Student Code of Conduct

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 Purpose

The Student Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all VinUniversity students as members of a respectful, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning community. This Code aims to:

• Promote ethical behavior and a culture of mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community;
• Define the rights and responsibilities of students as members of the University;
• Clearly outline prohibited conduct and associated disciplinary consequences;
• Guide students in making responsible decisions aligned with the values of VinUniversity;
• Serve as a foundation for maintaining a positive University reputation and contributing to the public good.

The Code is both educational and regulatory in nature, designed to help students grow as responsible global citizens and future leaders.

1.2 Scope

This Student Code of Conduct applies to all individuals enrolled at VinUniversity, including:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Exchange, visiting, dual-degree, and transfer students

The Code governs behavior in all contexts related to the University, including but not limited to:

• Activities on University premises (classrooms, labs, libraries, dorminotory etc.)
• University-sponsored events and programs off-campus, including internships, fieldwork, and study abroad
• Digital platforms and online environments affiliated with the University (e.g., email, LMS, social media)
• Conduct that occurs off-campus but may adversely affect the University community, its reputation, or the safety and well-being of its members

The Code is applicable throughout the student’s enrollment, including during breaks and periods between terms. All students are expected to comply with this Code and uphold the values of VinUniversity at all times, whether on or off campus.

2. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

2.1. Rights of Students

2.2. Responsibilities of students

1. To fully comply with the general guidance of the laws of Vietnam, the regulations of VinUni, the home college(s), and other education supporting units.
2. To study and practice according to the academic program and plan of VinUni; to fulfill the students’ duties according to VinUni’s Regulations and Guidelines; to be proactive in self-study, research, and maintain integrity, ethical values and personal conducts.
3. To respect VinUni faculty members, administrators, and administrative staff, and other personnel on- and off-campus, to promote solidarity and mutual support among peers; and uphold cultural norms and values within the university environment.
4. To preserve and protect university property; act in ways that contribute to maintaining and promoting the Univeristy’s traditions and reputation.
5. To comply with the University’s regulations on initial and periodic health check-ups during the study program.
6. To fulfill all required payments, including tuition, health insurance, and other mandatory fees in accordance with University’s regulations to promptly repay any student loans or outstanding balances (if applicable); and to reimburse for any property damage or loss as stipulated in the Student Financial Regulations and Tariffs.
7. To participate in public service work, volunteer initiatives, and social activities for the community, appropriate to personal capability and health, as required by the University.
8. To update personal information in a timely manner on the student portal at the entrance, and during the study.
9. To support and protect the brands of VinUni, the Colleges, and other education supporting units.
10. To comply with military service obligations in accordance with legal requirements (if applicable), and to complete the National Defense Education program as required for Vietnamese citizens.
11. To fulfill the post-graduation commitments if receiving a scholarship from VinUni, or other funding organizations according to pre-determined agreements (if any), or to repay the scholarship and other educational fees according to pre-determined regulations.
12. To prevent misconduct and dishonesty in academic and other student-related activities; to report in a timely manner to authorized units when being aware of misconduct and dishonesty by other students in study, examination, or other violations of laws, internal rules, and regulations.
13. To participate in maintaining safety, security, traffic safety, prevention against crimes, and social misconduct on and off campus.
14. To fulfill other related obligations according to existing laws and regulations of Government and VinUni.

 2.3 Prohibited Acts for Students

1. To insult the dignity or honor, or physically assaulting faculty members, administrators, staff, fellow students, or others.
2. To engage in academic dishonesty, such as cheating during tests or exams, bringing unauthorized materials into the exam room, grade manipulation; impersonating or asking someone else to study, to take exams, or to attend internships on one’s behalf; copying or outsourcing essays, projects, or theses; organizing or participating in proxy testing or any other form of academic fraud.
3. To smoke, drink alcohol within university premises; attend class under the influence of alcohol.
4. To organize or participate in unlawful gatherings, protests, or petitions; engaging in social evils or activities that disturb public order and safety within or outside the university.
5. To organize or participate in illegal street racing or encourage such activities.
6. To organize or participate in gambling in any form.
7. To produce, trade, transport, distribute, store, use, or incite others to use weapons, explosives, drugs, banned pharmaceuticals or chemicals; possess or disseminate prohibited, pornographic, reactionary materials; promote superstition or religious activities within the university; and engaging in other unethical behaviors.
8. To establish or participate in illegal political activities; organize or join collective activities under the university’s name without prior approval from the university leadership.
9. To post, comment on, or share content, images, or articles that are vulgar, violent, pornographic, or that violate national security, oppose the Party or the Government, distort the truth, defame, or insult the reputation of organizations or individuals on the internet.
10. To organize or engage in any other unlawful activities.

3. DISCIPLINABLE CONDUCT

3.1 Forms of Disciplinary Actions

3.1.1 Students who violate the Student Code of Conduct shall, depending on the nature, severity, frequency, and consequences of the misconduct, be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures. These may include verbal or written reminders, official warnings, or one of the following formal disciplinary actions:

3.1.2 Disciplinary actions at the level of warning or higher must be recorded in the student’s official records and notified to the student’s family. In cases where a student is subject to temporary suspension or expulsion, the University will send a formal notice to the student’s family and local authorities for coordinated management and educational support.

3.1.3 International students are required to strictly comply with the Constitution, laws, and regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In addition, they are expected to observe the laws of their home country, where applicable, and to fully respect all local rules and regulations in their area of residence. Any violation of these legal obligations may result in disciplinary action by the University and/or legal consequences in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Types of Violations Subject to Disciplinary Actions: Refer to Appendix 3.

3.2 Procedure for Student Code of Conduct Incidents

For incidents categorized as Tier 1 or Tier 2: Student Affairs Management shall be responsible for reviewing the case, assessing the evidence, and determining the appropriate disciplinary action.

For incidents of Tier 3, Tier 4 severity, the Student Awarding and Disciplinary Committee shall convene a meeting to assess the case and propose disciplinary action to Provost for final approval. Any Committee member who has any personal interest or special information concerning a particular case should recuse themselves from that case.

The Student Awarding and Disciplinary Committee shall consist of:

• Chair: Vice Provost of Academic Administration

• Vice Chair (Standing member): Head of Student Affairs Management
• Committee Members: Representatives from relevant academic departments, administrative offices, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, /Student Council.
•  The Committee may also invite cohort representatives, program directors, or academic advisors to attend specific meetings. These individuals may provide input and propose recommendations regarding disciplinary actions but do not have voting rights in the final decision-making process.

Procedure for Student Code of Conduct Incidents: Refer to Appendix 4.

3.3 Mitigating Factors

Each of the points below may have an impact on the case outcomes and should be used by the Committee to assess the severity of a case:

1. Whether the student has committed misconduct before;
2. How far the student is into their academic program;
3. Whether there is evidence that the student committed the misconduct intentionally;
4. Whether the student had personal circumstances, such as physical health, mental health, etc., which affected their decision-making at the time.

3.4 Right to Appeal Disciplinary Decisions

If a student believes that a disciplinary decision is unjust or incorrect, they have the right to submit an appeal to the Student Awarding and Disciplinary Committee.

The student must send a written appeal, including evidence, to conduct@vinuni.edu.vn, within 10 working days from the date of receiving the decision.

The Student Awarding and Disciplinary Committee will reconsider the case. The Chair can decide to invite new members to join the reconsideration steps if necessary.

3.5. Termination of Disciplinary Decision

1. For students who received an Expression of disapproval: After 3 months from the date of the disciplinary decision, if there are no repeat or serious violations, the decision automatically expires, and the student’s full rights are restored.
2. For students who received a Warning: After 6 months, under the same conditions, the disciplinary decision also automatically expires, restoring full student rights.
3. For students temporarily suspended from study: Upon completion of the suspension period, the student must present a certification from the local authority confirming good conduct, and if applicable, a document confirming fulfillment of the suspended sentence. The university will review and reinstate the student if eligible.
4. The disciplinary decision must specify the effective duration, starting from the date of issuance to the end of the penalty period, in accordance with regulations.

Appendix 1. Student Standard Behaviors

Appendix 2. Disciplinary Procedures  

Appendix 3. Type of Violations Subject to Disciplinary Action

Appendix 4. Procedure for Student Code of Conduct Incidents & Forms

Forms and Related Documents

• FRM01: Suspected Misconduct Report Form.
• FRM02: Student Misconduct Report Form.

Sexual Misconduct and Response