Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Brussels College is committed to fostering a vibrant academic community built on mutual respect, integrity, and excellence. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behavior expected from all members of our community and provides a framework for maintaining a positive, inclusive, and professional environment conducive to learning, teaching, and research.

2. Scope and Application

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• All students (full-time, part-time, undergraduate, postgraduate, online learners)
• All staff (academic, administrative, technical, and support staff)
• All members of the Board of Governors and senior leadership
• Visiting scholars, guest lecturers, and research collaborators
• Contractors, suppliers, and partners representing Brussels College
• All Brussels College premises, facilities, and online platforms
• All college-related activities, including off-campus events, field trips, and placements

3. Core Principles

3.1 Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the foundation of scholarly work. All members of the Brussels College community must:

• Produce original work and properly attribute the ideas and work of others
• Avoid plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and falsification
• Adhere to ethical standards in research, teaching, and assessment
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Report academic misconduct when observed

3.2 Respect and Dignity

Every individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to:

• Treating all individuals fairly, courteously, and without discrimination
• Valuing diversity and promoting an inclusive environment
• Listening to and considering different perspectives
• Communicating respectfully, both in person and online
• Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of others

3.3 Responsibility and Accountability

All community members are accountable for their actions and must:

• Take responsibility for their behavior and its impact on others
• Comply with college policies, procedures, and regulations
• Fulfill commitments and meet deadlines
• Use college resources responsibly and ethically
• Report violations of this Code when observed

3.4 Professionalism

Professional conduct includes:

• Maintaining high standards of work quality
• Dressing appropriately for the academic and professional environment
• Being punctual and reliable
• Communicating effectively and constructively
• Representing Brussels College positively in all contexts

4. Expected Behaviors

4.1 Student Conduct

Academic Responsibilities:

• Attend classes, tutorials, and scheduled activities regularly and punctually
• Complete assignments, assessments, and coursework to the best of your ability
• Submit work on time or request extensions in advance when necessary
• Participate actively and constructively in learning activities
• Seek help and support when needed through appropriate channels

Classroom Conduct:

• Arrive on time and remain for the entire session unless excused
• Silence mobile phones and minimize distractions
• Engage respectfully in discussions and debates
• Follow instructions from instructors and respect their authority
• Respect the learning environment and the rights of others to learn

Use of Facilities:

• Treat college property with care and report any damage immediately
• Keep study areas, libraries, and communal spaces clean and tidy
• Follow library rules, including quiet zones and borrowing procedures
• Use IT equipment and resources appropriately and legally
• Respect access restrictions and security protocols

4.2 Staff Conduct

Teaching and Supervision:

• Deliver high-quality teaching that is well-prepared and engaging
• Provide timely, constructive feedback on student work
• Be available during office hours and respond to student queries promptly
• Treat all students fairly and without favoritism or bias
• Support student learning and development

Professional Standards:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students
• Protect confidential information and respect privacy
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them when they arise
• Engage in continuous professional development
• Contribute positively to the college community

Collegiality:

• Collaborate constructively with colleagues
• Support institutional goals and initiatives
• Participate in departmental and institutional activities
• Provide constructive feedback and engage in peer review
• Resolve disagreements professionally and respectfully

5. Prohibited Conduct

5.1 Academic Misconduct

Offense	Description	Examples
Plagiarism	Presenting another's work or ideas as your own	Copying text without citation, paraphrasing without attribution, purchasing essays
Cheating	Gaining unfair advantage in assessments	Copying in exams, using unauthorized materials, impersonation
Fabrication	Inventing or falsifying data or sources	Making up research data, creating fake citations, altering results
Collusion	Unauthorized collaboration on individual work	Sharing answers, completing someone else's assignment
Contract Cheating	Commissioning someone else to complete your work	Buying essays, hiring ghostwriters, using essay mills
Self-Plagiarism	Submitting your own previous work without permission	Resubmitting assignments from other courses without disclosure

5.2 Harassment and Discrimination

Brussels College has zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination based on:

• Age, gender, gender identity, or gender expression
• Race, ethnicity, nationality, or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Disability or health condition
• Marital or family status
• Pregnancy or parental status
• Any other protected characteristic under Belgian or EU law

Prohibited behaviors include:

• Offensive comments, slurs, or derogatory remarks
• Bullying, intimidation, or threats
• Unwelcome physical contact or invasion of personal space
• Sharing or displaying offensive images or materials
• Exclusion or isolation based on protected characteristics
• Cyberbullying or online harassment

5.3 Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct includes any unwelcome sexual behavior, including:

• Sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors)
• Sexual assault or violence
• Stalking or persistent unwanted attention
• Voyeurism or non-consensual recording
• Sharing intimate images without consent
• Exploitation of positions of power or authority

5.4 Violence and Threatening Behavior

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Physical violence or assault
• Threats of violence or harm
• Aggressive or intimidating behavior
• Possession of weapons or dangerous items on campus
• Incitement to violence

5.5 Substance Abuse

To maintain a safe learning and working environment:

• Illegal drug use, possession, or distribution is strictly prohibited
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on campus is prohibited
• Alcohol may only be consumed at approved college events with authorization
• Prescription medications must be used only as prescribed

5.6 Misuse of College Resources

College resources must be used responsibly and only for authorized purposes:

• Theft or unauthorized use of college property
• Damage to facilities, equipment, or materials
• Unauthorized access to restricted areas or systems
• Misuse of IT systems (hacking, distributing malware, illegal downloads)
• Unauthorized use of Brussels College name or logo

6. Reporting Violations

6.1 How to Report

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct:

Immediate Safety Concerns:

• Emergency Services: 112 (fire, medical, police emergencies)
• Campus Security: +32 471 09 6641

Non-Emergency Violations:

• Vice Rector: i.chiloglu@brucol.be | +32 471 09 6641
• General Office: office@brucol.be
• Anonymous Reporting: whistleblowing@brucol.be

6.2 Reporting Principles

• Confidentiality: Reports are handled confidentially to the extent possible
• No Retaliation: Protection from retaliation for reporting in good faith
• Timely Reporting: Report incidents as soon as possible while details are fresh
• Anonymous Options: Anonymous reporting channels available if preferred

7. Investigation and Due Process

7.1 Investigation Process

1. Receipt of Complaint: All complaints are acknowledged within 48 hours
2. Preliminary Review: Determine if the complaint falls within the scope of this Code
3. Investigation: Gather evidence, interview parties and witnesses
4. Interim Measures: Implement protective measures if necessary (suspension, no-contact orders)
5. Findings: Determine on the balance of probabilities whether a violation occurred
6. Outcome: Communicate findings and any sanctions to relevant parties

7.2 Rights of the Accused

Individuals accused of violations are entitled to:

• Be informed of the allegations in writing
• Respond to allegations and provide evidence
• Be accompanied by a support person (who may not be a lawyer)
• A fair and impartial investigation
• Be informed of the outcome in writing
• Appeal the decision (in accordance with appeals procedures)

8. Disciplinary Procedures

8.1 Sanctions for Students

Severity	Sanctions	Examples
Minor Violations	Verbal or written warning, mandatory training	First-time minor plagiarism, disruptive behavior
Moderate Violations	Mark reduction, assignment resubmission, probation	Repeated minor violations, moderate cheating
Serious Violations	Fail grade, module failure, suspension (temporary exclusion)	Significant plagiarism, harassment, academic dishonesty
Severe Violations	Expulsion (permanent exclusion), degree revocation	Violence, severe misconduct, repeated serious violations

8.2 Sanctions for Staff

• Informal Action: Verbal guidance, coaching, training
• Formal Warning: Written warning placed on personnel file
• Final Warning: Final written warning with clear expectations for improvement
• Suspension: Temporary removal from duties (with or without pay)
• Demotion: Reduction in responsibilities or position
• Dismissal: Termination of employment

8.3 Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

Mitigating factors that may reduce sanctions:

• First offense with no prior disciplinary record
• Genuine remorse and acceptance of responsibility
• Extenuating personal circumstances (illness, bereavement)
• Evidence of effort to rectify the situation
• Cooperation with the investigation

Aggravating factors that may increase sanctions:

• Repeated violations or disregard for previous warnings
• Premeditated or deliberate misconduct
• Abuse of position or authority
• Lack of remorse or attempts to cover up misconduct
• Harm caused to individuals or the institution

9. Appeals

9.1 Grounds for Appeal

Appeals may be made on the following grounds only:

• Procedural Irregularity: The process was not followed correctly and this affected the outcome
• New Evidence: Material evidence has become available that was not available at the time of the decision
• Disproportionate Sanction: The penalty imposed is disproportionate to the offense

Note: Disagreement with the decision or outcome is not grounds for appeal.

9.2 Appeals Process

1. Submit Appeal: Written appeal submitted within 14 days of receiving the decision
2. Initial Review: Appeal reviewed to determine if valid grounds exist
3. Appeals Panel: Independent panel convened to hear the appeal
4. Hearing: Opportunity to present case and evidence
5. Decision: Appeal upheld, partially upheld, or rejected
6. Final Outcome: Decision of the Appeals Panel is final

10. Support and Resources

10.1 Student Support

• Academic Advisors: Guidance on academic matters and study skills
• Student Welfare: Support for personal issues and wellbeing
• Counseling Services: Confidential mental health and emotional support
• Disability Support: Adjustments and accommodations for students with disabilities
• Student Union: Representation and advocacy

10.2 Staff Support

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support
• Occupational Health: Health and wellbeing services
• Professional Development: Training and career development opportunities
• HR Advisory: Guidance on employment matters

11. Policy Review

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and updated to reflect:

• Changes in legislation and regulatory requirements
• Feedback from students, staff, and stakeholders
• Lessons learned from disciplinary cases
• Best practices from the higher education sector

12. Contact Information

Vice Rector:
Dr. İbrahim Çıloğlu
Email: i.chiloglu@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641

General Enquiries:
Email: office@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641

Anonymous Reporting:
Email: whistleblowing@brucol.be