Code of Conduct

Introduction

Gopal Narayan Singh University is a multidisciplinary university committed to academic excellence, clinical expertise, and holistic development, dedicated to fostering an environment of respect, discipline, accountability, and ethical responsibility. This Code of Conduct Policy lays down the behavioral expectations for all university stakeholders, including students, faculty members, researchers, clinicians, non-teaching staff, and administrative and statutory authorities. The policy is aligned with the institutional ethos of professionalism, compassion, and service to society and is crucial to upholding the integrity and reputation of the university.

Objectives

• To promote a culture of respect, transparency, inclusivity, and responsibility across all units of the university.
• To define standards of acceptable and ethical behavior expected from all stakeholders.
• To protect the rights, dignity, and safety of individuals within the university community.
• To prevent misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or abuse in any form.
• To guide appropriate disciplinary procedures for violations of the code.

Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• All students (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral)
• Faculty members (permanent, adjunct, visiting, contractual)
• Non-teaching staff and technical personnel
• Clinicians and hospital administrative staff
• Members of the university authorities and governing bodies
• Researchers, project staff, and fellows
• Visitors, vendors, and contractors while on university premises

Core Institutional Values

• Honesty and adherence to ethical standards in academics, research, and professional services.
• Respect for individual rights, diversity, and inclusion.
• Dedication to high-quality education, patient care, and innovation.
• Responsibility for decisions, behavior, and performance.
• Sensitivity to community needs and public welfare.

General Code of Conduct (Applicable to All Stakeholders)

• Maintain a respectful, collegial, and cooperative environment.
• Refrain from discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, disability, nationality, or religion.
• Respect university property, facilities, and the right to peaceful academic activities.
• Avoid any behavior that could harm the reputation or functioning of the university.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive academic, administrative, and clinical information.
• Comply with applicable national and institutional laws, policies, and regulations.

Code of Conduct for Students

• Attend academic sessions regularly and maintain punctuality.
• Refrain from cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and other forms of academic dishonesty.
• Follow institutional dress code standards, especially in clinical and laboratory settings.
• Avoid ragging, bullying, or harassing fellow students or staff.
• Uphold professional behavior in clinical postings and internships.
• Use campus resources, including labs, libraries, and hospital equipment, responsibly.
• Abstain from possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons on university premises.
• Respect patient confidentiality and ethical responsibilities during clinical practice.

Code of Conduct for Faculty Members

• Act as role models of academic and professional integrity.
• Deliver assigned academic and clinical responsibilities diligently and timely.
• Encourage freedom of thought, expression, and intellectual discourse.
• Promote a harassment-free learning environment.
• Provide accurate, fair, and timely evaluations of student performance.
• Engage in ongoing faculty development and contribute to institutional growth.
• Maintain ethical standards in publications, grants, and research activities.

Code of Conduct for Clinicians and Medical Staff

• Comply with the professional codes outlined by the Medical Council of India and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure patient care is carried out with empathy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate honestly with patients and families.
• Avoid conflicts of interest or financial malpractice in clinical practice.
• Work collaboratively with peers, residents, interns, and nursing staff.
• Participate in continuing medical education and clinical audits.

Code of Conduct for Non-Teaching and Administrative Staff

• Maintain punctuality, transparency, and confidentiality in all administrative functions.
• Respect the chain of command and uphold institutional hierarchy.
• Treat all students, patients, faculty, and guests courteously and professionally.
• Refrain from misuse of institutional resources, favoritism, or corruption.
• Cooperate with internal and external audits, inspections, and policy enforcement.

Code of Conduct for Research Scholars and Project Staff

• Conduct research ethically and in compliance with institutional and national research guidelines.
• Obtain proper approvals from the Institutional Ethics Committee, where applicable.
• Maintain accurate records, respect intellectual property, and ensure data integrity.
• Disclose conflicts of interest and refrain from research misconduct or falsification.

Code of Conduct for Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and other Senior Officers

• Uphold transparency and impartiality in administrative and financial decision-making.
• Ensure timely implementation of university policies and academic calendars.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration, equity, and inclusive development.
• Support grievance redressal mechanisms and uphold participatory leadership.
• Represent the university with dignity in national and international forums.

Code of Conduct for Statutory Authorities and Governing Body Members

• Act in the best interest of the university’s vision and mission.
• Maintain neutrality and avoid personal conflicts in decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive policy matters.
• Promote good governance practices and financial prudence.

Prohibited Conduct

• Academic fraud, examination malpractice, or tampering with academic records.
• Harassment, stalking, verbal abuse, or sexual misconduct.
• Theft, damage, or unauthorized use of university property.
• Disruptive behavior, violence, or groupism on campus.
• Political or religious campaigning within the institution.
• Financial misappropriation or unauthorized fundraising.
• Unauthorized media interactions or dissemination of institutional data.

Grievance and Disciplinary Mechanism

• A three-tier grievance redressal system will operate through departmental, institutional, and university-level committees.
• All complaints will be investigated by the University Disciplinary Committee.
• The committee may recommend counseling, warnings, suspension, termination, or legal action depending on the severity of the misconduct.
• Appeals can be made to the Vice Chancellor for reconsideration of disciplinary action.

Awareness, Training, and Implementation

• Orientation sessions will be conducted at the start of each academic year.
• The Code of Conduct will be made available on the university website and handbook.
• Periodic sensitization workshops will be organized on ethics, workplace behavior, and compliance.
• Each department head shall ensure that members of their unit are aware of and adhere to the code.

Review and Amendments:

This policy shall be reviewed every two years or earlier if needed, based on evolving regulatory requirements or stakeholder feedback. Any revisions shall be approved by the Executive Council on the recommendation of the IQAC.

Conclusion

This Code of Conduct reinforces GNSU's commitment to cultivating a safe, respectful, and ethical academic community. All stakeholders are expected to act as custodians of the university’s values and contribute to its excellence in health sciences education, research, and societal service.