student_handbook.pdf

Mauritius Institute of Training and Development

1 Purpose of this Student Handbook

This Student Handbook contains all the essential information you will need to understand how the training programme operates. We strongly advise you to read this Handbook carefully since it will help you to get acquainted to the various aspects of your studies, which are detailed in these pages. Of course, the relevance of some sections will become fully clear later on. You should pay also particular attention to section 6 Vital Information later in the Handbook and to the Information Security policies pertaining to the use of computer labs. Please note: In order to develop and improve the training programme, it may be necessary on occasions to amend or revise the details given in this handbook.


2 Programme Management Team

In order to ensure the progress of the large number of students enrolled on the programme remains smooth and trouble-free, a high level of organisation and a well-structured, efficient Management Team is essential.

2.1 The Programme Administration Team

Below are listed the members of the Programme Administration Team. Each has an important part to play and it is in your best interest to identify them. Position Name Room Training Centre Manager Mr N Abdool B2

Ag. Coordinator Mr A Luchmiah C5

Training Officers Mrs Kosheema Parbhudoyal C5

Miss Karishma Gangoo Mrs Natacha Chloe Mrs Naseema Carim Bacor

Mrs Juneida Ghanty Mr Nitin Jundoosing Mr Abdoollah Koodoruth Mr Ismed Ganga Mr Atish Lilldarry Technical Assistant Mr. Z Jhingut C4

General Assistant Mr P Joosery C5

Mr A Doobah C5

2.2 The School of Information Technology (SIT) Team

The SIT Team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the programme. The SIT Team has the Course Coordinator as the Chairperson and the Training Officers as members. The SIT team meets on a weekly basis to discuss training and non-training activities.


2.3The Programme Monitoring Committee

An important adjunct to the Programme Management Team is the Programme Committee. The composition of the Committee will be:

The Training Centre Manager

The Programme Coordinator

The Divisional Manager of RPCD

Representatives from RPCD

The student representative (co-opted)

The objectives of the committee are:

To ensure the proper conduct of the programme

To address issues raised by students, academic staff, examiners and employers pertaining to the programme

The committee shall meet every semester after the return and analysis of the semestrial Anonymous Student Feedback forms (ASF) and as and when required

Note: The Anonymous Students Feedback form (ASF) is to be used for collection of students feedback on the

delivery and other aspects of the course during the 5th week of every semester.

2.4 Staff Responsibilities

Training Centre Manager:

The Training Centre Manager has overall responsibility for the quality of the award. He should be regarded as the last stage if any student feels that they cannot get a problem resolved after going through the established channels i.e. via Module Leader and Course Coordinator. Course Coordinator:

The Course Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management of the training programme. Module Leader: A Module Leader is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and the leading of a particular module.

2.5 Student Responsibilities

A Two-Way Contract

The Programme Administration Team and staff generally will endeavour to give you the support and advice you will need to complete your studies successfully and, on most occasions, will lend a sympathetic ear. It is, however, important you realise that you are entering into a form of contract or agreement with those responsible for you and that you too have certain responsibilities. In the time you are with us you will have to make a number of decisions affecting your study and by implication your career and future life.


In particular, you are expected to be responsible for the following: -

- You must plan and enrol your programme of study according to the guidelines laid down by the Programme

administration Team. Failure to enrol correctly could mean that you are not able to follow your preferred

programme of study.

- You must make any necessary amendments to your programme in accordance with the same guidelines.

Again, failure to do so could mean you cannot follow the programme of your choice.

- You must complete all elements of assessment according to the instructions given to you by the Module

Leaders.

- You should take advantage, when necessary, of the counselling facilities available to you.

- You must attend classes at all times unless circumstances prevent you from doing so.

- You should inform your module leader of any circumstances likely to affect your academic performance.

- You must immediately inform the Administration of any change of address or period of absence from the

SIT.

- You should check daily the notice board for any events or information regarding the training programme.

- You should respond without delay to notices and notes placed on the notice board by the Programme

Administration Team.

Assessment

It is the responsibility of students to submit coursework and attend examinations as required. You are always advised to consult your module leader. If a student fails to submit work for assessment or attend examinations, the examiners may deem the student to have failed the module concerned. The Role of the Student Representatives

The role of the student representatives is a vital one. The work is interesting, not too tiring and gives you a useful insight into how things work. The role involves attendance at the Trainees Council (meets once a month) and the Programme Committee (as and when required) to which the representative relays the views of students. Do give careful consideration to the possibility of standing for election as student representative. Student Representative Elections take place during weeks 3 or 4 of the academic year.

Communications

One of the most important ingredients contributing to the success of any organisation is an effective and efficient system of communication. At any time, we may need to contact you on important matters relating to your work or personal life. You too, from time to time, will want to consult us, possibly urgently.

Notice boards

The notice board is an electronic one which is available 24/7. You should check the notice boards on a regular basis (everyday) to update yourself on happenings at SIT.

Contacting Staff

If the member of staff you wish to see is not available then you should book an appointment with him/her beforehand.


3 Continuous Assessment

Policy for continuous assessment

Introduction All modules have two components: Continuous Assessment and Examinations amounting to a total of 100%, unless specified otherwise in the Module Information Pack (MIP) of the respective module(s). The structure, content and process of all Continuous Assessments are designed to reflect and reinforce the specified learning objectives and outcomes of the module. Marking 1. The ratio of Continuous Assessment will normally vary between 30% - 40% of the total marks and Exams will constitute the remaining 60% - 70% of the total marks, unless otherwise specified in the MIP. 2. For each marked Assessment, the module leader should submit a copy of the set Assessment plus a completed mark-sheet for all the students undertaking the Assessment, duly signed plus the students work assessed. The mark-sheet should also include those students within that cohort not attending or not submitting assignment(s). 3. Students who are absent from any part of the assessment process, without any justification supported by necessary documents, will not be given special consideration.

Submission The submission date for each assessment and when feedback would be given to students should be clearly indicated in the MIP. Assessments submitted after the deadline will carry a penalty of 5 marks, for each working day after the deadline. No assessment shall be accepted more than 3 working days after the deadline except under exceptional circumstances Failure to meet deadlines, without a legitimate reason being given, will be penalised. All coursework are compulsory and you must attempt them. Failure to do so will prevent successful progress from the module. The programme operates a strict system of deadlines for the submission of all coursework. Each piece of coursework to be assessed will have a stipulated deadline.

Collection of Coursework

Handing in coursework: Assignments should be submitted in soft copy on the intranet at http://svrsit on the

agreed submission date and time as instructed by the training officer concerned.


4 Student Regulations

Suitably qualified and short listed applicants will be accepted as students on the courses in IT subject to their signing an agreement, at enrolment, that they will comply with all MITD Regulations and Disciplinary Procedures. It is hoped that students of SITEC will understand and accept that in any organisation there have to be rules of conduct and behaviour that enable the rights of all members (i.e. staff and students) and visitors of the institution to be respected. The Regulations and Disciplinary Procedures are intended to promote fairness, justice and order in the treatment of individuals and in the conduct of SITEC in line with its policies and those of its associated validating bodies. The following rules and regulations relate specifically to the SIT, in the event any conflict between the following rules and the general rules and regulations of the MITD and/or SITEC then the latter two shall have precedence.

General

Students must observe all regulations which govern the effective organisation and management of specific areas of activity within SITEC, including any which relate to health and safety, the use of the resource centre, computing, refreshment, and sport and recreation.

Code of Student Conduct

Students must not, either on campus or off campus:

Commit physical assault, serious threatening behaviour or verbal abuse to other students, staff or visitors

to the MITD;

Make malicious allegations against other members of MITD;

Damage MITD property or the property of other students, staff or visitors;

Misappropriate any MITD property, funds or assets;

Act in any way, which is likely to cause injury to any other person within MITDs community, including

impairing the safety of premises or equipment and interfering with anything provided in the interests of

Health and Safety;

Commit any criminal act whilst upon MITD premises;

Engage in any racist activity/behaviour or cause sexual harassment, including activities/behaviour, which

might reasonably cause upset to the subject of such approaches, activities or innuendoes;

Behave in any way which unreasonably interferes with the legitimate freedom of any other student,

member of staff, or visitor, or which disrupts or interferes with activities properly carried out by the MITD.

Behave in the local community in such a way as may be reasonably deemed to harm the reputation of the

MITD or its relationship with the local community.


Financial Requirements

Students are required to enrol during the official enrolment periods, which are determined by the MITD. Any

student who has not enrolled will be excluded from attendance at lectures, seminars, workshops, etc.

All course fees and registration fees are normally payable in full upon enrolment. Failure to pay the

necessary fees will result in exclusion from attendance at lectures, seminars, workshops etc.

Course fees are charged on an annual basis. In the event of a student discontinuing the course, normal

MITD procedures will be followed.

Any student who presents a cheque, which is subsequently dishonoured by the bank, will be excluded from

attendance at lectures until the cheque is redeemed with a cash payment or bankers cheque. A replacement

personal cheque will not be acceptable.

Students who cause damage or loss or MITD property, assets or funds will be required to pay for such

damage or loss.

4.4 Policy for Attendance at Lectures/Tutorials/Practicals

This policy applies to all taught programmes offered on full-time and/or part-time modes.

1. It is the responsibility of a student to attend and be punctual in all lectures, tutorials, practicals etc pertaining to

the programme on which he/she is enrolled.

2. If a student is absent from lectures, tutorials, practicals etc due to illness or other urgent and reasonable

causes for more than two consecutive weeks s/he should inform the Programme Coordinator. In the case of

illness s/he must at the same time forward a medical certificate issued by a state medical practitioner or a

Registered Private Medical Centre.

3. The Programme Coordinator shall write to the student to identify the reason for absence and establish the

anticipated date of return,except in case of illness supported by a medical certificate.

4. Absences in excess of 10% from lectures, tutorials, practicals etc may lead to the student being barred

from taking an examination or being withdrawn from the programme.

5. Absences from Test(s) is dealt with as per Policy for Continuous Assessment,

6. Absences from examinations is dealt with as per Regulation for the Conduct of Examinations and Other Forms

of Assessment on Taught Programmes.

Students are warned that every year there is a very strong correlation between poor attendance in class and the poor performance of a student as assessed by Programme & Examination Committee.

Students must ensure that they satisfy course attendance requirements and should bear in mind that it is the

MITDs responsibility to report unsatisfactory attendance to employers or other sponsors.


Change of Address

Students must inform the Course Coordinator of any change of home address.

Health and Safety

Students must read and comply with all health, fire and safety regulations, and co-operate with all activities

in respect of such regulations.

Smoking is not permitted on the MITD premises.

Accidents must be notified promptly to the Training Officer/Programme Coordinator/Training Centre

Manager who will ensure that necessary documents are completed.

The driving speed limit (20Km/hr) on the complex must be observed.

Eating and Drinking is not allowed in any of the SITEC computer labs or classrooms.

MITD Liability for Loss/Damage

The MITD is not liable for loss or damage to personal property brought on to or left on campus.

Personal Computers

Personal computers are provided to support all the learning activities for all students. They are not provided for personal amusement e.g. computer games, playing music nor are they the personal property of any individual. Therefore no person shall install any software on any computer at the SIT; this includes, but is not limited to, computer games, screen savers, wallpaper, and audio files. The personal computers are equipped with all necessary software and are configured to allow the use of relevant programs. You are expressly forbidden to add to, delete from or change this configuration in any way whatsoever. The Computer Laboratory is connected to the Internet as an aid to research. The service is provided for this sole purpose. It shall not be used for personal e-mail; neither shall it be used for accessing and/or downloading inappropriate information. Abuse of this facility will lead to its withdrawal. IT SHALL NEVER BE USED TO DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE OF ANY DESCRIPTION WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF A TRAINER (Please refer to INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY STUDENTS for more details)

Use of Mobile Phones

The use of personal telephones (mobile phones), pagers, communicators is forbidden during lecture periods. Any student caught using his/her mobile phone/pager or any other communicating device runs the risk of being ejected on the spot from the class/lab he/she was attending and have the mobile device confiscated until the end of the semester.


5 Disciplinary Procedures relating to Student Conduct

If a student engages in any activity which constitutes an offence under the General Regulations governing student conduct, one or more of the following actions will be taken:

Counselling/ Advice

It may be carried out in an informal manner by appropriate members of the MITD staff, and repeated as necessary, with a view to preventing formal disciplinary action becoming necessary

Formal Writing

It constitutes the first formal stage of the disciplinary procedure.

1. Oral formal warnings may be issued by the Course Coordinator and will be recorded. Students have the

right for these to be given in the presence of a students representative or a friend.

2. The Course Coordinator or the Training Centre Manager may issue written formal warnings.

Appeal: Students have the right to appeal against any disciplinary action. Appeals against suspension or expulsion shall be made in writing to the Director of the MITD within 7 days of suspension or expulsion.

6 Vital Information

Inevitably every student will sooner or later face a problem that he/she cannot solve on their own. Hopefully, the preceding sections of this handbook will answer some of the likely questions about the programme that may arise in the minds of students. If not, then whom should you approach for help? The four primary sources of help are:

The appropriate training officer/module leader

The Course Coordinator

The Training Centre Manager

Do not let problems fester tackle them as soon as possible; they are then easier to solve!

Training Officer

If you are personally having difficulty with a particular technical subject, then directly consult the member of staff concerned or make an appointment to visit the Training Officer. They are here to help you pass the course.

Course Coordinator

If you or your class are experiencing difficulties with the administration of a particular unit/module, then directly consult the Course Coordinator.


7 Resources

The MITD provides valuable resources for your use. These resources take a variety of forms and are available both in the MITD at large and within the SIT. The features described here are not an exhaustive list of what is available. They do, however, draw your attention to those resources, which are most likely to be of use to you. 7.1 Computing Facilities The MITD provides general computing facilities in Computer Labs C2, C11, C12, C13 C14, D1 and D2 of SIT. 7.2 The Resource Centre (Library) On enrolment you will require to register to the Resource Centre, D2 (Block D). You will require one passport size photograph, following which you will be given a membership card. 7.3 Sports and Recreational Facilities

Students may use the football pitch during their spare time. The gymnasium may be used to play Badminton, but prior booking and approval is required through Administration. 7.4 Counselling Students may have access to professional counselling by the MITDs psychologist if they feel the need. This can be arranged by verbal request to the Coordinator. We ensure strict confidentiality and privacy of any personal issues discussed in any such sessions.

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