Code of Conduct

At our department and in our teaching, we act in line with humanistic principles, emphasizing the values of mutual respect, acceptance, and understanding. We aim to provide models in our education that will help students to become critical members of society and active citizens. The department expects staff, students, and visitors to exhibit conduct at all times in a manner that upholds the values and reputation of our institution.

Good conduct means but is not restricted to:

• Recognising the diversity of the university community and not discriminating against others. Diversity can include age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, culture, language, religious faith, illness, disability, and more.
• Using non-discriminatory language in writing and speaking.
• Avoiding offensive behaviour, bullying, harassment, or emotional blackmail in person and on the internet, including email, virtual learning environments, social networking sites, blogs, and other web resources. Such behaviour is unacceptable towards anybody including course instructors and fellow students.
• Caring for the university environment by
  • respecting buildings, spaces, and facilities;
  • correctly recycling and disposing of litter; and
  • acting in an environmentally responsible manner such as avoiding the use of plastics.
• Respecting opening hours, office hours, and class meeting hours.
• Using English as the general language of communication in all situations.
• Being aware of extracurricular activities on offer at the Department of English by regularly checking the department’s website, social media channels (Facebook), as well as message boards in the hallways.
• Seeking advice and assistance in academic and other matters from relevant and where necessary qualified persons (e.g., fellow students, student tutors, staff) or university services such as:
  • the University Library Service
  • the Writing Centre
  • the Student Union
  • the Psychological Counselling Service
  • the Legal Counselling Service
  • the University Medical Service
  • the Family Support Service
  • the School of Education
  • the IT-Support Service (ZID)
  • the e-learning Service
  • the Self-Access Centre (SAC)
  • the Equal Opportunities Working Group (Arbeitskreis für Gleichbehandlungsfragen, akGLEICH)

In addition to good conduct, students are expected to display commendable academic behaviour, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Regularly checking their university email account and using it for all official communication with staff.
2. Informing the relevant person of an absence or delay ahead of time for any activity you are expected to attend and any assignment you are expected to submit.
3. Developing a genuine interest in and engaging with the department’s fields of studies and beyond.
4. Following the requirements and recommendations as stated in the curriculum of the respective study programme.
5. Being considerate of others so as to create a positive, respectful, and supportive learning environment, free of discrimination and intimidation.
6. Learning to work autonomously as well as to collaborate actively with others.
7. Learning and practicing critical thinking. This includes selecting reliable, credible expert sources as well as identifying and rejecting questionable sources (e.g., faulty, oversimplified, or opinionated texts).
8. Developing the ability to formulate effective, evidence-based arguments in speech and writing.
9. Practicing self-reflection and striving for personal and academic growth.
10. Avoiding plagiarism and engaging in academic honesty at all times, such as appropriately acknowledging all sources used.