General Rules & Policies

Enrollments:

Students are not entitled to attend classes or to use the Institute facilities until they have completed the enrolment procedure and have been issued a student campus card by the information office. The campus card is given for a student’s course and will be revalidated with the new course. A fee is charged for the replacement of lost cards.

Payments:

Tuition fees are due at the time of enrolment. Students either pay the costs themselves or must provide the Student Finance Office with evidence that a guardian will pay their fees (in part or in whole).

Attendance:

Students are required to observe the institute’s attendance policy, attend the classes associated with their course, and produce work set by the stated deadlines. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from the Institute.

Notification of Absence:

Students must keep their course or course tutor informed of the reason for any significant absence and will usually be required to provide supporting evidence in case of sickness.

Change of Course:

Students must inform the Academic Department of any change in the course they are enrolled in. Students receiving a mandatory award are strongly advised not to make any such change without first consulting their Faculty Head about their willingness to transfer the prize.

Suspending Study:

Students suspending their studies must consult with their Faculty Head in writing and return their student campus card.

Termination of Registration:

Students who decide to terminate their registration before the end of the academic session must give a prior written notice either to the Finance Office or the Academic Department and return their student campus card.

Payment Method:

The Finance Office issues the fee vouchers, and it is the responsibility of students to collect their fee vouchers on an agreed date/time before the semester commences. Payment is made directly in the designated bank.

SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS:

  • Students who do not respond to requests for payments or reminders from the Finance office within two months will have their ability to access Computing and Library Services disabled.
  • Students are expected to pay any accounts presented to them by the Institute promptly. Students experiencing severe financial difficulties should discuss their circumstances with their Academic Manager as soon as possible so that a payment schedule can be agreed upon. In cases where accounts are outstanding, the Institute may refuse re-enrolment in a subsequent academic year, withhold award certificates and not allow students to graduate.

STUDENT FINANCE OFFICE WILL:

Reset Tuition Fee:

Students who have to reset modules as part of their course will be charged the appropriate module fee. The full-time tuition fee will be charged if a full-time student needs to reset the entire academic year.

Change of Address:

Students must inform either the Finance Office or the Art & Design Office of any change in their term time or permanent address.

Change of Name:

The student’s responsible for ensuring that their correct name has been recorded on the Institute’s database. Students should inform either the Student Services or their Academic Department of any name change and must provide documentary evidence as soon as possible following the name change. No award certificates will be re-issued in a different name than that recorded in the Course Assessment system and on Database, the Student Information System.

Safety:

The Institute prioritizes the safety of its students through workplace health and safety regulations. We are committed to providing a safe environment to the best of our abilities. In return, we expect students to actively contribute to the well-being of themselves and others by taking necessary precautions. Students will receive instructions on safe practices and procedures, which they must follow diligently. Together, we can create a secure learning environment.

Smoking:

Smoking is confined to specifically designated areas only.

Use of Mobile Phones:

The use of mobile phones in all classes and examinations is strictly prohibited.

Crime Prevention:

The college aims to raise crime prevention awareness amongst all students and staff. Any suspicious persons or incidents should be reported to the Security Team immediately. They can be contacted by telephoning the security Room on EXT 105 or in an emergency from call 100/103 (Front Desk). Car users should always lock their vehicles, remove all items, including coats and bags, and, if possible, fit a locking device.

Loss of Property:

The security office and front desk keep records of lost, stolen, and found property. You are advised to inform the office if you lose or find any article, including money. Any such lost & found property is kept in the Security Office.

Harassment:

Bullying and harassment are unacceptable forms of behavior contrary to the college’s aims of fostering an environment where its staff, students, visitors, and contractors will be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and harassment are behaviors that, if based on a person’s sex, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, are unlawful. There are further legal implications under Health & Safety legislation. Any bullying and harassment may be a source of great distress to the recipient, and the College has a legal duty of care. All incidents will be taken seriously and could provide grounds for disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal or expulsion from the college. Furthermore, the individuals who harass or bully may be subject to criminal and/or civil prosecution.

Race Equality Policy:

The college seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, staff, visitors, and contractors. It is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eradicating racial discrimination. The college’s Race Equality Policy requires equal treatment regardless of race, color, culture, ethnicity, or national origin.

Equal Opportunity:

STEP Institute follows a concrete equal opportunity policy that entitles all our students, employees, and staff to avail benefits & opportunities without any biased approach based on gender, age, religion & ethnic origins. Everyone at STEP must observe and practice “tolerance” in all situations (to adhere to the mission statement). Violence of any kind (verbal and physical) is considered gross misconduct.