Code of Conduct

Introduction

As a place for further education and character development, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) seeks to support its students in cultivating academic and personal excellence in an inclusive and supporting way, while respecting the dignity and rights of each individual. NP is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment where everyone is treated with mutual respect and dignity. Thus, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and respect for themselves and others.
The Student Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of students in both their academic and non-academic pursuits. It provides a general framework and is not intended to be treated as an exhaustive list of all expected conduct. The Code is centred on three fundamental aspects:
- Academic Integrity
- Respect for Self and Others
- Compliance with NP Rules and Regulations, and Singapore Laws
This Code of Conduct applies to all students, including full-time, part-time and CET learners regardless of mode of study. As part of the student community, each student is responsible for knowing and upholding the Student Code of Conduct, and is expected to conduct himself/herself in ways that promote a safe and respectful community within NP and in the wider community beyond the Polytechnic. In all activities on and off campus, students are expected to behave responsibly and in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, whether acting as organisers or participants.
All students are responsible for familiarising themselves with and complying with the Polytechnic’s Student Code of Conduct.

Student Responsibilities

A. Academic Integrity

NP aims to provide a conducive environment for students to pursue academic excellence and achieve their personal best. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning and to uphold high standards of integrity and academic honesty at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, attending classes punctually, participating actively, completing all assignments and projects in a timely manner, and submitting or presenting their own work. For information relating to examinations and absence, please refer to the ‘Examination Notices for Full-Time Students’ under Additional Information.
Students must not engage in any form of cheating, including deceptive fabrication, plagiarism, or the violation of intellectual property and copyright laws. Any student found to have engaged in such misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. For more details, please refer to NP’s Plagiarism Policy under Additional Information.

B. Respect for Self and Others

Dignity and Well-Being

Students are expected to uphold the dignity and well-being of others, as well as respect differences in gender, race, religion, values and abilities.
Students must not engage in any conduct that demeans, intimidates, threatens, harasses or causes harm to any individual. This includes, but is not limited to, bullying, fighting, making derogatory remarks, and sexual misconduct as described in para 15 below.
The Polytechnic does not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying, whether explicit or suggestive, and whether verbal, physical or sexual, social or cyber in nature. Social bullying includes behaviours that harm a person’s relationships or reputation (e.g. exclusion, spreading rumours, humiliation). Cyberbullying includes harmful conduct carried out through digital platforms (see Point 15 for details).

Ragging (also known as Hazing)

Students must not engage in or participate in any action or situation that offends, degrades, embarrasses, harasses, or ridicules another person, or that risks emotional or physical harm to another individual.
Students who abuse their positions of authority by permitting such conduct, or by being involved in the planning or execution of ragging activities, will be subject to severe disciplinary action by the Polytechnic.
The Polytechnic does not tolerate any form of ragging, regardless of consent or intent. Students who participate in such activities, including those who do so willingly, may be subject to disciplinary action.

Sexual Misconduct

The Polytechnic will not tolerate the following:-
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual contact;
- Sexual harassment;
- Sexual exploitation; and
- Any other forms of sexual misconduct.
Students should not engage in any of these acts (see definitions of sexual misconduct under Additional Information) whether through actions, verbal communication, or digital media.

Social Media and Digital Content Use

Students are expected to show consideration and respect for others, conduct themselves with professionalism, and protect confidentiality when expressing their views and when using social media. Students must not engage in cyberbullying. The terms are explained below:

Students must not express views or share content that is offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise disrespectful, and must comply with Singapore law. Students must not post messages or personal photographs that are offensive, racist, vulgar, or threatening.
Students are expected to respect the intellectual property rights and copyrights of NP and other creators or organisations. They should not use text, photos, music, or video content without the owner’s permission.
Students are reminded to exercise professionalism when posting or reposting content (including links) online. When expressing views on politics, race, religion, or other matters, students must make clear that they are doing so in their personal capacity and must not use any NP platform to express inappropriate views.
Students should protect confidentiality by not sharing information or images of others without consent.
Students must not engage in cyberbullying, including harassment, intimidation, threats, doxxing, impersonation, exposure of private information, deception, and cyberstalking.

Students must not audio-record, video-record, photograph, screen-capture, live-stream, or otherwise capture any lesson or images of staff or fellow students during lessons or lesson-related activities without prior permission from the lecturer or authorised staff. Where permitted, recordings for personal learning must not be shared, uploaded, or distributed on any platform unless authorised as part of the lesson. Misuse of such recordings or images constitutes misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress appropriately when on campus or when representing NP in activities off campus, whether locally and overseas. Clothing that is revealing or contains offensive words or images is considered inappropriate.
Students are expected to comply with appropriate attire and footwear requirements during all NP activities, especially in workshop and laboratory environments where safety is a concern.
Students must be readily identifiable at all times. Face coverings or other items that obscure identification, are not permitted, except for face masks worn for medical or health reasons.

C. Compliance with NP Rules & Regulations, Singapore Laws and Host Country Laws

Students must comply with NP rules and regulations, as well as the laws of Singapore, at all times. When undertaking an overseas programme, attachment, or internship, students must also comply with the laws of the host country and the regulations of the respective partner institutions.

Alcohol and Drugs

The possession and consumption of alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited on campus and during NP activities or trips. Students found to be in possession of drugs or involved in drug-related offences will be handed over to the police.

Cards and Gambling

The playing of card games associated with gambling, whether using poker cards or other substitutes, is strictly prohibited on campus and during NP activities or trips.

Internship

Students must uphold the good name of the Polytechnic and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner during their internships. The terms are explained below:

Students undertaking internships must attend the compulsory pre-internship briefing. During internships, students must comply with the Student Code of Conduct and fulfil their obligations in accordance with the Terms & Conditions of NP’s Graded Internship Programme (see Additional Information for details).
Students must adhere to the employer’s employment policies, rules, regulations, and requirements (e.g. dress code, workplace safety rules, and non-disclosure of information). Students on overseas internships must also comply with the laws and regulations of the host country.
Students are not allowed to withdraw from the internship without prior approval from the NP Internship Supervisor (NPIS) and the company supervisor.
Students must be mindful of their personal safety, remain contactable during their internship, and inform the NPIS immediately if they suspect that their personal safety is at risk or if it has been compromised (e.g. emergency situations or misconduct).

Smoking and Vaping Policy

NP is a smoke-free and vape-free campus.

Smoking is strictly prohibited on campus and within a 5-metre radius of the NP fence line. Students under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing, purchasing, or using tobacco products or cigarettes. It is illegal under Singapore law to sell or provide cigarettes to individuals below the legal smoking age.
Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The purchase, possession, use, distribution, sale, or import of vaporisers and their components, including e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars, is prohibited under Singapore law.
Students who violate smoking or vaping laws will be subject to disciplinary action and referred to the relevant government authorities. Offenders may be liable to fines, rehabilitation, imprisonment, and other penalties imposed by the relevant authorities. This policy applies to all NP students, including during off-campus activities such as CCAs, internships, attachments, or overseas programmes
Students caught by authorities for vaping-related offences outside campus will also be subject to disciplinary action by the Polytechnic, in addition to any penalties imposed by the relevant government authorities.

Trespass, Vandalism and Theft

Students must not trespass, vandalise, or steal any NP property or property belonging to others on campus. Any act of trespass into NP facilities, or any vandalism or theft involving NP property or the property of others, will be subject to disciplinary action and may be referred to the Police where appropriate.

Use of Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices

Students are to observe the safe use of bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs) on campus. Bicycles and personal mobility aids (PMAs) are permitted on footpaths, subject to prevailing speed limits and applicable laws. Power-assisted bicycles are not permitted on footpaths. The use of e-scooters and other non-compliant PMDs is not allowed on campus.

Violation of student code of conduct

NP, as a caring educational community, does not tolerate misconduct, including any form of physical or psychological harm, harassment, or violence directed against any person.
Students found to have infringed the Student Code of Conduct must comply with the directions of staff personnel and promptly produce their student cards for identification when requested.
Students who breach the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include corrective work order, fines, suspension, nullification of assessment or module, dismissal, and/or other penalties.

Reporting of Suspected Misconduct

If a student is aware of another student acting in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the student is expected to report the suspected misconduct to his or her academic school staff (advisor, lecturer, course chair) as soon as possible. For immediate assistance when witnessing a case of misconduct on campus, students may approach or call the Campus Security at 6460-6999.
Students can also report such misconduct through the Whistle-blowing channel, Tell NP (www.np.edu.sg/about-np/contact/tell-np) as soon as possible. Reports should include details of the alleged misconduct, including where, when and how it occurred:

The name(s) of the person(s) involved in the alleged misconduct (if known)
Any additional information to substantiate the report, with supporting evidence if available; and
Contact details to facilitate clarification and follow-up.

The Polytechnic encourages whistleblowers to identify themselves and provide their contact details so that such matters can be investigated and resolved effectively. All reports will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
The Polytechnic will not hesitate to report serious offenses to the Police and/or other relevant authorities, where necessary.