Student Charter
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Student Charter is to set out the partnership in learning between the University and its students.
2. Scope
The Student Charter is a statement of Cavendish University Zambia’s aspirations and mutual expectations of staff and students, as they work together to achieve the University’s Mission. Expectations are drawn from the University’s policies and procedures.
The Student Charter details the partnership between the University and its students. The achievement of the University’s Mission is only possible through the respectful interactions of all members of the University community, fair student representation and active student participation in University life and community.
The Student Charter applies to all students (non-award, undergraduate, postgraduate and research) of Cavendish University Zambia (henceforth “CUZ” or “University”) regardless of the learning mode and location of their studies. The Charter was developed in consultation with students, through their representative bodies, and staff.
3. University Statements of Values and Principles
In pursuit of our Mission, the University is committed to our 10 guiding principles:
- Our students are most important: we work so that our students experience quality education and student services.
- We listen before we speak: we listen to our students, we understand their questions, and we then provide them with the answers they seek.
- We always show respect: we respect our students and each other.
- We resolve problems on a timely basis: we feel a sense of urgency to act quickly in the face of a problem.
- We are caring and collaborative: we have the best disposition and provide support to our students and our colleagues at work.
- We deliver on our promises: we honour our commitments and always abide by them.
- We are always improve: we search daily for better ways of doing things.
- We are one team: it does not matter whether we work at one location or another, we are the same team.
- We enjoy ourselves: We face each day with optimism and always spread positive messages to others.
- Nothing is impossible: We believe firmly in our mission and educational project to become the best private university in Zambia.
4. Student Charter
4.1 Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Research Expectations
Students can expect:
- assistance in their orientation and transition to Cavendish University Zambia;
- a range of learning and teaching approaches that facilitate engagement and communication between students and between students and their teachers, and the development of the CUZ Graduate attributes;
- fair, reliable and valid assessment including helpful and timely feedback on their academic work;
- clear information about course and program requirements;
- changes to programs and courses, made during the normal period of enrolment, allow students to complete their original program or transfer to a replacement program;
- data to be collected, analysed and reported about their learning for the purpose of informing student-centred education practices and optimising the learning environment;
- reasonable and equitable access to library, laboratory, studio, Internet, computing and general course resources.
The University expects students to:
- work to the best of their ability and towards the development of their skills and attributes per the University’s Academic Model;
- participate actively, positively and with integrity in teaching, learning and research activities;
- provide constructive feedback on their learning;
- take responsibility for managing their own learning, in accordance with the Academic Model and Calendar, ensuring attendance and full participation in all learning activities;
- complete and submit all required assessment tasks within required timeframes;
- comply with program and course requirements;
- respect the academic responsibility of the University to establish and maintain appropriate academic and professional standards in courses and programs;
- ensure their personal information including contact details are up to date, complete and accurate;
- regularly check for University communications;
- respect University property and use information technology and other resources in accordance with the University’s policies;
- comply with the minimum information technology requirements for study in the courses in which they enroll;
- conform fully and timely with their financial obligations with the University, including tuition and other fees, per the University’s Payment policy and procedures
4.2 Equity and Ethical Expectations
Students can expect to:
- be treated with courtesy, acceptance and respect;
- have their reasonable needs be respectfully addressed, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, background, disability or sexual preference;
- participate fully in the University’s activities free from harassment, discrimination, bullying or other anti-social or unlawful behaviours;
- have reasonable access to academic, professional and personal support;
- have access to the University’s policies and procedures;
- have a transparent admission system that is inclusive and equitable, administered in accordance with published criteria;
- have their personal information to remain confidential and to be released only with their consent and knowledge or when legally required, or when their personal safety or the safety of others is at risk;
- have a safe and healthy study environment provided by the University.
The University expects students to:
- treat and communicate with University staff and other students with courtesy, acceptance and respect at all times including via social media;
- observe reasonable standards of behaviour with respect to all University activities and University property, thereby refraining from harassment, discrimination, bullying or other forms of intimidating or unlawful behaviour against other students and staff;
- uphold professional standards of behaviour towards all persons they interact with in their capacity as a University student whilst undertaking activities related to their degree that are external to the University;
- conduct themselves in a safe manner;
- adhere to the highest ethical standards and undertake assessment tasks in an honest and trustworthy manner consistent with their purpose;
- disclose relevant information about circumstances that may impact on their capacity to undertake their studies for the purpose of making reasonable adjustments.
4.3 Feedback, Complaints and Discipline Expectations
Students can expect:
- their complaints to be addressed in a timely and professional manner;
- the University to seek and welcome their feedback on matters relating to the learning environment and courses and to be advised of the outcomes of such reviews;
- to access information in plain English and in multiple and accessible formats about how to apply for a review of a decision or submit a complaint along with access to independent peer support;
- staff to be aware of and uphold their responsibilities under the University's policies and procedures as they affect them and their interaction with students.
The University expects students to:
- attempt to resolve issues informally before seeking a review of a decision or making a student complaint;
- refrain from engaging in frivolous or vexatious complaints;
- be aware of and uphold their responsibilities under the University's policies and procedures and to abide by the conditions
4. Approval Controls
Review
Academic Registrar
Approved
Executive Director
Vice-Chancellor
Chairperson of University Council