revised code of discipline

CODE OF DISCIPLINE REVISION COMMITTEE (CDRC) A.Y. 2014 – 2015

Ken S. Galang

Code of Discipline Revision Committee Chair

Co-Chairs:

Jayson Maulit San Beda Debate Society

Lauren Tugadi

The Bedan

Eid Escano San Beda Hiraya

Kristel Bunagan

Bedan Advocacy and Consciousness Enhancement Society (BACES)

Misha Balajadia San Beda Hiraya

Student Council RepresentativesElaine Madamba

1st Year Batch Representative

Isay Alvarez 2nd Year Batch Representative

Maximo Mabute 3rd Year Batch Representative

Eric Malabanan

4th Year Batch RepresentativeStudent Representatives

Edward Chua Bedan Computer Information Society

Jerome Romano

Junior Bedan Law Circle

Andre Carabeo Kapisanang Agham ng San Beda

Karylle Azagra

Human Resource and Development Management Society

Jamaica Villegas

Junior Financial Management Association

Samir Espina

Management and Entrepreneurship Society

Marian Bonifacio

Psychology Society of San Beda

Daniel Gascon San Beda Economic Society

Joey Capino

San Beda Junior Marketing Association

Kathleen Honrales

Society of Operations Management Students

Joshua Cruz

Junior Philippines Institute of Accountants

STUDENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK

ARTICLE X STUDENT GOVERNANCE

Section 4 – Code of Discipline Revision Committee (CDRC) The Code of Discipline Revision Committee (CDRC) is a committee designed to represent the student body and to collaborate with the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline (OPSD) in any policymaking, amendments or revisions in the Code of Discipline. No amendment and/or revision can happen without having the CDRC convened and reached quorum. COMPOSITION

• The Code of Discipline Revision Committee (CDRC) is composed of a Committee Chair and Four (4) members (Batch Representatives) from the Student Council and Fifteen (15) student representatives from any program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• The President of the Student Council shall appoint a Committee Chair.

• For the fifteen-reserved slots for student representatives, any bonafide student can apply/be nominated by any Student Organization or any member of the Bedan Community.

• After completion of the twenty seats in the CDRC, the Members of the committee will then elect their Co-Chair.

The College, with proper consultation and collaboration with student representatives, reserves the right to impose appropriate sanctions against improper conduct. The CDRC, as a representing body of the community, is expected to be collaborated and be consulted with in any process of policymaking, amending and revising this code. As manifested in the Code of Discipline, student consultation and collaboration in policy-making is vital and should be upheld.

ARTICLE XVI CODE OF DISCIPLINE

The College encourages and cultivates self-directed and self-initiated discipline among students and members of the academic community. Discipline is the training of the mind and the formation of good moral character, geared towards the observance of laws and policies founded on justice and charity, consultation and collaboration, with the end in view of maintaining order inside the campus. Hence, the Code of Discipline is promulgated to provide guidance and promote healthy and harmonious relations in the Bedan community. Moreover, the College with proper consultation and collaboration with student representatives, reserves the right to impose appropriate sanctions against improper conduct, resulting from and inherent in its responsibility and duty to:

1. Preserve the standards for academic performance and achievement; 2. Protect the property of the academic community; 3. Secure the safety of persons in the community; 4. Preserve peace, ensure orderly procedures, and maintain student morale; 5. Protect the College from acts that threaten the exercise of its functions and responsibility

for achieving its educational mission; and 6. Maintain students as crucial stakeholders of the community; 7. Protect self expression and identity formation among members of the community; and 8. Protect the good name and reputation of the school.

The maintenance of discipline is the responsibility shared by all members of the community (administrators, faculty members, students, service personnel, parents and alumni). However, all disciplinary matters pertaining to the CAS department fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline. This code is a product of collaboration amongst the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline (OPSD) and the Code of Discipline Revision Committee (CDRC), composed of a Committee Chair, 4 members from the Student Council and 15 student representatives. No amendment and/or revision can happen without having the CDRC convened and reaching quorum or a ratification through the student body.

SECTION I RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENTS

Every student of San Beda College is expected to act as mature Christian men and women at all times; by showing respect for authority, for the rights of fellow students and members of the Bedan community; and for witnessing Christian teachings and values. Thus, a Bedan is expected to behave according to the following prescribed norms.

A. Conduct of the Students Respect should be shown to all persons inside and outside the campus. Bedans should always remember that they carry with them the name of the school and the century-old tradition of Benedictine values. Following the example of our Patron St. Bede, students should express their love for study by observing proper behavior befitting for a Bedan Christian. All their actions should contribute to an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students who engage in a conduct of unbecoming a true Bedan Filipino, will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Discipline.

A.1 Inside Campus A.1.1 Proper Behavior in the Classroom

Any action, which tends to distract other students from on-going activities in class, should be avoided. Students who do not observe ordinary classroom procedures or discipline, or who are disrespectful, can be sent immediately and directly to the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline for appropriate sanctions. These students must secure an admit-to-class slip before returning to the class.

A.1.2 Behavior While Waiting for Classes/Examinations

Students who have no classes/examination should not stay along the corridors and staircases. Silence must be observed at all times in these designated areas.

A.1.3 Respect for School Properties

Students are expected to respect school property (books, blackboards, chalk/board markers, classroom furniture, white screens, armchairs, tables, multi-media equipment and other instructional materials). These should be used properly and handled with utmost care. Students must not write on furniture and walls nor destroy classroom decoration/bulletin board displays.

A.1.4 Conservation of Resources

Responsible Bedans know how to conserve resources. Electronic devices should be switched off at the end of the class. In addition, water must be used wisely and economically.

A.1.5 No Smoking Policy/Use of E-Cigarettes

Students should abide with Republic Act No. 9211 and City Ordinance No. 7748, which prohibits smoking and usage of E-cigarettes within and outside the campus.

A.1.6 No Littering within the Campus and Along the Mendiola Consortium

Students are expected to maintain cleanliness within the campus and the entire Mendiola Consortium area. They should also comply with Presidential Decree No. 825 and City Ordinance No. 7319 to avoid legal sanctions from the MMDA, or imprisonment of not less than five (5) days.

A.2 Outside the Campus

Bedans should be aware of their vocation as Christians and their responsibilities as Filipino citizens. Called to a life of faith and virtue, they share in the call of upholding ethical and moral values and in cooperating for the renewal of society, in the light of the Gospel teaching on justice and compassion. To achieve this end, Bedans need to observe the following norms:

• Live a clean life befitting for mature Christians in their homes and in their community;

• Conduct themselves with dignity and abide by all instructions of the authorities when representing the College in any activity;

• Participate actively either as leaders or as members in socio-cultural and religious activities recognized by the College, without neglecting their academic duties and responsibilities;

• Associate with persons, groups, organizations or agencies that can help them develop moral integrity and commitment to serve;

• Keep away from establishments of ill repute and from all forms of vice; • Safeguard their health and good name by avoiding any kind of involvement in

drug abuse; and • Seek the approval of the College Dean/or his representative before using the

name of San Beda College in any ticket, invitation, program, interaction, announcement or other promotional activities.

The school shall exercise administrative disciplinary jurisdiction over students for the commission of offenses outside the campus even if not related to a school-sponsored activity, where the misconduct of the student involves his/her status as a student, or affects the good name or reputation of the school.

A.2.1 Participation in Outside Activities

Students participating in any out-of-campus activity as official delegates of the College should secure a written approval from the Dean/or his representative. Students who did not comply will be given a stern warning.

B. Grooming and Appearance

All students of San Beda College must observe and maintain proper grooming and appearance to adhere to the conventions of simplicity, decency and professionalism.

B.1 Ladies

B.1.1 Hair must be well groomed. Shades of brown to black are allowed. (Please refer to the samples provided at the entrance gate)

B.1.2 Light make-up is allowed only if modestly applied, without any outrageous color of lipstick, rouge or eye shadow.

B.2 Gentlemen

B.2.1 Hair must be well groomed and the bangs should not cover the eyes. Shades of brown to black are allowed. (Please refer to the samples provided at the entrance gate)

B.2.2 Sporting a moustache, beard or goatee is allowed as long as it is well groomed.

C. Proper Attire

Students must wear their IDs at all times except during HKD Classes. Students must

also wear the complete prescribed uniform. For students who do not have classes at a particular day, he/she may come to school with his/her proper civilian attire (Refer to C.4 of this section) provided that he/she will present his/her Registration Form. Modest accessories or jewelry may be worn. Students who do not wear the prescribed school uniform/attire and observe proper grooming shall be penalized as stipulated on Section III of this Article.

C.1 Prescribed Uniform

C.1.1 To standardize the design and color of the uniforms, the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline provides accredited tailors/dressmakers.

C.1.2 The pants must be properly fit. C.1.3 Vest and prescribed necktie must be worn always inside the school

premises. C.1.4 White polo with sleeves mid-upper arm length is the prescribe outfit. The

shirt should be tucked in and the sleeves are not to be folded.

C.2 Ladies C.2.1 Black closed shoes are the prescribed footwear. C.2.2 The length of the skirt must be knee-level or two-inches above the knee. C.2.3 The color of the vest must be red. C.2.4 The color of the pants/skirt must be charcoal gray.

C.3 Gentlemen

C.3.1 Shoes must be closed, black leather, leatherette, suede type, and work with black trouser sock/dress socks.

C.3.2 The color of the vest must be gray. C.3.3 The color of the pants must be charcoal gray.

C.4 Prescribed Attire on Wednesday, Saturday, Activity Day, No Classes Day, and Summer Class

C.5 Prohibitions C.6.1 Sandos, shorts, cycling shorts, mutilated pants, torn shirts and slippers; C.6.2 Upper garments with foul words or offensive images/statements; C.6.3 Feminine apparel, loud cosmetics or exaggerated accessories among

male students; C.6.4 Hipsters, plunging necklines, backless, halter tops, see-through blouses,

micro-mini skirts, spaghetti straps, and tube blouse among female students

C.6.5 Any pierced jewelry like earrings (for male), nose ring, tongue-ring, brow-ring for male and female students; and

C.6.6 Shades and caps worn along corridors, inside the classrooms, offices and at the Abbey Church.

C.5 Wearing of Official Identification Card

ID should be worn at all times inside the campus except during HKD classes. A

yearly official ID card with the official ID lace is issued to every student after enrolment. It must be presented to any school official or personnel in authority when demanded. The loss of an ID card should be reported to the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline for the issuance of a temporary ID. A new ID will be issued only upon submission of an affidavit of loss and payment of the necessary fees. The Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline reserves the right to assess the propriety of the students’ grooming and attire. It also reserves the right to assess the dress code.

Particulars Male Female C.4.1 Upper garment T-shirt with or without

collar or short/long Sleeved polo shirt

T-shirt with or without collar or Blouse or shirt with sleeves,

C.4.2 Lower Garment C.4.3 Corporate Attire

Long Pants, Jogging Pants, Hamer Pants Walking Shorts (For summer classes only) Long sleeves of any color with necktie/ barong and slacks with leather shoes

Jeans, Slacks, Skirt, Leggings, Pedal Shorts, Jogging Pants, Hamer Pants

Three-piece suit i.e. pants or skirt/ blouse/ vest/ blazer with closed shoes

C.4.4 Footwear Leather shoes, driving

shoes, rubber shoes, boots, espadrille shoes, sandals

Leather shoes, driving shoes, rubber shoes, boat- shoes, espadrille shoes, sandals

Students may use a different kind of ID lace provided that it will not promote a

different educational institution. He/she may even use a necklace as his/her Identification Lace. The student may even use a pin-handle for his Identification Card provided that it is located or pinned on the upper torso garment of the student.

D. Special Cases

D.1 Pregnancy During the Semester

Pregnant students are expected to file a Leave of Absence (LOA) during the semester. The decision of the Student and the her parents shall be considered first. The college, through the Office of the Prefect of Student Discipline and Office the Guidance Services (OGS), is committed to help students through guidance and counseling. If the partner of the pregnant unmarried woman is a Bedan, he is expected to meet the OGS for counseling. Parents of both parties are expected to actively participate especially in the guidance and counseling, and spiritual direction of their child.

SECTION II

SECURITY MEASURES

A. Proper identification cards shall be issued to all bona fide students, members of the faculty and other employees in each school, college or university.

B. Proper screening of all persons entering the school premises shall be conducted at the gates of the school campus by the Security Force or by authorized persons.

C. No person carrying packages, cases or other containers shall be allowed inside the school premises, without prior inspection of the same at school gates, in order to prevent the entry therein of any fatal or incendiary materials.

D. Students found guilty of charges after due process and careful deliberation have been met, on account of violations of existing laws or of rules and regulations, issued by the Commission on Higher Education or by the school itself, shall be dropped from the rolls immediately.

E. Harmful substances like pepper spray, tear gas and the like; and deadly weapons like ice picks, blades, knives, knuckles, and the like must be surrendered to the guard before entering the school premises and shall be returned upon exit.

SECTION III DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Disciplinary infractions, the gravity of which is determined by their social

impact on community order, are categorized into major and minor offenses.

They are further distinguished from each other by the penalties correspondingly attached to them.

A. Minor Offense

A.1 Offenses

A.1.1 Inconvenience along the stairways, corridors, doors and classrooms during class hours or examination periods.

A.1.2 Sitting on armchairs, tables and other acts that will eventually destroy school properties.

A.1.3 Violations of the prescribed attire (uniform or non-uniform) A.1.4 Unauthorized use of any school supplies A.1.5 Non-presentation of school ID within the college premises upon

request of authorities A.1.6 Use of cellular phones and other electronic gadgets during class

sessions, examinations and masses A.1.7 Intruding into the privacy of male and female lounges, making

malicious catcalls, whistling, boisterous laughter and other nuisances unbecoming of a Bedan.

A.1.8 Breaking of silence in the library; deliberately disarrangement of desks and tables

A.1.9 Littering/spitting in the classroom, offices and corridors and in the school premises

A.1.10 Excessive/irresponsible use/wastage of school properties/resources like waterpower or food.

A.1.11 Jeering at any individual during activities participated in by the school like uttering offensive remarks at the referees or cheerleaders of other schools during NCAA and other school functions.

A.1.12 Using dirty finger or lewd gestures to offend or to provoke another person or group in any school functions

A.1.13 Irreverence in the form of disruptive noise, talking and laughing during school community prayer such as angelus, opening and closing prayer and Holy Mass

A.1.14 Other infractions that the Board of Discipline considers as minor offense.

A.2 Sanctions

1st offense- Admonition by the Prefect of Student Discipline and filling of Violation Form with the signature of the Class Adviser 2nd offense- Consultation with the guidance counselor and shall submit a letter of apology 3rd offense- Dialogue with the parents/guardian with the OPSD and shall submit a letter of apology. 4th offense- Community service with a maximum of 8 hours subject to the discretion of prefect of student discipline and shall submit a letter of apology. 5th offense- considered equivalent to a major offense and automatically elevated to the Board of Discipline.

A.3 Conditions

A.3.1 Two or more violations incurred in one instance shall be counted as 2nd or a higher ranked offense.

A.3.2 Notwithstanding the penalty stated on the above named

offenses, the Board reserves the right to impose the appropriate penalty, considering the surrounding circumstances and the gravity of the act committed.

B. Major Offense

B.1 Offenses B.1.1 Contempt and ridicule of religious celebrations, practices, beliefs and activities such as smoking during the celebration of the Holy Mass, whether done inside or outside the chapel; making fun of liturgical activities and prayers; destroying or defacing religious images/articles

Maximum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation for one semester and automatic suspension for the rest of the semester

B.1.2 Immoral/scandalous conduct in any activity, in and out of the College premises; acts of lasciviousness inside and outside the campus and deliberate acts against moral ethics.

Maximum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation for one semester and non-enrolment for the succeeding semester

B.1.3 Publication/e-publication, possession, display, sale or distribution of pornographic or immoral materials within or outside the school premises


B.1.4 Possession or distribution of publications/e-publications, manuscript or other materials considered subversive as interpreted according to the existing laws.


B.1.5 Vandalism, destruction of or damage to school property, mutilation of school materials, laboratory materials, abuse of school facilities and equipment; destroying the belongings of any member of the faculty, administration, personnel, staff, students or visitors while inside the campus; destroying decorations in the classroom, tampering of announcements on the Bulletin Board; initiating and participating in burning of school properties.


B.1.6 Direct assault upon the person of any member of the faculty, student, administration, and other personnel, without prejudice to his/her criminal prosecution; grave acts of disrespect in words (oral/written/social networks) including publication/electronic publication, or deeds which tend to put any administrator, faculty, student and other personnel, in ridicule or contempt such as uttering words against any faculty member in his /her presence or in public; challenging a faculty member/student to a fist or gun fight; and/or initiating/passing a petition letter against anyone in the school which has anomalous/malicious content.


B.1.7 Carrying the following inside the college premises: firearms or ammunition (with or without license); explosives, including firecrackers; guns (such as air, water, plastic, and lighter).


B.1.8 Possession, illegal use, sale or distribution of prohibited drugs inside or outside the school campus or regulated drugs inside the school premises as defined under Rep. Act No. 6425, otherwise known as Dangerous Drugs Law.

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion B.1.9 Robbery, theft, stealing and pick-pocketing.

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion

B.1.10 Acts of cheating such as: a. Dictating answers during oral and written examinations; b. Mere possession and direct use of cheating materials during

quizzes, midterm, and final examinations; c. Having someone else take the quizzes, midterm and final

examinations; d. Exchanging examination notebooks/ calculators or passing

one’s notebook to another to enable the latter to copy; e. Reading or looking deliberately at another student’s

examination paper or showing one’s own paper/notebook to another;

f. Communicating with another during quizzes and examinations regardless of its topic; and

g. Unauthorized possession of notes, books, calculators, materials including recorders or any telecommunication devices such as cellular phones, mp4, PSP, ipod, ipad, or any piece of paper having a bearing on the subject of the examination. Maximum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation for one semester and non-enrolment for the succeeding semester

B.1.11 Forging/falsifying/tampering and allowing the same acts to be committed by another on academic or any official school record/form like excuse letters from parents or medical certificate, financial reports or documents of any kind.

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion B.1.12 Forging/falsifying/tampering and allowing the same acts to be committed by another on personal documents required of him by the school or its representative.


B.1.13 Intellectual dishonesty (plagiarism) whether done directly or indirectly, individually or in-group, in writing research, term paper, reports and feasibility studies.

Sanction: Exclusion B.1.14 Mere membership in any unauthorized organization such as fraternities and all other groups/organizations, the purposes of which are to use violence or subversion, or which employs as part of any of its ceremonies, rituals or practices, hazing or any act that results in injury to any person through intimidation, intentional force, or reckless imprudence; hazing, violence, intimidation, coercion, extortion and any act that tends to injure, degrade, or which employs as part of any of its ceremonies, rituals or practices, hazing or any act that results in injury to any person through intimidation, intentional force, or reckless imprudence; hazing, violence, intimidation, coercion, extortion and any act that tends to injure, degrade, or humiliate any fellow student or an outsider even in mere conspiracy. (The College is not responsible for the actions of students who on their own, without regard to existing laws, and despite awareness of possible grave punitive sanctions, engage in such activities, either actively or passively. Students threatened by hazing or such violent acts are obliged to report to the Prefect of Student Discipline.)


B.1.15 Swindling, issuance of bouncing check to any member of the academic community; or extortion from someone, group, organization under false pretenses and fraud.


B.1.16 Using funds of the group, class, organization/Student Council for vested interest.


B.1.17 Disrespect toward any national symbol or activity, i.e., walking and talking during the flag ceremonies, singing the anthem with mockery, burning flags, destroying forms of national symbols like statues, etc.


B.1.18 Decoding, accessing or altering any computer data or program without authorization from the school, which prevents normal operations, or introducing false information to and from the computer system in any office or Department of SBC.


B.1.19 Unauthorized/Unofficial representation of San Beda College that would destroy its good reputation.


B.1.20 Usage of school facilities by any individual/group for illicit purposes.


B.1.21 Deliberate intent to malign the good name of the College in any form such as e-Publication, Social Network and Blogs

Maximum Sanction: Non-enrolment for two (2) semesters

B.1.22 Bribery or offering of anything to induce a person to do something contrary to law, morals, good customs and public policy, including falsifying attendance report in any required activity.


B.1.23 Throwing harmful objects and substances at any person that can cause injury to others.

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion B.1.24 Engaging in brawls, fistfights, or any serious trouble-causing activity on or off campus.


B.1.25 Intoxication due to alcoholic beverages, or entering the College premises/attending a school function under the influence of alcohol.


B.1.26 Engaging in any strike, disorderly picket, or demonstration as a means of first resort against the school or any of its departments; boycotting classes or entities, either directly or indirectly by oneself or through others; preventing students from attending classes and inciting them to violate school regulations


B.1.27 Any conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person inside the College premises, which adversely affects the student's suitability as a member of the academic community (i.e., use of poison, gun powder, explosives, sharp objects, tear gas, smoke bomb, laughing gas, poisonous smoke, etc.)

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion B.1.28 Selling tickets, involvement in promotional fund-raising campaign in the name of SBC/Organization without the official approval from the Dean or his representative


B.1.29 Entering into a contract/financial transaction with any outside organization, outfit, or agency in the name of the school without the official approval from a duly authorized representative of the school administration, particularly, the Prefect of Student Discipline and the Dean.

Maximum Sanction: Non-enrolment for two (2) semesters B.1.30 Making false announcements of school programs and activities in the name of the school.

Maximum Sanction: Non-enrolment for two (2) semesters B.1.31 Publishing articles, which tend to degrade, embarrass, ridicule the College or any member of the Bedan Community.

Maximum Sanction: Non-enrolment for two (2) semesters B.1.32 Recruiting/enticing any member of the Bedan community to immoral, illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, drug syndicate and fraternity

Maximum Sanction: Exclusion B.1.33 Bullying


B.1.34 Public Display of Physical Intimacy


B.1.35 Smoking including the use of e-cigarette within and outside the school premises in accordance with Republic Act No. 9211 and City Ordinance No. 7748 (to be sanctioned in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority).


B.1.36 Gambling including variations in any form, or taking part in any game of chance for money, or possession of gambling paraphernalia


B.1.37 Conviction before any court of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude against persons or property.


B.2 Sanctions

1. Disciplinary probation for one semester and automatic suspension for 2 (two) days or community service of 16 (sixteen) hours depending upon the recommendation of the BOD

2. Disciplinary probation for one semester and automatic suspension for 3 (three) days or community service of 24 (twenty-four) hours depending upon the recommendation of the BOD

3. Disciplinary probation for one semester and automatic

suspension for 4 (four) days or community service of 36 (Thirty-six) hours depending upon the recommendation of the BOD

4. Disciplinary probation for One Semester and Automatic

suspension for the next of the semester

5. Disciplinary probation for One semester and Non-enrolment for the succeeding semester

6. Non-enrolment for two semesters

7. Non-enrolment for two semesters and one summer

8. Non-enrolment for 3 semesters

9. Exclusion (removal for serious breach of school rules)

10. Expulsion

B.3 Conditions

Students will be placed under disciplinary probation. Students may also be obliged to pay for damages, without prejudice to any other penalty and sanction imposed by the Board of Discipline.

Any student who readily admits to the commission of the wrong doing (and duly confirmed by the Board of Discipline to be true) shall be meted a penalty one or two degrees lower.

All students involved in Board of Discipline cases must undergo the intervention programs set by the Office of the College Guidance Services.

Notwithstanding the penalty in the table, the Board reserves the right to impose the commensurate penalty, taking into consideration the gravity of the act and the surrounding circumstances.

SECTION IV

BOARD OF DISCIPLINE

The Board of Discipline (BOD) is an administrative committee constituted and tasked with the duty to safeguard the rights of students charged with violating any rule listed in the Code of Discipline or other regulations of the College. The BOD deliberates on formal complaints filed against students by any aggrieved party.

Board proceedings, being administrative per se, do not require the presence of a legal counsel for a student under investigation. Parents or guardians however, are invited to witness the proceedings.

The decision of the BOD shall contain the facts on which it is based and is submitted to the Dean for review.

A. Composition

Unless the Rector-President of the College appoints/designates a different set of members, the BOD shall be composed of the following:

1. Chairperson - Prefect of Student

Discipline

2. Members with permanent status and voting power:

§ Assistant Prefect/s of Student Discipline § Faculty Association President or any Faculty

Appointed by the Faculty Association President

(The Student Council reserves the right to appeal for the change of faculty representative to preserve the utmost neutrality of the proceedings.)

§ Student Council President § Student Year-Level Representative

3. Members with permanent status and without voting power:

§ Guidance Head § Class Adviser/ Department Chair § Secretary appointed by the Prefect of Student

Discipline

In case a permanent member is unable to attend the Board meeting, she/he must submit a written authority designating a representative. The Chair is given the discretion to forgo this procedure as deemed necessary, depending on the nature of the case. The legal counsel of the college will be called when the need arises.

B. Function

The overriding function of the Board of Discipline (BOD) is to decide cases brought before it, taking into consideration the requirements of justice and due process.

Only major offenses shall be referred to the Board for

deliberation. The Prefect of Student Discipline may resolve minor offenses.

C. Right to Due Process and Procedural Due Process Standards Due process should be observed before disciplinary sanctions can

be imposed against students. The following procedural due process standards must be met in all

cases elevated to the Board:

1. All complaints which need Board action, except those initiated motu propio either by the Dean, Prefect of Student Discipline or the Rector-President, should be in writing, duly signed and filed by the aggrieved or by any person having direct knowledge of the commission of the act complained about.

2. The Prefect of Student Discipline conducts the preliminary inquiry. The complainant is required to submit an incident report and a formal letter of complaint.

3. Where there is no formal letter of complaint or the complaint is not supported by evidence and appears to be unmeritorious, the Prefect of Student Discipline shall not take any action for or against it.

4. If in the judgment of the Prefect of Student Discipline, the acts being complained constitute a major offense and have probably been committed, the BOD shall be convened.

5. Upon receipt of the letter of complaint, the Prefect of Student Discipline shall furnish a notice informing the respondent and the student council about the complaint not later than five (5) school days. The notice shall be accompanied with the copy of complaint and other supporting documents. The notice shall also be furnished to the parents/guardians of the students concerned.

6. Upon receipt of the notice by the respondent, s/he shall have five (5) school days to file an answer/counter-complaint. A respondent who fails to file a written answer within the period fixed by the Prefect of Student Discipline shall be considered to have waived the right to answer the charges. The BOD shall then be constrained to decide on the complaint based solely on the allegation of the complainant and evidence presented. Furthermore, failure to appear during the initial hearing despite due notice shall be considered a waiver of the right to a formal hearing, and the proceedings shall commence without the presence of the respondent or the parents/guardian. Not all complaints involving major offenses, required hearing. Only those with complicated factual circumstance, or those, where, either the complainant or respondents shall request, will merit the conduct of a hearing and the convening of the Board. Otherwise, the Board may in its discretion, require parties to submit Position paper, attaching therein all their evidence/affidavits of witnesses.

7. Respondents shall have the right to answer the charges against them with the assistance of a parent/guardian/lawyer.

8. Respondents shall be informed of the evidence against them and shall have the right to present evidence in their favor.

9. The complainants shall present their evidence and witnesses first, after which the respondent-students shall present evidence and witnesses in their defense. Evidence to be presented shall be limited to allegation in the complaint and/or answer.

10. The members of the Board of Discipline may ask questions or require the appearance of other witnesses.

D. Record of the Case Proceedings

The entire proceedings shall be recorded. A transcript of the proceedings shall be kept and attached to the records of the case.

E. Decision of the Board

The decision of the Board shall be arrived at by majority vote of the permanent members with voting powers. The Chair shall vote only in case of a tie.

The Board’s decision shall be reported to the College Dean for

review within ten (10) school days after the hearing. The College

Dean may approve or reverse the decision. The students/parents concerned shall be notified of the decision, the corresponding sanction (if any) and its effectivity date within five (5) school days from receipt of the report of the Board of Discipline.

The parties are notified of the decision either by phone or by

mail. A formal letter is given to both the student and the parent/guardian.

F. Filing of an Appeal

Any party not satisfied with the decision of the Board and the College Dean may appeal to the Rector-President within five (5) school days upon receipt thereof.

If no appeal is filed, the decision becomes final and

immediately executory after the lapse of five (5) days from receipt of respondent/parents or guardian.

The decision of the Rector-President on an appeal is final and

immediately executory.

SECTION V GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS

A. GENERAL CONSIDERATION

San Beda College has always been known for the spirit of community life, reflecting the teacher-disciple relationship, pervading the campus. Members of the academic community are encouraged to keep communication lines open to ensure harmonious relationships in school.

It is in this light that grievance against any member of the academic

community should be settled through fraternal dialogue. However, if amicable settlement is not possible, the aggrieved party may file a formal complaint as a last resort. A complaint is considered formal if it is expressed in writing and duly signed by the person/s concerned.

In all of the stated cases, students have the option to appeal the decision of the Dean and elevate the matter to the Rector-President.

A.1 Student Complaint Against A Faculty Member

1. The students meet with the faculty member during consultation hours and discuss their concerns. In case students are hesitant to speak with the faculty member, they can seek

assistance from their class adviser and/or Student Council Batch Representatives.

2. If the desired outcome is not obtained, the students may see

the Department Chair concerned. The Chair conducts an immediate investigation of the complaint and decides on the matter within three (3) school days. The chair must also inform the student council of the decision.

3. If the students are not satisfied with the Chair’s decision, they

can elevate their complaint to the College Dean. The Dean thus convenes the Grievance Committee to hear and decide on the case within five (5) school days.

4. A copy of the decision will be furnished to the student, student

council and faculty member concerned. A.2 Class Complaint Against A Faculty Member

1. The class may ask for a dialogue with the faculty member

concerned to clarify matters. The President of the class or the Class Adviser (if not the subject of complaint) may act as facilitator.

2. If the desired outcome is not obtained, a formal written complaint

duly signed by at least 50% of the class may be submitted to the Department Chair. The Chair is given three (3) school days to settle the matter.

3. If the class members feel that the necessary action on their

complaint has not been obtained after the prescribed time has elapsed, they may submit a written complaint to the Dean. The Dean then convenes the Grievance Committee, which may be composed of the Prefect of Student Discipline, a Department Chair, the President of the Student Council or a Year-Level Student Representative, and the OCGS Head, unless a different composition of the Committee is constituted.

4. The Committee will take no more than three (3) school days to

submit its recommendation to the Dean, who then renders the final decision within three (3) school days.

A.3 Student Complaint Against A Department Chair Or A College of Arts and Sciences Administrator

1. The students see the Chair/Administrator for a dialogue where a

third party mutually acceptable to both may act as facilitator. The Chair/Administrator has three (3) school days to settle the matter.

2. If the student feels that the necessary action has not been

obtained after the prescribed time has elapsed, a formal complaint may be submitted to the College Dean. The Dean has three (3) school days to investigate and settle the matter.

revised code of discipline

Documents

student consultation

student body

bonafide student

student organization

bedan community

selfinitiated discipline

members batch representatives

amendment andor revision