Policy for Alumni Campus Access and Code of Conduct

Preamble

1. NUST alumni have consistently demonstrated exceptional abilities and made remarkable contributions across various fields. They have emerged as trailblazers in their respective domains, leaving a lasting impact on society. It is important to acknowledge that alumni have nostalgic sentiments and fond memories associated with NUST which inspire them to come back to the campus. The recent graduates preparing for the CSS exams and foreign scholarships require access to the central library, and many alumni rely on sports complex facilities (gym, swimming pool, saddle club etc.) as a means of promoting physical well-being and thus, require visiting the campus.

Aim

2. This policy comprehensively addresses campus access and the code of conduct that governs alumni when visiting the university. It sets forth guidelines and expectations to ensure respectful and positive interactions.

Application of the Policy

3. The policy is applicable to all alumni who have graduated (or obtained clearance) from all constituent Schools/Colleges and are visiting the main campus (H-12). The focus of this policy is to outline the code of conduct that alumni are required to follow when they visit the main campus.

Alumni Card

4. All alumni will be provided with an alumni card through registration and application on the alumni web portal. This card must be presented when entering the campus and upon request by university officials.

5. An alumni card is a personal, non-transferable possession. Any fraudulent utilization or involvement in fraudulent activities related to the alumni card may result in disciplinary measures.

6. Unauthorized use of an alumni card by any individual undermines the essence of our alumni community and will lead to immediate card forfeiture.

7. The alumni card is valid for the entry of one individual, i.e., the alumnus on campus. It does not grant access to the family and friends of the alumnus.

Campus Access Guidelines

8. Timings: Alumni entry into the NUST campus will be permitted from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM throughout the week. It is expected that the alumni have their alumni card during their visit to NUST.

9. The alumni card grants lifetime access to campus grounds, cafeterias and libraries. Access to sports facilities, such as the gymnasium, swimming pool, and saddle club will be as per direction of Administration Directorate.

10. Following are the exceptions:

• a. Prior appointments are required from relevant stakeholders for access to hostels, labs, classrooms, offices, and schools when meeting faculty.
• b. A 3-day prior email notification be sent to the Alumni office for alumni who wish to bring their families.

Acts of ill-discipline/Prohibited conduct

11. NUST cherishes the spirit of dignity and decorum as laid out clearly in the NUST Code of Conduct and expects all alumni visiting the campus to follow the same. This prohibits any conduct by alumni that may lead to or result in any of the following:

• a. Abuse, assault, threatening behavior: Intentional or reckless acts that endanger, threaten, or cause physical or mental harm to any person on university premises are strongly discouraged. This includes the use of abusive language, physical or verbal intimidation, harassment, coercion, or any behavior that instills reasonable apprehension of harm.
• b. Firearms, explosives, and other weapons: Possession, use, or distribution of firearms, explosives, hazardous materials, or any other weapons on university premises is strictly prohibited.
• c. Furnishing false information, forgery, or unauthorized use of documents: Providing false information, misusing university affiliation, engaging in forgery, unauthorized alteration or utilization of any university document, electronic transmission, alumni card, or academic and non-academic records is strictly prohibited.
• d. Theft: Stealing or attempting to steal property or services on university premises or at university activities is strictly condemned.
• e. Damage to property or its destruction: Deliberate or reckless destruction or damage to university property is strictly prohibited.
• f. Improper Dress code: In alignment with our social values, alumni are required to comply with a dress code that embodies our cultural norms.
• g. Drugs/Narcotics: Involvement in the use, sale, possession, distribution, or facilitation of drugs, narcotics, intoxicants, or any other illegal substances on campus is strictly prohibited.
• h. Unauthorized use of computer or electronic communication devices: Unauthorized access, utilization, copying, or alteration of computer programs, software, alumni data, or any form of digital information; interfering with others' work; transmitting offensive or threatening messages; misusing the internet and engaging in cyber offenses; or unauthorized access to or utilization of university computer equipment, networks, or electronic communication devices is strictly discouraged.
• i. Political/Sectarian activities: Involvement in political activities or sectarian practices on university premises that may lead to disharmony, disrupt peace, or polarize the community is discouraged.
• j. Public display of affection: Public Display of Affection (PDA) encompasses physical intimacy displayed in public, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender. Any form of physical intimacy must be avoided during alumni interactions, events, or activities at the campus. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, following the relevant penalties.

Reporting of ill-discipline acts

12. Contacting the Alumni Office (UAO): Instances of ill-discipline involving alumni should be reported to the Director University Advancement Office (UAO) through appropriate channels, including eION or email at [email protected], who will decide if the severity requires to be handled by UAO or reported to NUST Alumni discipline committee.

13. NUST Alumni Discipline Committee: The NUST Alumni Discipline Committee will conduct disciplinary hearings to gather and assess pertinent information related to alleged violations. Based on the information collected, the NUST Alumni Discipline Committee will recommend suitable disciplinary actions for each case. Alumni will rightfully have the opportunity to present their perspectives during this process.

14. Composition of NUST Alumni Discipline Committee: The NUST Alumni Discipline Committee will be composed of the following members:

• i. Director UAO
• ii. Deputy Director Admin & Coord (RIC)
• iii. Chief Security Officer
• iv. 2 x Presidents of NUST Constituent Alumni Associations
• v. GM Alumni (General Secretary of the Committee)

Ideally, one of the President NCAA will be from the same School/College as that of the alumni who is being reviewed for disciplinary action.

Approval and implementation of penalties

15. The NUST Alumni Discipline Committee will propose disciplinary penalties and forward to Pro-Rector RIC for approval and subsequent implementation.

16. Right to appeal: Alumni have the right to appeal against the decision of the NUST Alumni Discipline Committee within fifteen days of the announcement. Such appeals must be submitted to the Pro-Rector RIC for review and reconsideration.

Penalties for acts of ill-discipline

17. The penalties for acts of ill-discipline by alumni shall be determined based on the severity of the offense and may include one or more of the following:

• a. Written advisory: Notification to the offender, indicating that further prohibited conduct may lead to additional disciplinary action.
• b. Confiscation of alumni card: Prohibition from accessing the campus, including all the activities, i.e., Homecoming, mentorship sessions etc. for a designated period, not more than 05 years.
• c. Loss of privileges: Temporary revocation of specific privileges enjoyed by alumni; their gym/swimming pool cards may be confiscated, not more than 02 years.
• d. Restrict Alumni profile on portal: The profile on the Alumni Portal may be blocked for a designated time, not more than 05 years. This will restrict the participation in any activity on the Alumni Portal.
• e. Campus Entry Restriction: Restricting entry on alumni on campus for a specific period of time.
• f. Written Note to Employer: A written notice to the alumni’s employer with details of the incident, in case of a serious violation.
• g. Report to Police: Serious cases of ill-disciplined acts may be referred to Police/concerned agency, and FIR may be registered.

Conclusion

18. NUST alumni continue to be a crucial and valued part of our institution. NUST appreciates their commitment to upholding principles of excellence, professionalism, and mutual respect and expects them to follow the guidelines mentioned in the above policy.