University of Leeds

School of Mathematics

Student Code of Conduct and Behaviour

Following suggestions from students, this code of conduct has been developed in conjunction with feedback from students and staff to ensure fair and equal access to learning opportunities. As employees of the University, all School staff also have to abide by a similar code of conduct.

This Code is designed to ensure that all students and staff have a comfortable environment in which to study, learn and work. The overriding principle is to be respectful and considerate of others, both of fellow students and staff. Students are expected to behave in a professional and responsible manner at all times.

Students at the University of Leeds sign up to the University’s Ordinances and Regulations, which form an essential part of the contract between the University of Leeds and students. These regulations state that students must not participate in “disorderly behaviour”, “harassment or other inappropriate behaviour towards staff or students”, and “conduct likely to bring the University into disrepute.” In terms of students’ behaviour during classes, the School adheres to the following guidelines:

• Lateness. Taught sessions will start promptly at five minutes past the hour and end promptly at five minutes to the hour, unless otherwise agreed with students for a particular session/module. If a student arrives late, he/she must enter the class room quietly and discretely and avoid disruption. The student might be asked to give an explanation for the late arrival.
• Talking. Students are expected to show respect for their fellow students and lecturing staff by NOT talking during taught sessions (unless given express permission to do so by the lecturer). If a student continues to talk after being warned the lecturer may ask the student to leave the room and may record the student's name.
• Mobile phones. The use of mobile phones and similar technology is not allowed during taught sessions, unless you have been given permission. This includes receiving and writing text messages.
• Food and drink. Normally eating and drinking is not allowed in teaching rooms and lecture theatres. If students have successive teaching sessions over the lunch hours, non-disruptive eating and drinking is permitted. However the handling of crisp bags, noisy wrappers or fizzy drinks is not allowed at any time.

If a student demonstrates a lack of respect and consideration for others, the lecturer or tutor can

• ask the student to leave the teaching session recording the student's name,
• ask the student to discuss his/her behaviour,
• ask the student to attend a formal meeting with the School’s Director of Learning and Teaching. A formal record of this meeting will be retained on the student’s academic record.

In extreme and persistent cases the School can refer students to the University’s Office of Academic Appeals and Regulations which may impose one or more penalties, such as a fine, a formal warning and suspension from the University.