Open University in Aalto University applies the rules and guidelines for the degree students of Aalto University also to Open University students, when relevant. These rules and guidelines for the degree students are available at Into pages.
Agreement
In registering for Open University studies the student agrees to abide by the rules of conduct of the Open University.
Protection of the rights of Open University students
The Universities Act (558/2009) provisions in sections 44 and 82 on the assessment of study attainments apply also to Open University students. They concern the student’s right to obtain information on assessment criteria, the right to see study attainments that have been assessed, and the right to apply — first to the teacher, then to the Academic Appeals Board— for a rectification of the assessment.
Open University students are entitled to modified arrangements within reason, for example, special arrangements may be made in teaching for cases of chronic illness or disability, as in accordance with the guidelines and procedures of the university for respective degree students when applicable. Access to special arrangements requires that the student has not repeatedly and without valid reason failed to use special arrangements granted to him or her in the past.
An Open University student who experiences problems related to teaching or in interacting with other students in group work, for example, should first contact the teacher of the course. An Open University student may who feels subjected to inappropriate behaviour in the teaching or who feels that his or her rights as a student are being inadequately protected may bring the matter to the attention of another Open University staff person [contact email address avoin(at)aalto.fi].
The right to a safe study environment and need for appropriate conduct
All students (degree students, exchange students, Open University students and others) have the right to a safe study environment and to be treated appropriately. Students shall be treated on the basis of equality and non-discrimination. Each student is responsible not only for his or her own actions, but also for the safety and pleasantness of the study environment. Students are to conduct themselves appropriately in the physical as well as the virtual learning environment. It is not permitted to act disruptively or inappropriately towards other students, teachers or staff. Students are to observe the study-related instructions and guidelines given by the Open University, individual teachers and administrative staff.
Cheating, plagiarism and other acts of fraud or deceit in studies are prohibited, see the Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof.
Consequences of student misconduct
An Open University student who disrupts teaching, behaves violently or threatens or endangers the life or health of another person may be ordered to leave the premises of a teaching or other university event. A student may be banned from attending teaching for up to three working days if his/her violent or menacing behaviour impairs the safety of another student or person working at the university or if his/her disruptive behaviour makes teaching or teaching-related activities unduly difficult. The teacher may order a student to leave the premises. The director in charge of Open University operations may ban a student from attending all Open University teaching for up to three working days.
Students who violate the university’s user account rules, behaving inappropriately on the digital learning platform, for example, may be subject to intervention in accordance with the user account rules.
An Open University student who commits a serious breach of university order by engaging in disruptive, threatening or violent behaviour or repeated acts of fraud or deceit may be refused admission to Open University studies for a fixed period of up to one year. In urgent cases, a student may be suspended from a course already begun. The course fee of a student suspended from course for misconduct will not be reimbursed.
Behaviour that is violent or contains the threat of violence will be reported to the person responsible for university security and may be reported to the police as well.