Student Policies & Academic Rules

1. Student Conduct Policy

The general principle governing student conduct standards and rules at Siam University is that students are expected to conduct themselves as mature and responsible individuals.

1.1 Academic Rules & Standards of Conduct

  1. Plagiarism, falsification of information rendered and/or academic cheating.
  2. Using AI or automated tools without instructor consent. This rule applies only to generative AI and tools that substantively complete or structure work. Instructor consent will be documented (e.g., on the course syllabus or via the Learning Management System (LMS)) to prevent disputes.
  3. General peer-to-peer discussions, study, and shared understanding of course concepts are acceptable; however, collaboration that results in unauthorized shared work product or the exchange of specific answers or assignments is prohibited.
  4. When a student fails to participate in assigned group activities but submits or presents the work done by other team members as if it were their own, it is not acceptable.
  5. Use of paid assignment services, such as paying websites or freelance writers to prepare students' work, submitting assignments purchased from online platforms or other students, and submitting them as students' own work is considered a serious academic offence.
  6. Signing an attendance sheet or proxy on behalf of a fellow student who is absent is prohibited.
  7. Harassing teachers in order to obtain University privileges or grades to which the student is not entitled is not accepted.
  8. Refusal to use the prescribed Learning Management System (LMS) for the academic activities of the program (e.g. Moodle) is an offense (applicable only to students enrolled under IBBA courses).
  9. All teachers are entitled to have two online classes per subject per semester under unavoidable disturbances. The relevant teacher must inform students of any shift to online classes at least one day in advance.
  10. Attempting to have or having unauthorised access to teachers', department's, or university's academic resources with the intent to defraud (actual and/or virtual resources) is considered serious misconduct.
  11. Students must complete their degree within four (4) years. Any extension will be granted only in exceptional cases based strictly on academic performance, conduct, and verified valid reasons. In order to continue studies, the student must have passed at least 60% of the courses registered within the first four years.

It is a violation of the code of conduct for a student to witness another student's violation and withhold that information from the appropriate authority. All violations must be immediately reported to the course instructor, Program Director, or relevant authorities within no later than two weeks of occurrence. The university will handle such complaints/information in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All students are expected to uphold and maintain the highest standards of conduct.

Academic misconduct may result in academic sanctions, including but not limited to a grade reduction, suspension of results, suspension of studentship, or dismissal from the program or the University if proved with evidence.

1.2 Off-Academic Rules & Standards of Conduct

All students are expected to possess and demonstrate considerate and respectful behaviour towards their teachers and fellow students. The following are situations in which you are requested to act with consideration:

  1. Arrive on time to class to avoid disturbing the teaching session which is in progress.
  2. Request and receive permission both from the teacher and the relevant classmates before audio/video taping the content of a class.
  3. Avoid disrupting a lecture by answering phone calls in class. Students must keep their mobile phone in off mode or silent mode when class is in progress. If you expect a very important call, please leave class with the teacher's permission to receive the call.
  4. Students must respect institutional copyright laws and intellectual property rights by not reproducing, sharing, or using others' materials without permission or proper citation. This includes academic content, creative works, and digital resources (exam papers, lecture notes, slides, other students' assignments, projects, thesis, and any content used without citation or authorisation).
  5. Students must behave in an acceptable way with minimum disturbance to the speaker and audience during online classes, seminars, and other relevant online activities with the same respect as in face-to-face interactions. This means using polite language, respecting others' opinions, and never using online platforms to harm, insult, or embarrass anyone.
  6. Students should not destroy the university's physical spaces, such as classrooms, labs, and offices, or its digital systems, such as the LMS, email, and servers. Unauthorised entry or accessing areas or systems without permission is prohibited.
  7. Dressing appropriately for academic and professional settings is required (formal clothing or uniforms for classes, exams, and other official events; avoid wearing clothes with offensive language, images, or slogans).
  8. When the instructor is lecturing, refrain from taking part in any other activities than those related to the subject being taught, such as reading or preparing another course's material or assignments.
  9. Uploading or sharing lecture notes, exam answers, or other course materials which violate copyright regulations/rules is prohibited (especially on public or private websites; e.g. students cannot upload lecture notes, assignments, exam papers, answer sheets, or other students' materials, fully or partially).

The international nature of the program offers both an enriching but also challenging experience. All students should understand and accept the cultural differences that exist among the international community and should be keen to accommodate each other's differences in beliefs, culture, status, and race.

To promote personal development, protect the University community, and maintain order and stability on campus, students who engage in any of the following acts of misconduct will face academic sanctions, including but not limited to a grade reduction, suspension of results, suspension of studentship, or dismissal from the program or the University if proved with evidence:

Physical or sexual assault, hazing, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, or any other behaviour which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any member of the University community or any person on university premises or at university activities are prohibited.

  1. Attempted or actual theft, damage, or misuse of university property or resources.
  2. Unauthorised or improper use of any University property, equipment, facilities, or resources, including unauthorised entry into any university room, building, or premises.
  3. Use, possession, or distribution of any narcotic or other controlled substances at university premises or University activities, except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations.
  4. Using media platforms, personal messages, or other word of mouth to gather students, alumni, or people outside the university against the university community (vendors, lecturers, students, or any university employee), or calling protests in public or in closed environments.
  5. Participating in such activities called by any student, lecturer, or other persons including external personnel is prohibited.
  6. Smoking is prohibited in areas including but not limited to classrooms, corridors, toilets, hallways, elevators, and restaurants.
  7. Eating and drinking (including chewing gum) in certain rooms where it is forbidden, unless explicitly permitted for special reasons.
  8. Misuse of the fire alarm.
  9. Violation of Thailand Criminal Law on university premises or while participating in university activities. The university has zero-tolerance on money laundering and illegal gratification from any unauthorised source.

These misconducts may result in suspension of studentship or dismissal from the program or the University if proved with evidence.

1.3 Complaint Procedures

If any student behaviour creates a disturbance in class, the class teacher will first engage with the respective student(s) about the issue. If the student does not respond, a meeting will be scheduled with the Program Director to further look into the issue. If the problem still continues and is directly connected with the student's disciplinary issue, the problem will be directed to the disciplinary committee. Until a solution comes from the disciplinary committee, the student will not be permitted to attend the class and will be marked as absent.

Any complaints against misbehaviour of a student can also be reported by other observers, including teachers, alumni, staff, other students, and anyone outside the community. Such complaints will be directly forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee to conduct investigations. If a student is found guilty, actions as appropriate will be recommended to the Dean/higher university administration for a decision to be made.

Grading System

Grading Description

LETTER MEANING VALUE
A Excellent 4.00
B+ Very Good 3.50
B Good 3.00
C+ Fair 2.50
C Satisfactory 2.00
D+ Poor 1.50
D Pass 1.00
F Failure 0.00
S Satisfactory (noncredit)
U Unsatisfactory (noncredit)
W Withdrawal
AU Audit (non-credit)
I Incomplete
P Work in progress
NR No Report

Letter Grades are used to show the academic standing of a student. The following are the grades, meanings of the grades and the values of the grades issued by this University:

The student's grades are computed at the end of each semester. The student is graded for his/her work during the semester. This includes quizzes, term papers, book reports, assignments, recitation, class participation, attendance, midterm examinations, and final examinations.

Grades are accessible online with the use of the student's ID (www.siam.edu).

Withdrawal (W) grade: assigned by the instructor upon official withdrawal from class (see Course Add/Withdrawal). Non-failure.

Incomplete (I) grade: indicates that the semester's work is incomplete. "I" grades are granted at the instructor's discretion. "I" grades revert to "F" if change is not made within the following term.

Two or more tests, including mid-term and final examinations, are given each semester. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.00 for a bachelor's degree completion and 3.00 for a master's and doctoral degree.

Students can check their grades online by logging on the Registrar Department web site: http://home.sis.siam.edu/registrar/home.asp?lang=2.

Class Enrollment and Attendance

Undergraduate students are required to enroll in at least 12 credits/hour but no more than 21 credits/hour per semester. Graduate students are required to take between 9 to 15 credits hour. The process of registration must be completed before the class starts.

Candidates for the bachelor's degree must complete the minimum of 120-150 credits. Undergraduate candidates must maintain their grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 or better on a scale of four points in order to achieve their degree. Candidates for master's degree must complete a minimum of 36 credits with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on the scale of four points. The doctoral degree program requires candidates with a bachelor's degree to complete a minimum of 72 credits hour while master's degree holders must complete the program with a minimum of 48 credits. In Thailand, 80% class attendance is required in order to be eligible to sit for final exams.

Appeals of Grades

A student who believes that a faculty member arbitrarily set his/her grades and that these do not represent his/her actual performance in that subject should…

Honors System

The University, in wishing to provide recognition to exceptional students, has an honor system. Students are given awards for hard work measurable in grades, beginning with semester grades and ending with cumulative grades until graduation.

Students maintaining a high scholastic average are eligible for graduation with honors.

  • First Class Honor GPA 3.60-4.00
  • Second Class Honor GPA 3.25-3.59

Requirements For Honors

  • Have fulfilled all the requirements for graduation within 4 years
  • Not have been placed on probation in any categories
  • Not have received a grade of 'F' for any course

Transfer students must have taken all the third and fourth year courses (or 72 credits) at the University.

Academic Action

Academic action taken on a student can be both favorable and disciplinary. When a student is performing well, all actions on him/her in the academic area are said to be favorable to the student. For example, when a student obtains a high GPA he/she is put on the Academic List of Honors; when he/she consistently achieves very high marks, he/she is given higher honors. However, if his/her achievement is below standards, disciplinary action is taken against him/her.

Probation

Students who obtain a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 (1.99-1.50) but above the limits set for dismissal from the University will be put on probation, except the first semester of the freshman year.

Dismissal

  • A student who obtains a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 at the end of any semester except the first semester of the freshman year
  • A student who obtains a cumulative GPA of less than 1.75 for two consecutive semesters except the first semester of the freshman year
  • A student who obtains a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 for four consecutive semesters except the first semester of the freshman year

2. Student Academic Performance Policy

Students are required to understand the Academic Performance Policy at Siam University to maintain professional and courteous conduct throughout their whole period of academic studies at Siam University. Respecting fellow and senior students, faculty and administrative staff is always required. Siam University's moral and ethical code will be strictly enforced.

Since this is an international program, students are expected to use English as the primary medium of communication in official academic settings. Active participation in your classes is a must during the academic program period.

2.1 Regular Credit Load

Students' credit load may vary with students' individual circumstances. To maintain full-time status, a student must enroll in at least 5 courses (15 credit hours) per semester. The maximum number of courses is 7 (21 credit hours) per semester.

Special permission must be obtained in order to enroll in 8 or more courses:

  • Written permission from the Program Director is required if they are senior graduating students or junior and senior students with a cumulative GPA of more than 3.25 and a valid reason.
  • In all other cases, written permission of the Program Director is required.

2.2 Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes. A minimum of 80% attendance is mandatory for sitting the examinations. Irregular attendance may also result in losing the right to sit for the final examination of the respective subjects upon the respective teacher's reporting.

If a student is leaving the country during the academic period, it is mandatory to obtain written approval from the respective class lecturers or advisors, or both, and the Dean of the International College. Furthermore, the student must inform their advisor and/or lecturer if they are missing any classes.

In case of unavoidable absences such as illness, accidents, or death of a family member, all academic activity missed due to the student's absence will be made up by the class teacher. The responsibility for completing the outstanding work rests with the student. Unavoidable absences must be properly documented and duly certified by a practicing physician from a registered hospital. Failure to provide proper documentation may result in a non-excused absence for classes and exams.

Students must attend lectures and exams on time. If a student is frequently late, it disrupts the class and demonstrates a lack of discipline, which may result in warnings, being marked absent for that class, or other relevant disciplinary actions.

2.3 Examinations

  1. There are two examination periods per semester: the mid-term and final examinations. Some teachers may choose not to have a mid-term examination. All registered students will automatically be listed for the exam for the classes they have enrolled in. Students are requested to log in to their online portal (https://lmsico.siam.edu) and check their names. If a student's name does not appear on the exam schedule for a class they have enrolled in, they should contact the registration office at the earliest possible to resolve the issue.
  2. Students are required to present their student ID for proper identification in the examination room. The use of mobile phones is not allowed during the time a student sits for an exam. All registered students must take the exam on the date and time the exam is scheduled. If the student is not able to take the exam at the scheduled time because of a serious illness or accident, they need to inform the Program Director within two weeks of the examination date with a formal request and attached valid evidence (medical certificate from a practicing physician).
  3. If the student becomes sick during an exam and is unable to continue, they should inform the instructor proctoring the exam before leaving the classroom. The proctor will inform the relevant instructor, who may decide to assign the student an incomplete grade (I), so that the student may take a special exam later.
  4. Online examinations will only be accepted under special circumstances, such as pandemic or natural disaster situations. All online examinations will be subject to strict monitoring. The final decision on conducting an online examination will be taken by the exam committee or the Program Director considering the nature of the disaster. If no online examinations are approved, some or all students may have to take offline or on-site examinations once studies resume. Students cannot negotiate or bargain for alternatives unless approved by the program committee or the Program Director.

4. Technology and Social Media Policy

  1. University resources (email, Wi-Fi, LMS) must be used ethically.
  2. Students are not allowed to impersonate others on social media, use other students' email or LMS accounts, use others' ID cards, or share fake information (about teachers, other students, or the university).
  3. Students must not post or share any email, message, photo, videos, audio, or memes that insult, discriminate, or harm someone else (fellow students, faculties, alumni, university administrative officers, non-academic staff, and seniors) on social media or other platforms, and must not violate Thai Law, including the Computer Crime Act and Criminal Code.
  4. Use of the university logo or branding for events, such as printing banners, T-shirts, posters, and creating social media pages and groups, requires prior permission from the course director and the Dean of the Faculty.

5. Student Representation and Grievance Policy

  1. Students are encouraged to share their suggestions and ideas for improvements or development of teaching methods, facilities, and student activities politely and respectfully to the course director and dean's office staff.
  2. If a student has any complaint related to academic issues, such as grading, teaching, or unfair treatment, or non-academic matters, such as harassment, bullying, or any other problems, they should inform their academic advisor first and seek a solution. If no solution is received from the advisor, he/she can make a complaint to the course director or Dean of the International College. All complaints will be handled confidentially and fairly.

6. Miscellaneous

6.1 Protection of Personal Data

The data shared by each student shall be carefully protected in consonance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2021 (PDPA). The International College uses students' personal data for academic purposes only and shall not divulge it to a third party. There will be a sincere effort to ensure that students' personal data is carefully managed and protected to comply with PDPA requirements.

6.2 Immigration Requirements

All students should comply with the relevant visa or immigration requirements of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is the student's sole responsibility to contact the Visa Officer for understanding up-to-date visa rules.

7. Communication Policy

The official communication channel is email. All official communication between the university and students should be carried out via email.

  1. Important updates regarding course registration, academic calendar, academic timetables, examination schedules, attendance records, academic performance, and payment details will be posted on the Student Information System (http://home.sis.siam.edu/registrar/home.asp).
  2. Platforms such as WhatsApp groups and Line groups created by the International College will also be used as official channels to pass information in certain circumstances. However, any other informal or student-led communication channels will not be considered official for receiving or passing college information.
  3. It is each student's responsibility to check their university email, Student Information System, and official social media groups created by the college on WhatsApp or Line regularly. Claims of not having received information because it was not shared via unofficial platforms will not be accepted as a valid excuse in academic or administrative matters.
  4. If any student engages in unacceptable, abusive, or disruptive communication, whether through official or unofficial channels, they will be permanently removed from all official and unofficial communication groups for the entire academic period.

8. Disciplinary Actions

The following actions may be applied to students who violate these policies, based on the depth of misconduct proven. The University & the International College/Disciplinary Committee have the right to decide the type of punishment:

  1. The respective class teacher or student advisor will involve with the student to resolve the misconduct or disciplinary issues as the first step.
  2. Students in need of counseling services will be directed to the university counselling service.
  3. If students are not corrected on disciplinary issues, the matter will be directed to the disciplinary committee for investigation.
  4. Based upon the observations and investigations of the disciplinary committee, case-by-case punishments will be recommended, including:
    • Issuance of a formal warning letter(s) recorded in the student's profile if misconduct is proven.
    • For proven examination offences such as copying, plagiarism, or cheating: holding of results for a period (semester or two), canceling results of the subject or whole semester, or referring subjects based upon the depth of the offence.
    • Relevant recommendations/punishments based on the nature of the case.
  5. Temporary removal (Suspension) from classes and university activities for a defined period based on the frequency and type of misconduct if proven.
  6. Permanent removal (Dismissal) may apply to severe or repeated misconduct.
  7. Visa cancellation may be applied based on the type of misconduct. The university reserves the right to notify the immigration bureau of the Kingdom of Thailand, and immigration authorities will take the necessary actions according to Thai Law.
  8. In cases involving illegal activities, the matter will be reported to the relevant government authorities.

Students are required to read the Student Code of Conduct very carefully and sign their agreement. The student code of conduct will be revised periodically and any changes will be communicated well in advance to students.