1. Purpose and Scope

  • This Code of Conduct sets forth the principles, expectations, and responsibilities for all members of Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS), including mentors, mentees, faculty, administrative staff, and students, to foster an environment of academic integrity, respect, professionalism, and collaboration.

2. General Principles

  • Integrity and Honesty
    All members are expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity, ensuring honesty in communication, academic work, and representation of facts.
  • Respect and Inclusion
    Members are expected to respect the diversity of OCS, embracing all individuals without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.
  • Accountability
    Members are responsible for their actions and should seek to fulfil their obligations, meet deadlines, and honour commitments made to OCS and its community.

3. Professional Conduct

  • Interactions and Communication
    Communication, both oral and written, should be respectful, clear, and appropriate, reflecting a commitment to professionalism and consideration for others.
  • Confidentiality
    Members are to respect confidentiality in all matters related to OCS, especially in the handling of sensitive information about students, staff, and academic work.
  • Conflict Resolution
    Conflicts should be addressed constructively. Disputes among members, such as mentors and mentees, should be resolved through the Orapuh Redress and Disciplinary Committee.

4. Academic Integrity

  • Honesty in Scholarship
    Members are expected to produce and present original work, appropriately acknowledge sources, and refrain from plagiarism, falsification, or misrepresentation of data.
  • Avoiding Academic Misconduct
    Any form of cheating, collusion, or manipulation in assessments, research, or scholarly work is strictly prohibited and may lead to disciplinary action.
  • Intellectual Property
    Members should respect the intellectual property rights of others, avoiding the unauthorised use, distribution, or reproduction of protected works.

5. Use of College Resources

  • Appropriate Use
    College resources, including IT facilities, library resources, and other academic tools, should be used for legitimate academic purposes and in alignment with the College’s mission.
  • Institutional Email
    Members should use the official email system at webmail.orapuh.org responsibly, adhering to the institutional email use policy.

6. Participation and Commitment

  • Active Engagement
    Members are encouraged to actively participate in scholarly activities, contribute to the growth of OCS, and engage in learning opportunities, including classes, workshops, and collaborative research.
  • Responsibility in Mentorship
    Mentors are expected to provide guidance and constructive feedback, while mentees are responsible for showing respect and a willingness to learn from their mentors.

7. Conduct with External Parties

  • Professional Representation
    Members are expected to represent OCS with professionalism and integrity when engaging with external partners, sponsors, institutions, and the public. All interactions should reflect the values and mission of Orapuh.
  • Respectful Communication
    Members should maintain respectful, courteous, and constructive communication with external stakeholders, recognising their role as representatives of OCS.
  • Responsible Use of Information
    Members should handle all communications and materials involving external parties with accuracy and care, ensuring that OCS information is presented truthfully and without unauthorised disclosure.
  • Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
    Members are responsible for disclosing any personal or financial interests that may conflict with their duties at OCS, refraining from actions that could compromise the College’s reputation or operations.

8. Moral and Ethical Standards

  • Commitment to Ethical Behaviour
    Members are expected to uphold high moral and ethical standards, conducting themselves with integrity, compassion, and respect, both within and outside OCS activities.
  • Integrity in Professional Life
    Members should commit to honesty, transparency, and fairness in all interactions, avoiding deceptive practices and adhering to the principles of ethical academic and professional conduct.
  • Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
    Members are encouraged to contribute positively to their communities and society, using their knowledge and skills to promote public health, oral health, and well-being, aligning with OCS’s mission to impact society positively.
  • Adherence to Legal Standards
    Members must follow all applicable laws and regulations, including those relevant to intellectual property, confidentiality, and public communications, upholding a commitment to lawful conduct.

9. Disciplinary Actions

  • Grounds for Disciplinary Action
    Violations of the Code, including misconduct, academic dishonesty, harassment, or any form of discrimination, may result in disciplinary action.
  • Process
    The Orapuh Redress and Disciplinary Committee will investigate complaints, determine findings, and issue appropriate consequences, which may include warnings, suspension, or termination of association with OCS.
  • Right to Appeal
    Members have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions through the appropriate Orapuh College channels.

10. Reporting Misconduct

  • Members who observe or experience any form of misconduct are encouraged to report it promptly to the appropriate authority within OCS, ensuring confidentiality and non-retaliation.