Code of conduct

1. INTRODUCTION

The Code of Conduct at the Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA) establishes the expectations for student conduct in the institute community.  The Code, therefore, proscribes the types of behavior that adversely affects the institute community and the resulting actions that may be taken to educate students about behavioral expectations and to protect TIEA. This Code and its accompanying Rules & Regulations describe the process to be followed when a student has been charged with a violation of the Code. TIEA embraces and strives to uphold the freedoms of expression and speech guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. TIEA has the right under appropriate circumstances to regulate the time, place, and manner of exercising these and other constitutionally protected rights. All students at the Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA) are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that helps enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of each member of the academic community, administration, and management are respected.  Violations of TIEA’s policies, rules or regulations, or local law may result in a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and imposition of sanctions.

2. AUTHORITY FOR STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Director and Management have the authority to establish procedures and impose disciplinary action on a student or student group/organization.  The Director may delegate such authority to the Institute Administrators, Management, or other officials.

3. DEFINITION OF MISCONDUCT

The definition of misconduct at TIEA is set forth in this Code in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct and is not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.

4. SCOPE
   • Locations Covered

The Code applies to conduct that occurs on TIEA premises, at TIEA-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the Institute community, its mission, programs, or the pursuit of its objectives.

• Persons Covered

The Code applies to all students as defined in the Procedures.  TIEA may initiate disciplinary action against a student alleged to have violated the Code or other applicable Institute policies, regulations or rules, or local law regardless of the actions taken by civil or criminal authorities or private litigants.

5. AIDING AND ABETTING
   • Aiding & Abetting

Aiding and abetting others to cheat or plagiarize is as detrimental to the scholarly community as engaging in the acts themselves.  Aiding and abetting others to cheat or plagiarize includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a)  Giving unauthorized assistance to another or others during a test or evaluation;

(b)  Posing as another student in order to meet a course or graduation requirement;

(c)  Providing specific information about a recently given test, examination, or assignment to a student who thereby gains an unfair advantage in an academic evaluation;

(d)  Providing aid to another person, knowing such aid is expressly prohibited by the faculty member, in the research, preparation, creation, writing, performing, or publication of work to be submitted for academic evaluation;

(e)  Permitting one’s academic work to be represented as the work of another; or

5.2. Cheating

Cheating is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another person on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student’s record or academic career.

Cheating includes, but is not limited, to the following actions:

(a)  Copying from someone else’s assignment, examination, or other academic exercises;

(b)  Possessing, buying, selling, removing, receiving, or using, at any time or in any manner not prescribed by the faculty member, any information related to an instrument of academic evaluation;

(c)  Using materials, equipment, or assistance in connection with an assignment, examination, or other academic exercises which have not been authorized by the faculty member, including but not limited to, notes, calculator, or other technology;

(d)  Obtaining or attempting to obtain, in a dishonest manner, any material relating to a student’s academic work;

(e)  Working with another or others in completing an assignment, examination, or other academic exercises when the faculty member has required independent and unaided action;

(f)  Attempting to influence or change an academic evaluation, grade, or record by unfair means;

(g)  Permitting another individual to substitute for one’s self in an academic evaluation;

(h)  Marking or submitting an examination or evaluation material in a manner designed to deceive the grading system;

(I)  Failing to comply with a specific condition of academic integrity which has been clearly announced in a particular course;

(j)  Submitting, without prior permission of the faculty member, any work by a student which has at any time been submitted in identical or similar form by that student in fulfillment of any other academic requirement at any institution;

(k)  Submitting of material in whole or part for academic evaluation that has been prepared by another individual(s);

(l)  Submitting data which have been altered or contrived in such a way as to be deliberately misleading; or

(m)  Providing false information to the institute in any manner to achieve an unfair advantage, enhance one’s record, or complete a requirement.

• Destruction or Removal of Academic Materials

The destruction or removal of academic materials denies access to and prevents the ability to develop the full potential of, scholarly resources.  Prohibited acts under this section include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)  Removing or attempting to remove, destroy, steal, or make an inaccessible library or other academic material without authorization; or

(b)  Willfully damaging the academic work or efforts of another.

5.3. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another and the representation of the other’s work as their own.  The act of submitting work for evaluation or to meet a requirement is regarded as assurance that the work is the result of the student’s own thought and study, produced without assistance, and stated in that student’s own words, except as quotation marks, references or footnotes acknowledge the use of other sources.  Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully and correctly acknowledged.  Submission of work used previously must first be approved by the faculty member.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited, to the following actions:

(a)  Representing the work of others as his or her own; or

(b)  Submitting written materials without proper attribution or acknowledgment of the source.

6. SANCTIONS FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
7. Academic Integrity Probation

A student found responsible for academic misconduct will usually be placed on academic integrity probation for the remainder of the student’s academic career.  A student shall write a letter describing in detail how she/he was involved in cheating or academic misconduct. In addition, one or more of the sanctions listed below may be imposed:

1. No Credit

No credit on the assignment, examination, or academic exercise on which the violation occurred, and/or no credit for the course.

1. Suspension

The suspension is a separation from the Institute for a specified period of time.  While suspended, the student shall not participate in any Institute-sponsored activity. A disciplinary file indicating suspension will be maintained by the TIEA Management on the Student’s Academic File on a permanent basis.

1. Cancellation of Academic Semester

The Disciplinary Committee that comprises: The Director, Principal, Academic Registrar, and two Heads of Departments or Lecturer-may decide to cancel the Academic Semester where the student cheat.

This will mean cancellation of exams and a fine:

1. a student will have to repeat the whole semester and pay tuition for that semester and pay fee per Course Unit which is equivalent to the Retake fee per paper (Course Unit). Or depending on the assessment of the disciplinary committee about the culprit’s conduct during the disciplinary process- the student may be asked to pay full fees for the whole semester and a fine equivalent to that of the Retakes and the student may sit for his/her exams within 15 days from the day the disciplinary committee conclude the process.
2. Reduction in Grade

A reduction in grade on the assignment, examination, or academic exercise on which the violation occurred.

1. Expulsion

Expulsion may be imposed in the most severe cases of academic and character misconduct.  Expulsion is a recommendation that must be approved by the Director and is the permanent separation of the student from Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA) unless at a later date the Director concludes on the basis of the former student’s and/or parent/guardian/ sponsor’s petition and any supporting documentation that he or she should be approved for reinstatement at TIEA.  When expelled, the student shall no longer participate in any Institute-sponsored activity and will be trespassed from Institute premises.  A disciplinary file indicating expulsion will be maintained by TIEA management on a permanent basis and will result in a permanent transcript notation.

The student’s name will be included in the TIEA system database for suspended/expelled students.  Expulsion precludes enrollment at any TIEA constituent institution.

7. NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Behavior that is subject to disciplinary action under the Code includes alleged violations of government or local law that threaten the safety or well-being of the TIEA community and any other behavior that adversely affects the Institute or its educational programs or mission.

Examples of behavior that will be subject to disciplinary action include:

7.1.  Alcohol Violations

(a)  Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 18;

(b)  Possession or consumption of any alcohol beverage inside any Institute facility except on such occasions as designated by the Director;

(c)  Aiding and abetting the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person who is under the age of 18;

(d)  Consumption of any alcoholic beverages where it is not legally permissible to do so, regardless of age;

(e)  Any other violations of the TIEA Alcohol Policy; or

(f)  Conduct that could form the basis of any charge relating to a violation of Uganda laws regarding the purchase, possession, manufacture, and consumption of alcoholic beverages or driving while under the influence.

7.2.  Computer and Network Abuse

(a)  Theft or misuse of the Institute’s computing resources

(b)  Unauthorized entry into or transfer of an electronic file;

(c)  Use of another person’s computing identification and/or password without authorization or permission;

(d)  Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or other TIEA employee;

(e)  Use of computing facilities to send obscene or harassing messages; or

(f)  Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operations of the TIEA computing system.

7.3. Creating a Safety Hazard

(a)  Creating a safety hazard, including but not limited to, starting or attempting to start a fire or failing to exit a building when fire has started or

(b)  Tampering with or misusing fire and/or other life safety equipment

7.4.  Damage to Property

Engaging in an act that intentionally or recklessly damages destroy, or defaces property of the institute or another.

7.5. Disorderly Conduct

(a)  Engaging in conduct that disrupts class including, but not limited to, the use of cell phones or other electronic devices for voice or text communication, unless permitted by the faculty member;

(b)  Participation in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot, or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the Institute and/or infringes on the rights of other members of the TIEA community;

(c)  Leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any TIEA building or other TIEA premises;

(d)  Obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement or safe passage, either pedestrian or vehicular, on TIEA premises;

(e)  Conduct that is lewd, disruptive, or indecent;

(f)  Engaging in conduct which disturbs the peace, order, or discipline at the Institute or TIEA -sponsored activity;

(g)  Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person without his/her prior knowledge, or without his/her consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress; or

(h)  Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, Institute programs, operations, or other TIEA-sponsored activities, including public service functions, on or off TIEA premises, or other non-TIEA activities when the act occurs on TIEA premises.

7.6. Drug Violations

(a)  Illegal possession or use of controlled substances

(b)  Manufacturing, selling, or delivering any controlled substance or possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver any controlled substance;

(c)  Misuse of any legal pharmaceutical drugs;

(d)  Knowingly breathe or inhale any substance for the unlawful purpose of inducing a condition of intoxication; or

(e)  Possession of drug-related paraphernalia, including but not limited to, pipes, bongs, hookahs and other water pipes.

7.7. Hazing

Causing or permitting a person, incident to initiation into or membership in a society, club, athletic team, or similar group or organization, to participate in any activity that subjects or is likely to subject that person or others to risks of physical injury, mental distress, or personal indignities, or which destroys or removes public or private property, whether or not such person has consented to participation in the activity.  Silent participation or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this section.

7.8. Harassment

(a)  No student shall threaten, coerce, or intimidate another person or identifiable group of persons.

In determining whether student conduct violates these provisions, all relevant facts and circumstances shall be considered.  Care must be exercised in order to preserve freedoms of speech and expression, as articulated in current legal standards.

7.9. Infliction or Threat of Bodily Harm

(a)  Inflicting physical injury upon another;

(b)  Placing another in fear of, or at risk of, physical injury or danger; or

(c)  Intentionally or recklessly acting in a manner that creates a substantial risk of bodily harm to another.

7.10. Providing False Information

(a)  Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any known false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergencies;

(b)  Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any TIEA document, records, or instrument of identification;

(c)  Furnishing false information, oral or written, to any TIEA official, faculty or staff member, or office; or

(d)  Possession or use of an instrument of identification that is not one’s own or is fictitious or altered.

7.11. Relationship Violence

Conduct arising out of a personal, intimate relationship that:

(a)  Inflicts physical injury upon another person; or

(b)  Places another in fear of, or at risk of, physical injury or danger.

7.12. Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct includes:

(a)  Sexual harassment may include, for example, unwelcome sexual advances and sexual favors.  Sexual harassment also includes acts of sexual violence.

(b)  Sexual Exploitation, which is taking sexual advantage of another person without consent, and includes, but is not limited to, causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person in order to gain a sexual advantage over the other person; causing the prostitution of another person; recording, photographing or transmitting identifiable images of private sexual activity and/or the intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks) of another person; and allowing third parties to observe private sexual acts.

(c)  Sexual Contact (without consent), which is the deliberate touching of a person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breast or buttocks or clothing covering any of those areas); or the deliberate touching of another person with one’s intimate parts; or using force to cause a person to touch his/her own or another person’s intimate parts.

(d)  Sexual Intercourse (without consent). or

(e) Retaliation (including threats, harassment, intimidation, coercion) against a person because he/she filed a complaint alleging sexual misconduct or participated in an investigation or proceeding involving charges of sexual misconduct.

7.13. Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.   Stalking may include, for example, non-consensual communication, including in-person communication or contact, surveillance, telephone calls, voice messages, text messages, email messages, social networking site postings, instant messages, postings of pictures or information on web sites, written letters, gifts or any other communications that are undesired and/or place another person in fear.

7.14. Theft

(a)  Stealing or attempting to steal another’s property, money or services;

(b)  Knowingly possessing, purchasing, or exchanging stolen or embezzled property, money or services;

(c)  Unauthorized use or access to private or confidential information in any medium; or

(d)  Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys or card access to TIEA’s premises.

7.15. Trespass

Unauthorized entry to the Institute’s premises, including intruding upon, forcibly entering, or otherwise proceeding into unauthorized areas of the Institute’s premises or the residential space of another without permission.

7.16. Weapons

(a)  Illegal or unauthorized possession of weapons on the Institute premises or at TIEA -sponsored activities; or

(b)  Possession or use of weapons in any manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others.

7.17. Undermining Lecturers & Staff

Undermining Lecturers and Staff may result into a student’s suspension or expulsion

8. SANCTIONS

Sanctions in this section result in the creation of a disciplinary file for individuals or groups. Misconduct that involves substantial theft or fraud, significant physical damage to property, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking, substantial physical, emotional or mental damage to persons, committed at least in part because of the victim’s membership in a protected class, or actions that create a substantial risk of bodily harm may result in suspension or expulsion from the Institute. One or more of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for any misconduct:

• Written Warning

A Written Warning is a disciplinary reprimand that serves as notice that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct may be cause for additional disciplinary actions.

• Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation is a pre-suspension status.  A student may be placed on disciplinary probation for a period no less than the remainder of the current semester up to the remainder of his or her academic career.  If found responsible for a violation while on disciplinary probation, a student may face more severe sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

• Suspension

The suspension is a separation from the Institute for a specified period of time after which the student may be eligible to return.  While suspended, the student shall not participate in any Institute-sponsored activity and will be trespassed from TIEA premises.  Exceptions to this trespass may be granted by the Director based on the written petition of the student and for good cause.  The student’s name will be included in the TIEA System database for suspended/expelled students.  In cases where the student will complete the graduation requirements during the current semester, the suspension is to take effect immediately.

• Expulsion

Expulsion is a recommendation that must be approved by the Director and is a permanent separation of the student from the Institute unless at a later date the Director concludes on the basis of the former student’s petition and any supporting documentation that he or she should be approved for reinstatement at TIEA.

When expelled, the student shall no longer participate in any TIEA-sponsored activity and will be trespassed from Institute premises.  A disciplinary letter indicating expulsion will be maintained permanently on a student’s file.

9. PHOTOS/AUDIO/VIDEO

TIEA reserves the right to take any photo(s), Audio(s) and Video(s) of a student who has been enrolled for any course e.g., Diploma, Certificate, short course, workshop, seminar, exhibition, party, and use that on any media networks e.g., website, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, banners, magazines, books, TV, newspapers and any other media for purposes of promoting, advertising and marketing TIEA’s programs, activities-without any written notice. The photo(s)/audio(s)/video(s) taken and used by TIEA shall not be nude or indecent.

10. OFFICE HOURS

09:00AM – 04:30PM.    Monday – Friday.

All businesses must be conducted within the prescribed hours. Online and Distance learning students are advised to contact the office, lecturers and/or any other staff within the prescribed hours above. No official correspondence shall be carried out over the weekend, public holidays unless otherwise agreed upon prior by both parties e.g., lecturer and student.

 

• Class Lectures

Morning:     08:30AM -10:30AM.

Afternoon:  11:30PM – 01:30PM.

TIEA management reserves the right to change the schedule without prior written notice.

• Course Format

A two-hour lecture per session is conducted daily from Monday – Friday. At the end of the final Semester, a mandatory study trip is organized for students. The evaluation will include course work (take Home Projects, Assignments, Presentations, Group work) and this carries 30% of the total marks. The final examination at the end of the semester will carry 70%.

1. If a student misses out on doing and submitting their course work, they will not be allowed to sit for their final examination at the end of the semester. TIEA management reserves the right to change the course format without prior written notice.

• Attendance

Class attendance either online or face-to-face and active participation are expected in order to demonstrate the achievement of course objectives. The student is responsible for all information, announcements, and changes in schedules, which are covered during class periods. Details concerning specific weekly assignments will be announced in class, noticeboard and/or social media platforms e.g., e-mail, WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram etc. Tardiness causes interruptions during class time and often results in missed announcements. Please make every effort to be in class and be on time.

Attendance book is available for students to sign their names, date, and time of arrival. For online students, the attendance is monitored electronically. It is the responsibility of the student to respond to the call for attendance.  At the end of the semester, a minimum class attendance of 60% shall be considered.

Classes begin ON TIME, once a student comes late even after one minute they shall not be allowed in class and will not be allowed to sign in a register for that session. If a student has another session, then they can wait.

Online and Distance learning students are expected to submit their work on time and are supposed to keep in touch with their respective lecturers and TIEA management.

• Grade Determination

Course work will be evaluated as follows:

Course work (Take-Home Assignment 10/10, Oral Evaluation 10/10 & Test 10/10) – 30/30

Final Examination at the end of a given Semester – 70/70

Total Score – 100%

1. Study Tours are compulsory for students.
   • Character Traits Appraisal (CTA): Attributes and Values

The Character Traits Appraisal (CTA) evaluates students against a range of attributes and values that are essential for personal growth, academic success, professional development, and effective participation in the tourism and hospitality industry. The following attributes provide a framework for assessing and nurturing the character, conduct, attitudes, and professional behaviours expected of every student at the Tourism Institute of East Africa.

1. Quality of Work

A student’s ability to consistently produce work that is thorough, accurate, well-presented, and completed within the required time. A student demonstrates attention to detail, takes pride in their work, and strives for excellence in academic, practical, and professional assignments.

2. Ability to Learn

A student’s willingness and capacity to acquire new knowledge, skills, and competencies. This includes asking relevant questions, seeking additional information from appropriate sources, understanding new concepts and instructions, accepting new ideas, and making necessary changes and improvements based on learning and feedback.

3. Initiative and Creativity

A student’s ability to demonstrate self-motivation, take appropriate action without waiting to be instructed, seek opportunities to learn and take on additional responsibilities, and approach challenges with confidence. The student is able to identify problems, develop innovative ideas, and propose creative and practical solutions.

4. Dependability

A student’s reliability and ability to fulfil assigned responsibilities and obligations. A dependable student follows instructions and appropriate procedures, pays attention to detail, completes tasks as expected, honours commitments, and performs responsibilities with minimal supervision.

5. Attendance and Punctuality

A student’s commitment to attending scheduled classes, practical sessions, Institute activities, meetings, and other required engagements. A punctual student demonstrates respect for time by arriving on time, being present when expected, and avoiding unnecessary absenteeism or lateness.

6. Orderliness

A student’s ability to maintain personal order and contribute to an organised, clean, and orderly environment. An orderly student keeps personal belongings and work areas properly arranged and conducts activities in a manner that promotes efficiency, safety, discipline, and effective use of resources.

7. Responsiveness to Supervision and Feedback

A student’s willingness to seek guidance and supervision when necessary and to respond positively to constructive criticism, advice, and direction from lecturers, supervisors, colleagues, guests, and other authorised persons. The student listens, reflects on feedback, implements appropriate suggestions, acknowledges areas requiring improvement, and actively works towards personal and professional growth.

8. Written and Oral Communication Skills

A student’s ability to communicate ideas, information, opinions, and instructions clearly, logically, respectfully, and effectively in both written and spoken forms. The student demonstrates the ability to listen attentively, express themselves appropriately, and adapt communication to different audiences and situations.

9. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

A student’s capacity to analyse information, evaluate situations, ask meaningful questions, identify problems, consider different perspectives, and make reasoned and informed decisions. The student applies analytical and critical-thinking skills in the classroom, during practical activities, at the Institute, and in social and professional interactions.

10. Leadership Abilities

A student’s capacity to positively influence, guide, motivate, and support others. A student demonstrates leadership by taking responsibility, showing initiative, making sound decisions, resolving challenges constructively, and contributing to positive personal, institutional, and social change.

11. Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills

A student’s ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others and work effectively as part of a team. The student demonstrates cooperation, collaboration, active listening, empathy, tolerance, and respect for people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and abilities.

12. Smartness and Decency

A student’s commitment to maintaining a neat, clean, smart, and decent personal appearance appropriate to the standards of the Institute and the tourism and hospitality industry. This includes proper grooming, appropriate attire, personal hygiene, and professional presentation.

13. Helpfulness

A student’s willingness to assist and support others. A helpful student readily offers appropriate assistance to fellow students, lecturers, guests, staff, and members of the wider community while demonstrating courtesy, kindness, and a genuine spirit of service.

14. Meticulousness

A student’s demonstration of care, precision, thoroughness, and attention to detail in their actions and responsibilities. A meticulous student thinks carefully before acting, considers the possible consequences of their decisions, checks their work, and strives to complete tasks correctly and to a high standard.

15. Obedience and Respect for Authority

A student’s willingness to respond appropriately and respectfully to legitimate instructions, guidance, and lawful requests from Institute management, lecturers, supervisors, and other authorised persons. A student is expected to carry out reasonable instructions promptly and positively, without unnecessary resistance, disrespect, or complaining, while retaining the right to seek clarification or raise concerns through appropriate channels.

16. Honesty and Integrity

A student’s commitment to truthfulness, transparency, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct. An honest student does not steal, cheat, defraud, mislead, deceive, or deliberately conceal relevant information. The student honours commitments, takes responsibility for their actions, admits mistakes even when there may be consequences, avoids spreading harmful gossip or negative talk about others, and ensures that their words and actions are consistent.

17. Gentleness and Consideration

A student’s demonstration of kindness, patience, compassion, and personal concern for others. A gentle student treats others with sensitivity and consideration, avoids unnecessary harshness, and responds to people and situations in a calm, respectful, and caring manner.

18. Friendliness

A student’s ability to maintain a positive, approachable, welcoming, and kind disposition towards others. A friendly student interacts with others in a warm and respectful manner, maintains a good attitude, and seeks to promote the well-being and success of those around them.

19. Respectfulness

A student’s recognition and appreciation of the dignity, rights, opinions, responsibilities, and personal space of others. A respectful student treats lecturers, fellow students, staff, guests, visitors, and members of the public with courtesy and dignity, regardless of differences in status, background, culture, beliefs, or opinions.

20. Vigilance and Alertness

A student’s ability to remain watchful, observant, attentive, and alert to their surroundings and responsibilities. A vigilant student pays attention to important details, identifies potential risks or concerns, responds appropriately to changing circumstances, and takes reasonable steps to promote personal safety, the safety of others, and the security of Institute property and facilities.

 

Score

The Character Traits Appraisal is an integral part of the Tourism Institute of East Africa’s holistic approach to student development and carries a maximum score of 60/60. It assesses students across 20 key attributes. The appraisal evaluates students’ character, attitudes, conduct, values, and professional behaviors as demonstrated in academic, practical, social, and professional settings. It complements academic and practical assessments by recognizing that excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry requires more than technical competence; it also demands discipline, integrity, responsibility, respect, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to service. Through the appraisal, students are encouraged to recognize their strengths, address areas for improvement, and continuously develop the character and professional qualities necessary to excel in the workplace and contribute positively to society.

• What Employers Look for in a Potential Employee

In today’s competitive employment environment, employers look beyond academic qualifications when selecting potential employees. While qualifications are important, employers increasingly seek individuals who possess a combination of skills, strong character, relevant experience, and the ability to add value to the organisation. The key qualities employers typically look for include:

1. Skills – Employers seek individuals who have the technical, practical, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and other relevant skills required to perform their roles effectively and contribute to the success of the organisation.
2. Character – Employers value individuals who demonstrate integrity, honesty, discipline, reliability, respect, responsibility, teamwork, professionalism, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to service. Good character builds trust and enables employees to work effectively with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.
3. Experience (Optional) – While previous work experience can be an advantage, it is not always essential, particularly for entry-level positions. Employers may recognise the value of internships, industrial training, practical placements, volunteering, and other opportunities through which a candidate has gained exposure to the workplace.
4. Academic Qualifications – Academic and professional qualifications demonstrate that a candidate has acquired the relevant knowledge and foundational understanding required for a particular role. However, qualifications are most valuable when combined with practical skills and good character.
5. Value to the Organisation – Employers want to know what a new employee can contribute to the organisation. This includes the ability to improve service delivery, solve problems, work effectively with others, serve customers well, generate new ideas, adapt to change, and contribute to the organisation’s goals and overall success.

The Tourism Institute of East Africa recognises that while academic qualifications and technical skills may help a graduate secure an opportunity, character is critical in determining how effectively that individual performs, grows, and contributes within an organisation.

This is why the Institute’s Character Traits Appraisal, which carries a maximum score of 60/60, plays an important role in preparing students for the world of work. Assessing and developing 20 essential character and professional attributes, the Institute seeks to produce graduates who possess not only the skills and qualifications required by employers but also the character, attitude, and values needed to become valuable and trusted members of any organisation.

11. ACADEMIC WORK, INTERNSHIP
    • Assignments

All homework submitted must be word-processed (if it is handwritten, it should be neat).

All work must be completed by the assigned time to be considered for full credit. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on a specific date. Any assignment turned in after the due date and time will have 5% taken off the total possible points. All assignments and projects are to be completed individually, except for group work that has been assigned by the lecturer. Students submitting identical assignments will receive a grade of “0”.

• Missed Papers & Retakes

At the Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA), a student who misses an examination or is required to retake a paper shall be required to sit for the missed paper or retake during the Reading Week of the next semester. A student is given a maximum of two consecutive Reading Weeks, covering two successive semesters, within which to complete the missed paper or retake. Any student who fails to sit for the missed paper or retake during both of these two consecutive Reading Weeks shall be required to redo the course, as the course content, learning materials, curriculum, or assessment requirements may have changed by the time the student seeks to return to the course. It is the student’s responsibility to register for and sit the missed paper or retake within the prescribed period.

• Fees for missing Tests & Final Exams

For any reason, once a student misses Gradable Tests, Take Home Assignments, Oral tests a fee of UGX. 20,000 per paper shall apply. And once a student misses the final exam a fee of UGX. 100,000 per paper shall apply. If the affected student(s) did not meet the above requirement(s), a given Course Unit shall be left blank on their transcript. The Management of TIEA reserves the right to revise the rates without written notice.

• Dead Year

A Dead Year refers to an academic year during which a student does not progress to the next level or semester of study due to failure to meet the academic, examination, attendance, or other requirements prescribed by the Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA). A dead year may also arise where a student fails to complete outstanding courses, missed papers, or retakes within the prescribed period and is consequently required to repeat or rejoin the programme at a later stage. The Institute may, where applicable, require such a student to repeat the relevant course or academic year, subject to the prevailing curriculum, course content, learning materials, and academic regulations at the time of re-entry.

It is clearly stated by TIEA Management or Student that a student has applied or asked to apply for a dead year and the application is attached to a student’s file.

• Dead Semester

A Dead Semester refers to a semester during which a student does not successfully complete the required academic obligations or does not progress to the next semester of study in accordance with the academic regulations of the Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA). A dead semester may arise where a student fails to complete required coursework, examinations, missed papers, or retakes within the prescribed period, or where the student is unable to meet the requirements for academic progression. Where a student is declared to have a dead semester, the Institute may require the student to repeat the relevant course units or semester, subject to the applicable academic regulations, curriculum, course content, and learning materials in place at the time of repetition.

It is clearly stated by TIEA Management or Student that a student has applied or asked to apply for a dead semester and the application is attached to a student’s file.

12. INSTITUTE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

During class time, students are expected to:

• Arrive on time
• Remain visibly awake
• Give the Lecturer/Presenter their undivided attention
• Refrain from reading non-class related materials
• Refrain from working on another class assignment
• Classrooms must be kept neat and chairs organized
• Refrain from writing personal notes to others or texting on cell phones or whispering to each other
• Refrain from participating in personal conversations with other students during class

 

• Turn off phones and laptop computers.

Remain in class until the class is dismissed

Tea should be taken once before or after class but not during lecture/class-unless, the lecturer has allowed it for some reason.

• Dress Code & Glomming:

Students are expected to look descent at all times during classes and while on the Institute’s premises

Personal Hygiene & Grooming (clean & ironed clothes, well-polished shoes for men, well-kempt hair, effective deodorants, keep the mouth clean and use mouth mint for fresh breath)

Dreadlocks and any other inappropriate hairstyle for men is not allowed

Micro-mini skirts are not allowed

Cleavage and inside garments are not to be seen

Chewing gum is not allowed in class and while conducting business at school

Inappropriate make-up is not allowed

Bleaching is not allowed while at the institute

1. Failure to adhere to the guidelines would lead to a lecturer dismissing a student from attending a class (es)

Others:

Politeness

Respect for students

Respect for lecturers

Respect for guests at school

Cleanliness

Students lend/borrow money from fellow students at their own risk

Once a student fails to adhere to these rules and regulations, TIEA management reserves the right to:

1. Give the student(s) a verbal warning.  b. Written suspension for 14 days. c. Dismissal from the Institute.

Revisions:

The Institute reserves the right to:

Revise the In-Class Guidelines without a prior notice

• Revise a syllabus

Revise a class schedule, and list, of course, requirements to enhance the achievement of the course goals, and objectives.

13. INTERNSHIP

All students are supposed to do a minimum of 3 months internship after they complete their semesters. Students are expected to compile an internship report and submit it for grading. No student shall graduate without an internship report. Cabin Crew Students shall do their practicals in South Africa at South African Airlines facility and/or any other established and recognized institute that awards International Flight Attendants License and that is in partnership with TIEA.

 CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Students are encouraged to resolve their conflicts amicably, but should one grieved party feels they want to involve a third party, then they should inform any of the staff on management about the issue at hand and the staff together with all the involved students will sit and sort the issues out.

Drug Abuse: Drug abuse, taking alcohol at the campus, and smoking are prohibited

Swearing & Foul language: is prohibited

Fighting and violent behaviors are prohibited.

Once a student is found to be involved in the above, it will result in outright dismissal from the Institute.

15. SERVICE

Students are expected to offer services at any given time once called upon by management or once they sense the need to serve. Service may be offered, lecturers, any TIEA official, fellow students, parents, and/or guests.

The Management of the Tourism Institute of East Africa reserves the right to make changes and or add more articles to the Code of Conduct Manual without any prior written notice.