HYDERABAD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Gowdavalli(v),Medchal(M),R.R DIST-501401
www.hitam.org

STUDENTS’ HANDBOOK ON CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

ALONG WITH STANDARD PROCEDURES

1. PREAMBLE

This Handbook indicates the standard procedures and practices of the Indian Institute of
Science (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Institute’) for all students enrolling with the Institute
for pursuing varied courses. All students must know that it is incumbent upon them to
abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Code’) and the
rights, responsibilities including the restrictions flowing from it.

That the Institute’s endeavour by means of enforcing this Code is to pioneer and
administer a student discipline process that is egalitarian, conscientious, effectual and
expeditious; and providing a system which promotes student growth through individual
and collective responsibility.

All Students are requested to be well conversant with this Code, which can be also
reviewed on the official website of the Institute

2. JURISDICTION

2.1 The Institute shall have the jurisdiction over the conduct of the students associated
/enrolled with the Institute and to take cognisance of all acts of misconduct
including incidents of ragging or otherwise which are taking place on the
Institute campus or in connection with the Institute related activities and
functions.

2.2 Institute may also exercise jurisdiction over conduct which occurs off-campus
violating the ideal student conduct and discipline as laid down in this Policy and
other regulations, as if the conduct has occurred on campus which shall include

a) Any violations of the Sexual Harassment Policy of the Institute against other
students of the Institute.
b) Physical assault, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or
 safety of any person including other students of the Institute;
c) Possession or use of weapons, explosives, or destructive devices off-campus

d) Manufacture, sale, or distribution of prohibited drugs, alcohol etc.

e) Conduct which has a negative impact or constitutes a nuisance to members

of the surrounding off-campus community.

The Institute, while determining whether or not to exercise such off-campus jurisdiction in
situations enumerated hereinabove, the Institute shall consider the seriousness of the alleged
offense, the risk of harm involved, whether the victim(s) are members of the campus
community and/or whether the off campus conduct is part of a series of actions, which
occurred both on, and off-campus.
3. Ethics and Conduct

3.1 This Code shall apply to all kinds of conduct of students that occurs on the
Institute premises including in University sponsored activities, functions hosted
by other recognized student organizations and any off-campus conduct that has
or may have serious consequences or adverse impact on the Institute’s Interests
or reputation.

3.2 At the time of admission, each student must sign a statement accepting this Code
and by giving an undertaking that

a) he/she shall be regular and must complete his/her studies in the Institute.

b) In the event, a student is forced to discontinue studies for any legitimate

reason, such a student may be relieved from the Institute subject to written
consent of the Deans

c) As a result of such relieving, the student shall be required to clear pending

hostel / mess dues and if a student had joined the Institute on a scholarship,
the said grant shall be revoked.

3.3. Institute believes in promoting a safe and efficient climate by enforcing

behavioural standards. All students must uphold academic integrity, respect
all persons and their rights and property and safety of others; etc.

3.4 All students must deter from indulging in any and all forms of misconduct
including partaking in any activity off-campus which can affect the
Institute’s interests and reputation substantially. The various forms of
misconduct include:

3.5 Any act of discrimination (physical or verbal conduct) based on an

individual’s gender, caste, race, religion or religious beliefs, colour, region,
language, disability, or sexual orientation, marital or family status, physical or
mental disability, gender identity, etc.

3.6 Intentionally damaging or destroying Institute property or property of other

students and/or faculty members

3.7 Any disruptive activity in a class room or in an event sponsored by the

Institute
3.8 Unable to produce the identity card, issued by the Institute, or refusing to
produce it on demand by campus security guards

3.9 Participating in activities including

3.9.1 Organizing meetings and processions without permission from the
Institute.
3.9.2 Accepting membership of religious or terrorist groups banned by
the Institute/Government of India
3.9.3 Unauthorized possession, carrying or use of any weapon,
ammunition, explosives, or potential weapons, fireworks, contrary
to law or policy.
3.9.4 Unauthorized possession or use of harmful chemicals and banned
drugs
3.9.5 Smoking on the campus of the Institute
3.9.6 Possessing, Consuming, distributing, selling of alcohol in the
Institute and/or throwing empty bottles on the campus of the
Institute
3.9.7 Parking a vehicle in a no parking zone or in area earmarked for
parking other type of vehicles
3.9.8 Rash driving on the campus that may cause any inconvenience to
others
3.9.9 Not disclosing a pre-existing health condition, either physical or
psychological, to the Chief Medical Officer which may cause
hindrance to the academic progress.
3.9.10 Theft or unauthorized access to others resources
3.9.11 Misbehaviour at the time of student body elections or during any
activity of the Institute.
3.9.12 Engaging in disorderly, lewd, or indecent conduct, including, but
not limited to, creating unreasonable noise; pushing and shoving;
inciting or participating in a riot or group disruption at the Institute.

3.10 Students are expected not to interact, on behalf of the Institute, with media
representatives or invite media persons on to the campus without the
permission of the Institute authorities.

3.11 Students are not permitted to either audio or video record lectures in class
rooms or actions of other students, faculty, or staff without prior
permission.

3.12 Students are not permitted to provide audio and video clippings of any
activity on the campus to media without prior permission.

3.13 Students are expected to use the social media carefully and responsibly.
They cannot post derogatory comments about other individuals from the
Institute on the social media or indulging in any such related activities
having grave ramifications on the reputation of the Institute.
 3.14 Theft or abuse of the Institute computers and other electronic resources
such as computer and electronic communications facilities, systems, and
services which includes unauthorized entry , use, tamper, etc. of Institute
property or facilities, private residences of staff/professors etc. offices,
classrooms, computers networks, and other restricted facilities and
interference with the work of others is punishable.

3.15 Damage to, or destruction of, any property of the Institute, or any property
of others on the Institute premises.

3.16 Making a video/audio recording, taking photographs, or streaming

audio/video of any person in a location where the person has a reasonable
expectation of privacy, without that person’s knowledge and express
consent.

3.17 Indulging in any form of Harassment which is defined as a conduct that is

severe and objectively, a conduct that is motivated on the basis of a person’s
race, colour, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, religion, age, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or
mental disability, medical condition,

4 If there is a case against a student for a possible breach of code of conduct, then a
committee will be formed to recommend a suitable disciplinary action who shall inquire
into the alleged violation and accordingly suggest the action to be taken against the said
student. . The committee may meet with the student to ascertain the misconduct and
suggest one or more of the following disciplinary actions based on the nature of
misconduct.

4.1 WARNING- Indicating that the action of the said delinquent student was in
violation of the Code and any further acts of misconduct shall result in severe
disciplinary action.

4.2 RESTRICTIONS -Reprimanding and Restricting access to various facilities on

the campus for a specified period of time.

4.3 COMMUNITY SERVICE - For a specified period of time to be extended if

need be. However, any future misconduct along with failure to comply with
any conditions imposed may lead to severe disciplinary action, including
suspension or expulsion.

4.4 EXPULSION - Expulsion of a student from the Institute permanently.

Indicating prohibition from entering the Institute premises or participating in
any student related activities or campus residences etc.

4.5 MONETARY PENALTY- May also include suspension or forfeiture of

scholarship/fellowship for a specific time period.
 4.6 SUSPENSION- A student may be suspended for a specified period of time
which will entail prohibition on participating in student related activities,
classes, programs etc. Additionally, the student will be forbidden to use various
Institute facilities unless permission is obtained from the Competent Authority.
Suspension, may also follow by possible dismissal, along with the following
additional penalties.

4.7 Ineligibility to reapply for admission to the Institute for a period of three years,
and

4.8 Withholding the grade card or certificate for the courses studied or work
carried out

5 APPEAL: If the delinquent student is aggrieved by the imposition of any of the

aforementioned penalties, he/she may appeal to the Director. The Director may decide
on one of the following:

5.1 accept the recommendation of the committee and impose the

punishment as suggested by the Committee or modify and impose
any of the punishments a as stipulated in this Code which is
commensurate with the gravity of the proved misconduct, Or

5.2 Refer the case back to the committee for reconsideration.

In any case the Director’s decision is final and binding in all the cases where there is
a possible misconduct by a student.

6 Academic Integrity

As a premier institution for advanced scientific and technological research and

education, the Institute values academic integrity and is committed to fostering an
intellectual and ethical environment based on the principles of academic integrity.
Academic Integrity encompasses honesty and responsibility and awareness relating to
ethical standards for the conduct of research and scholarship. The Institute believes
that in all academic work, the ideas and contributions of others must be appropriately
acknowledged. Academic integrity is essential for the success of the Institute and its
research missions, and hence, violations of academic integrity constitutes a serious
offence.

6.1 Scope and Purpose

A. This Policy on academic integrity, which forms an integral part of the Code, applies
to all students at the Institute and are required to adhere to the said policy. The
purpose of the Policy is twofold:

 To clarify the principles of academic integrity, and

  To provide examples of dishonest conduct and violations of academic integrity.
NOTE : These examples are only illustrative, NOT exhaustive. 

B. Failure to uphold these principles of academic integrity threatens both the
reputation of the University and the value of the degrees awarded to its students.
Every member of the University community therefore bears a responsibility for
ensuring that the highest standards of academic integrity are upheld.

C. The principles of academic integrity require that a student,

 properly acknowledges and cites use of the ideas, results, material or words of
 others.
  properly acknowledges all contributors to a given piece of work.
 makes sure that all work submitted as his or her own in a course or other
academic activity is produced without the aid of impermissible materials or
impermissible collaboration.
 obtains all data or results by ethical means and reports them accurately without
suppressing any results inconsistent with his or her interpretation or
conclusions.
 treats all other students in an ethical manner, respecting their integrity and right
to pursue their educational goals without interference. This requires that a
student neither facilitates academic dishonesty by others nor obstructs their
academic progress.

6.2 Violations of this policy include, but are not limited to:

(i) Plagiarism means the use of material, ideas, figures, code or data as one’s own, without
appropriately acknowledging the original source. This may involve submission of material,
verbatim or paraphrased, that is authored by another person or published earlier by
oneself.
Examples of plagiarism include:

(a) Reproducing, in whole or part, text/sentences from a report, book, thesis,

publication or the internet.

(b) Reproducing one’s own previously published data, illustrations, figures, images, or
someone else’s data, etc.

(c) Taking material from class-notes or incorporating material from the internet
graphs, drawings, photographs, diagrams, tables, spreadsheets, computer programs, or
other non-textual material from other sources into one’s class reports, presentations,
manuscripts, research papers or thesis without proper attribution.

(d) Self plagiarism which constitutes copying verbatim from one's own earlier
published work in a journal or conference proceedings without appropriate citations.

e) Submitting a purchased or downloaded term paper or other materials to satisfy a

course requirement.
f) Paraphrasing or changing an author’s words or style without citation.

(ii) Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Copying during examinations, and copying of homework assignments, term papers,
theses or manuscripts.

(b) Allowing or facilitating copying, or writing a report or taking examination for

someone else.

(c) Using unauthorized material, copying, collaborating when not authorized, and
purchasing or borrowing papers or material from various sources.

(d) Fabricating (making up) or falsifying (manipulating) data and reporting them in
thesis and publications.

(e)Creating sources, or citations that do not exist

(f) Altering previously evaluated and re-submitting the work for re-evaluation

(g) Signing another student’s name on an assignment, report, research paper, thesis or
attendance sheet

(iii) Conflict of Interest: A clash of personal or private interests with professional

activities can lead to a potential conflict of interest, in diverse activities such as
teaching, research, publication, working on committees, research funding and
consultancy. It is necessary to protect actual professional independence, objectivity and
commitment, and also to avoid an appearance of any impropriety arising from conflicts
of interest.

Conflict of interest is not restricted to personal financial gain; it extends to a large

gamut of professional academic activities including peer reviewing, serving on various
committees, which may, for example, oversee funding or give recognition, as well as
influencing public policy.

To promote transparency and enhance credibility, potential conflicts of interests must

be disclosed in writing to appropriate authorities, so that a considered decision can be
made on a case-by-case basis. Some additional information is available also in the
section below dealing with resources.

4.3 Guidelines for academic conduct are provided below to guard against negligence as
well as deliberate dishonesty:
(a) Use proper methodology for experiments and computational work. Accurately
describe and compile data.

(b) Carefully record and save primary and secondary data such as original pictures,
instrument data readouts, laboratory notebooks, and computer folders. There should
be minimal digital manipulation of images/photos; the original version should be saved
for later scrutiny, if required, and the changes made should be clearly described.
(c) Ensure robust reproducibility and statistical analysis of experiments and
simulations. It is important to be truthful about the data and not to omit some data
points to make an impressive figure (commonly known as “cherry picking”).

(d) Laboratory notes must be well maintained in bound notebooks with printed page
numbers to enable checking later during publications or patenting. Date should be
indicated on each page.

(e) Write clearly in your own words. It is necessary to resist the temptation to “copy
and paste” from the Internet or other sources for class assignments, manuscripts and
thesis.

(f) Give due credit to previous reports, methods, computer programs, etc. with
appropriate citations. Material taken from your own published work should also be
cited; as mentioned above, it will be considered self-plagiarism otherwise.

6.3. Individual and Collective Responsibility: The responsibility varies with the role
one plays.

a) Student roles: Before submitting a thesis (M Tech, M Tech (Res), or PhD) to the
department, the student is responsible for checking the thesis for plagiarism using
software that is available on the web (see resources below). In addition, the student
should undertake that he/she is aware of the academic guidelines of the Institute,
has checked the document for plagiarism, and that the thesis is original work. A
web-check does not necessarily rule out plagiarism. If a student observes or
becomes aware of any violations of the academic integrity policy he/she is strongly
encouraged to report the misconduct in a timely manner.

b) Faculty roles: Faculty members should ensure that proper methods are followed for
experiments, computations and theoretical developments, and that data are properly
recorded and saved for future reference. In addition, they should review
manuscripts and theses carefully. Faculty members are also responsible for ensuring
personal compliance with the above broad issues relating to academic integrity.
Faculty members are expected to inform students of the Institute’s academic
integrity policy within their specific courses, to ensure minimal academic
dishonesty, and to respond appropriately and timely to violations of academic
integrity.
 c) Institutional roles: A breach of academic integrity is a serious offence with long
lasting consequences for both the individual and the institute, and this can lead to
various sanctions. In the case of a student the first violation of academic breach will
lead to a warning and/or an “F” course grade. A repeat offence, if deemed
sufficiently serious, could lead to expulsion. It is recommended that faculty bring
any academic violations to the notice of the department Chairperson. Upon receipt
of reports of scientific misconduct, the Director may appoint a committee to
investigate the matter and suggest appropriate measures on a case by case basis.

7 ANTI-RAGGING

The Institute has a coherent and an effective anti-ragging policy in place which is based on
the ‘UGC Regulation on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009
[hereinafter referred to as the ‘UGC Regulations’]’.The UGC Regulations have been
framed in view of the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to prevent
and prohibit ragging in all Indian Educational Institutions and Colleges. The said UGC
Regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Institute and the students are requested
kindly to

7.1 Ragging constitutes one or more of the following acts:

a) any conduct by any student or students whether by words spoken or written or by an

act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any student;

b) indulging in rowdy or undisciplined activities by any student or students which causes

or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship, physical or psychological harm or to raise fear
or apprehension thereof in any other student;
c) asking any student to do any act which such student will not in the ordinary course do
and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame, or torment or
embarrassment so as to adversely affect the physique or psyche of such a student;

d) any act by a senior student that prevents, disrupts or disturbs the regular academic
activity of any student;

e) exploiting the services of a student for completing the academic tasks assigned to an
individual or a group of students;

f) any act of financial extortion or forceful expenditure burden put on a student by other
students;

g) any act of physical abuse including all variants of it: sexual abuse, stripping, forcing
obscene and lewd acts, gestures, causing bodily harm or any other danger to health or
person;

h) any act or abuse by spoken words, emails, post, public insults which would also include
deriving perverted pleasure, vicarious or sadistic thrill from actively or passively
participating in the discomfiture to any other student ;
i) any act that affects the mental health and self-confidence of any other student with or
without an intent to derive a sadistic pleasure or showing off power, authority or
superiority by a student over any other student.

7.2 ANTI-RAGGING COMMITTEE:

The Anti-Ragging Committee, as constituted by the Director and headed by students
affairs advisors shall examine all complaints of anti-ragging and come out with
recommendation based on the nature of the incident. The committee shall be headed by
students affairs advisors, and can have as its members, the Deans, Student Counselors,
Faculty Advisors, Chairperson of the concerned Department.

7.3 ANTI-RAGGING SQUAD

To render assistance to students, an Anti-Ragging Squad, which is a smaller body, has also
been constituted consisting of various members of the campus community. The said Squad
shall keep a vigil on ragging incidents taking place in the community and undertake
patrolling functions. Students may note that the Squad is active and alert at all times and
are empowered to inspect places of potential ragging, and also make surprise raids in
hostels and other hotspots in the Institute. The Squad can also investigate incidents of
ragging and make recommendations to the Anti-Ragging Committee and shall work under
the guidance of the Anti-Ragging Committee.
 7.4 A student found guilty by the committee will attract one or more of the following
punishments, as imposed by the Anti-Ragging Committee:

a) Suspension from attending classes and academic privileges.

b) Withholding/ withdrawing scholarship/ fellowship and other benefits.
c) Debarring from appearing in any test/ examination or other evaluation process.
d) Withholding results.
e) Debarring from undertaking any collaborative work or attending national or
international conferences/symposia/meeting to present his/her research work.
f) Suspension/ expulsion from the hostels and mess.
g) Cancellation of admission.
h) Expulsion from the institution and consequent debarring from admission to any other
institution for a specified period.
i) In cases where the persons committing or abetting the act of ragging are not identified,
the institute shall resort to collective punishment.
j) If need be, in view of the intensity of the act of ragging committed, a First Information
Report (FIR) shall be filed by the Institute with the local police authorities.

The Anti-Ragging Committee of the Institute shall take appropriate decision, including
imposition of punishment, depending on the facts and circumstances of each incident of
ragging and nature and gravity of the incident of ragging.

7.5 An Appeal against the any of the orders of punishment enumerated hereinabove shall
lie to:
i) In case of an order of an institution, affiliated to or constituent part, of the Institute, to
the Director of the Institute.

8 SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Institute’s Policy on prevention and prohibition of sexual harassment at workplace,

2016 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the students of the Institute which can be accessed and
reviewed by the students at http://www.iisc.ernet.in/misc/harashment.htm Students
should note that sexual misconduct or harassment encompasses a range of conduct,
including but not limited to sexual assault, unwanted touching or persistent unwelcome
comments, e-mails, or pictures of an insulting or degrading sexual nature, which may
constitute harassment, which shall depend of the circumstances of each case.

9 STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Any student of the Institute aggrieved by any acts of sexual harassment, misconduct or
ragging as defined and summarised hereinabove can approach the Student Grievance
Redressal cell at the Institute. Further, any student who is aware of any violations must
report the same to the Cell. The Cell shall consist of members as appointed by the
Director. Said grievance must be in writing and should be made within 60 days from the
day of the alleged violation. The Cell shall take cognisance of the grievance and inform the
Committee formed to enforce this Code or the Internal Complaints Committee, in cases of
any sexual harassment complaints.

10 STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE

As Students are members of the Institute campus, they have a substantial interest in the
governance of the Institute. The Code, policies and the varied procedures laid down herein
intends that the principle of student involvement in governance in both administrative and
academic areas is essential and it is pivotal that Students must be, at all junctures, be
encouraged to put forth their views and advice, for an informed decision making. Student
Participation is encouraged and must be strengthened through the involvement of students
in all levels. Therefore, all students who are a part of the Institute and who are going to be
enrolled in the Institute are advised to uphold the policy and inform the Institute of any
violations and assist individually and collectively to improve the quality and effectiveness of
this Code and appended policies.