Vmiuc Handbook Final

7/26/2019 Vmiuc Handbook Final

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Learner Handbook Page 1


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Table of Contents

1 Message from the Vice Chancellor 1

2 University Profile 2

3 Vision, Mission and Motto 3

4 Learning at VMIUC 4

5 University Policy, Rules and Regulations:

(I) Academic Rules and Regulations 7

(II) Financial Policy 12

(III) Examination Policy 13

(IV) Code of Conduct 25

6 Support Services 30


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MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR

Dear Learners,

It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all students of Vinayaka

Missions International University College (or in short, VMIUC). VMIUC is a truly

international university established to pursue an ambitious agenda of transforming the

life of its students to become responsible and respected corporate citizens of

tomorrow. VMIUC is unique in that it is a comprehensive university which offers a wide

variety of academic and professional programmes and courses through either

conventional or distance learning. In this way it aims for local and global outreach. It

will have campuses and academic learning centres throughout Malaysia.

University education marks a big transition in your academic pursuit towards building

a credible and lasting future. In your quest to discover and apply knowledge, you

assume a greater responsibility over your own learning as an active learner by being

guided in your approach to learning as opposed to being a passive learner.

This student handbook serves as a reference student guide for all categories of

students - conventional as well as online and distance learner, undergraduate and

postgraduate, or local and international students as they embark on their entire journey

to enrich their experience and knowledge. It incorporates the academic rules and

regulations on admissions, examinations, mode of payment, and the use of the library

facilities as well as the locations of the various learning centres. This will ease your

journey of knowledge.

I wish you all the best in this endeavour as you take the initial step to creating a better

tomorrow for yourself.

Prof. Dr. Nagarajah Lee

Vice-Chancellor


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UNIVERSITY PROFILE

Vinayaka Missions International University College is a private university established

under the Private Higher Educational Institutional Act 1996 (Act 555). It is a full-fledged

Malaysian university, offering a wide variety of academic and professional

programmes and courses through either conventional (face-to-face) or distance

learning. The academic programmes are approved by the Malaysian Qualification

Agency and the Ministry of Education.

The Directorate of Online & Distance Learning (DODL) is the distance learning wing

of the university. When fully established, DODL will have five (5) schools: School of

Business & Management, School of Education & Social Sciences, School of

Information Technology, School of Health Sciences and School of Professional

Development.

The campus is located at:

Level 6, NB Tower 1,

No. 5050, Jalan Bagan Luar,

12000 Butterworth

Penang, Malaysia.


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VISION, MISSION AND MOTTO

Vision:

To transform the lives of our students to become responsible and respected

professionals and corporate citizens of tomorrow.

Mission:

Vinayaka Missions International University College in its pursuit of quality educationwill endeavour to:

cater to students from all walks of life to fulfil their true potential through both

conventional and non-conventional (distance learning) mode of learning.

provide courses which are innovative and delivered through various forms of

learning and assessment within an environment conducive to teaching and

learning.

attract and retain creative, talented and dynamic educators with strong academic

credentials.

develop students who can think critically, objectively and creatively and engages

in life-long learning and continuing professional development.

Motto:

The motto Become Tomorrowis crafted to reflect VMIUCs mission of transforming

the lives of its students to become responsible and respected corporate citizens of

tomorrow.


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LEARNING AT VMIUC

VMIUC offers both the conventional and distance learning programmes.

1.0 CONVENTIONAL LEARNING

Mode of Delivery

Learners will encounter different types of teaching-learning activities, including but not

limited to lectures, small group discussions, visits, industrial attachments, seminars,

tutorials, etc.

Lectures and laboratory sessions will be teacher-centred, whilst group discussions,

tutorials will be heavily focused on students.

Assessment

The purpose of assessment is not solely to test memory, or how accurate a student

reproduces information. Assessments are also used to evaluate a students grasp of

key concepts; the breadth and depth of knowledge; the ability to discuss and argue;

and the ability to present information logically, clearly and concisely.

To achieve that, students will be assessed using various types of assessment modes

such as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer Question (SAQs), Essay,

class presentation, etc.

The assessment is formulated to reflect continuous improvement of learners in terms

of the skills and knowledge. The general policy of the University is to break down

evaluation of students into continuous assessment of 40% and the final examination

of 60%.


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Academic Calendar

The conventional programmes consists of 2 long and 1 short semester as follows:

Long Semester Short Semester

Teaching & Learning 14 weeks Teaching & Learning 7 weeks

Study BreakExamination

1 week2 weeks

Study BreakExamination

1 week2 week

Semester Break 2 weeks Semester Break 4 weeks

Total 18 weeks Total 14 weeks

2. OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

Mode of Delivery

The mode of delivery comprises the following:

a) Self-Managed Learning

Self-managed learning gives learners the freedom to learn at their own pace,

with the help of learning materials in the form of printed modules or text books.

Other learning materials provided may include electronic content, accessible

through the VMIUC portal and CD-ROM.

b) Distance Learning

Students will be given access to the Learning Management System to do the

following:

access and download learning materials including assignment questions,

modules, i-Tutorial, e-content and notes from tutors.

attempt self-test questions through MCQs with immediate feedback.

interact and communicate with colleagues and tutor through the forum, chat

or email.

share files with fellow learners, and

receive important announcements or notification from the University.


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c) Face-to-Face Interaction

The face-to-face interaction allows learners to discuss specified topics of the

modules including assignments with your tutor and tutorial group at our

Learning Centres. The interaction is usually conducted during weekends, 4-5

times per semester.

Assessments

The assessment is formulated to reflect continuous improvement of learners in terms

of the skills and knowledge. The final examination marks will consist of continuous

assessment and final examination.

At VMIUC the emphasis of assessment is more towards developmental rather than

criterion. Figure 1 illustrates the various forms of assessment tools.


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Each course within the programme is assessed separately. Assessments are normally

conducted through one or more components of coursework and one final examination

for each course. The coursework may have one or more of the following componentsbased on the requirements for the course:

a) Assignments with presentation, or

b) Mid-term examination, or

c) Group project with presentation, or

Please see the Assessment Guide for detailed information on the Universitys

assessment modes, processes and procedures.

Academic Calendar

The distance learning programme consists of 3 semesters per year. Each semester

comprise of:

Teaching & Learning 14 weeks

Examination 2 weeks

Break 1 weekTotal 17 weeks

UNIVERSITY POLICY, RULES AND REGULATIONS

I) ACADEMIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.0 Introduction

The academic rules and regulations form an integral part of the LearnersHandbook as it provides the mechanism for the University to administer its

policies in a consistent and equitable manner.

It is to be noted that from time to time the University will issue circulars and

notifications arising from the deliberations and decisions of the Universitys

Senate and learners are expected to abide by these new rules and

regulations at all times.


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2.0 Credit Hour Requirements

2.1 Credit Hour Definition

One credit hour is equivalent to 40 notional hours or 40 hours of

student learning time (SLT) for a given course in a given semester.

2.2 The durations for the completion of the conventional programmesof study are as follows:

System of Study Minimum Maximum

2 Years 6 semesters* 9 semesters*

3 Years 9 semesters* 15 semesters*

*Short Semester shall be taken into account for purposes of the minimum and

maximum duration of any programme of study.

2.3 There are no restrictions on the duration of studies for the distance

learning programmes.

2.4 Minimum Credit Hour Requirements for Graduation.

The minimum number of credit hours required for the conferment of

an academic award is as follows:-

Executive Diploma - 60 credit hours

Diploma - 90 credit hours

Bachelor - 120 credit hours

3.0 Courses Offered

3.1 Conventional Programmes

Learners follow the courses offered as determined by the faculty in the

academic calendar including compulsory university courses and Mata

Pelajaran Umum (MPU) courses.

3.2 Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes

The school will decide on courses to be offered in any given semester.

(a) New Learners

Courses offered in a first semester of study will include the

following:


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Learning Skills for Open and Distance Learners

(VMUU1013)

Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) Courses

(b) Continuing LearnersCourses offered to continuing learners are subject to the

following:

i Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

Those who attain a minimum current CGPA of 2.00 will be

allowed to register for four (4) courses in the following

semester.

Conversely, learners who attain a CGPA of less than 2.00 will

be allowed to take a maximum of two (2) courses to enable

them to improve on their CGPA.

ii Compulsory Courses (University, Compulsory Basic and Mata

Pelajaran Umum (MPU))

4.0 Initial Registration

4.1 The Letter of Admission for a place of study issued by the Registrar is

valid for one year unless stated otherwise.

4.2 Candidates are required to register for the approved programme of

study at a time and place stipulated in the letter.

4.3 The Registrar may allow a candidate to defer his/her registration. The

candidate must inform the University in writing of his/her intention to

register after the deferment period, at least a semester in advance.

5.0 Re-registration(applicable for ODL programmes only)

5.1 In a semester system, learners are required to re-register every

semester.

5.2 If learners do not re-register after the stipulated registration deadline,

learners are expected to apply for deferment for the semester, failing

which learners are considered as inactive. Learners may apply for

deferment using the form supplied by the University within two weeksafter the end of the registration period.


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6.0 Course Registration fo Distance Learning (DL) Programmes

6.1 In general learners are allowed to register for a maximum of three (3)

courses in any semester. Learners are allowed to register for

additional courses subject to approval by the Dean of the Faculty.

6.2 Learners must register for at least one (1) course in order to be

considered as active for any semester, otherwise learners are deemed

to be inactive.

6.3 Course Registration must be completed before the commencement of

the first tutorial, otherwise learners are deemed to be inactive.

6.4 Learners may be allowed to add or/and drop courses within the

stipulated timeframe.

6.5 If learners do not sit for the final examination in any registered course,

learners shall be awarded zero marks.

7.0 Successful Registration

7.1 If learners are not registered in any given semester, learners will not

be allowed to attend any tutorials or submit any coursework to the

University.

7.2 Pursuant to para 9.1, late submission (after the deadline for

submission of coursework) will result in the zero marks for any of the

coursework component.

7.3 Learners are deemed to have successfully registered with the

University once the following conditions are met:

Perform the selection of courses and time table according to the

procedures stated in the registration notice; and

Made a minimum payment to the University within the stipulated

time period

8.0 Withdrawal from a Course

8.1 Learners may withdraw from any registered course(s) provided such

application for withdrawal are made before the due date for a given

semester Late application will not be entertained and zero (0) marks


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will be awarded for the course. A grade W will be awarded for the

successful application for withdrawal of course (s).

8.2 Application for withdrawal must be made using the Withdrawal of

Course (s) Form. Learners are advised to be aware of the feeimplications for withdrawal.

8.3 If learners do not sit for examination in any registered course(s) and

do not apply for withdrawal, learners are deemed to have failed the

course (s) and will be awarded Grade F.

9.0 Deferment

9.1 Learners may opt to defer their studies under exceptional

circumstances, subject to the approval of the University.

Application for deferment must be made by filling in the Deferment of

Studies form.

9.2 Learners will be notified of their status of application. The academic

status will be recorded as Deferment and learners can still access

their emails as well as learning portal. Learners are advised to refer

to the portal for updates on registration activities for the forthcoming

semester.

10.0 Change in the Programme of Study

Learners are allowed to apply for a change of programme of study,

provided that they meet the minimum entry requirements of the new

programme. For learners who are sponsored, they must seek prior

approval from their sponsors.

11.0 Withdrawal from the Programme of Study

11.1 Learners may apply for withdrawal from the programme of study using

Withdrawal from the Programmeform.

11.2 Learners are reminded of the fee implications arising from the

withdrawal from the programme.

11.3 All applications for withdrawal will be subjected to the Universitys

approval and learners will be informed in writing.


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11.4 Learners are required to surrender their matriculation cards and other

items borrowed from the University.

11.5 Learners records will be updated with the status WN(withdrawn from

the University).

12.0 Dismissal from the University

12.1 Learners who are dismissed from the University are not eligible for re-

admission.

13.0 Transfer of Credit

13.1 Learners may apply for transfer of credits based on the following rules

and regulations:

a) Learners with Diploma qualifications pursuing a Bachelorsdegree

at VMIUC. The Diploma must be accredited by MQA or of

equivalent standard;

b) The courses applied for the transfer of credits must be at par or

even higher than those offered by VMIUC;

c) There must be at least 80% overlap of contents of the course(s)

applied for with those offered by VMIUC;

d) The grade or grade point obtained for the courses applied must

not be less than grade C or 2.0 grade point;

e) The number of credit-hours approved for the transfer of credits

must not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total credit hours for a

particular programme.

13.2 Decisions pertaining to transfer of credits are under the purview of the

Faculty Deans based on the regulations stipulated above.

13.3 The University has the right to conduct a test(s) to evaluate an

application for transfer of credits.

13.4 The total credit hours for a course which has been granted transfer of

credit will be counted as a part of the minimum total credit hours to

graduate.

13.5 Learners are required to apply using the Transfer of Credits

Application Form.


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13.6 Learners can apply for a transfer of credits only once,which is during

the first semester. The application form must be submitted to the

Dean of the relevant Faculty together with:

a) A complete and certified copies of academic transcript/s; andb) A copy of each of the course syllabus.

II) FINANCIAL POLICY

1.0 Payment of Fees

1.1 Learners are required to pay the fees and other fees as stipulated by

the University in each semester.

1.2 All fees due to the university shall be paid upon registration. Therequired amount of fees is subject to change by the University from

time to time without prior notice and shall be applicable to all learners.

1.3 Learner who failed to pay the required amount of fees within the

allowed period, or by such time as may have been agreed under

special arrangements, or under a period of grace allowed by the

University, then after due notification, the learners registration will

lapse and the learner will be required to withdraw from the University.

2.0 Refund of Fees

2.1 Applications for refund are subject to the following:

a) The funds for the refund must be available; and

b) All fees owing to the University have been deducted.

2.2 Application for a refund must be submitted to the Registry by using

Application for Refundform accompanied with the required supporting

documentation.

2.3 Fees will be refunded within 30 days of receiving the written

application form and appropriate supporting documents and will be

made payable to the learner.

2.4 Where a fee has been paid by a sponsoring body or scholarship

agency, any refund payable will be made to the sponsoring body or

scholarship agency.


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III) EXAMINATION POLICY

1.0 Assessment

1.1 The mode of assessment for courses in VMIUCs degree or diploma

programmes is revised from time to time to keep abreast with current trends

and development on formative and summative evaluation in higher

education. Invariably, these revisions may result in changes to the

assessed components, the components mark weightage and the

examination questions format. In this regard, learners are advised to refer

regularly to the VMIUC website and their Faculty for the latest information.

1.2 The assessment for the majority of courses usually comprise of:

(a) coursework componentassignments, laboratory practicals, project

work, etc.

(b) examination component - comprises mainly of a Final Examination at

the end of each semester.

2.0 Grading Scheme

2.1 The Pass mark for all programmes: 50

2.2 The grading scheme of the University for open & distance learning andconventional programmes is as follows:

Marks Grade CGPA Remarks

80 - 100 A 4.00 Excellent

75 - 79 A- 3.67 Excellent

70 - 74 B+ 3.33 Good

65 - 69 B 3.00 Good

60 -64 B- 2.67 Pass

55 - 59 C+ 2.33 Pass

50 - 54 C 2.00 Pass47 - 49 C- 1.67 Conditional Pass if CGPA is >2.0

44 - 46 D+ 1.33 Conditional Pass if CGPA is >2.0

40 - 43 D 1.00 Conditional Pass if CGPA is >2.0

Below F 0 Fail

Note: Except for Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) courses, which learners must obtain

at least grade C (Grade point = 2.00) to pass, learners may retain the courses with C,

D+ and D provided at the completion of their programme, their CGPA is 2.00 or higher.


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Several core compulsory and pre-requisite courses in the programme may also require

a pass with at least a grade C. Learners should refer to their respective Faculty for the

latest list and the passing grade requirements of the core compulsory and pre-requisite

courses.

Other grades

Other grades used in the grading scheme and their descriptors:

I Incomplete Awarded when a student is unable to take the examination for a

course for any of the following reasons:

a. official company duties such as attendance at courses, seminars within or

outside the country and work commitments that cannot be postponed

b. medical treatment exceeding a day, maternity leave and or other medical

conditions requiring extended period of treatment; and

c. emergency situations such as death of an immediate relative.

IP- Awarded for a course that is conducted over more than one semester. Credit

hours of a course with the IPgrade are included in the total credit hours that

learners have registered for in a particular semester but not included in

computing the GPA and CGPA. The final grade obtained after the course has

been conducted over more than one semester, shall replace the IPgrade. The

final grade and credit hours of the course are included in computing the GPA and

CGPA.

E - Awarded for courses that have been approved for the exemption of unit

S - Awarded where the performance in a course is assessed as satisfactory. The

grade Sis awarded if the mark obtained for the course is 50% or more of the

overall mark.

U - Awarded to a course where the performance in a course is assessed as

unsatisfactory. The grade Uis awarded if the mark obtained for the course is less

than 50% of the overall mark.

R - Awardedfor a course which is audited that fulfils the minimum 80% attendance

requirement. No unit is given for this grade

W - Awarded where learners have officially withdrawn from a course in a semester.

WS - Awardedfor all courses where a student has officially withdrawn from asemester.


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WN - Awarded for all courses where a student has withdrawn officially from theUniversity.

3.0 Marks and Grades Management3.1 Learners shall only be informed of the grade and not the final marks for a

course.

3.2 The examination results for each semester must be approved by the

Examination Board before release to students.

3.3 Examination results are released subject to the endorsement of the

University Senate.

3.4 The Registry shall be responsible for the release and issuance of all official

results and for updating and maintaining academic records.

4.0 Grade Point Average and Cumulative Grade Point Average

4.1 Academic performance in each semester shall be indicated by the Grade

Point Average (GPA) and the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

The GPA is determined by dividing the total grade points obtained with the

total credit hours taken in a semester. The following example shows how

the GPA is determined:

Course Grade Grade PointCredit

Hours

Credit Hours

X

Grade Points

C1 A- 3.67 3 3.67 X 3 = 11.01

C2 B 3.00 3 3.00 x 3 = 9.00

C3 C+ 2.33 3 2.33 x 3 = 6.99

Total 27.00

GPA = 27.00/9 3.00

4.2 The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is determined by dividing the

total grade points obtained with the total credit hours taken over more than

one semester.

4.3 If a learner is awarded grade I or IP for a course,the credit hours shall be

included in the total credit hours that the learner has registered for in a

semester but shall be excluded from the computation of his/her GPA until

the grade I or IPis replaced with a final grade.


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4.4 If a learner is awarded grade S or U for a course, the credit hours shall be

included in the total credit hours that he/she has registered for in a semester

but shall be excluded from the computation of GPA and CGPA.

4.5 Learners are deemed to have earned the credit hours of any course withgrades A+, A-, B-, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D or S.

Credit hours are not earned for a course awarded grade For U. However,

the credit hours of a course with grade Fare included in the computation of

GPA and CGPA.

If learners are awarded with grade I or IP for a course,the credit hoursshall

be earned when the course is awarded a final grade other than grade F or

U.

5.0 Repeating a Course or Examination

5.1 A learner may elect to repeat either a course or the examination for a course

to improve on the original grade. However, a learner cannot resubmit

his/her assignment for remarking after it has been marked and a mark has

been awarded.

5.2 If learners elect to repeat a course, they must re-register for the course that

they had registered previously, undergo the continuous assessment

components again and retake the examination for the course.

If learners elect to repeat the examination for a course, they must register

to retake the examination component of the course when the course is

offered again in a subsequent semester.

5.3 Learners can repeat the final examination of a course up to a maximum

period of one academic year from the semester when they first registered

and sat the examination for that course. Before the expiry of the maximum

period, learners may carry the marks obtained initially for the continuous

assessment of a course.

5.4 If learnersgrade for any Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) course is lower than

grade C, they must repeat either the course or the examination of the course

until they have fulfilled the minimum grade C requirement, failing which they

cannot graduate even though they may have completed the other

graduation requirements.


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5.5 Learners faculty may also specify grade C as the minimum grade for certain

prerequisite courses. Learners should check in advance with their Faculty

on the minimum grade requirement of prerequisite courses if any, for their

programme.5.6 Learners may repeat any course subject to the maximum period specified

for their study programme.

5.7 The grade and grade points of a course to be used in computing CGPA

shall be the grade and grade point obtained before or after a repeat course

/examination of the course, whichever is better.

6.0 Breach of Examination Regulations and Grades

In the event a learner is found guilty by the University sStudents Disciplinary

Committee of breach of University examination regulations, the learner shall be

awarded zero marks in both the continuous assessment and examination of the

course. Where the punishment imposed includes a period of suspension, the

learner cannot attend the tutorials, submit assignments or sit the examination for

any course until after the suspension period.

7.0 Determination of Academic Performance

7.1 Pass with Distinction and Deans List

Learners academic performance shall be indicated with Pass with

Distinction and his/her name will be entered into the Deans List in a

semester if:

(a) he/she has obtained a GPA of 3.70 or higher;

(b) he/she has registered and taken the examination for the courses

totalling 9 or more credit hours;

(c) he/she has obtained not less than grade C in any of the courses taken;

and

(d) he/she has not repeated any course(s) or the examination for the

courses for any particular semester.


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Learners awarded with grade IIncompletefor a course in a particular semester

shall not be considered for a Pass with Distinction after the grade Ihas been

redeemed and converted to a normal grade for the semester concerned.

Only courses with grades and equivalent grade points that are used to calculate

the GPA in a semester shall be considered in determining the award of Pass

with Distinction.

7.2 Academic Probation Period and Warning

(a) If a learners GPA is less than 2.0 in any semester, the learner shall

be placed on Academic Probation. The Academic Probation period

shall continue until the learner has attained a GPA of 2.0 or higher in

subsequent semesters after the Academic Probation period.

(b) A learner shall be informed of his/her Academic Probation Period

status including a warning regarding his/her unsatisfactory academic

performance via a notification by the Dean of School/Faculty in his/her

Partial Transcript. The notification would also contain a clear

statement on what the learner should do to improve and maintain

satisfactory academic progress.

(c) If a learner is placed on Academic Probation in any semester, the

learner cannot register for more than 6 credit hours in the following

semester.

7.3 Fail and Out

(a) Fail and Out refers to the status when a learner is terminated from

his/her programme of study due to unsatisfactory academic progress

after a period of study.

(b) If the Faculty finds the learnersacademic progress in any semester

to be unsatisfactory and insufficient to achieve the GPA/CGPA

required or in fulfilling the conditions of the Academic Probation Period

after a period of study, the Faculty may after evaluation of the learners

progress, recommend to the Senate to terminate the learner from

his/her study programme. After receiving and deliberating on the


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recommendation, the Senate is empowered to terminate the learner

from his/her study programme.

8.0 EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATESA candidate sitting for an examination MUST STRICTLY ADHERE to the

following:

8.1 Before Admission into the Examination Hall/Room

(a) Check the examination schedule and examination venue before the date of

the examination.

(b) Examination candidates must bring to the examination room/hall their

identity cards, matriculation cards and the Examination Entry Authorisation

Slips. Candidates who do not have these documents will not be permitted to

take the examination unless permitted by the Chief Invigilator.

(c) Be punctual for an examination by being present at the examination

hall/room at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination.

(d) Late entry to the examination hall will be allowed up to 30 minutes after the

official starting time but no extra time shall be given. If a learner is more than

30 minutes late, he/she shall not be permitted to take the examination.

When instructed to enter the examination room/hall by the Chief Invigilator,

do so in an orderly manner using the designated doors.

(e) Learners are notpermittedto take into the examination hall/room under

any circumstances, any book, paper, pencil bag /box, picture, notes,

programmable calculator, hand bag, hand phone, tablet, iPad or any other

item or equipment except those permitted by the Chief Invigilator.

(f) Learners should not take any food or drinks into the examination hall/room

or drink, eat, or smoke in the examination room/hall.


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8.2 After Admission into the Examination Hall/Room, learners MUST:

(a) occupy the seat that has been assigned to them for the examination

session.

Place their identification cards, matriculation cards and Examination EntryAuthorisation Slips on the top right hand corner of their table to facilitate

checking by the invigilators, and

Observe complete silence and not engage in conversation with other

candidates pending further instructions from the Chief Invigilator.

(b) carefully read and observe the instructions printed on the front page of the

answer booklet.

(c) complete the attendance slip on the front page of the answer booklet with

the details required, then tear the attendance slip from the answer booklet

and place it on the top right hand corner of the examination table.

(d) write their matriculation numbers, codes and course titles, learning centres

and other necessary details on the front page of the answer booklets.

Learners mustnot write their names on the answer booklets.

(e) not open the question paper unless instructed to do so by the Chief

Invigilator.

(f) after the Chief Invigilator has given instructions for the question paper to be

opened, check to ensure that they have received the correct question paper

and that the pages are complete. If they have been given a wrong or

incomplete question paper, they should immediately request for a

replacement from the invigilator. Reading time has been included in the time

allocated for answering the question paper.

(g) not start writing their answers until instructed to do so by the Chief

Invigilator.

(h) notleave the examination room/hall until 30 minutes after the examination

has commenced and no candidate will be permitted to leave the

examination room/hall during the last 30 minutes of the examination.

(i) raise their hands if they wish to seek permission to temporarily leave the

examination hall any time during the examination.

(j) notleave the examination room/hall until permission has been granted and

they are duly accompanied by an invigilator. If they leave the examination


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hall/room during the examination without permission, they shall not be

permitted to re-enter the examination room/hall to continue with the

examination.

8.3 While the examination is in progress, learners MUST:

(a) notcommunicate with other candidates by any means including use of body

language.

(b) notgive or receive from other learners or parties, any form of assistance

concerning the examination other than that permitted by the Chief

Invigilator.

(c) always comply with the instructions of the Chief Invigilator and invigilators.

(d) notcreate commotion that will affect the proper conduct of the examination

or disturb other candidates taking the examination. The Chief Invigilator is

empowered to remove any learner causing disturbances or commotion

during an examination from the examination hall; and

(e) inform the Chief Invigilator immediately if they fall sick, encounter any

medical problem or are unable to proceed with an examination.

8.4 At the end of an examination, learnersMUST:

(a) stop writing when instructed to do so by the Chief Invigilator.

(b) ensure all used answer booklets, supplementary answer booklets, graph

paper and other papers if any, are tied together with the thread provided

before handing it over to the invigilator on duty.

(c) not take out from the examination room/hall, any examination booklet,

graph paper, objective answer sheet, either used or unused, and other

documents supplied by the invigilator.

(d) not take out, advertently or inadvertently, their written answer booklets

from the examination room/hall any time during or at the end of the

examination. Written answer booklets taken out from the examination

room/hall during the examination, will not be accepted for marking.

(e) return examination equipment if any, loaned to them by the invigilator.

(f) remain seated until instructed to leave the examination hall/room by the

Chief Invigilator.


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(g) leave the examination room/hall in an orderly manner through the

designated doors.

9.0 BREACHESIn addition to complying with the Examination Regulations mentioned above

learners must not commit any of the following:

(a) Give, receive or possess any information that is related to the examination

before or during the examination.

(b) Refer to or use any reference material that is not permitted inside or outside

the examination room/hall or while the examination is in progress.

(c) Obtain, amend, conceal, damage or destroy any material that is related to

the preparation or conduct of the examination.

10.0 PUNISHMENTS

If a learner breached any Examination Regulations and is found guilty of the

breach by the Student Disciplinary Committee, any one or a combination of the

following punishments could be imposed:

(a) A written warning

(b) A fine not exceeding RM500.00

(c) Suspension from programme of study from one to two semesters

(d) Zero marks for the overall result of the course concerned; and/or

(e) Termination from the University

11.0GRADUATION

11.1Graduation Requirements

To graduate from his/her study programme, a learner must fulfil the

following requirements:

(a) Satisfactorily complete all University courses, Mata Pelajaran Umum

courses, compulsory core, prerequisites and elective courses

prescribed for his/her programme of study;

(b) Obtain the required number of credit hours prescribed for his/her

programme of study;


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(c) Achieve a final CGPA of 2.00 or higher at the completion of his/her

programme of study;

(d) Settled all fees due to the University.

11.2Award of Degree/Diploma

If a learner has fulfilled all the requirements for graduation in his/her study

programme and has attained a final CGPA of 3.70 or higher he/she shall,

subject to other regulations being complied with and the approval of Senate,

be conferred his/her degree/diploma with Pass with Distinction.

IV) CODE OF CONDUCT

1. DISCIPLINES AND LAWS OF MALAYSIA

Learner is expected to obey the Laws of Malaysia, and to conform to the expected

norms of good conduct and behaviour of Malaysia while attending classes at the

University, within the buildings, during transport to and from the University and

during the industrial attachment sessions.

1.1 Any serious suspicion that an infringement of the Criminal Laws of

Malaysia has occurred within the University, will be reported to the local

police as soon as this is known to the officers of the University.

1.2 Learner found guilty of a serious criminal offence will be expelled from

the University.

1.3 All offences related to prohibited drugs will be regarded as extremely

serious.

2. GENERAL CONDUCT

Every learner shall:

(a) Be responsible for his/her good behaviour at all times, be fully focused on

his/her studies, attend the scheduled learning activities and obey the rules

and regulations of the University.

(b) Strive continuously to explore, develop and enhance his/her talents and

abilities.


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(c) Strive to become a balanced and harmonious person from the intellectual,

spiritual, physical, psychological and philosophical perspectives.

3. Appearance

Every learner shall:

(a) Be neat and appropriately dressed at all times.

(b) Ensure his/her personal hygiene and tidiness.

(c) Avoid being extreme in appearance, make-up and the use of accessories.

(d) Be modest, courteous and well behaved at all times.

4. Responsibilities of learnersEvery learner shall:

(a) Obey the laws of Malaysia.

(b) Obey the rules and regulations of the University.

(c) Co-operate with the University authorities in all University matters, whether

personal or on behalf of others, including providing information and

evidence.

(d) Wear or carry his/her matriculation card at all times while in the VMIUCpremises or while dealing with the University administration and to produce

the card when asked by a person or persons authorized to do so by the

University.

(e) Attend classes including tutorials or seminar sessions, except with the prior

permission from the Dean.

(f) Sit for examinations, unless barred from doing so.

(g) Be responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the safety of the property of

the University.

5. Prohibitions

(a) No learner is permitted to be involved in any activity or activities or conduct

which may damage or harm the interests, harmony, or good name of the

University or its learners, staff, officers or employees.


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(b) No learner is permitted to use any lecture, tutorial or teaching materials

which are provided to him/her by the University for the purpose of

publication, distribution or dissemination, whether for payment or otherwise.

(c) No learner may plagiarize the intellectual property of others, including data,ideas, publications and inventions.

(d) No learner may cheat or attempt to cheat or act in a manner that can be

interpreted as cheating or attempting to cheat in an examination.

(e) No learner may, while on the premises of the University or VMIUC Learning

Centre, receive or have in his/her possession any alcoholic drink.

(f) No learner may promote or carry on gambling activities on the premises of

the University or VMIUC Learning Centre.

(g) No learner may, while on the premises of the University or VMIUC Learning

Centre, receive or have in his/her possession any pornographic materials.

(h) No learner may have in his/her possession or under his/her control, any

drug or poison.

(i) No learner may possess or have under his/her control any firearm or

explosive.

(j) No learner or group of learners may organize, conduct or participate in any

activity in the name of the University without permission or written

instructions to do so from the University.

(k) No learner or group of learners may promote, manage, or assist in the

collection of money or contributions in the name of University without

permission or written instruction to do so from the University.

(l) No learner or group of learners may participate in anti-government or anti-

University activities.

(m) No learner or group of learners may establish any association or club or any

such body without the permission of the University.

(n) No learner or group of learners may publish, disseminate or distribute any

document without the written permission of the University.

(o) No learner or group of learners may make any statement to the Press in the

name of the University without the written permission of the University.


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6. PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING

Academic honesty is crucial to a students credibility and self-esteem, and

ultimately reflects the values and morals of the University as a whole.

A student may work together with one or a group of students to discussassignment content.

Academic investigation is not limited to the views and opinions of one individual,

but it is built by forming opinion based on past and present work experiences.

It is legitimate and appropriate to synthesize the work of others, provided such

work is clearly and accurately referenced.

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is copying anothers work and claiming it to be your own and

submitting this for assessment.

Examples of this are:

Direct copying of a text or tables published in a scientific paper, abstract, book or

on the internet.

Copying from another student.

If an official or recognised definition is used then quotation marks should be used,

and the sourced acknowledged.

Results and data from scientific papers should be summarized in your own

words. The source of these data should be referenced to ensure that the author

(owner) of that material is given credit for their work and you are not claiming

ownership.

Results from group work may be shared, but the manipulation and interpretation

of these data should be undertaken independently; all graphs and figures should

be constructed independently.

The copier(s) and the one(s) who allowed copying will be penalized.


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How do we detect plagiarism?

Staff are able to detect plagiarism in many ways:

a. They may identify a passage that they recognize.

b. The style of writing may change.c. They may identify the same passage in more than one essay.

d. Use of plagiarism checker.

What is cheating?

Cheating is more likely to occur during examinations, and involves either copying

from other students, and/or having unauthorized notes, etc. in the examination

room.

All incidents of cheating detected in an examination, or subsequently during the

monitoring of the scripts, will be dealt with in accordance with the Universitys

Regulation on Student Discipline.

What is the consequence of being caught committing plagiarism or

cheating?

The possible penalties include:

a. All subsequent submissions, including exam papers, will be scrutinized.

b. Resubmission of course work.

c. Recording a mark of zero for the assessment

d. Referring the case to the Universitys Disciplinary Board.

e. Delay in graduation.

f. Expulsion from the University.

7. Breach of Code

A learner who violates any part of the Code is said to have committed a breach

of conduct.


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SUPPORT SERVICES

I) LEARNER SERVICE CENTRE (LSC)

LSC is a one-stop centre offering customer service to VMIUC learners. Learnerscan reach LSC through phone call, fax, e-mail or walk-in to submit:

Enquiries

Complaints

Compliments

Suggestions

The services provided include: Student confirmation letter

Fee confirmation letter

Submission of various forms from learners regarding their studies.

Learners are encouraged to provide ideas/suggestions via email or by filing in

the Suggestion Form and place them in the Suggestion Box located at various

places on campus.

II) LIBRARYThe Libraryscollection comprises a wide range of print and digital resources.

The collection was developed based on the curriculum requirements. They

include essential text books or reference books. As for the digital collection, the

Library subscribes to a number of e-books, e-journals, and e-news. These

databases are accessible at any time. Most of the digital documents are

downloadable and printable for reference and research purposes.

Standard library opening hours are as follows:

MondaysSundays 8.30 am5.30pm

Public Holidays Closed


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III) International Students Office

International students may receive assistance regarding visas and other

documents in the International Students Office.

Students are responsible to ensure that they have a valid student visa at all times.

They are advised to communicate with the International Students Office on all

matters related to the Department of Immigration.

IV) Student Activities

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities.

VMIUC wants its students to develop into holistic individuals who will excel both

academically while acquiring and cultivating leadership skills, entrepreneur skills,

management skills etc. The University also hopes to develop out-of-box thinkers

and individuals who are socially aware of their surroundings.

In line with that, the Student Representative Council (SRC) will be formed to

represent the voice of the students. The SRC plays an important role in making

the students time at the VMIUC both productive and enjoyable. Not only does it

represent on all matters affecting their interests, the SRC also liaises with the

University Management to express students views and suggestions for

improvements. It also organizes social activities through clubs and societies. Co-

curricular activities will be conducted with assistance of Student Services.

v) Academic Counselling

A counsellor is available for students to seek help on both academic and non-

academic matters.


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Documents

Vmiuc Handbook Final