ECIU University – Student Conduct Guidelines
as approved by the Student Council Presidium on September 9th, 2025
1. Aims & Scope
ECIU University brings together learners from across 13 institutions and cultures. With this diversity comes opportunity, but also the potential for misunderstandings or mismatches in expectations. These Conduct Guidelines are here not only to guide behaviour towards each other, but to protect the unique spirit of international collaboration that makes ECIU special.
This guideline outlines the expected conduct of all students participating in ECIU learning opportunities, both virtual and physical, and serves as a complement to the Erasmus+ Student Charter. It raises awareness about unacceptable behaviour and broadly covers the processes for reporting and responding to concerns. All students participating in an ECIU learning opportunity must agree to these guidelines.
You are a representative of your home university, and you should act in a manner that upholds this responsibility. This document serves as an overarching guideline for ECIU members, but does not supersede the disciplinary measures of individual partner institutions. In case of conflict, a partner university’s disciplinary measures and national law prevail.
2. Core Values
The students of ECIU work to create an inclusive environment that breaks barriers between countries, cultures, and institutions. Students strive to show that differences can educate, not divide. There is no place within ECIU for discrimination.
Discussions and healthy debate, which pertain to learning and academic discourse, must always be civil, respectful and constructive. Participants should always engage in a collaborative, kind, and non-judgmental manner, especially in situations where differences may arise.
ECIU is a place where:
- Respect and dignity are shown to everyone.
- Participants feel welcome and able to be themselves.
- Differences are valued and respected no matter how big or small.
- Cultural and linguistic awareness is practiced.
- In group projects, be patient with teammates, especially those whose native language isn't English.
- Communication styles differ; be open to approaches that are more direct or more reserved.
- Some students may require captions, longer deadlines, or alternative formats, be inclusive and support these needs proactively.
- Discrimination, defamation, bullying, or any other unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
In practice, this means “be patient, be open, be inclusive”. For example:
3. Digital Etiquette and Online Conduct
Cultural and digital etiquette are both vital to maintaining a healthy and productive learning environment.
As much of ECIU collaboration occurs online, students must:
- Communicate respectfully in digital spaces such as email, chat, and video calls. Have fun, but not at others expense.
- Use clear and courteous language to avoid misunderstandings in tone. Both language and cultural barriers may be present.
- Respect group norms, such as using microphones or video when appropriate, and not overtly pushing others to do so.
- Do not record or screenshot others without consent, especially for non-academic purposes.
- Be patient with response times, especially when working across time zones. Allow others to rest, as well as yourself.
- Think of in-person conduct. Check if the way that you are treating someone online matches how you would act in person.
- Be honest about your own capacity. Don't take on more work than you can manage. Notify your team and teachers of changes in your availability.
- The right to be treated equally to the students of your receiving institution
- The right to be informed about student support services
- The duty to uphold the code of conduct of your receiving institution
- The duty to behave in a responsible and respectful manner
If you realise another student isn’t adhering to these principles, try to communicate it openly and directly, as long as it’s appropriate.
4. Complaints and Resolution Processes
Besides outlining your responsibilities regarding academic commitments, the Erasmus+ Student Charter establishes that all students acquire certain entitlements, obligations and duties before, during and after a mobility.
These rights and duties include:
These rights and duties primarily aim to prevent issues, support the international community, and protect all involved. They are not aimed to punish, but to create a space where open and bilateral dialogue allow for respectful conflict resolution.
Institutions are requested to preventively inform students of relevant conflict resolution procedures, to ensure that complaints are addressed in an appropriate timeframe, and to place emphasis on confidentiality.
In case of major conflicts, you are encouraged contact support staff at your receiving and, if appropriate, your sending institution. They are commonly titled confidential contact person or ombudsman. They will accompany you through the complaint process.
Based on each individual institution’s rules and regulations, staff may take appropriate measures, which may include exclusion from current and future activities related to ECIU.
5. Contextual Understanding and Support
The ECIU learning environment is diverse and multidisciplinary, involving:
Conflict may arise naturally; what matters is how we address it. These Conduct Guidelines exist as a guide to how we navigate these complexities, not to eliminate them.
- Students with varied academic standards and communication styles.
- Challenges due to language barriers or differing time zones.
- Group work across cultural or professional expectations.
If you are unsure whether something counts as misconduct or simply need a space to talk through concerns, staff is there to listen. Always treat your teachers and administrative staff with respect. They are valuable members of our community too.
6. Final Note
Participating in ECIU means not just learning on academic subjects, but growing as an international collaborator and global citizen. The Conduct Guidelines are here to ensure trust, empathy, and fairness are part of every challenge you take on together.
You are not just a student at ECIU University; you are a co-creator of its culture. Never feel afraid to speak out if you feel the Student Conduct Guidelines have been breached, the ECIU community is here for you.