable in the circumstances;
(g)
at any oral hearing, the person concerned shall have the right to attend and
make submissions. The person concerned may be accompanied by legal
counsel provided that due notice is given to the SDG by the person concerned
at least seven (7) days before the hearing date giving the legal counsel’s
qualifications and other details that the SDG may require. The SDG has the
Page 33
discretion not to accede to or grant the request if any relevant details required
by the SDG to be furnished by the person concerned are not furnished to its
reasonable satisfaction;
(h)
the SDG may at any time request the attendance of such persons as the SDG
deems appropriate at any oral hearing;
(i)
if the person concerned or any other person(s) requested by the SDG to attend
an oral hearing fail(s) to appear at the oral hearing, the SDG may, upon proof
of service of the notice of the hearing, proceed to hear and determine the
proceedings in his/her absence;
(j)
rules of evidence (which apply to legal proceedings instituted in a court of law)
do not apply to the conduct of any disciplinary hearing by SDG. The SDG may
attach such weight as it thinks appropriate to any information or material
produced to it, notwithstanding that such material may not be admissible in civil
or criminal proceedings;
(k)
the SDG shall, on the basis of the Notice, any further submissions or
documentary evidence which may be provided by the person concerned, any
other documents which may be requested to be produced by the SDG and any
evidence as may be given by any persons who may be requested to attend an
oral hearing by the SDG, adjudicate the matter(s) specified in the Notice and
exercise the powers set out in paragraph 3.1 of these Regulations as it may
consider appropriate given the circumstances. The deliberations and decisions
of anyone previously considering the matter shall be irrelevant for the SDG’s
purposes;
(l)
a member of the SDG shall disqualify himself or herself if he or she feels that,
in reaching a decision as to whether or not the person concerned has
committed an act of misconduct, he or she cannot on the weight of the
evidence do so without bias or prejudice. If a student member of the SDG
disqualifies himself or herself, the OSAR shall appoint a replacement. If a
faculty member of the SDG disqualifies himself or herself, a replacement must
be selected from the faculty of the School of the disqualified SDG member by
the Dean of the School. If the Director, OSAR, being the Chairperson of the
SDG, disqualifies himself or herself, the Registrar shall replace him or her.
(m)
the SDG will find the person concerned guilty of misconduct if, on the evidence
before it, it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities of his/her guilt. If the
members of the SDG cannot agree, the verdict of the SDG will be that of the
majority of its members. In the event of a tie, the Chair of the SDG shall have a
casting vote;
(n)
if two or more students are involved in related misconduct, the SDG may, at its
discretion, deal with their cases together but shall make separate findings for
each person concerned;
(o)
all hearings shall be closed. Rules of common courtesy and decency shall be
observed;
Page 34
4.4.3
4.5
(p)
The SDG hearing will be recorded manually or by a recording device. Any
taped or stenographic records made will become the property of the University;
(q)
the secretary of the SDG shall prepare a summary report of the hearing,
including the recommendation of the SDG. The summary report of a SDG
hearing shall be reviewed by the SDG members who shall indicate their
approval by signing it.
(r)
the chair of the SDG shall present the summary report of the SDG to the SASC
chairperson.
If the SDG finds that an act of misconduct has occurred, the
chair of the SDG shall deliver to the SASC chairperson the record of the
hearing, and specify any sanctions to be imposed on the person concerned.
The SASC chairperson shall make a decision after considering the findings and
recommendations of the SDG, inform the person concerned of his decision and
implement the sanctions. The SASC chairperson shall deliver to the President
the summary report of the SDG as well as the final decision and sanction
imposed on the student.
Subject to any decision on appeal made by the DAB pursuant to these Regulations,
any decision made by the SDG shall be final and binding on the person concerned.
Disciplinary Appeals Board
4.5.1
The DAB shall be the final appellate body in respect of any decision made by the
Provost in accordance with paragraph 4.3 of these Regulations and any decision
made by the SDG. The DAB shall be entitled to exercise any of the disciplinary
powers set out in paragraph 3.1 of these Regulations.
4.5.2
A person concerned may, by giving notice in writing to the Registrar within 14 days of
notice of any summary action of the Provost or any decision of the SDG and upon
payment of a deposit stipulated by these Regulations, appeal to the DAB. Only
students who have attended and participated in their student conduct hearing by the
SDG have the right to appeal. A notice of appeal must contain, at a minimum, a
statement of the grounds for appeal and a summary statement of the fact supporting
such grounds. Grounds for appeal include:
(a)
a claim that a substantial deviation from published procedures unfairly and
materially affected the outcome of the case;
(b)
a claim that the sanction(s) imposed was(were) inappropriate or overly harsh
(however, sanctions of reprimand and disciplinary probation are not subject to
appeal, except in cases involving restitution, fines or academic dishonesty);
(c)
a claim that a hearing officer abused his/her discretion;
(d)
new evidence, not known to the person concerned in a previous hearing, which
could exonerate him/her.
4.5.3
The fee that must be paid for an appeal to the DAB shall be S$321 (inclusive of GST).
If the DAB subsequently vacates or reduces any of the sanction(s) imposed in the first
instance, the fee shall be refunded to the person concerned.
4.5.4
The DAB shall consider an appeal, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings in
accordance with the following procedures, rules, policies, guidelines, codes of
conduct, or procedures as may from time to time be prescribed by the University:
(a)
an appeal hearing shall not be a full review of the matter. The DAB shall
consider no new evidence unless such evidence was not reasonably available
to the person concerned or the Provost or the SDG (as the case may be) at any
Page 35
time prior to the decision by the Provost or the hearing before the SDG (as the
case may be);
(b)
the DAB shall consider the appeal as a paper hearing unless in the opinion of
the DAB, it is appropriate for the appeal to be considered by way of an oral
hearing or unless the person concerned requests that the appeal be considered
by way of an oral hearing;
(c)
at any paper or oral hearing, legal counsel of the University may attend for the
purpose of giving legal advice to the DAB;
(d)
in the case of an oral hearing, the DAB shall fix a date and time for the oral
hearing and provide the person concerned at least 14 days’ notice of the
hearing;
(e)
at any oral hearing, the person concerned, the Provost, or any member of the
SDG (as the case may be) shall have the right to attend and, subject to the
restriction on the introduction of evidence referred to above, make submissions
concerning the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The person
concerned may be accompanied by legal counsel at any oral hearing provided
that due notice is given to the DAB by the person concerned at least 7 days
before the hearing date giving the legal counsel’s qualifications and other
details that the DAB may require;
(f)
the DAB may at any time request the attendance of such persons as the DAB
deems appropriate at any oral hearing;
(g)
if the person concerned or any other person(s) requested by the DAB to attend
an oral hearing fail(s) to appear at the oral hearing, he/she shall be deemed to
have abandoned his/her request for an appeal, unless the person concerned
can demonstrate that an extraordinary circumstance prevented his/her
appearance;
(h)
rules of evidence (which apply to legal proceedings instituted in a court of law)
do not apply to the conduct of any appeal hearing. The DAB may attach such
weight as it thinks appropriate to any material presented before it,
notwithstanding that such material may not be admissible in civil or criminal
proceedings. The DAB has the discretion not to accede to or grant the request
of the person concerned if any relevant details required by the DAB to be
furnished by the person concerned are not furnished to its reasonable
satisfaction;
(i)
at any paper or oral hearing, the DAB shall, on the basis of any evidence
presented to it pursuant to paragraph 4.5.4(a) above, and such submissions as
may be given by any persons requested to attend an oral hearing by the DAB
pursuant to paragraph 4.5.4(f) above (if any), consider the appeal and exercise
any of the powers set out in paragraph 3.1 of these Regulations as it may
consider appropriate under the circumstances;
(j)
the DAB may uphold the SDG’s decision that the person concerned was guilty
of misconduct if, on the evidence before it, it is satisfied on the balance of
probabilities of his/her guilt. If the members of the DAB cannot agree, the
verdict of the DAB will be that of the majority of its members;
(k)
a member of the DAB shall disqualify himself or herself if he or she feels that, in
reaching a decision as to whether or not the person concerned has committed
an act of misconduct, he or she cannot on the weight of the evidence do so
without bias or prejudice. If a student member of the DAB disqualifies himself
or herself, the DAB chairperson shall appoint a replacement. If a faculty
member of the DAB disqualifies himself or herself, a replacement must be
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selected from the faculty of the School of the disqualified DAB member by the
DAB chairperson.
4.6
4.7
(l)
all hearings shall be closed. Rules of common courtesy and decency shall be
observed;
(m)
the DAB hearing will be recorded manually or by a recording device and will be
transcribed in whole or in part on request of the person concerned. The cost of
such transcript will be paid by the person concerned unless waived by the DAB.
Any taped or stenographic records made will become the property of the
University;
(n)
the secretary of the DAB shall prepare a summary report of the hearing,
including the decision of the DAB. The summary report of a DAB hearing shall
be reviewed by the DAB members who shall indicate their approval by signing
it;
(o)
the DAB shall announce its decision to the Registrar dismissing or allowing the
appeal, confirming, varying or revoking any decision made or sanctions
imposed on the person concerned by the Provost or the SDG (as the case may
be) or specifying such additional sanctions on the person concerned as the
DAB shall consider appropriate. The Registrar shall inform the person
concerned and implement the sanctions.
4.5.5
The DAB may refuse to entertain any appeal it deems to be frivolous or without merit.
4.5.6
Pending the outcome of any appeal to the DAB, the decision being appealed against
(except where such decision involves an exercise of disciplinary powers set out in
paragraphs 3.1.6, 3.1.7 or 3.1.8 of these Regulations) shall remain in force and be
valid and binding upon the person concerned.
4.5.7
The decision of the DAB shall be conclusive and binding on the person concerned.
Criminal offences
4.6.1
The fact that criminal proceedings have been threatened or instituted against a
student in respect of any conduct shall not preclude the University from instituting
and/or continuing disciplinary proceedings against him/her provide such are thought
necessary in the interests of the University. The SDG or DAB may nevertheless
decide on the special facts of any particular case to adjourn further consideration of
the disciplinary proceedings until criminal proceedings have been completed or a
decision not to prosecute has been taken. .
4.6.2
The University has the right to report any criminal offence to the police. However, if a
person claims to be the victim of an offence committed by a student, but does not
wish the police to be involved, the SDG may, at its discretion, agree not to report the
matter to the police;
4.6.3
Where a finding of misconduct has been made under these Regulations, and a
student has also been sentenced by a criminal court on the same facts, the penalty
imposed by the criminal court will be taken into account in deciding the penalty under
these Regulations.
Liability of the University
The University, its officers, or any other person or entity associated with them shall have no
liability whatsoever for any losses, damages, claims, legal costs or other expenses that a
person concerned may suffer or incur, whether directly or indirectly (including any loss of
profit or any damage to reputation) by reason of any disciplinary proceedings instituted or
Page 37
summary action or disciplinary action taken pursuant to these Regulations and the publication
or notification of any information relating thereto.
Student Fees Regulations
1.
Payment of fees
All fees and other dues are payable on demand and must be paid in the manner and by the
dates prescribed. The University will inform the student of the amount payable.
2.
Changes to fees
The University may vary or amend fees, deposits and other dues without prior notice.
3.
Refund of fees
The University does not refund or waive course fees, other fees or any part of them.
4.
Students in debt
4.1
Failure to pay fees. Failure to pay fees by the specified date and in the prescribed manner
may result in the cancellation of your course reservation, course registration, or any weekend
school place allocated for that course. You will no longer be entitled to attend classes, obtain
any course materials or any award.
.
4.2
Continued provision of services. If the University continues to provide services to you even
though you have failed to pay your fees in time, or if the University delays in exercising any of
its rights or powers, this does not in any way constitute a waiver by the University of any of its
legal rights and remedies including the right to bring an action against you for non-payment of
fees.
4.3
Applying payment. The University reserves the right, at its discretion, to apply payments to
your longest outstanding debts.
5.
Awards
Until the appropriate course fees and all other dues have been paid, you will not be awarded
a course credit or certificate. Without prejudice to legal or other remedies available to it, the
University reserves the right to refuse your further registration if you are in debt to the
University. No awards will be conferred upon, and no academic transcripts or references will
be issued.
6.
Sponsorship
Notwithstanding that a sponsor has undertaken to pay any fees on your behalf, you remain
liable to the University for all outstanding balances.
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5.2
ACADEMIC MATTERS
Assessment and Examination Regulations
Your course result is the aggregate of two assessment components – continuous assessment (OCAS)
and examinable (OES) component. The determination of each course result goes through many
levels of review and discussion. The EAC approves the course results.
1.
Continuous assessments
1.1
Forms of assessment. Continuous assessment may be in the form of tutor-marked
assignments (“TMAs”) or quizzes. These continuous assessments guide students in
the learning process and enable the University to assess the standard of understanding that
students have attained. Depending on the course, it could take the form of computer-marked
assignments, e.g. on-line quiz, laboratory report, term paper, etc. Students must submit
assignments by the respective deadlines specified in the relevant course calendar. All
changes in deadlines will be notified via the Student Portal. You are advised to familiarise
yourself with the assessment strategy of each course, which can be found in the course
schedule and course materials.
1.2
Continuous assessment scores. Each continuous assessment is weighted to reflect its
relative importance. Your OCAS is the aggregate of all individual assignment weights
multiplied by the respective scores you obtained for that assignment. A zero score is
awarded for the assignment that you do not submit. Unless otherwise stated, you must attain
the minimum OCAS to pass a course (see Section 2, paragraph 2.1.3). Your scores will
be recorded and made known to you. Unless otherwise stated in the course calendar, the
minimum OCAS mark to pass is 40
1.3
Plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs when you submit the work of another person as original work
and/or paraphrasing or directly quoting material from a source without appropriate or
adequate acknowledgement. “Plagiarism” takes many forms and includes:
1.3.1
self-plagiarism – i.e. submitting a marked assignment or part of a marked assignment
that had been previously submitted to satisfy the requirements for another course or
for the same course in an earlier semester, without first obtaining permission from the
instructor of the course in which the student is currently registered;
1.3.2
using a choice phrase or sentence that you have come across and failing to
differentiate clearly between your words and the language of your source(s);
1.3.3
providing incomplete or inadequate footnotes or references;
1.3.4
using text downloaded from the Internet, borrowing statistics or assembled fact from
another person or source, and/or copying or downloading figures, photographs,
pictures or diagrams without acknowledging sources without adequately or
appropriately acknowledging sources;
1.3.5
Copying from the notes or essays of a fellow student, or working on an assignment
with another person when asked to hand in individual work;
1.3.6
failing to note areas of agreement between your work and that of other writers; and/or
1.3.7
putting together ideas from various sources without putting them into the context of
your work and/or without offering original work.
Plagiarism may inadvertently occur due to inexperience. To avoid this, read carefully
all course-specific study advisory, especially on statements concerning plagiarism and know
how to draw references on your sources. Seek your instructor’s advice on this early. All
Page 39
TMAs and other forms of coursework (e.g. ECAs and project reports) will be submitted to
Turn-It-In, a web-based plagiarism detection system, before they are marked. The TMA setup in MyUniSIM has been integrated with Turn-It-In to identify plagiarised text in TMAs and
coursework submitted by students.
Students who committed the first offence for
collusion/plagiarism must pass the “Academic Integrity” module before they can continue with
their programme.
1.4
Sanctions for plagiarism. If plagiarism is established, the following penalties may be imposed
by the University:
First Offence
i)
ii)
Warning letter; with or without
Reduction of grade
Second Offence
i)
ii)
Zero score for TMA
No refund of course fees
Third Offence
i)
ii)
Expulsion from course for the semester
No refund of course fees
Fourth Offence
i)
ii)
Expulsion from the programme
No refund of programme fees
1.5
Confidentiality of information in TMAs submitted. All confidential information that may be
contained in a TMA, including without limitation, information relating to or in connection with
the student’s employer (“Confidential Information”), will be held by the University and the
instructor in strict confidence. All Confidential Information will be used by the University and
the instructor only for purposes of assessing the TMA and for teaching the course. It is the
student’s responsibility to obtain his/her employer’s consent in writing for the use and
publication of the Confidential Information in the TMA.
1.6
Processing personal data. Students are not expected to process personal data as part of
their studies, but if required to do so, they must obtain the agreement of their instructor or
supervisor that the processing is necessary and notify the University.
1.7
Submission of TMAs.
1.8
1.7.1
All TMAs must be submitted electronically through MyUniSIM. No partial submission
of TMA will be accepted unless otherwise specified. Please refer to the MyUniSIM
Student Guide under the section on TMA Submissions for details. MyUniSIM Student
Guide is located under the FAQs menu item of the Student Portal.
1.7.2
A mark deduction scheme applies to late submission of TMAs. Unless otherwise
advised, the deadline for a TMA submission shall be the day before the classes for
10
the course in a particular week.
1.7.3
There will be a 12-hour grace period. After the grace period, for each 24-hour block
thereafter that a submission is late, 10% of the total possible mark will be
automatically deducted via the grade-book system in MyUniSIM. Since assignments
are marked out of a total of 100 marks, 10 marks will be deducted for every 24 hours
that the submission is late. TMAs that have more than 50 marks deducted will be
assigned zero mark. Please click here for some examples.
Grading and return of TMAs. Marked TMAs will be returned to you via MyUniSIM with your
instructor’s comments (except for Tamil programme where hardcopy comments will be
returned to you). You can view your assignment result from MyUniSIM under the Grades
menu item of your course. For more information about receiving your TMA results, please
refer to MyUniSIM Student Guide. If your TMA is not returned to you after 3 weeks, you
10
For example, if a course has classes on a Tuesday, the due date for submission of TMA for that course will be 2359hours or
11.59pm on Monday.
Page 40
should ask your instructor about it. If your instructor does not respond to your query within the
next three days, you should inform your School.
1.9
Review of TMA scores.
1.9.1
First stage – to appeal against the score awarded for a TMA or to clarify the
comments made by your instructor, you must return the marked TMA to the instructor
within 7 days of the date that the instructor returned the marked TMA to you. This
must be accompanied with a letter, directed to the instructor who marked your TMA,
stating the grounds on which you are appealing against the assessment.
1.9.2
Second stage – If you are not satisfied with the response from your instructor, you
must forward the marked TMA, together with the related correspondence, and any
other relevant information, to the University’s Examination Administration (“EA”)
Department, within 4 days of your receipt of your instructor’s decision, to appeal
against the TMA grade. An appeal may not result in an increase to your original
score. Scores may remain unchanged and it is even possible for them to be lower.
You would have to accept the result of your appeal, even in the case of the
latter. Decision made at the second stage shall be final and the University will not
accept subsequent appeals. The University will not consider appeals beyond 14 days
from the cut-off date of the final TMA.
1.9.3
A non-refundable administrative fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) is payable for each
second stage appeal. Please print a copy of the Appeal Form found in the Forms
Section of the Student Portal. Submit the duly completed form to the University
together with the relevant documents and payment. For group-based assignments,
all team members must sign on the Appeal Form.
1.10
Re-submitting TMA. You cannot re-submit a TMA after the submission deadline.
1.11
Non-submission of TMAs. A zero score will be awarded for any TMA not submitted.
2.
Examinable score component
2.1
Form of OES component. The examinable component may take the form of a written
examination, dissertation, project presentation, ECA, report, and/or other form as specified by
the course. The relevant course materials will give provide specific instructions on the
academic contents of your examinable work.
2.2
Submitting your ECA.
2.3
2.2.1
ECA is to be submitted electronically through MyUniSIM. Extra files, missing
appendices or corrections received after the cut-off date will not be accepted for
assessment/grading. You do not need to accompany your submission with a cover
note. Please refer to the MyUniSIM Student Guide for details.
2.2.2
Electronic transmission may be delayed as network traffic can be extremely heavy
especially near the ECA submission deadline. Connections/accessibility to MyUniSIM
cannot be guaranteed. As such, you are strongly advised to submit your work well
ahead of the cut-off time.
Submitting your capstone project. Please refer to your course materials for specific
instructions on the requirements of your capstone project. The Capstone Project Handbook
will be uploaded onto MyUniSIM under “Course Information” before the commencement of
each semester. Submission instructions for the final capstone project report (“Final Report”)
will be provided via email. . The “In-Progress” status is automatically assigned to any student
who fails to submit the Final Report by the first day of the official examination period. In
addition to an administrative late fee of S$500 (inclusive of GST), five (5) marks will be
deducted from the final Rank Score. Any student with an In-Progress status and fails to
Page 41
submit the Final Report again by the first day of the official examination period in the following
semester will be deemed to have failed the Capstone Project course. The student would
have to re-register for the Capstone Project again and pay the full fees.
3.
Examination arrangements
3.1
Entitlement for examination. You are entitled to take the examinations for courses that you
have successfully registered to read, to re-sit and/or to repeat in that semester.
.
Provisional examination dates.
3.2
3.2.1
examinations are normally held in May (for the January semester) and in November
(for the July semester). The duration for written papers is typically 2 to 3 hours.
Examination sessions can be held in the morning, afternoon or evening, on weekdays,
and if necessary on Saturdays or even Sundays;
3.2.2
if you plan to take a vacation or go away overseas during the examination period, you
are strongly advised not to confirm your travel arrangements until you have the
detailed examination timetable with you. The University is not obliged to set up a
special examination session due to your absence or vacation;
3.2.3
3.3
the examination timetable for the next semester will be released during the eCR
exercise held in the current semester. The eCR exercise typically takes place 3
months before the commencement of the next semester.
.
Examination venue allocation.
3.3.1
you will receive your examination timetable and the examination centre allocation
via the Student Portal in April (for the January semester) and in October (for the July
semester).
3.3.2
you MUST produce a satisfactory proof of your photo identity such as your identity
card, passport or driving licence when you enter the examination venue. You will
not be allowed to sit for the examination without satisfactory proof of your identity,
3.3.3
it is your responsibility to ensure that you attend the right session in the right venue;
3.3.4
you should be at the examination venue at least 30 minutes before the start of the
examination. You are strongly advised to factor in time allowance for heavy traffic,
adverse weather conditions and parking problems when planning your journey to the
examination venue;
3.3.5
you will typically be allowed into the examination venue about 10 – 15 minutes before
the examination begins. This gives you time to find your desk, to settle down and to
read the instructions on the front covers of your answer booklet and question paper.
3.4
Late arrival. If you arrive within 30 minutes after the start of the examination, you will be
admitted to the examination. No extra time will be given for late arrival. You will not be
allowed to take the examination if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the examination has
begun.
3.5
Overseas examination centre
3.5.1
you may request to take your examination at an overseas centre if you are living
abroad while pursuing your studies with the University. The University will use best
endeavours to arrange for a suitable organisation to conduct the examination on
behalf of the University. However, such arrangements may not always be possible
and the University does not guarantee that there will be an overseas examination for
you.
Page 42
3.5.2
to request for an examination to be held overseas, please submit an online
Application for Overseas Examination through the Student Portal before the end of
March (for January semester) and end of September (for July semester). The
University will not entertain late requests as identifying a suitable
organisation/venue, coordinating the logistics and finalising the entire examination
arrangements require time.
3.5.3
You are required to make a fresh application for each examination period. There is a
fee of S$428 (inclusive of GST) per course payable for an examination to be held
overseas. In the event that the University is unable to arrange for an overseas
examination, this fee shall be refunded to you.
3.6
Seating arrangements and examination number. The seating plan will be displayed outside
the examination room. Seats are arranged by course code and by students' surnames in
alphabetical order.
3.7
Invigilation.
3.8
3.9
3.7.1
in each examination venue, there will be a Presiding Examiner, Chief Invigilator and
Invigilators responsible for the conduct of the examinations;
3.7.2
the Presiding Examiner will inform students about the examination, including
announcements concerning the use of materials, the start time and end time of the
examination;
3.7.3
under all circumstances, invigilators will not help you to interpret questions, misprints
or ambiguities. If you discover an error, a misprint or an ambiguity in the paper,
please notify the invigilator, who will in turn inform the Presiding Examiner/Chief
Invigilator accordingly.
Question paper and answer booklets
3.8.1
you are not permitted to read the question paper until you are told to do so. You
should check the front cover of the question paper to ensure that you have been
given the correct question paper. You should read the cover page instructions
carefully. You should attempt the total number of questions required by the paper.
Do not answer more questions than required;
3.8.2
please ensure that your examination index number and course code are clearly
written/available on all answer booklets submitted. The invigilator will supply you,
upon request, additional answer booklets during the examination if you need them.
Rough paper will not be provided as all rough work must be written in the answer
booklet and crossed out accordingly;
3.8.3
you are required to submit legible hand-written answers. The University reserves the
right not to mark any examination scripts that are illegible, or to charge the students
concerned for transcription;
3.8.4
all essay plans and rough work should be done in your answer booklet. Work that is
crossed out in your answer booklet will not be marked. As any work not crossed
out is considered to be part of your answer, it will be marked, even if it is meant to be
your rough work or essay plan. You will not be given marks for the same information
twice, even if it appears in your plan and in your answer.
Permitted materials at examinations. The rules on what materials/instruments may be
brought into the examination venue will be given in the Examination Arrangement Booklet.
This booklet will be made available in the Student Portal with a copy of your personalised
timetable.
.
Page 43
3.10
Special circumstances.
3.10.1 if you have a physical disability or serious illness, which requires extra time or other
support facilities during an examination, please inform the Examination Administration
Department at least 21 days before your examination;
3.10.2 if you wish the University to be aware of a special circumstance giving rise to serious
difficulty, which occurred within 21 days before the submission cut-off date of an
examinable work or your written examination, you should complete and submit form
E39, with supporting documentary evidence, to the University no later than 3 working
days after the submission cut-off date or your written examination. Form E39 can be
downloaded from the Student Portal. The EAC will not consider information received
later than 3 working days after the examination or submission cut-off date. EAC will
not review cases not supported by relevant evidence/documents. You must also
keep proof of posting; and
3.10.3 special circumstances may include death or critical illness of a dependant or
immediate family member (evidence such as a medical certificate or death certificate
is required) but does not include home relocation, work pressure, normal pregnancy
or that English is your second language.
3.10.4 under exceptional circumstances, if you are unable for medical reasons to sit the
examination, you may be eligible for an award of aegrotat (an examination pass)
under a code of practice approved by the EAC. Such awards are likely to be limited
to students who, for medical reasons, are unable to continue with any further study
and are registered on the final course or courses which would qualify them for certain
academic awards.
3.11
Re-sit examinations and re-submissions. Not all courses permit students to re-sit a written
paper or re-submit the examinable component. If re-sit examination or re-submission is
available for your course, you have only one attempt to do so. You are not permitted to re-sit
an examination or to re-submit for a course passed. You cannot ask for a re-submission or
re-sit examination to be given to you.
3.11.1 Re-sit examinations: If you withdraw from the course e.g. by not turning up for the
final examination (i.e. 'W' status), you may re-sit the examination or re-submit during
the next examination period for the course, provided you have:
(a)
attained an OCAS of at least 40 marks; and
(b)
fulfilled all the mandatory requirements, if any, e.g. compulsory laboratory
sessions
3.11.2 If you have taken the written examination but failed (i.e. an 'F' grade), you may re-sit
the written examination during the next examination period for the course, provided
you have:
(a)
achieved an OES of at least 15 marks;
(b)
achieved an OCAS of at least 40 marks; and
(c)
fulfilled all the mandatory requirements of the course, if any, e.g. compulsory
laboratory sessions.
If any of the above requirements is not met, the outcome will be a repeat (not a re-sit),
unless your course has a different set of governing rules to re-sit the examination, as
specified in your course information.
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3.12
Re-submitting examinable work.
3.12.1 if your course does not have written examination as part of the examinable
components, and you are eligible for a re-sit, you must re-submit the examinable work
as required by the course; and
3.12.2 if your course’s examinable component requires a written examination and another
piece of work, regardless of whether you fail both or either one of the two, and you
are eligible for a re-sit, you must take the written examination and fulfil the other piece
of examinable work in order to complete the re-sit.
3.13
Leaving the examination venue.
3.13.1 you are not permitted to leave the examination venue during the first 30 minutes after
the commencement of the examination and the last 15 minutes of the examination.
You cannot withdraw from the course once you are in examination venue
notwithstanding that you fell ill during the examination or you left the examination
venue without completing the examination;
3.13.2 after the first 30 minutes of the start of an examination session, you are allowed by
the invigilator to leave the examination venue, under a reasonable degree of
supervision, for a short period to visit the lavatory. Your question paper, answer
booklet(s) and all other materials/instruments must remain at your seat;
3.13.3 If you fall ill during the examination, notify an invigilator immediately. If you are
unable to continue with the paper, you may leave the examination venue. Once you
are out of the examination venue, you will not be allowed to return to the examination
venue again until the examination session is over. If you wish to notify the EAC about
your illness, you must complete Form E39, enclose it with a medical certificate clearly
stating that you were “unfit for examination” by a qualified, recognised medical
practitioner, and then send it to the University not later than 3 working days after the
examination.
3.13.4 if you complete your examination before its scheduled end time, you will be allowed to
leave the examination room (provided it is not during the first 30 minutes or the last 15
minutes of the examination session). Before you leave, you are required to hand in
all your answer booklet(s) and examination stationery to the invigilator. You will not
be re-admitted once you left the examination venue.
3.14
Submitting your answer booklet(s)
3.14.1 on completion of the examination, you must ensure that all your answer booklets bear
your examination index number and course code. All your answer booklets must be
fastened using the strings provided, in accordance with the instructions on the answer
books and/or question paper. Some examinations may require you to write
answers on the question paper or on separate answer sheets provided. Under such
circumstances, you must fasten the question paper or answer sheets with your
answer booklets for submission;
3.14.2 you must remain seated until the Presiding Examiner gives permission to all students
to leave the examination venue.
Other than the question paper and
materials/instruments which you brought in to the examination venue, you are not
permitted to remove any examination materials whether used or unused, out of the
examination venue. You must ensure the invigilator has collected your answer
booklet(s). If you inadvertently take any answer book out of the examination venue, it
will not be marked.
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3.15
Misconduct during an examination.
examination:
The following constitute misconduct during an
3.15.1 possession of a mobile phone or any kind of communication devices at your desk;
3.15.2 taking into or having in possession, while in the examination venue, any unauthorised
materials, including permitted materials but containing unauthorised
annotations/information;
3.15.3 aiding or attempting to aid another student, or obtaining or attempting to obtain aid
from another student;
3.15.4 consulting, or attempting to consult, any persons or materials during moments of
being away from the seat while the examination is in progress;
3.15.5 attempting to influence script marker(s) and/or any University officials;
3.15.6 behaving in a manner deemed by the University to be inappropriate in an examination
venue or that might prejudice the reputation, goodwill, interest or welfare of the
University.
The Presiding Examiner/Chief Invigilator is authorised to stop a student suspected for
committing any of the above from continuing with the examination; confiscate the
unauthorised materials and expel the student from the examination venue. The student will
be subject to the University’s disciplinary process.
3.16
Anonymity of examination scripts.
All examination scripts presented for marking
are anonymous. You must not write your name on any answer booklet(s). The University
reserves the right not to mark your script if it bears your name on it. This rule does not apply
to most projects, dissertations or other kinds of examinable works, which have different
marking arrangements from the written examinations.
3.17
Lost property.
The University is not liable for the use, misuse, damage or loss,
of any personal item/property brought into or left at an examination venue.
3.18
Smoking. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the examination venue.
4.
Award of grades
Students will be awarded grades as follows:
Level
All
Letter Grade Marking Scheme
(From January 2006 Onwards)
A+
85 – 100 marks
A
80 – 84 marks
A75 – 79 marks
B+
70 – 74 marks
B
65 – 69 marks
B60 – 64 marks
C+
55 – 59 marks
C
50 – 54 marks
D+
45 – 49 marks
D
40 – 44 marks
F
< 40 marks
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Grade Point Value
(GPV)
5.0
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0
Graduation Regulations
1.
Grade Point Average (“GPA”) system
1.1
GPA system. The University uses a 5-point GPA system to track a student’s progress at
programme level over the duration of study.
1.2
Cumulative Grade Point Average (“CGPA”). This is the academic performance indicator used
in tracking students’ progress throughout their candidature of study with the University. CGPA
represents the grade point average of all graded courses taken in the University by a student.
1.3
Definition of an active semester. It is defined as a semester in which a student is enrolled for
at least one new or a re-sit or a repeat course.
If a student withdraws from a course or
several courses in one/several active semester(s), the CGPA computation will exclude all the
withdrawn courses. Students’ CGPA will be printed on their course result notification letter
and transcript.
1.4
Performance reviews. The University’s academic progression policy applies to all students
enrolled in the University after January 2006. Please see Section 1.9 for details of the policy.
1.5
Credit recognition for restart and replacement programmes. Students may transfer up to a
maximum of 60cu + 10cu of UCore courses, where applicable from their previous completed
courses to their restart or replacement programme. Such transfer will be subject to the
following conditions:
1.5.1
the courses taken previously match the CP of the restart or replacement programme,
and
1.5.2
the CGPA of these courses is at least 2.0.
Please see Section 1.9 for more details.
1.6
Notations without Grade Points. The following notations will also be used in the academic
records. They have no assigned grade point and thus will not be counted in the calculation of
CGPA.
W
P
IP
:
:
:
:
Withdrawal
Passed
applicable for two-semester Project/Capstone courses which are in progress
applicable only for Capstone Courses where an extension (IP) is granted
1.7
Course Exemption and Transfer of Credits. Courses that are exempted and courses with
approval to transfer credits will not be counted in the calculation of CGPA. However, they will
be counted towards the cu requirement for graduation, and reflected in the transcript.
1.8
Fail Grade. A Fail (F) grade obtained in a course and a new grade attained for any
subsequent resit/repeat will be counted in the calculation of CGPA. The grades for all courses
taken in the University will be reflected in the transcript.
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2.
Computation of Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
SUM (course cu x course GPA) / (total cu of all graded courses).
Illustration 1 (with no withdrawal grade):
Course
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
CGPA =
=
=
Number of cu
10 cu
5 cu
3 cu
Grade
A
F
D
Grade Point
5
0
1
[10 (5) +5 (0) + 3 (1)] / [10 + 5 + 3]
53 / 18
2.94
Illustration 2 (with withdrawal grade):
Course
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
CGPA =
=
=
Number of cu
10 cu
5 cu
5 cu
3 cu
Grade
A
W*
F
D
Grade Point
5
0
1
[10 (5) +5 (0) + 3 (1)] / [10 + 5 + 3]
53 / 18
2.94
* The “W” withdrawal grade has no impact on the CGPA.
3.
University Awards (for students enrolled between January 2006 and January 2007)
3.1
Graduate Diploma. Students are eligible to graduate upon the successful completion of all
required courses that count towards the successful completion of the programme in which
they are enrolled and obtain the required CGPA at the point of completing all required courses.
A CGPA of at least 2.5 is required for a Graduate Diploma student to graduate with the
qualification which he/she has registered for. Otherwise, paragraph 2 above will apply.
3.2
Basic Degree. Students must complete 120 cu of courses and achieve a CGPA of at least
2.0 at the point of graduation.
3.3
Honours Degree. Students will be eligible to graduate if they have completed 160 cu of study,
which must include a Capstone Course. In addition, students must attain at least a CGPA of
3.0 after the completion of the required 160 cu of courses in order to graduate with an
honours classification (see paragraph 5 below). If a student successfully completes 160 cu of
courses, but attains a CGPA between 2.0 to 2.99, the student can only graduate with a Basic
Degree.
4.
University Awards (for students enrolled from January 2007 onwards)
4.1
Basic Degree. Students must complete 130 cu of courses and achieve a CGPA of at least
2.0 at the point of graduation.
4.2
Honours Degree. Students will be eligible to graduate if they have completed 170 cu of study,
which must include a Capstone Course. In addition, students must attain a CGPA of at least
3.0 after the completion of the required 170 cu of courses in order to graduate with an
honours classification (see paragraph 5 below). If a student successfully completes 170 cu of
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courses, but attains a CGPA between 2.0 to 2.99, the student can only graduate with a Basic
Degree.
4.3
Level 3 courses. All students must complete at least 30 cu of Level 3 courses as part of the
graduation requirements (See Section 1.3.5).
5.
Classification of Degrees
5.1
Honours Degree Classification. The table below depicts the Honours Classification System
for the University’s awards for candidates whose graduation criteria is based on the GPA
system, i.e., those enrolled from January 2006 onwards.
Class of Honours
CGPA
First Class**
4.50 – 5.00
Second Upper
4.00 – 4.49
Second Lower
3.50 – 3.99
Third Class
3.00 – 3.49
Pass
2.00 – 2.99
Fail
Below 2.00
Remarks
All courses (i.e. courses at all levels)
are counted in honours classification
Student will not graduate
** A student must achieve at least an A- in the designated Capstone project.
5.2
Basic Degree Classification. The table below depicts the Basic Degree Classification System
for the University’s awards for candidates whose graduation criteria is based on the GPA
system, i.e., those enrolled from January 2006 onwards.
Class of Award
CGPA
Pass with Merit
3.20 – 5.00
Pass
Fail
2.00 – 3.19
Below 2.00
Remarks
Applicable for July 2012 graduating
cohort onwards
Student will not graduate
5.3
Eligibility. Students who successfully complete and fulfil the graduation criteria for a basic
degree will be awarded a basic degree for their programme of study. For Basic with Honours
programme, the University will offer those students who are eligible to read honours to
undertake the honours phase of the programme. Upon successful completion of the Basic
with Honours programme, the students will graduate with two degrees (i.e. basic and
honours) at the end of the compounded study period.
6.
Notification of results
6.1
Release of results. The University will release your course results online via the Student
Portal, approximately one month after the end of the examination period. To safeguard
confidentiality, results will not be released by telephone or email.
6.2
University policy. It is not the University’s policy to return examination scripts to students nor
allow students to view their scripts. The University does not furnish any information about the
examination performance, including the examination score.
6.3
Pending status. Occasionally, the Examinations and Awards Committee may need more time
to reach a decision about your course result. In such an exceptional case, a 'pending' status
will be given.
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7.
Examination Grade Appeal
7.1
Process. If you would like to appeal on your grade(s) after the release of course results, you
will need to submit an online Examination Grade Appeal Application via e-services in the
Student Portal) together with a non-refundable administrative fee of S$53.50 (inclusive of
GST) for each course for which you are appealing. You must state the circumstances and the
rationale for a grade appeal. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the University
receives all his/her supporting documents and the fee payable by the given deadline. No late
submissions will be entertained. The University does not entertain queries pertaining to
course results via telephone.
7.2
Outcome of Examination Grade Appeal. All reviews will be carried out promptly. After the
review, a student’s course results could be upgraded, remain unchanged or even adjusted
downwards. The University's decision on the appeal is final.
8.
Convocation / Graduation
8.1
Invitation to ceremony. Students who have successfully met all requirements of their degree
or diploma programmes will be invited to attend the convocation ceremony organised by the
University. Attendance at the ceremony is not mandatory.
8.2
Ceremony information. Information on the convocation ceremony including academic dress
rental will be available on the University’s website prior to the ceremony.
8.3
Graduate directory. Only the names of graduates that have been officially registered with the
University will be printed in the official Directory of Graduates for the convocation ceremony.
This directory is produced annually to coincide with the ceremony and is a public document.
Its contents are not confidential.
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APPENDIX
HONOUR CODE
The University is committed to uphold and maintain high standards of academic, social and moral
conduct in the learning process and achievement of its students. As such, it adopts an Honour Code
which sets out the academic, social and ethical standards that it expects of its students. All students
have to abide by the Honour Code, uphold its spirit and undertake the following:
(1)
To comply with all rules, regulations, codes of conduct, procedures and guidelines or other
terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the University from time to time in connection
with their admission to and study in the University;
(2)
To uphold and maintain absolute academic honesty and integrity in examinations, tests,
projects, assignments, tutorials and any required academic deliverables (collectively known
as “Academic Work”) required to be undertaken by students during the course of their study
at the University. This duty extends beyond their own behaviour to include the responsibility
to uphold standards in the University community and report any dishonest acts that include
but are not limited to fabricating, colluding, plagiarising, cheating, giving or receiving any
unauthorised aid in the delivery of Academic Work, or engaging in any act that may
compromise the integrity of the academic standards of the University;
(3)
To maintain the highest standards of personal integrity and respect the rule of law, social
order, and the rights of others as are expected of all members of the University, both within
and outside the University;
(4)
Not to conduct in a manner which may be regarded by the University as being in violation or
breach of the Honour Code, or as misbehaviour or conduct unbefitting of a student member of
the University. Misbehaviour includes acts that may result in threats, harm, disadvantages to
others, compromising the rights of others and bringing disrepute to the University and/or its
students, staff and faculty. Misbehaviour also refers, without limitation, to physical violence
and assault, verbal or mental abuse, harassment, false allegation, false declaration, slander,
libel or defamation committed against any fellow student, staff and faculty; and
(5)
To be held fully accountable, responsible and liable for their own actions and deeds, and to
accept responsibility for consequences which may arise from violation or breach of the
Honour Code, including without limitation, disciplinary action, investigation, interview by panel
of enquiry, hearing, issuance of warning, suspension, restriction of rights and privileges,
imposition of sanctions, disqualification, delay in graduation, expulsion or any other
appropriate action or steps that may be taken by the University.
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