Rules and regulations of the Open University
Table of contents
The Open University of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ applies the rules and regulations set for the degree students of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ (JYU) insofar as they are applicable to the Open University students.
Informing about the rules and regulations
Students are informed about the Open University rules and regulations when they register for Open University studies.
Legal protection of Open University students regarding their studies
The provisions for the assessment of study attainments stipulated in the Universities Act (Sections 44 and 82) and JYU Degree Regulations (Sections 39–44 and 58–59) apply to the students of the Open University. These provisions concern students’ right to obtain information on assessment criteria, their right to see the assessed study attainment, and their right to request rectification of assessment first from the teacher and then from the Appeals Board of the University.
Open University students have the right to reasonable adjustments (i.e. special teaching arrangements) due to long-term illness or disability, in compliance with the guidelines and procedures set for degree students. These special arrangements may not be granted if the student has repeatedly failed to use granted special arrangements without an acceptable reason.
Right to a safe learning environment and requirement of appropriate conduct
Open University students must primarily contact the course teacher if they experience problems related to teaching or interaction with other students. Students may also report inappropriate conduct in teaching or problems related to their legal protection to the staff of the Open University.
All students (incl. degree students, exchange students, Open University students, and other students) have the right to a safe learning environment and the right to be treated appropriately. Students must be treated equally. All students, for their part, are also responsible for ensuring that the learning environment is enjoyable and safe. Students must behave appropriately in physical as well as online learning environments. Other students or staff members must not be disturbed or treated inappropriately. Students must comply with the study regulations and guidelines issued by the Open University, individual teachers and the administrative staff.
By following the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥â€™s ethical principles, a safe learning environment can be ensured for both students and staff. The principles include the commitment of the University and its members to treating each individual and group with respect and dignity. This commitment applies to language as well as other behaviour. The director of the Open University provides more detailed regulations for the supervision and execution of the rules and regulations.
The Open University applies the Rector’s decision of 17 January 2019 concerning the ethical guidelines for studying and the processing of academic fraud at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥.
Consequences of a student’s inappropriate conduct
Inappropriate conduct may manifest itself in different teaching situations, such as real-time face-to-face or online learning and non-real-time online learning, and in guidance situations. It may also occur through different tools or environments, including online learning environments, social media, electronic messaging/emailing, and phone calls. Inappropriate online behaviour can mean, for example, unauthorised recording of a situation.
A staff member of the Open University may ask a student to leave a teaching session or an event of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ if the student disturbs teaching, behaves in a violent or threatening way, or endangers the health or life of others. The measures taken must be recorded. In such a situation, the student can be given a reprimand. The director of the Open University may revoke a student’s right to participate in all teaching and activities of the Open University for a maximum of three working days.
If the student’s inappropriate and disturbing behaviour continues or recurs, the director of the Open University can give the student a written warning.
If a student of the Open University has seriously or repeatedly violated order at the University by behaving inappropriately, dishonestly or in a disturbing, threatening or violent manner, the student’s right to participate in teaching at the Open University may be revoked for a period of maximum one year. In serious or repeated cases, the student’s right to participate in a course in progress may be revoked. The course fee is not returned if the right to participate is revoked due to the student’s own behaviour.
Any violent behaviour or threat of violence are reported to the staff responsible for safety at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and potentially to the police. An individual serious or aggravated deed can lead to immediate forfeiture of study rights.
If a student uses the Open University’s user identifiers in breach of the user regulations by, for example, behaving inappropriately on an online learning platform, measures may be taken against the student in accordance with the user regulations.
Commitment to online courses
According to the definition of the study guide of the JYU Open University, an online course unit has a predefined schedule, in other words, it starts and ends at specific times and the schedules of assignments are given at the beginning of the course. Online courses require commitment and active, regular participation as well as an independent and responsible work approach. These prerequisites for participation are also specified in the study information system. If a student does not participate or work according to the given guidelines, the teacher contacts the student and can remove a passive student from the online course. The course fee is not returned if the right to participate is revoked due to the student’s behaviour.
