University policies that affect students
When you sign your application form to study at SU, you agree to familiarise yourself with all the rules, regulations, policies, prescriptions, and the Disciplinary Code for Students, among others. Therefore, should you be charged with transgressing any of the University's policies, you unfortunately cannot plead ignorance as a defence.
Below are a few important policies, rules, and regulations that apply to you once you become a Matie.
Student Constitution of Stellenbosch University
The Student Constitution of Stellenbosch University ensures the protection and promotion of students' rights and regulates all student leadership structures.
General Accommodation Offering and Rules
Once you have been allocated accommodation in a university residence, please read the general Accommodation Offering and Rules attached to the offering and your acceptance of accommodation in a university-owned building.
Residence Rules
In addition to the general Accommodation Offering and Rules document, make sure that you read the Residence Rules carefully to ensure that you abide by the rules governing all residences.
Disciplinary Code for Students
The Disciplinary Code for Students states that an individual is guilty of misconduct when, among other things, he/she wrongfully violates another person’s fundamental rights as set out in the Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of the Constitution, 1996, or acts in conflict with any other South African laws or SU rules, regulations, or prescripts. This includes hate speech, sexual harassment, victimisation, violence, or incitement, unacceptable or improper behaviour, the humiliation of fellow students or staff, and assault. Thus, use good judgment and act responsibly, especially when using social media. Please familiarise yourself with the notice regarding the use of social media. Although legislation, policies, guidelines, and codes are necessary to ensure order in society, SU strives to create a welcoming campus culture through shared values.
Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment
The University’s Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment addresses unfair discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation of students and staff at the University. The Policy also includes the adoption of positive measures to prevent and protect students and staff against unfair discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation, and the establishment of procedures to deal with complaints of unfair discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation within the institution.
Responsible Social Media Use
We want our students and staff to engage with each other online, share photos of the activities that they are participating in on Instagram and TikTok, and have robust discussions about issues affecting the higher education sector.
But here’s the deal: when using social media, you MUST follow the rules as set out in the University’s policies. These rules are like a guide for how we should behave online. So, go ahead and consult our Communication Regulation so you are clear on what is considered acceptable social media use, and what goes against our values and the Regulation.
If you ever feel harassed or mistreated online, you can reach out to the Equality Unit at [email protected], 021 808 3136, or visit their office at Simon Nikoli House, 39 Victoria Street on the Stellenbosch campus.
Bottom line: Play nice and make sure to treat others with respect, whether you’re engaging face-to-face or online.