[ad_1]
Students returning to NUI Galway are cautioned that they face possible expulsion from the University if they violate public health guidelines in the coming months.
In an emailed letter to all students this afternoon, the institution says it will invoke its Code of Conduct for anyone found to be ignoring the advice, aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
The correspondence, from the Dean of Students, arrives as thousands of people travel to the city for the start of the new academic year next Monday.
University authorities are keen to discourage house parties and other large gatherings in the coming weeks.
The code lists “any behavior that endangers the well-being of the individual or others” among the examples of possible infractions.
Asking students to “work together like never before,” the letter specifies a series of measures that have been taken to minimize the risk of coronavirus for the 2020/21 academic year.
These include the provision of face masks to all students, one-way systems to facilitate social distancing, and a laptop loan scheme for those who need assistance accessing remote conferences.
The thirteen-page Code of Conduct, updated in 2018, provides a number of examples of violations that can result in penalties.
These include “any activity, whether carried out on or off the grounds of the University, that adversely affects, or may adversely affect, the reputation of the University.”
Students are told that it is incumbent upon them to be familiar with the regulations and says that allegations of ignorance will not be considered as part of any disciplinary process.
Sanctions range from a formal reprimand to permanent expulsion from the university and its facilities.
Earlier this month, the University traced plans for all students to sign a pledge stating that they would adhere to public health guidelines, before they could enroll in college. Students were initially informed that any breach of the commitment in question could result in disciplinary action.
After the protests, students are now being asked to commit to the pledge, but they can choose not to and still enroll in their courses.
[ad_2]