


DOCUMENT CONTROL AND INDEX
| Policy Title | Institutional Code of Conduct |
|---|---|
| Policy Code | VTHT/COC/POL/12 |
| Policy Owner | Principal / Discipline and Ethics Committees |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Effective Date | Effective after approval by the competent authority |
| Review Cycle | Once in three years or earlier, whenever required |
| Approving Authority | Governing Council / Management / Competent Statutory Body, as applicable |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| S. No. | Particulars | Page |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cover Page | 1 |
| 2 | Document Control and Index | 2 |
| 3 | Introduction, Purpose and Scope | 3 |
| 4 | Objectives | 4 |
| 5 | Guiding Principles and Policy Commitment | 5 |
| 6 | Policy Provisions | 6–7 |
| 7 | Roles and Responsibilities | 8 |
| 8 | Implementation Procedure | 9 |
| 9 | Records, Monitoring, Confidentiality and Non-Compliance | 10 |
| 10 | Review, References and Approval | 11 |

INTRODUCTION, PURPOSE AND SCOPE
1. INTRODUCTION
Vel Tech High Tech Dr.Rangarajan Dr.Sakunthala Engineering College recognises that code of conduct is essential to institutional quality, accountability and stakeholder confidence. This policy establishes a structured framework to define expected ethical, professional and respectful behaviour for students, employees, officers, visitors and other members of the institutional community.
2. PURPOSE
To define expected ethical, professional and respectful behaviour for students, employees, officers, visitors and other members of the institutional community.
3. SCOPE
All institutional premises, transport, digital platforms, events, field visits, internships and activities conducted under the Institution's name.

OBJECTIVES
4. OBJECTIVES
- Protect dignity, safety, fairness and academic integrity.
- Clarify acceptable and unacceptable conduct.
- Prevent discrimination, harassment, violence, misuse and conflicts of interest.
- Provide fair reporting, inquiry and appeal mechanisms.
- Protect the Institution's reputation and public trust.

POLICY FRAMEWORK
5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Every person shall be treated with dignity and respect.
- Academic and official work shall be honest, original and accurately represented.
- Authority, resources and confidential information shall not be misused.
- Complaints shall be handled impartially with confidentiality and due process.
- Retaliation against a person reporting a concern in good faith is prohibited.
6. GENERAL POLICY COMMITMENT
The Institution shall implement this policy through approved roles, adequate resources, documented procedures, transparent communication and measurable review. Decisions and exceptions shall be recorded and authorized by the competent authority.

POLICY PROVISIONS
7.1 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
- Members shall comply with law, institutional rules, lawful directions and safety requirements.
- Discrimination, bullying, ragging, sexual harassment, intimidation, violence and abusive communication are prohibited.
- Cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, falsification, unauthorized assistance and examination malpractice are prohibited.
- Institutional property, laboratories, networks, funds and facilities shall be used responsibly.
- Gifts, outside work, relationships or financial interests that create a conflict shall be disclosed.

POLICY PROVISIONS — CONTINUED
7.2 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
- Confidential student, employee, examination, research and institutional information shall be protected.
- Social-media and public statements shall not falsely represent personal views as official institutional positions.
- Alcohol, illegal substances, weapons and dangerous acts are prohibited as per law and institutional rules.
- Dress, identification and professional decorum requirements shall be followed where prescribed.
- Violations may result in counselling, warning, restitution, restriction, suspension, dismissal or other action after due process.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
8. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Principal and competent committees ensure fair implementation.
- HODs, mentors, supervisors and event coordinators communicate expectations and address concerns.
- All members report serious safety, harassment, fraud or integrity concerns promptly.
- Inquiry officers maintain impartiality, confidentiality and records.
- Individuals cooperate with authorized inquiries and comply with outcomes.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE
9. IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE
- Report concern through the appropriate channel.
- Assess immediate safety and jurisdiction.
- Notify concerned parties and gather evidence.
- Conduct inquiry with opportunity to respond.
- Issue reasoned decision and proportionate action.
- Provide appeal/review route where applicable and monitor closure.

RECORDS AND COMPLIANCE
10. RECORDS AND EVIDENCE
- Code acknowledgements
- Complaints and inquiry records
- Disciplinary decisions and appeals
- Awareness/training records
- Trend analysis and preventive actions
11. MONITORING INDICATORS
- Awareness completion
- Complaint response and closure time
- Repeat violation rate
- Preventive action closure
- Campus climate feedback
12. CONFIDENTIALITY, RETENTION AND ACCESS
Records shall be accurate, retrievable and protected against unauthorized alteration, disclosure or destruction. Access shall be role-based and limited to legitimate institutional need. Retention and disposal shall follow the approved schedule and applicable requirements.
13. NON-COMPLIANCE
Non-compliance may result in corrective action, withdrawal of access or benefit, recovery of loss, disciplinary action, referral to a statutory body or other proportionate action after due process.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL
14. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
The policy owner shall review this document at the stated cycle or earlier due to changes in law, regulation, institutional structure, technology, risk, audit findings or stakeholder requirements. Amendments shall take effect only after approval and version control.
15. REFERENCES
- Applicable laws and institutional student/service rules
- POSH, anti-ragging, academic-integrity and IT acceptable-use policies
16. APPROVAL AND SIGNATURES
| Prepared / Coordinated by | Reviewed by | Approved by |
|---|---|---|
| Name & Signature Date: | Name & Signature Date: | Name & Signature Date: |