About 28 representatives from the private higher educational institutions left with a better understanding and practical application of student disciplinary regulations after attending a seminar cum workshop in Kuala Lumpur.
GETTING A BETTER GRASP OF STUDENT DISCIPLINARY REGULATIONS
The participants came from Sarawak, Malacca, Penang, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and most of them are in charge of student affairs at their respective educational institutions.
The one-day programme on ‘Implementation of Student Disciplinary Procedures in Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs)’ was organised by WOU’s Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education (PACE) at the Berjaya Times Square Convention Centre.
WOU DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR U K MENON SHARES HIS INSIGHTS.
WOU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategy, Planning and Continuing Education), Mr. U K Menon, presented an overview of the legal requirements on student discipline and procedures, and a practical guide on drafting student disciplinary rules. He also spoke on the importance of student counselling, and how counselling can help tackle student indiscipline.
Meanwhile Paul Linus Andrews, Head of the Law Department, School of Business, Sunway University College looked into the general legal principles surrounding student discipline and disciplinary procedures. He highlighted the key features of natural justice and procedural fairness – the right to a fair hearing; the rule against bias; the principle of legitimate expectation; and the right to appeal.
ANDREWS POINTS OUT A FEW IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES.
Andrews described the right to a fair hearing and the rule against bias as the “twin pillars that support natural justice”.
Menon and Andrews then conducted a joint session on internal disciplinary proceedings, the requirements under the Private Higher Educational Act 1996 including the June 2009 amendments, and the student’s right to appeal. The amendments to the student disciplinary procedures in private colleges and universities have made it necessary for institutions to review their internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance to law.
U K MENON (RIGHT) AND ANDREWS RESPOND TO QUERIES.
During the Q&A session, questions raised related to student disciplinary regulations and how these are applied at learning institutions.
PACE, as the University’s bridge to the community, conducts training programmes for the private higher education sector in a wide range of areas, such as establishment of institutions, advertising regulations and so on.
