The acronyms, abbreviations and definitions provided herein are only applicable to this document.
AIDS
Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
HIV
Human
Immunodeficiency Virus.
LUANAR
Lilongwe
University of Agriculture and
Natural Resources
LUSU
Lilongwe
University of Agriculture and
Natural Resources Students’
Union
STD
Sexually
Transmitted Grades
The acronyms, abbreviations and definitions provided herein are only applicable to this document.
Defamation
communication
of a false statement about a person to a
third party where the statement has the
effect of lowering the public reputation
of the former or causing him or her to
be shunned and avoided by others.
Campus
A Campus of
the Lilongwe University of Agriculture
and Natural Resources.
Controlled Substance
drugs or
chemicals whose manufacturing,
possession and use are regulated by
law.
Hall of Residence
Harassment
includes
unwelcome conduct whether verbal,
physical or visual, based on a person’s
race, colour, sex, national origin,
religion, disability, age, or any other
basis prohibited by law; which has the
effect of interfering unreasonably with
that person’s work or academic
performance, or creating an
intimidating, offensive, or hostile
environment.
LUANAR Council
The Lilongwe of Agriculture and Natural
Resources as provided for in the LUANAR
Act No. 22 of 2011. She is the governing
body of the University.
Minor
Any persons who is aged below 18 years.
Orientation Week
This is the week in which academic and
administrative staff members brief all
new students on the different courses
offered with possible subject
combinations and the facilities and
services that are offered by the College
and the University.
Publication
the distribution of text or images
through any medium, including paper and
the placing of content on a public
notice board or website, or in a
magazine, newsletter and any like item
in order to make the content publicly
known.
Sero-positive
state in which a person is found
infected after a blood test, showing
immunological evidence of infection,
either current or previous, with a
specific bacterium, virus, or other
agent.
Sexual Harassment
this includes but is not limited to:
unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances,
requests for sexual favours, and other
verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a
sexual nature when submission to such
conduct is made, explicitly or
implicitly, a term or condition of the
education, academic evaluation, or other
participation in the University or
College community by a member of that
community; or such conduct has the
purpose or effect of unreasonable
interference with work or academic
performance or creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive work or academic
environment.
Student
A registered student of Lilongwe
University of Agriculture and Natural
Resources
University
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture
and Natural Resources.
Warden
A person mandated to oversee activities
of students in the Halls of Residence.
Every student who has been admitted to the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is bound by these regulations as prescribed and amended by the University Council from time to time.
Order is essential for the smooth running of any institution or organisation. To ensure that there is order, specific rules and regulations are necessary. Students' Rules and Regulations are designed to ensure that all students have an enabling environment to successfully complete their studies; and that individuals' fundamental rights and freedoms shall at all times be respected and protected as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.
With mutual understanding and consideration by all members of the University community, the framework of rules and regulations can only assist in completing the educational process and moulding the students into good citizens. Students are expected to adhere to these rules and regulations, and as a general principle to conduct themselves at all times whether in college or away from it in a manner that would promote the good name of students themselves and above all the good reputation of the University.
The University Officers charged with the administration of these rules will in particular have regard to the following principles:
A high standard of communal life.
A high level of personal integrity and a developed sense of responsibility towards others.
A proper concern for the reputation of the University and what it stands for.
Individual or collective actions by students of the University that breach these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action and where appropriate, criminal prosecution, notwithstanding that the motive or goal of such action was justifiable in the belief of such students.
These Regulations may be amended from time to time at the discretion of the University.
The posting of notice of any amendment of these Regulations on official notice boards and website of the University shall constitute proper and sufficient notice to all students.
Every student of the University shall register on or before the first month of each semester.
Any student, who fails to register contrary to Section 4.1, shall register upon paying a late registration fee (Appendix 1) and shall do so not later than 30 calendar days from the first day of each semester.
No student shall be allowed to register after the first month of the calendar from the start of each semester.
Any student who fails to pay fees as provided under Regulation 7 of these Regulations shall not be permitted to register.
Any student who has outstanding debts shall not be permitted to register.
Any student who fails to register shall be deemed to have withdrawn for financial reasons
Every student whose fees are paid through any loan schemes or scholarship shall be required to provide proof of the loan or scholarship notification to the University before registration. It is the responsibility of the students to ensure that fees is paid on time
Any new students who, for valid reasons, are unable to take up their place at the University in a particular year, may request to reserve their place by submitting the request not later than 14 calendar days from the first day of the first semester of the academic year in which the student was expected to register.
A place reserved under Regulation 4.7 shall be reserved for a maximum of one year unless, due to exceptional circumstances, the period may be extended by the University for one more year.
Any student who does not take up his/her place until the expiry of the reservation period shall be required to file in a new application for admission into the University which will be considered on the basis of the University Selection Criteria applicable at that time.
The University reserves the right to withhold registration of any student if it has reason to believe that the true identity of such student cannot be established or verified by using names in previous certificates.
A student shall not change the name by which he/she is initially admitted unless they provide official written documentation indicating that the change of name was effected in accordance with the law governing change of names in Malawi.
Every student shall, upon registration, be issued with a registration number which he/she shall use for identification for the duration of their studies in the University.
Students who have not registered after a month
of registration shall not be permitted to attend any
lecture, seminar, tutorial, laboratory session or any other
academic activity before he/she is registered in accordance
with these Regulations.
Students should make sure they complete all sections of the
registration form regardless its electronic or otherwise
Orientation shall be held within the first week of each academic year and the University shall determine the duration of the orientation period from time to time.
All University programs shall be completed within a specified period of time (Appendix 2) prescribed by Senate. (Adopt table 1 of academic rules and regulations)
The Senate of the University shall authorize the de-registration of any student who fails to complete their programme of study within the period prescribed in Regulation 6.1
All students shall, prior to registration, pay non-refundable fees, which shall include medical insurance. The amount shall be prescribed by the University Council from time to time. Students that have not registered and are not on medical scheme will be treated if sick and will get the bill as a fee on SARIS.
All students shall pay a Students' Council fee and any other fees as may be prescribed by the University Council from time to time.
No student shall receive from the University any student allowance unless the sponsor of the relevant loan or scholarship has made payment of the same in full to the University.
Every student has a personal responsibility to seek and secure his or her own sponsorship and the University is not obliged to assist the student in that regard.
All student fees shall reflect in the student's fees account in the University student records management system.
Any student with outstanding fees (tuition, accommodation, student council etc) shall not be allowed to take end examinations for that specific semester on which the fees are due.
Students, members of staff of the university
and any person performing services for the University on her
premises shall have University Identity Cards at all times
when on college.
All students are mandated to wear their ID cards with a band
(over their neck) at all times as long as he/she is on
campus and during any outside university/college activity.
The University shall endeavour to (refer to health and safety policy):
provide and maintain a safe learning environment by implementing structures and programmes to ensure that hazards to Health and Safety are identified in a systematic manner and timely acted on;
provide fire prevention and safety training to all staff and students;
comply with the requirements of all laws governing occupational health and safety;
take proactive measures to ensure responsible environmental management;
ensure that contractors undertake their duties in a safe and responsible manner.
Every student shall:
Be required to join the University Medical Scheme or provide proof of membership of another reputable medical scheme.
Undergo medical examination at the college clinic before registration.
Be hospitalized according to the cover provided by the medical scheme.
Every student, member of staff, visitor or any other person is prohibited from undertaking any action that would endanger the health, safety or personal security of other people in or around any University premises including:
Possession of dangerous materials such as firearms, fireworks, chemicals, explosives, or potentially lethal weapons.
Unauthorized entry by any person into a room other than the room to which he/she is authorized.
Unauthorized possession of keys or college identification cards or tampering of any college locking or identification systems.
Occupation of the roof of any college building.
Connection of any equipment or appliance to an electrical supply in contravention of normal and reasonable safety standards.
Use of immersion heaters on the
University
college. Use of any personal appliance which draws
more than one kilowatt of electrical power e.g. rice
cookers, kettles, heaters, hot plates, washing
machines, refrigerators, microwaves etc. If found,
the residence of the room shall forfeit his or her
residency
This includes Cooking of food in hostels is
prohibited, selling commodities in the hall/hostel
such as groceries, liquor, dangerous drugs and food
stuffs, conducting parties in the hall/hostel and
playing loud music in the hall/hostel
HIV and AIDS
The University recognises the growing epidemic of human
immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection at the global,
national, and local levels. It is prudent, therefore, for
the University to adopt policies and practices that presume
the possibility of HIV presence. Specific safeguards are
felt to be important for sero-positive individuals. These
safeguards, listed below, are built primarily around issues
of confidentiality and non-discrimination. (refer to HIV
AIDS POLICY)
The University has an HIV and AIDS Policy and all students are encouraged to access it from the Website, Library, Registrar and, the College HIV and AIDS chairperson.
No student shall be denied enrolment on the basis of HIV infection.
HIV infection shall not be used as a reason to restrict participation in any educational, recreational, social or athletic activity.
Testing for sero-status shall not be a requirement for admission into the University.
Individuals, who are sero-positive, whether or not symptomatic, shall not be denied free and unrestricted access to all facilities, programmes, and events unless stipulated otherwise by qualified medical personnel.
No individual shall be denied access to residential housing or be otherwise isolated, restricted, or segregated on the basis of their sero-positivity.
The University clinic shall be available to provide to student's HIV diagnostic services, free voluntary counselling and testing, support counselling for students living with HIV and AIDS and appropriate referrals for HIV antibody testing; Provided that all such involvement with the clinic as well as any information shared or generated by its guidance will be kept strictly confidential unless required by law to be reported.
Individuals who know that they are sero-positive shall be encouraged, though not required, to discuss their condition with the clinic staff for purposes of proper medical care and follow-up.
Any individual concerned about HIV or HIV-related issues shall seek personal counselling and assistance through the clinic's counselling centre.
In accordance with the principle of confidentiality and current medical information, the University shall have no obligation to inform staff, roommates, or anyone else of the HIV status of any student or member of staff.
All records shall be kept with strict confidentiality and will be released only with the express written permission of the sero-positive student and the request of the University Registrar.
Confidentiality shall be strictly protected within statutory limits.
No information about a student's HIV status or the institution's response to such infection shall be disclosed to anyone unless by the University Registrar.
The University shall from time to time make and announce periodic changes to its position and practices with respect to HIV and AIDS.
Any students of the University may withdraw on medical grounds only if medical personnel have certified that they are unfit to continue with their studies for the time being and with approval of the University Registrar.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-C0V-2). The disease occurs when the SARS-C0V-2 affects the functionality of the body organs or systems especially the respiratory system and may manifest as severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Symptoms of COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID can include fever, dry
cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, body
ache or pain, sore throat, tiredness, loss of smell or
taste, headache, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech
or movement and loss of consciousness. In more severe
cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing
difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.
These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) and
common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19.
Therefore, testing is required to confirm if someone has
COVID-19. Most people (about 80%) recover from the
disease without needing special treatment and others
become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't
feel unwell.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with
respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated
through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be
infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the
virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).
The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several
hours; but simple disinfectants can kill it.
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
Currently, there is no available vaccine and medicines
for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be
treated and getting early care from a healthcare
provider can make the disease less dangerous.
Who is most at risk?
Everyone is at risk of COVID-19 however, others are more
vulnerable to severe infection. These include people who
are 60 years of age and above, Immunocompromised
individuals, those exposed to patients with COVID-19,
and those with underlying chronic medical conditions
such as; cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes,
Hypertension, Lung diseases,
Case definitions
Suspect Case
Probable Case
Confirmed Case
A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19
infection, irrespective of clinical signs and
symptoms
COVID-19 death
COVID-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a
death resulting from a clinically compatible illness in a
probable or confirmed COVID-19 case unless there is a clear
alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID
disease (e.g. trauma). There should be no period of complete
recovery between illness and death.
COVID-19 close contact?
Contact is defined as those:
What to do if there is a suspect?
What are the preventive measures for COVID-19?
All students and staff should adhere to the following
COVID-19 preventive measures:
COVID-19 RULES AND REGULATIONS
General Conditions
All halls of residence are the property of the University which has the prerogative to allocate any room to any student in accordance with prescribed criteria
Priority shall be given to first and
fourth year students, International students, students
with disabilities and those who have health problems and
in possession of a medical report will be accommodated
on college.
Selection of accommodation will be randomly done to
those who have applied online. A computer software will
be used to select and allocate students names in rooms.
Special attention/consideration will be given to
International Students, disabled and the sick who have
valid medical reports and verified from the University
clinic to support their cases.
The University reserves the right of admission to all Halls of Residence and shall inspect them at any time.
The University reserves the right to expel from their room any student who abuses or misuses a room in any Hall of Residence.
Every student shall complete a residency agreement form (Appendix 3) before occupying the room.
Any student who suffers injury, loss, discomfort or any other adverse consequence resulting from the conduct of any other student which infringes these Regulations should report the matter to the hostel representative to resolve. If the problem persists, the matter should be taken to either the Warden, Dean of Students' Affairs for appropriate action.
Students who are allocated University accommodation shall remain in residence for the full duration of the academic year unless they are withdrawn from the halls of Residence.
Any student who is allocated University accommodation shall not be permitted to accommodate any other person in the allocated accommodation or to sublet the whole or any part of the students' Halls of Residence for financial consideration or otherwise.
No student shall operate a grocery or sell alcoholic beverages, drugs or any of its kind in any hall of residence.
Every student shall at all times ensure that lights, irons, any naked flames and any device or substance that may reasonably be expected to pose a fire hazard is switched off, extinguished or otherwise disabled immediately after use and not left unattended at any time.
Cooking is not permitted in any of the halls of residence unless in designated areas.
All students have an obligation to care for all University facilities and shall be liable to compensate the University in full for any damage or loss caused to University property. Damage caused to rooms or facilities in the rooms shall be presumed to have been caused by the resident to whom such a room has been allocated unless the contrary is proven. Where more than one student shares a room, responsibility for any damage or loss caused shall be shared equally amongst them unless there is clear evidence that only one of them caused the damage or loss.
No student shall hold a party in any hall of residence. No part of any other University buildings or facilities may be used for a party unless this is specifically permitted in writing by the Registrar
Visitors to Halls of Residence
No student shall host any person in a room in any hall of residence at any time between 10.00 pm and 10.00am.
Students found in rooms of the opposite gender after 10.00 pm will both be evicted from the hostel, students residing outside the hostel shall lose the chance of being accommodated on campus.
Selling of rooms and exchange of bed space without proper procedures is not allowed and is inappropriate behavior and will attract a disciplinary action.
Every student shall be responsible for informing their guests and fellow students; of the Students' Rules and Regulations and will be held accountable for any breach of the regulations or other inappropriate conduct by their visitors.
Any student repeating failed courses or on suspension shall not be allowed to reside in a hall of residence
Students who have gone through disciplinary and found guilty shall not be allocated in halls of residence.
Residence during Vacation
No student shall be permitted to reside in halls of residence during the period between the end of one semester and the beginning of the next unless such residence is required to carry out or take part in specific tasks recommended by the college and approved by the Registrar.
Any student who is permitted to reside in a hall of residence in the period between semesters in accordance with Regulation 10.3.1 shall be bound by these regulations.
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations that apply to the hall of residences shall lead to immediate eviction from halls of residence
Hall of Residence Representatives
Every hall of residence shall have a Hall Representative.
A Hall of residence representative shall be elected under the supervision of the Dean of Students office by the residents of each hall of residence and shall have the responsibility to coordinate activities pertaining to the general welfare, domestic relations and discipline among students in the halls of residence and to represent the residents of his/her hall of residence in their contact with the college administration and other stakeholders.
Halls of residences representatives shall have a 50% subsidy on their rentals.
The Wardens
Every college with halls of residence shall have wardens whose mandate shall be to oversee activities in the halls of residence and discharge specific duties which shall include, but not be limited to those related to the following areas of student life:
General welfare of all students
Discipline of all residents
Domestic relations between and among students in the hall.
Awareness of who to approach on specific issues including academic matters.
Every student has the right to have direct access to the office of Dean of Students' Affairs
There shall be a Dean of Students' Affairs, who shall have the mandate to promote and oversee the welfare of students in the University. He/she shall be responsible for coordinating and liaising with other officers of the University, including the Registrar, Wardens, Clinic Personnel and Counsellors.
The Dean of Students' Affairs shall have the following specific duties:
Counselling students;
Providing academic support services to students;
Liaising with employers on career and placement services available to students;
Registering students' clubs, societies and associations in collaboration with the students' councils;
Advising students on available financial aid schemes;
Assisting students experiencing emergencies, social and health problems, including providing assistance to students with disabilities and, facilitating the provision of services to students with serious medical and health conditions;
Advising individual students or group of students or student organizations on recreational activities.
Working with the Administration on matters relating to accommodation and housing of students;
Coordinating programmes dealing with student exchanges;
Providing consultation to faculty and administration on a wide range of issues pertaining to students.
Preside, decide and met disciplinary actions to students on minor student misconducts.
Evict students from university accommodation based on misconduct and hostel agreement forms signed.
Deputy Dean of Student Affairs
Coordinating with wardens on student affairs
Overseeing student accommodation
Coordinating student's extra curricula activities
Coordinate student health and counselling in liaison with the Dean of Student Affairs
Plan and conduct career days with students
Counsellors
Counselors shall provide counseling, consultation, outreach
and education to LUANAR students, faculty, and staff. The
aim is to facilitate student's academic success, personal
development and promote a culture of positive mental health,
at
LUANAR.
In addition, counselors will:
Conduct student counselling in liaison with the Dean of Students Affairs
Obtain, organize, develop and implement activities, publications, fliers etc. that will assist in counselling students, faculty and staff.
The University shall outsource all catering services.
The University shall have a Catering Committee responsible for discussing matters relating to students' catering. The Committee shall comprise the Registrar or his Representative, the Dean of Students' Affairs, the Director of Finance, Clinic Manager, a Representative of the current provider of catering services, the Procurement Officer and two representatives of the Students Council.
No student or other person other than members of the Catering Committee or authorized personnel or members of the kitchen staff shall enter any kitchen providing services on campus.
Furniture or any equipment belonging to the hall/cafeteria shall not be taken out.
Any student contravening any regulations in this section shall be disciplined.
All users of teaching rooms (lecture rooms, laboratories, workshops etc) shall leave the rooms in good order after use
No person shall remove any furniture or any other property from any lecture room, laboratory, library, lecture theatres or any like places.
Every student shall use any mobile phone or other telecommunication device in his or her possession during the course of any lecture, laboratory session, seminar, tutorial etc) in a responsible manner.
No person shall use any specialized rooms, including laboratories, audio- visual rooms, studios and similar rooms without prior permission from the relevant Head of Department.
No student or group of students shall use any room used for academic activities for extracurricular activities without prior permission from the Registrar.
Every user of any room shall ensure that lights, fans, electronic equipment or any other device is switched off prior to leaving the room.
No person shall be permitted to consume any alcohol inside any University class rooms or laboratory or workshops without prior permission from the Registrar.
No person shall be permitted to consume any alcohol nor any other harmful substances like drugs etc. that will distract members of the hall residential on college.
No person shall be permitted to smoke inside any University premises.
Any student, who absents himself or herself from academic activities for a period of 14 continuous calendar days within any given semester, shall be withdrawn.
All students are required to seek permission
from the office of the Dean of Students' Affairs or
students' welfare office who shall inform the relevant
lecturer, Head of Department and Faculty Dean for their
absence from any academic activities.
Any student wanting to seek medical assistance outside the
College should seek a written approval from the clinic,
thereafter an exit form shall be filled with the attached
medical approval shall be left at the Dean of Students
Affairs office.
Any student wanting to leave campus for personnel issues
should as well sign the exit form before leaving
campus.
Groups of students traveling outside campus for either
university activities or personal activities shall be
required to fill exit forms and attach list of names of
students' phone contacts and name of responsible student to
manage the group.
The University provides very limited fire cover on students' property during the course of the semester but such cover does not extend to damage or loss caused through negligence.
Any property left in any part of the premises of the University is at owner's risk.
The University Administration shall from time to time prescribe the maximum claimable value under any insurance cover.
The University shall facilitate the provision of insurance cover to students travelling on official trips.
The provisions contained in this section confer privileges not entitlements.
In the event of death of a student on College while school is in session, the University shall, in liaison with the family, provide a standard coffin to carry the remains of the deceased to his/her home as indicated on his/her student registration form.
All lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions and other academic activities on the college in which the deceased was registered shall be suspended for the day on which the burial occurs.
In the event of death of a student while school is in session, the University may provide transport to a limited number of students to accompany the body of the deceased on its repatriation to his or her home.
When a student dies during recess, the University shall not bear any responsibility for any arrangements or costs in relation to the funeral of the deceased student.
Every student escorting the remains of a deceased student or attending the funeral of a deceased student shall be expected not to engage in any conduct that brings the University into disrepute and should complete a form that he/she has gone away from campus stating the reason.
Every Open and Distance Learning, City Campus or week end classes student who passes on (dies) when the university is in session; the University shall not bear any costs (transport, food or coffin) for the funeral; except for staff attending the burial. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for the student death arrangements.
Pursuant to section 17.5; students must make sure that their students records are duly completed and updated with names and contacts of their next of kin.
A student who falls sick while on campus; the university shall endaevour to bring the student to the university clinic that's for Bunda and NRC resident students. For ODL and City campus students; the University shall provide transport to the nearest health facility
Individual students must maintain responsibility for their own decisions and actions regarding the use of alcoholic beverages and narcotic substances and should be prepared to accept the consequences associated with any violation of University rules, state and local laws.
No person or group of persons shall sell, serve alcoholic beverages or nicotic substances assist any other person to sell or serve liquor on the University colleges unless the requirements of all applicable laws on selling and consumption of alcohol have been complied with; and permission to sell or serve, as the case may be, has been granted by the Registrar.
All liquor outlets that are on college shall abide by all applicable laws regulating the selling and consumption of alcohol.
liquor outlets shall be required to operate within a specified number of hours per day as prescribed by the University from time to time.
A student shall not willfully cause or attempt to cause another student to be intoxicated on the University college.
A student shall not have any alcoholic drink at, or bring any alcoholic drink to, any event where the University, or an authorized agent of the University, has prohibited the sale or serving of alcoholic drink.
No minor shall possess or consume alcohol on
any premises under the control of the University.
Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is not
an excuse for misbehavior.
PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE
Violence encompasses physical violence, involving student
fighting and abusiveness; this includes psychological and
emotional violence, verbal abuse; sexual violence, rape and
sexual harassment, including cyberbullying; and carrying of
weapons around campus.
All these forms of violence are not allowed.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Circumstances constituting harassment
(refer to code of conduct and ethics policy)
Sexual harassment and harassment of any sort is strictly
prohibited and examples of conduct that, if unwelcome,
may constitute sexual harassment, depending upon the
totality of the circumstances including the severity of
the conduct and its frequency or pervasiveness. These
include:
Enquiries into another person's sexual experience, discussions of one's sexual activities, comments on an individual's body or about the individual's sexual activity, deficiencies or prowess;
Sexual innuendo, sexually suggestive comments, or use of sexually explicit or vulgar language.
Sexually oriented teasing or practical jokes; "humour" about gender specific traits.
Sexually suggestive body language or gestures.
Display or transmission of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters, cartoons, videos, or other electronic or visual material.
Physical contact such as unwelcome touching, patting, pinching, or brushing against another's body.
Continued writing of sexually suggestive notes or letters when it is known or should be known that the addressee does not welcome them.
Derogatory or provocative remarks relating to a student's sex or sexual orientation.
Demands for sexual favours in exchange for favourable academic assessment or other academic favour.
SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE
Sexualized violence is prohibited under the Gender policy. This will mean any non-consensual, unwanted actual, attempted, or threatened act or behavior, that is carried out through sexual means or by targeting a person's sex or expression.
This act or behavior may or may not
involve physical contact such and may include all forms
of sexual misconduct but not limited such as:
Sexual assault
Sexual exploitation
Sexual harassment
Stalking
Indecent exposure
The distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more persons other than the person in the photograph or video without consent of the person in the photograph or video. This is unacceptable and prohibited conduct
PROCEDURE FOR RESOLVING VIOLENCE, SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASES
Any student who feels that he or she is a victim of the above types of violence is entitled to file a complaint to the Dean of Student Affairs. A student who has a complaint may choose to resolve the problem through informal mediation or formal disciplinary action; Provided that the complainant will be dully advised and counselled by the Dean of Student Affairs. This will depend on the severity and nature of the complaint and as far as possible, in accordance with the wishes of the complainant.
A complaint of the above violence will be investigated promptly and fairly and, as far as practicable, care shall be taken to protect the identity of all parties to the complaint, consistent with the requirements of a thorough and appropriate investigation. However, no anonymous complaints will be processed by the Dean of Students Affairs or any officer of the University.
Records and complaints filed, action taken to remedy the problem, the names of those involved, and the outcome will be maintained by the Dean of student Affairs but no record of the informal stage shall be maintained on the personal files of any of the people concerned.
All communication made by a student to any person or institution outside the University on behalf of societies, clubs and other groups operating in the University must first be vetted by the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, who will in addition advise him/her on the correct procedures.
All correspondences to the University must be addressed to the University Registrar, and where necessary attention to the recipient.
All communication from any student in his or her personal capacity to outsiders should be clearly stated that the views expressed therein are not of the University.
While the Malawi constitution allows for freedom of expression and the press, every individual's freedom is constrained by legal and ethical considerations. Publications must therefore observe the following Code of Ethics so that they inform the community fairly and truthfully.
All Student publications shall expressly state on their editorial page that the opinions therein expressed are not those of the University.
All student publications shall disclose the authentic names of their editors and authors.
Any student publication shall before it is printed, published or distributed be approved by a patron who shall be any member of staff approved by the Vice Chancellor
In the presentation of news and comments in any student publication, there shall be no willful departure from facts through distortion, significant omissions, undue summarization or exaggeration.
Rumour, unconfirmed news and comments in any student publication should be clearly identified, distinguished and presented as such.
Every student publication shall check, as far as practicable, the accuracy of a news item before publication.
Any student publication shall publish as facts only that which is reasonably believed to be true, having regard to the source, and such facts shall be published fairly with due regard to their context and importance.
Headlines shall reflect fairly the content of the news report or article over which they appear.
No student publication shall publish obscene, defamatory, salacious or pornographic content.
No person shall post or remove any official notice from any notice boards at any premises controlled by the University without the permission of the authority in charge of the notice board in question.
University transport may be used for approved trips by the organizers of any student association affiliated to the University students' council at such charge as the Registrar may determine from time to time.
The patron of any student association or organization or his/her appointee shall accompany members of the association or organization on all trips.
All requests for use of transport must be submitted in writing to the Registrar through the Transport Officer at least two working days before the date of the proposed travel.
Any request for the use of University transport shall be made using a form in Appendix 4 which shall include the following:
The destination and purpose of the journey.
The date and time when the transport will be required.
The expected date and time of return.
The full names and registration numbers of students travelling on the trip.
The full name, registration number and signature of the organizer of the trip who shall be responsible for hire and payments to the Director of Finance before the trip is made.
Name and signature of the Patron.
The Registrar shall not approve the use of transport by members of any association or organization unless the Chairperson or President of the association or organization that requests such transport signs an undertaking to be held responsible for any damage or loss caused during the trip by any conduct of any member of the group and any act committed by any person on the trip which might bring the name of the University in to disrepute.
Members of the executive committee of any organization or association that is granted permission to use transport shall ensure that the vehicle provided is not overloaded and no driver employed or hired shall drive any vehicle if it exceeds its prescribed maximum number of passengers.
The student's council in liaison with the organizers of any trip shall ensure that the University vehicles are not vandalized.
No passenger on any vehicle of the University shall ride on its top or windows or doors or in any manner that is hazardous to the safety of the passenger or other passengers or contrary to the law.
Any student who violates any law during the course of a trip shall bear personal responsibility for such violation; provided that the organizers of the trip may also bear responsibility as prescribed by the law.
The Registrar shall not authorize the use of University vehicles for travel by students to political functions.
No student shall consume alcohol in any vehicle owned or hired by the University.
Where University vehicle is not available, Students travelling on University business shall use most convenient public transport. Any damage incurred during the time a certain body of students was using a University vehicle shall be borne by that group
The University supports the rights of its students to assemble and
express their views. However, any protest or demonstration must be
within the law and, must not block streets, right of way, or
sidewalks; jeopardize the safety of individuals or the integrity of
the University or other property; intimidate, harass, or threaten
any member of the public.
Student leadership should give notices for its assemblies as
follows;
Semester (Normal) general assembly = 7 days
Emergency general assembly = 3 days
All these notices should be submitted to Dean of Students Affairs
office in writing.
There are various forms of behavior about which it is impossible to
frame precise rules, but which are nevertheless of such kind that
they are likely to bring the University into disrepute or would
discredit the good name or are prejudicial to the peace, good order
and good governance of the University.
Any such conduct within or outside the precincts of the University
will be considered a breach of discipline and will be punishable as
such, whether or not it attracts the attention of the Police. Acts
of misconduct shall include, but not limited to the following:
Playing of any instrument at loud volumes that may inconvenience others.
Conduct that intentionally obstructs or disrupts teaching/learning or freedom of movement or other lawful activities on the University colleges.
Mobilising or inciting others to engage in any unlawful activity, which mobilization or incitement leads directly to such unlawful conduct on any college of the University.
If a group of students with common intention commits any offence each member of the group shall be held liable for such offence regardless of the fact that only one or more of the students in the group can be identified.
Malicious damage or misuse of property whether such property is located on or outside the premises of the University, including, but not limited to vandalism, interference with electrical fittings, unauthorized use of telephones, water and electricity in all college facilities.
Theft and receiving or concealment of property with knowledge or reasonable suspicion that it has been stolen.
Defaming staff or fellow students through a false publication that injures or causes the plaintiff severe damage and wrong usage of social media that subjects others to character assassination, intimidation, harassment in various ways is an offence.
Failure to attend, without valid reasons, a meeting of the Students Disciplinary Committee when summoned to do so in writing by the Secretary of the Committee.
Withholding information that would assist in the proceedings of any hearing by the Students Disciplinary Committee. Refusing to testify while holding vital information shall also be disciplined, this includes victims who refuse to testify or withdraw a case.
Willful obstruction of the work or proceedings of the Student Disciplinary Committee or interference with witnesses or evidence.
Failure to abide by the ruling, decision, and penalty made or imposed by the Student Disciplinary Committee or any other Committee of Senate.
Trespassing on University property or property that belongs to or is in the lawful possession or control of any other student, member of staff or visitor of the University.
Physical abuse of any person, or conduct intended to threaten imminent bodily harm or to endanger the health or safety of any person on or outside the university college.
Unlawful conduct of a sexual nature including, but not limited to: rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment; indecent exposure or behavior; production or distribution of pornography; prostitution or loitering for the purpose of soliciting; or engaging in any unlawful act or conduct.
Conduct on the University college constituting a sexual offence, whether forcible or non-forcible.
Gaining unauthorised access to any electronically held data, or network, or programme, or any other form of computer hacking, or the deliberate transportation or creation of any form of computer virus, worm, Trojan or keystroke logger.
Using University resources to access offensive sites such as pornographic sites.
Use of abusive and inappropriate language amongst students and to staff is unacceptable.
All forms of academic misconduct, including but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty as may be further specified by the University Senate.
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, key, electronic device, or identification.
Any act which:
Constitutes a breach of the University Act or Statutes or rules and regulations.
Interferes with the governance or proper administration of the University.
Is an offence under Laws of Malawi
Fighting, bullying and intimidation
Damaging, defacing, graffiti, vandalizing college
property i.e. furniture, water taps, glass panes etc.
Any student shall appear before a disciplinary committee if they violate any of the University Rules and Regulations.
There shall be a University Students Disciplinary Committee which shall be responsible for considering cases of misconduct.
The Students Disciplinary Committee shall comprise the following members:
The Vice principle of each college or his/her appointee, who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee
The Registrar or his/her appointee shall be the Secretary and an ex- officio member of the Committee;
One Head of any academic department of the University;
The Advisor of the Students' Council;
Two representatives of the Executive Committee of the Students Council. In the case the whole Council is involved, any four independent students. In both cases they shall be nominated for the purpose by the Deputy Vice Chancellor on case by case basis considering their closeness to the accused; and
One member of staff of the University who shall be co-opted into the Committee from time to time on account of his/her special expertise or knowledge related to the subject matter of the disciplinary hearing which shall include either male or female warden
Once the Deputy Vice Chancellor has received a report of indiscipline, he/she shall make a decision on whether the matter should be brought before a disciplinary hearing within 15 working days.
If the matter is of serious nature, the Vice Principal of either college shall make a recommendation to the Vice Principal for immediate suspension before a disciplinary hearing is held, in any case within the 15 working days.
The Vice principal shall determine the penalty to be imposed on any student who is found guilty of misconduct or any other violation of these Regulations, taking into account the recommendations of the Students Disciplinary Committee. The disciplinary committee shall recommend to the Vice Chancellor for consideration and approval any penalty to be imposed on any student who is found guilty of misconduct or any violation of these contents
Students shall in their own individual
capacity or as College Students Council not be allowed to
bring a fellow student for disciplinary hearing. Even when
they do; the student in violation of the rules and
regulations shall not be deemed to have gone through a
disciplinary hearing process. This shall be deemed as a mere
reprimand and/or caution to the student who shall still be
required to appear before a duly constituted disciplinary
hearing.
A standing committee will be constituted for one academic
year as per appointment
This committee will comprise of:
The Vice Principal
The College Registrar
1 Dean
1 Head of Department
1 Coopted Staff
2 Union Members
1 Advisor
1 Warden
The quorum for meetings of the Students' Disciplinary Committee shall be one thirds of all the members of the Committee.
The Students' Disciplinary Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings.
The Chairperson of the Students' Disciplinary Committee shall regulate proceedings in a manner as simple and informal as possible within the procedural regulations which is best fitted to do substantial justice.
The Students' Disciplinary Committee shall conduct all disciplinary hearings in accordance with the principles of natural justice and shall more particularly ensure that every student charged with misconduct or other breach of these regulations shall be:
informed of the charge or charges that he/she has to answer and the details of the charge or charges not less than three days before the commencement of the proceedings relating to the charge or charges;
furnished with a full and fair opportunity to respond to the allegations of misconduct or breach of regulations as are made against him/her;
permitted to present any relevant facts or call any competent witnesses to testify on his/her behalf;
permitted to be present at all stages of the proceedings save when the Committee is deliberating upon its decision on the matter;
informed in writing of the verdict of the Vice Chancellor on the charges and the reasons for that verdict as soon as is practicable.
Voting shall be by a secret ballot.
Decisions of the disciplinary hearing will be made based on a simple majority vote of the committee.
A notice to a student summoning him/her to appear before the Committee shall be contained in a letter addressed to him/her and advising him/her of the hearing:
the place at which he/she is to attend the meeting.
the date and time : provided that the date shall not be less than 3 days from the date of such notice.
particulars of the offence he/she has to answer.
his/her right to call witnesses to attend and give any relevant testimony on his/her behalf before the Committee.
A member of the Committee, who has a close relationship with the accused shall not participate in the Committee proceedings.
The Committee shall find a student to have breached the Rules on either the Student's own admission or when it has been proven so at the conclusion of the hearing.
If the Committee determines that the student has violated the University rules, regulations, procedures, policies, standards of conduct or orders, it shall then determine the appropriate sanction to be imposed. When determining the appropriate sanction, the Committee shall review the evidence presented at the hearing, time wasted in the hearing, gravity of the matter and the students past record of conduct at the University.
No litigation shall be commenced with respect to matters that are under consideration by the Students Disciplinary Committee.
Within 10 workings days after the conclusion of a Students Disciplinary Committee hearing, the Secretary shall submit to the Vice Chancellor through the Chairperson a full report that includes the conclusions of the Committee on whether the charges relating to the hearing are proved and, where they are, recommendations on the penalty to be imposed on the offending student.
In deciding on the disciplinary action, the Vice Chancellor shall review thoroughly the report from the committee and shall make a decision within 5 working days.
The final decision of the Vice Chancellor shall be communicated to the student and subsequently be published on the official Notice Boards and sent to the parents or guardians of the student.
The verdict of the disciplinary hearing will be communicated to the student in writing within 48 hours after the Vice Chancellor has made a decision.
Aggrieved students should, within 15 working days from the date of receiving the communication of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, lodge their appeal for review of the decision of the committee with the Vice Chancellor who shall set up an Independent Appeals Committee.
The decision of the disciplinary appeals committee shall be final. If a student appeals, he/she should not be allowed to continue with normal academic business i.e. should not be allowed to attend classes or write exams. His/her electronic record should be shut down
Any student of the University who commits acts of misconduct or otherwise contravene any University rule, regulation, procedure, policy, standard of conduct or orders may be liable to one or more disciplinary measures which shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:
Warnings and Reprimands:
Written reprimand and warning which include a statement that
continuation or repetition of the specific misconduct or
other contravention will result in one or more of the more
serious disciplinary sanctions, including restitution,
suspension or dismissal.
Restitution:
Financial or other compensation for damage or other loss of
property and for injury to persons or institutions.
Withdrawal from Halls of Residence:
Eviction of the student from the halls will be in line with
the agreement form signed.
Forfeiture:
Termination of any entitlement to a scholarship or other
award for a specified period.
Suspension
Compulsory withdrawal of a student from the University for such period and upon such conditions as the Vice Chancellor may impose.
Any student found guilty of malicious damage of property, arson or attempted arson, threat to life and bodily harm by the Students' Disciplinary Committee shall be suspended immediately pending further disciplinary action.
Any student who is suspended shall be re-admitted at the end of their suspension period.
Dismissal:
Termination of a student's enrolment in the University.
Students who are dismissed from the University or any public University shall not be re-admitted to pursue any studies within the University.
A student is deemed to have withdrawn when he/she absents from lectures for a continuum period for 14 continuous calendar days. The University may permit a student to withdraw only on the following grounds and taking into consideration the merits of each particular case and the maximum duration of the programme.
Pregnancy:
Any student of the University who becomes pregnant in the course of her studies shall report the pregnancy to the Dean of Students' Affairs or Warden who may advise about medical checkups and counselling if necessary.
Every pregnant student who opts to use medical services for her check-ups other than those provided by the University shall inform the Dean of Students' Affairs or Warden of that fact.
A student who becomes pregnant in the course of her programme shall be allowed to continue with her studies provided she is certified by a registered medical practitioner to be fit for the activities required by her academic programme.
A student should plan her withdrawal from the University in line with recommendations she receives from the Health Centre based on the medical check-ups but shall in any case withdraw from the college halls of residence at least four weeks before the expected date of delivery.
Where there is a miscarriage or the baby is still born, a student will be allowed to return to her studies as soon as her health is certified as satisfactory in a medical report issued by a certified medical practitioner.
No student of the University shall terminate her pregnancy in contravention of the law.
Illness:
Any student of the University may withdraw on medical
grounds only if the head of the college Health Centre or
medical doctor has certified that they are unfit to continue
with their studies for the time being.
Financial Withdrawal:
Any student of the University may withdraw on not more than
one occasion during the course of the programme for which
he/she is registered on financial grounds if such withdrawal
is approved by the Vice Chancellor.
30.4. Voluntary Withdrawal:
Any student of the University who withdraws for no valid
reasons or contrary to the provisions of these Regulations
shall be deemed to have withdrawn voluntarily and shall be
de-registered as a student of the University.
Re-Admission of Students
Every student who is permitted to withdraw from the
University shall apply for re-admission before resuming the
programme for which he/she was registered prior to the
withdrawal and shall not resume such programme without the
approval of the Vice Chancellor.
Pregnancy:
A student who withdraws from the University on the grounds of pregnancy shall be re-admitted only if she submits a satisfactory medical report from a registered medical practitioner and evidence that satisfies the Vice Chancellor that she has made necessary arrangements concerning the welfare of the new baby.
Any student who withdraws from the University on the grounds of her pregnancy shall bear all financial costs associated with the pregnancy and resultant maternity.
Illness:
Any student who withdrew from the University on medical
grounds and would like to be readmitted shall apply to
the Registrar and shall be required to submit a medical
report from a registered medical practitioner in support
of their application which shall satisfy the Vice
Chancellor.
Financial:
Every student who withdrew on financial grounds and
would like to be readmitted shall apply to the Registrar
and satisfy the Vice Chancellor that the financial
constraint is no longer.
Voluntary:
Any student of the University who voluntarily withdraws
from the University shall not be re-admitted.
The University shall have a Students' Council known as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Students Council (LSU).
Every college, Open and Distance learning programme of the University shall have a Students' Council which shall comprise of undergraduate, postgraduate and international students as members.
Every Students' Council of every college of the University shall be affiliated and shall pay to it an annual subscription fee as stipulated under the Luanar Students' Council Constitution.
Electoral Commission contestant (Electoral Commission Board)
All electoral Commission contestants qualifying for Electoral Commission and Council Positions should only be those that have paid tuition fees in full
Every registered student of the University shall be a member of the Students' Council of the college with which he/she is registered and shall pay the applicable council subscription fee as prescribed by the Constitution of such Students' Council.
Every member of the Students' Council of a college of the University shall, by virtue of that membership, be a member of the University Students Council.
Election of office bearers for the Students Council of any college of the University shall be conducted in consultation with the Director of Students Affairs.
Similarly, election of office bearers for each student's council shall be conducted in consultation with the respective Director of Students Affairs and ODL centre coordinators.
Every student or group of students of the
University shall have the right to form or join any club,
society or organization of their choice.
Student prayer groups shall be required to register with the
welfare office and specific space will be allocated to them
based on the day chosen. The days shall be Wednesday
evenings after classes, Fridays evenings and weekends
Saturday and Sunday.
Clubs and societies are encouraged to jointly work together with exiting groups with the common objective and goals.
No club, society, association or organization of students shall be established or operate in the University without being affiliated to the Students' Council of the College where it is operating. The club, society, association or organization shall first register with the Director of Students Affairs indicating to him/her the objectives of the group.
As much as the University appreciates the freedom of association, all political functions such as gathering, meetings, rallies should not be held on college.
Every student club, society, association or organization shall have a Patron and Advisor who shall be any member of staff approved by the Vice Chancellor.
No club, society, association or organization shall be established, operate in any college of the University or obtain funds from the Students Council or other source unless the Dean of Students' Affairs is satisfied that the club, society, association or organization exists for a lawful cause and has complied with the requirements of these Regulations regarding the registration of student groups.
Any group of students that intends to organize a social event on or outside the college of the University must register the event and the name of the student group responsible for organizing the event with the Registrar.
Any group of students that intends to organize a social event outside the college of the University must seek prior permission for such event from the Registrar through a written application submitted to the Registrar through the Patron or Advisor of the group and Dean of Student Affairs. At least 7 days prior to the event
The Patron or Advisor of any student group, who submits an application for permission for the group to organize a social event outside the college of the University shall report any case of student misconduct during the event to the Dean of Students' Affairs.
Members of any group of students that is permitted to organize a social event outside the college of the University shall be accompanied, to that event, by the Patron or Advisor of the group.
Any event of a social, recreational, educational or organizational nature must be scheduled through the college students Union Office in the speaker's office with the approval of the Dean of Students Affairs office.
An event that is open to the public shall be required to have security officers on duty during said event, there is need to consult regarding arrangements.
Open air activity shall take place once in a semester
Any other activity happening on campus, requires a formal request that should be done within 48 hours before commencement of activity
Every student shall complete and submit a clearance form at the end of each academic year and every student who, without reasonable cause, fails to submit a clearance form signed with a stamp shall have their results withheld.
Every student shall settle in full all his or her debts with the University and the Students Council at the end of each academic year. Any student with outstanding University debt shall not be informed of his or her examination results.
| No. of Days | Amount (MK) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 500 |
| 3 | 1,000 |
| 4 | 1,500 |
| 5 to 14 | 2,000 |