What are the disciplinary measures?
The disciplinary measures concern, among other things, the following:
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Code of conduct at SDU
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About examination irregularities
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Other types of violations of SDU’s code of practice, such as violation of academic practice, misuse of data, plagiarism, etc.
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How the vice-chancellor is notified of complaints and how they are processed.
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About sanctions in case of violations of rules
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Possibilities for complaining
The applicable rules from 2017 and 2015
The latest rules for disciplinary measures against students from 2017 are further down on this page. In addition, the 2015 regulatory framework remains in use. Both sets of rules in pdf format can be found by following this link below:
Link to the code of conduct conserning Disciplinary measures 2017 and 2015.
Who do the disciplinary measures concern?
The rules are the same for all students at SDU. Note! There might be rules that are particular to your course and which are not found in these pages: Accordingly, it is important that you understand your programme regulations, which you will find on your course webpage.
Code of conduct at SDU
Section 1. During their studies, students must act in a manner that ensures the University’s uninterrupted function. Students are obliged to comply with instructions and orders from University employees regarding compliance with the rules named in subsections 2 - 4.
Subsection 2 Students must act considerately towards staff and fellow students. Students need to respect university property, buildings, and possessions when they are on the university area.
Noisy behaviour, eating, drinking, etc. must not take place in such a manner that it causes inconvenience to others. This implies e.g. that threatening or harassing behaviour and violation of the University's smoking ban may be considered violations of the code of conduct.
Subsection 3 Students must abide by the rules set by the University or by rules the University is bound to. Students are obliged to comply with the University's safety regulations, indicated by signs, notices, house rules etc.
Subsection 4 While participating in an internship, a clinical internship or similar, students must act in accord with standards and guidelines applicable for the company/institution, such as standards for patient contact.
Examination irregularities
§ 2. Students must act and behave in accordance with the rules for examinations set by the University, including rules on cheating, cf. § 3.
Subsection 2 Unintentional violation of the rules and attempts to cheat in examinations are treated in the same manner as intentional violations.
Section 3. It is, among other things, considered cheating in exams when a student:
1) Plagiarises, including reusing own texts (auto-citation) without source reference and citation
2) Commits forgery
3) Omits information
4) Misleads about their own efforts or results
5) Participates in unauthorised cooperation
6) Receives help during examinations or helps others during a non-group examination
7) Unlawfully has prior knowledge of the examination assignment
8) Provides false attendance information
9) Attempts to bypass, deactivate or otherwise impede the purpose of the University's use of electronic surveillance measures, cf. subsection 3.
Subsection 2 Cheating in examinations can occur during all types of examinations at SDU.
Subsection 3 The University may use electronic surveillance measures to detect cheating in examinations.
You can read more about exam cheating here
Other violations
Section 4 Other gross breach of good academic practice and breach of national codes of conduct for Research Integrity are also reported to the Vice-Chancellor. This applies, among other things, to:
1) Falsification of documents
2) Abuse of data/data hacking
3) Unauthorised use of IT programmes, including illegal file sharing or other breaches of copyright or IT rules,
4) Violation of data security or theft/abuse of other’s research results or work
Subsection 2 Criminal acts committed in relation to the University are immediately reported to the Vice-Chancellor. This is undertaken with a view to the Vice-Chancellor's decision whether to notify the police and consideration regarding possible sanctions in accordance with section 6. The latter in regard to the University's uninterrupted function.
Subsection 3 Submission of incorrect and/or inadequate information in connection with application for admission is reported to the Vice-Chancellor.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and handling of cases
Section 5 Violations of the rules regarding disciplinary measures, cf. §§ 1-4, will be handled by the Vice-Chancellor or an authorised representative appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, cf. subsection 2.
Subsection 2 Violations of the rules on disciplinary measures will be investigated and processed by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and Student Services as follows:
1) Violation of the code of conduct, cf. § 1, is investigated and processed by the Vice-Chancellor's Office.
2) Violation of the rules for examination irregularities, cf. § 2 and § 3, is investigated and processed by Student Services.
3) Other violations, cf. § 4, are investigated and processed by the Vice-Chancellor's Office.
Subsection 3 Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor takes place as soon as possible and in writing after consultation with the student, unless the need to maintain peace and order requires immediate reporting.
Sanctions
Violations of this code of practice may be sanctioned by the Vice-Chancellor with the following:
- An issued warning
- Refusal of assessment
- Cancellation of assessment
- Expulsion from the University for a limited period of time or permanently.
Sanctions can be combined. The Vice-Chancellor's choice of sanction(s) places emphasis on the gravity of the offence, any prior offences, the risk of repetition and consideration of ensuring the uninterrupted function of the University and preservation of the University's activities.
Denial or cancellation of an assessment will be recorded as an attempt at the applicable exam(s). This is also the case for written group examinations. In such instances, assessment of the task will be refused in its entirety for all participants in the group.
Expulsion means that the student immediately loses all rights, access and offers to and/or from SDU during the expulsion period.
Opportunity to complain
If there are circumstances in the Vice-Chancellor’s decision that could be construed as non-legal, i.e., the decision was made on an incorrect legal basis, it is possible to appeal the decision. This can be done by writing to The Danish Agency for Institutions and Educational Grants, Bredgade 43, 1260 Copenhagen K.
Do you need support?
Contact Educational Law & Registration if you have any questions regarding the above mentioned rules. You can do this either via spoc.sdu.dk or by calling at 65501059 (between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m.).
Contact Student Services if you have questions about SU, Admission, SDU international, Syddansk Elite, SPS and other services at SDU.
Contact the counselling at your studies if you need specific knowledge related to your study eg. knowledge about your study plan or how to write a dispensation application.
Contact the General Study counselling if you need guidance concerning general study topics such as study techniques, well-being or simply just find it hard to know who to go to with your questions.