Chapter 7

A. General Provisions

1. The Code of Discipline of the Ateneo de Naga University provides the discipline necessary for the attainment of the University Mission. It addresses the behavior and spirit of students (cf. III, B, C), on-and off-campus.

2. Matters pertaining to on and off-campus discipline fall under the jurisdiction of the Director of Student Affairs (or DSA for brevity).

For minor complaints concerning the discipline of students off-campus, the DSA will decide if they appropriately fall under the school’s jurisdiction.

The Director investigates all reported cases, ascertains the facts and imposes the proper sanctions for minor violations of the rules. The Disciplinary Board, however, is convened to address major violations referred to it by the DSA.

3. At the Ateneo de Naga University, the enrolled college student is responsible for his/her personal behavior and discipline and, consequently, is accountable for the results of personal choices and actions. Thus, he/she is the respondent to all eventual disciplinary actions against him/herself, not his or her parents, teachers or friends.

4. Social functions bearing the name of the University, whether within or outside the campus, require the approval of the DSA.

5. Official announcements and memoranda from the school administration are released through the designated bulletin boards, university websites, public address system and other official media. The students are responsible to keep themselves informed of these.

6. Students are summoned during class time ordinarily by means of a call slip signed by the DSA and other authorized offices. Students are required to report to the requesting office on the specified schedule.

7. Students are responsible to use school property with care. A student who causes damage or loss to the property of the school is subject to disciplinary measures and/or is required to replace the damaged or lost property.

8. Library rules and sanctions are designed to guarantee optimum use of the library to the university community.

The University Librarian refers all infractions or offenders to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for appropriate action.

9. Students must register their cars and procure the gate pass sticker from the Office of Administrative Services (or OAS, for brevity). They must park only in designated areas and avoid unnecessary blowing of horns. For the guidance of students concerned, a copy on the policy on car gate pass/sticker, parking and traffic management, can be secured at OAS.

10. If an instructor is not in class at the prescribed time, the students should wait quietly inside the classroom for 15 minutes for classes of one-and-a-half hours and 20 minutes for classes of three hours. After this lapse of time, the students may consider themselves dismissed from this particular class. The class beadle reports the instructor’s absence to the OSA and the department chair. However, if the class is notified of the instructor’s time of arrival, the students must wait until the designated time. If the instructor then fails to appear, the students dismiss themselves and the beadle informs the OSA of the instructor’s absence.

11. A student may be sent out of class by the instructor for misbehavior. He/She is considered absent from class, and must report immediately to the DSA.

12. Smoking is not allowed on campus. Possession or use of electronic cigarette is also prohibited.

13. No student may intentionally hinder another student from attending class, nor hinder a teacher from teaching. Infractions against this rule are considered serious.

14. No student may belong to a group or organization which uses violence as a means of initiation or of group self-expression, or which disrespects the rights and dignity of human persons, whether members or not, on or off campus.

Such groups are prohibited on campus. They may not use school property for any of their activities, including recruitment and initiation. The name Ateneo de Naga University may never be used or associated with any of their activities.

Membership in such groups or organizations is incompatible with membership in the University community and it may merit dismissal as the maximum sanction.

The following students are required to submit the signed Anti-Violence Pledge as part of enrolment or re-admission requirements:

a. New Students, which include Freshmen and Transferees

b. Returning Students / Applicants for Re-admission, which include those who are taking a second course

Violation of the Anti-Violence Policy is considered grave and merits non-readmission, dismissal or expulsion as a disciplinary sanction.

15. Students are subjected to disciplinary measures for the irresponsible use of the name of the school.

16. Bodyguards or chaperons of students may perform their duties on campus with the permission from the DSA. On campus, they must conduct themselves with proper decorum. The student concerned is responsible for his/her behavior.

B. Prescribed Uniform

There is a prescribed uniform for all college students. Students are required to wear the prescribed school uniform on all class days except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on and off classes inside the University.

1. Description

2. Prohibited Attire during Non-Uniform Days

During non-uniform days, the college students are allowed to wear casual attire which must conform to generally accepted standards of decency.

The following are guidelines for reference:

1. Not allowed for female students:

a. Backless shirts, blouses or shirts with spaghetti straps;

b. See-through blouses/shirts without undershirt and shirts with plunging necklines;

c. Dirty T-shirts, or with holes, or obscene prints and or prints advertising use of drugs and violence;

d. Dirty pants or with holes;

e. Mini-skirts, skimpy shorts; (Knee-length walking shorts are allowed);

f. Rubber slippers;

g. and other attire the school administration may find not proper or unfit for regular academic activities.

2. Not allowed for male students:

a. Dirty T-shirts, with holes, with obscene prints and/ or prints advertising use of drugs and violence;

b. Dirty pants or with holes (Knee-length walking shorts are allowed)

c. Rubber slippers (decent sandals, however, may be tolerated);

3. No cross-dressing shall be tolerated.

4. The policy covers all college students who have enrolled in the Ateneo from school year 1997-1998 until the present.

3. Uniform Exemption Passes

Only those students under the following circumstances may be issued uniform exemption passes for a specified period only:

a. Re-admitted/old students whose entrance to the college was before the date of the uniform policy implementation;

b. Graduate/Working professionals taking up his/her second undergraduate course;

c. Members of religious congregations who observe their own prescribed attire or habit;

d. Those with physical deformities or handicapped; and,

e. Those who are in their later stages of pregnancy.

(Note: The last two conditions will be first validated and recorded by the Ateneo Higher Education Health Services Office/Infirmary.)

Procedure for applying for an exemption pass:

a. Apply in writing stating your name, student number, address, course and year and state your reason why you should be exempted.

b. Attach applicable documents to support your claim; e.g., medical records, certificate of employment, a copy of transcript of academic records/diploma and other verifiable documents).

c. Submit application to the assigned OSA personnel. Your application will be verified and evaluated.

4. Special uniform pass for students with On- the- Job Training

The following must be observed:

a. A complete list of students enrolled in their OJT classes, certified by the subject teacher, must be furnished to the OSA for dissemination to other subject teachers and the University Security Officer;

b. Concerned students must at all times carry their school ID’s and Matriculation Forms for purposes of verification by the OSA and any apprehending authorities;

c. Most offices require appropriate office attire, therefore, concerned students are expected to be at least in their casual/formal attire: dress for female students long sleeves or barong and matching slacks for male students

Note: If OJT days coincide with class days, they need not change to school uniform. They may come to class in their office attire.

d. If no prescribed attire is asked by these offices, students are advised to be in their school uniform.

e. On non-OJT days, students must come to class in their prescribed school uniforms.

5. Sanctions for Infractions of the Uniform Rule The following are the schedule of sanctions for infractions against the uniform rule.

First Offense - Sanction: Written Warning

Conditions for the Written Warning:

1. The written notice must be clear.

2. A formal letter indicating the following must be present:

a. Name of the student-offender

b. Date and time of violation

c. Charge (Indicate as first offense)

d. Possible consequences if offense is repeated

e. Acknowledgement of Receipt

3. The notice must be duly received.

4. The notice must be served by the OSA through its personnel.

5. A record of the offense must be filed for future reference.

Second and Third Offense Sanction: PhP5O.OO Fine/ Infraction

Conditions:

1. Issue a charge slip to the reported student- offender made in triplicate: 2nd copy for the Treasurer’s Office and 3rd copy to be retained by OSA.

2. The charge slip must be served by OSA and must indicate the following:

a. The number of offenses incurred during the semester.

b. The offender must acknowledge the charge slip, if offender refuses to

acknowledge, indicate the clause “Refused to Sign” and find a witness.

c. The offense will be recorded in his/her OSA file.

Fourth and Fifth Offense - Sanction: PhP1OO.OO Fine / Infraction with written notice to parents/guardians.

Conditions:

1. (Same as in the Second and Third Offense)

2. A letter to parents informing them of the offenses (and the corresponding

charges/fines) made by the student will be sent through mail or courier.

3. Student will be placed under Disciplinary Warning Status (DWS) on Uniform.

He/she together with his/her parents/guardians will sign the Behavioral

Contract Agreement for his/her DWS.

Sixth Offense and beyond - Sanction: PhP500.OO Fine / Infraction with written notice to parents / guardians.

Conditions: (Same as in the fourth and fifth offense)

It is noted that sanctions will be levied once in a school day and that the coverage or application of the sanctions is good for a school year. Payment of fines will be a condition of enrolment in the next semester.

6. School ID

The care of his/her identification card is one of the basic responsibilities of a student of the Ateneo de Naga University. It identifies the student as a member of the community, enabling access to all the facilities and services afforded to an ADNU student. It also serves as the main means for keeping the campus safe and secure for everyone. In line with this, please bear in mind the following:

1. Identification cards duly authorized to students are deemed part of the prescribed attire; hence, all students, in entering and staying in campus, must at all times wear their identification cards. While on campus, the ID should be clearly displayed, with the identity of the person clearly visible. The following practices, for instance, are unacceptable:

• Wearing the ID underneath ones clothing (shirt, jacket, etc.)

• Pinning the ID on a bag or any other item.

• Hiding important information on the ID card.

Non-wearing of ID inside the campus shall merit a penalty similar to the penalty provided for in the Sanctions for Infraction of the Uniform Rule (Chap.7, B#5).

2. A student ID is his/her personal responsibility.

• Should the ID be lost and the student failed to report its loss, he/she may be held liable for whatever is done in his/her name through the use of the ID card.

• Correspondingly, a student should never lend his/her ID to another student or to any person who is not authorized to conduct legitimate transaction in his/her behalf. Such conduct constitutes dishonesty and will merit disciplinary action, as specified for in this handbook.

3. Loss of the ID should be reported ASAP to OSA, as such occurrence exposes the whole Ateneo de Naga University community to various risks. A replacement ID will be provided at a higher cost (Php 240.00).

Procedure in applying for a new ID

1. Visit OSA and fill out the Application Form for New ID at OSA.

2. For lost ID, fill out the Report of Student ID Loss Form.

3. Pay Php 240 at the Treasurer’s Office.

4. Proceed to the RFID Photo Studio. Present your dilapidated ID or Report of Student ID Loss, application form, receipt and matriculation form. A new ID will be printed and issued to you.

C. List of Offenses

1. Offenses against Safety and Security

a. Bringing into, possessing and/or drinking alcoholic or any intoxicating beverages on campus

b. Coming into the campus under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances

c. Possession, use, or distribution of prohibited or dangerous drugs

d. Smoking

e. Possession of firearms and/or lethal weapons

f. Setting off any kind of firecrackers and/or pyrotechnics unless duly authorized by OSA

g. Misuse of university’s information technology facilities

h. Engaging in endangering behavior, defined as any action that might lead to loss of life or serious injury, whether intentionally or as a result of recklessness or gross negligence (as with removing fire alarms, tampering with fire extinguishers, sitting on ledges, dropping objects from buildings, refusing to conform to safety protocols, etc.)

i. Non-wearing of school ID

j. Illegally obtaining or gaining access to and/or using restricted school documents, facilities or equipment

k. Any other offense that may affect the security and safety of the University community

l. Any other offense that may affect the security and safety of the University community

2. Offenses against Persons

a. Egregious disrespect for person or disregard of truth or moral norms, that are incompatible with the University Mission and Profile of the University Graduate (cf. III B & C)

b. Physical assault

c. Acts of Sexual Harassment as stated in the Safe Spaces Act of 2019

d. Discourtesy to Ateneo administrators, faculty, staff, school guards or students

e. Instigating and/or engaging in activities resulting in injury or moral damage to persons

f. Preventing students, faculty or other members of the University community from discharging their duties

g. Acts of bullying including cyber bullying

h. Threatening offices or members of the University community

i. Engaging in a pattern of conduct that vexes or compromises the physical/ psychological well-being of a person, as with acts of harassment, stalking, coercion

j. Any act by word or deed that degrades or debases the dignity of a person

k. Unethical behaviors on social media and other digital platforms, especially those in relation to the conduct of the university’s online classes and activities.

3. Offenses against Property

a. Theft

b. Vandalism

c. Instigating and/or engaging in activities resulting in damage to school property

d. Any other offenses against property of the University or any of its members

4. Offenses against Order

a. Gambling

b. Unauthorized representation of the school in external activities or gatherings such as but not limited to bidding or entering into contracts for any purposes

c. Disturbing or disrupting a class or a school function without just cause

d. Selling food or other products inside the campus without proper permission

e. Bribery, or acceptance of a bribe/corruption, or any act meant to give or obtain favor or advantage illegally or unfairly, whether attempted, frustrated, or consummated

f. Organizing or being involved in groups or organizations which

i. Use violence, or

ii. Require members/applicants to act in any manner that is personally degrading and not directly related to what the group or organization is aiming to accomplish, or

iii. Express their exclusion of others through disrespect for and disregard of the rights and dignity of members and/or non-members

g. Violation against the rules and regulations of the University’s auxiliary units, e.g. immersion rules, retreat and recollection rules, internship, etc.

h. Deliberate disregard or defiance of a penalty or a sanction imposed by OSA or by the University President

i. Gaining undue advantage over others for personal benefit by illegitimate means

j. Frequent or repetitive and continuous disregard of this disciplinary code or any single offense considered serious in the same code

k. Committing other acts in and outside the campus which affect the good name, order or welfare of the school or have direct and immediate effect on the discipline, morale, or general welfare of the school

5. Offenses Involving Dishonesty

a. Any form of cheating or dishonesty as stipulated in the Policy on Intellectual or Academic Dishonesty, such as but not limited to the following:

i. Cheating during tests, quizzes, examinations, recitations, and/or other evaluative processes done within the classroom;

ii. Plagiarism or the submission of another’s work whether in part or in toto as one’s own; or the submission of another’s work or ideas without explicitly mentioning the source;

iii. Acts which abet or contribute to the commission of the above mentioned practices;

iv. Cheating in SRA classes

b. Plagiarism in online or printed publications or in speeches

c. Tampering with and/or falsifying school or public documents and/or communication, or securing or using such documents whether physical or electronic, especially those that are part of, or affect, the official processes of the University

d. Malversation of funds collected from the students

e. Any other forms of dishonesty

6. Offenses against Public Morals

a. Accessing, possessing or distributing pornographic materials on campus, whether in physical or electronic form

b. Engaging in, or provoking, scandalous behavior on campus or during a school-sanctioned function

c. Any form of public immorality

When the penalty imposed on a student is short of dismissal, i.e., suspension and/or reprimand, the student concerned will be placed on “Strict Disciplinary Probation Status” (SDPS) for not less than one semester but not more than one academic year.

D. Due Process

The right to due process is an imperative of Christian charity and justice and is guaranteed under the Philippine Constitution and defined by Manual of Regulations for Private Schools. This right shall be observed in the conduct and resolutions of any and all disciplinary case(s). Due process involving students requires:

1. The student must be informed in writing of the nature and cause of the accusation against him/her;

2. The student shall have the right to answer the charges against him/her, with assistance of counsel, if desired;

3. The student shall be informed of the evidence against him/her;

4. The student shall have the right to adduce evidence in his/her own behalf;

5. The evidence must be duly considered by the investigating committee or official designated by the school authorities to hear and decide the case.

However, the school determines the process for handling students’ disciplinary cases, not the courts.

E. Procedure for Adjudication and Investigation of Disciplinary Cases

In the investigation and adjudication of disciplinary cases the following procedure is followed:

1. The aggrieved party files a complaint with the Director of Student Affairs (DSA) stating the nature and the circumstances of the offense. The evidence or other materials relevant to the case must be included in the complaint.

2. The DSA notifies the student concerned of charge(s) against him/her, furnishes him/her with the copy of the complaint and the evidence against him/her. The student is required to respond in writing to said charge(s) by filing his/her written response and statements of witnesses, including the evidence within 72 hours after receipt of notice or at the specified period of time as prescribed by the DSA. Failure to submit a reply will constitute a waiver of the right to be heard. However, the case shall proceed.

3. The DSA then interviews all parties involved and conducts additional investigations as may be necessary.

4. After the facts have been ascertained, the DSA assesses the gravity of the offense presented and the evidence of guilt or innocence. For minor offenses, the DSA imposes the appropriate penalty, which is executory.

5. For cases warranting suspension, dismissal or expulsion, the DSA convenes the Disciplinary Board (DB).

6. Parents or guardian/s, the dean of college, and the department chair of the respondent/s shall be duly notified by the DSA for offenses punishable by suspension, dismissal or expulsion.

7. The DSA presents the written report, including formal charges, the evidence and other related material relevant to the case, the past disciplinary records of the student concerned, and recommends suspension, dismissal or expulsion to the DB sitting in preliminary hearing. Upon ascertaining that the recommendation of the DSA warrants further consideration based on the evidence at hand, the DB moves to process the case further.

8. The DB sets the date for the formal hearing and deliberation.

9. The DB notifies in writing all parties involved and requests their presence at the formal hearing.

10. While the responsibility for filing a complaint or for answering complaints/charges directed against him/her rests solely with the student, both the complainant and the respondent may ask a faculty member or a fellow student or a lawyer of his/her choice, if desired, to serve as a personal counselor/adviser during the processing of his or her case. During the process, such a counselor may request to be recognized by the DB. An administrator, however, cannot be chosen as counselor. The complainant and the respondent shall submit the names of their respective counselors to the DB prior to the scheduled hearing.

11. During the hearing, each party presents its side and supporting evidence (documents as well as witnesses). The Board questions the parties and their witnesses, as necessary. The DB then deliberates on the case and decides whether the respondent is guilty or innocent, whether the sanction recommended by the DSA shall be imposed, or determines another sanction.

12. The DB submits its judgment, and penalty, in writing to the President for approval or disapproval.

13. The DSA communicates the judgment immediately after the President acts in the recommendation to the student concerned in writing.

14. The student may appeal the judgment to the President within five (5) days from receipt of judgment.

15. The decision of the President on any appeal is final and executory.

16. The DSA shall administer and oversee the implementation of the decision.

F. The Disciplinary Board

1. The Disciplinary Board is composed of seven (7) members: two (2) representatives from the faculty, two (2) representatives from the parents, two (2) representatives from the students, and a chairperson, appointed by the President. They shall serve for a period of one school year.

2. For any hearing, at least four (4) members must be present consisting of the representatives from each sector and the Chair.

3. In the interest of the reputations of the concerned, the DB deliberations are documented and confidential, unless released by the president for disclosure/publication in whole or part.

G. Provisions on Penalties

The penalties for minor offenses shall be given by the DSA, while the penalties for grave offenses shall be decided by the University President after the deliberation and recommendation by the Disciplinary Board.

The determination on whether the offense is minor or grave depends on the following:

1. The facts surrounding the case;

2. The gravity of the violation committed;

3. The seriousness of the damage or injury caused; and

4. Such other factors as may be deemed worthy of consideration.

The following are the penalties for minor and grave offenses:

Penalties for Minor Offenses:

1. Written Reprimand from the DSA

2. Written apology from the student

3. Mandatory School or community work

4. Restitution

5. Fines

6. Disciplinary Warning Status

Penalties for Grave Offenses:

1. Strict Disciplinary Status. The duration and conditions of which shall be recommended by the Disciplinary Board and approved by the University President. Automatic dismissal shall be given if any of the conditions is violated.

2. Suspension. MoRPHE’s Suspension deprives or denies the erring student from attending his/ her in classes and school activities for a definite period of time during a semester. The student shall be reinstated in the school after the duration of suspension and upon compliance with the sanctions and interventions as stated in the decision. During the period of suspension, the erring student’s credentials are withheld.

A student under investigation of a case involving the penalty of suspension, dismissal or expulsion may be preventively suspended from entering the school premises if the evidence of guilt is strong and/or the school head is morally convinced that the continued stay of the student during the period of investigation constitutes sufficient distraction to the normal operation of the school or poses real or imminent threat or danger to persons and property in the school’s premises and activities.

3. Non-Readmission. MoRPHE’s Non-Readmission denies or deprives a student to enroll for a semester or school year following the semester when the resolution or decision finding him/her responsible of the offense charged and imposing the penalty of non-readmission was promulgated. The student may be reinstated in the school after the duration of non-readmission and upon compliance with the sanctions and interventions as stated in the decision. If during the period of non-readmission, the erring student decides to transfer to another school, he/she may be issued transfer credentials upon compliance with the required sanctions and interventions, and completion of the school’s clearance process and requirements, but he/she is not entitled to Honorable Dismissal and Certificate of Good Moral Character.

4. Dismissal. Dismissal or dropping terminates the student’s status as a student of the University. Once an erring student is dismissed, he/she becomes ineligible for readmission to the University. The dismissed student shall be issued his/her transfer credentials upon compliance with the sanctions and interventions as stated in the decision, and completion of the school’s clearance process and requirements. He/She is not entitled to Honorable Dismissal and Certificate of Good Moral Character.

5. Expulsion. “The penalty of expulsion is an extreme form of administrative sanction which (bans) the student from all private and public schools. To be valid and effective, the penalty of expulsion requires the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Expulsion is usually considered proper punishment for gross misconduct or dishonesty and/or such offenses as hazing, carrying deadly weapons, immorality, drunkenness, vandalism, hooliganism, assaulting a teacher or any other school authority or his agent or student, instigating, engaging in activities resulting in damages to campus or school facilities, property or injury to persons, preventing or threatening students or faculty members or school authorities from discharging their duties or from attending classes or entering the school premises, forging or tampering with school records or transfer forms, or securing or using forged credentials” (Reamendment to paragraph 146 sub paragraph a and c of the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools, Seventh Edition, 1970 as contained in Circular no. 16, 1970).

Penalties listed under minor offenses may be added in the penalties for grave offenses.

Formative interventions such as but not limited to guidance counseling may be offered to students involved in discipline-related concerns. Students who are given disciplinary sanctions are required to attend guidance counseling.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Some provisions in this chapter may be revised or suspended during the pandemic. Please read the Temporary Revisions and Supplemental Guidelines Implementing the Code of Discipline, and other relevant policies and guidelines thru the following link. Further, kindly read the official university announcements and memoranda thru the Gbox/Email System and social media platforms.