Institutional Ethics & Discipline

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct of Stella Mary's College of Engineering establishes expectations for discipline, academic integrity, professional behaviour, mutual respect and responsible participation among students, faculty members, administrators and institutional leadership.

Institutional Conduct Framework

Discipline, Responsibility & Professional Ethics

Students are required to observe discipline and decorous behaviour both inside and outside the college and should not engage in any activity that may adversely affect the dignity or reputation of the institution. Faculty members and institutional leaders are likewise expected to uphold professional, academic, ethical and administrative standards.

Core Principle Respect, discipline, academic integrity and professional responsibility.

Who does the Code of Conduct apply to?

The institutional code defines expectations across major stakeholder groups.

Students
Faculty Members
Governing Body
Principal & Institutional Leadership

Code of Conduct for Students

Guidelines covering student discipline, punctuality, behaviour and responsibility.

Discipline & Attendance

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of discipline at all times.

  • College timing is 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Students should attend classes regularly and punctually. College buses leave the campus by 4:30 p.m.
  • Students arriving late may enter classes only with appropriate permission from the Head of the respective department.
  • Students should not leave classes without appropriate permission.
  • When leave is required, the prescribed leave procedure should be followed and the leave form should be submitted with the required parental approval.
  • Students should wear their Identity Card while entering and remaining on the campus.
  • Uniform and institutional dress requirements should be followed. Overcoats should be worn in workshops and laboratories where required for safety.
  • Assignments, records, homework and other academic work should be submitted on time.
  • Parents or guardians are expected to attend scheduled meetings concerning student progress and development.
  • Participation in inter-college competitions and media programmes should be undertaken only after obtaining appropriate institutional permission.
  • Institutional regulations and disciplinary guidelines should be followed throughout the campus.

Student Responsibilities

Students share responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful and sustainable campus.

  • Maintain an eco-friendly campus.
  • Follow the prescribed dress code.
  • Maintain appropriate personal appearance and campus decorum.
  • Do not write on or damage walls, furniture or institutional property.
  • Avoid sitting on parapet walls and stairways in a manner that obstructs movement or creates safety risks.
  • Be punctual for theory classes, laboratory classes, guest lectures and institutional meetings.
  • Remain present until the conclusion of scheduled meetings and seminars.
  • Show respect during the prayer song, national anthem and institutional ceremonies.
  • Extend appropriate hospitality during institutional programmes.
  • Maintain cordial relationships with others and promote harmony in a multicultural environment.
  • Conserve energy by switching off fans, lights and equipment when not required.
  • Take responsibility for protecting institutional property.
  • Do not engage in ragging. Ragging is prohibited and may result in disciplinary and legal action in accordance with applicable regulations.

Campus Discipline & Prohibited Conduct

Students must follow institutional rules intended to maintain a safe and professional environment.

  • Visitors are not normally permitted during class hours without appropriate institutional permission.
  • Where a student is found responsible for serious indiscipline, the institution may take appropriate disciplinary action and communicate the matter to the parent or guardian.
  • Students should not loiter on campus when classes are in progress and may use academic facilities such as the library during free periods.
  • Students should not organise unauthorised unions, meetings or gatherings.
  • Outsiders should not be brought into the campus without prior permission.
  • Smoking, consumption of alcohol, intoxicants and prohibited drugs are not allowed on campus.
  • Students should not use abusive, derogatory or inappropriate language within the institution.
  • Serious irregularity in attendance, insubordination, examination malpractice, misconduct or other major disciplinary violations may lead to institutional action.
  • Students are expected to maintain good academic progress together with high standards of discipline.
  • Students are advised to arrive on campus before the beginning of the morning session.
  • Students arriving after the prescribed reporting time may be required to follow the institutional late-entry procedure.
  • Damage to institutional property may result in disciplinary action and recovery of costs.
Stella Mary's College of Engineering emphasises that academic achievement and disciplined conduct should develop together as part of a professional engineering education.

Academic & Professional Behaviour

Students are expected to participate responsibly in academic and institutional activities.

  • Attend classes, laboratories and academic activities regularly.
  • Complete academic work within prescribed timelines.
  • Respect teaching and non-teaching staff.
  • Maintain appropriate behaviour during institutional events and academic programmes.
  • Follow examination rules and academic-integrity requirements.
  • Use institutional resources responsibly.
  • Support an inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Code of Conduct for Faculty Members

Professional expectations for teaching, assessment, institutional responsibility and ethical behaviour.

Faculty Professional Responsibilities

Faculty members are expected to uphold professional ethics, academic integrity and fairness.

  • Faculty members should discharge assigned duties honestly, responsibly and diligently.
  • Academic responsibilities such as teaching, demonstrations, invigilation and assessment should be performed professionally.
  • Assessment of students should be fair and free from partiality.
  • Discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, race, sex or other inappropriate grounds should be avoided.
  • Institutional policies, academic procedures and administrative directions should be followed.
  • Faculty members should not engage in activities that adversely affect academic standards.
  • Professional, respectful and appropriate behaviour should be maintained with students and colleagues.
  • Applicable laws and institutional rules concerning intoxicants and prohibited substances must be followed.
  • Faculty members should not remain absent from duty without appropriate prior permission.
  • Leave may be availed in accordance with institutional rules and prevailing management policies.

Code of Conduct for Institutional Leadership

Responsibilities of the Governing Body and Principal in maintaining effective governance and academic quality.

Governing Body

The Governing Body provides institutional oversight and strategic governance.

  • Monitor academic and non-academic activities of the institution.
  • Consider and act upon recommendations of duly constituted staff selection mechanisms.
  • Follow communications, regulations and decisions received from the University, Government, AICTE and other applicable authorities.
  • Give due consideration to student and faculty development programmes.
  • Review and implement appropriate recommendations of the Governing Council.
  • Review institutional income and expenditure periodically.

Principal

The Principal provides academic and administrative leadership to the institution.

The Principal is responsible for addressing and coordinating major academic and institutional matters and for ensuring the effective functioning of the college.

  • Promote the academic growth of the institution.
  • Monitor teaching and training activities.
  • Guide faculty in planning and implementing academic programmes such as bridge courses, value-added courses and seminars.
  • Monitor hostel-related institutional responsibilities where applicable.
  • Oversee student admissions.
  • Maintain institutional discipline.
  • Coordinate with the management of the institution.
  • Ensure maintenance of academic, administrative, university and regulatory records.
  • Supervise internal and university examinations.

What is the purpose of the Code of Conduct at Stella Mary's College of Engineering?

The Code of Conduct at Stella Mary's College of Engineering, Kanyakumari, establishes clear expectations for discipline, academic integrity, professional ethics and responsible behaviour. Students are expected to maintain punctuality, respect institutional rules, protect campus property and contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment. Faculty members are expected to perform their academic duties fairly and professionally, while the Governing Body and Principal are responsible for institutional oversight, academic quality, governance, administration and compliance with applicable regulations.