CODE OF CONDUCT
Hassan Odukale Methodist Theological Institute expects students and faculty to embody wholesome Christian character and standards, emphasizing mutual respect. Submission to the authority of God and the Institute, along with adherence to the code of conduct, is required. The Code aims to foster a harmonious and respectful environment for all community members, promoting high standards of Christian conduct and holy living.
Neat and modest attire is emphasized. This Code applies universally within HOMTI, encompassing students, paid personnel, and volunteers. All individuals agree to abide by this Code through registration, employment, or service. Copies are provided at admission, employment, or service, and it is accessible in the Academic Calendar and on the institute's website. The Code extends to all HOMTI activities, including classrooms, meetings, gatherings, worship services, and various sites involved in community business, learning, or teaching.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Members of the HOMTI community commit to upholding standards of conduct by:1. Seeking the well-being and dignity of others and HOMTI through respectful actions and words.
2. Conducting themselves with honesty and integrity.
3. Living in just and right relations with one another.
4. Making appropriate use of HOMTI's assets, resources, and property, both real and virtual, including its computer network.
Pledges include not engaging in:
1. Assault, harassment, harm, discrimination, or coercion.
2. Making direct or indirect threats against persons or property.
3. Instigating circumstances endangering the health and safety of others.
4. Misrepresenting oneself or HOMTI.
5. Disrupting classes, meetings, or gatherings to the detriment of others.
6. Using excessive computer network bandwidth at the expense of others.
7. Participating in illegal downloading and peer-to-peer distribution of non-academic software or files infringing copyright
COMPLAINT PROCESS
Complaints progress through two stages, involving written complaints to designated administrators. Restorative justice or penalties, such as warning letters, probation, or removal from academic programming, may be applied based on the severity of the violation. Penalties will be communicated in writing, noted in records, and cannot contradict agreements with paid personnel.
APPEALS
Appeals for imposed penalties can be made within 15 calendar days if not all facts were considered, new facts have emerged, the penalty is deemed unreasonable, or if there was an error in applying the Code of Conduct. The appeal, outlining grounds, must be submitted to the Chair of the Board of Governors. Within 10 days, a formal hearing, including a panel appointed by the Chair, will review the case. The panel, comprising faculty, Board members, Institute management, and a student, allows up to two advocates or witnesses per party. The confidential proceeding may result in reconsideration, dismissal, or a different application of penalties. The person accused will be notified of the decision in writing within 10 days. HOMTI will not cover any financial costs incurred by the person accused throughout the process.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
The personal appearance guidelines at Hassan Odukale Methodist Theological Institute align with Christian principles. Ministerial students are required to wear cassocks and black shoes from chapel to the classroom. The institute prohibits overly tight, form-fitting, and overly short apparel. Additionally, shorts and hats or caps are not allowed in chapel or academic buildings, with the exception of female students who may wear hats.
ETHICAL CONDUCT
Hassan Odukale Methodist Theological Institute (HOMTI) emphasizes ethical conduct aligned with Scriptural principles. Students are expected to uphold a manner consistent with the Lord's calling, the institution's policies, and ethical standards. The Director of Students Affairs, along with other school authorities, addresses challenging situations with Christian concern for personal growth and development, prioritizing student welfare.
Disciplinary actions may result from various inappropriate behaviors, including the use of illegal drugs, tobacco or nicotine products, possession of alcohol on campus, engaging in a lifestyle contrary to Biblical standards, providing false statements, financial irresponsibility, fighting, theft, academic violations, neglect of established policies, abusive behavior, and disrespect towards faculty, administrators, staff, or fellow students.
Notably, any report of physical abuse involving seminary constituents prompts immediate contact with proper civil authorities. Additionally, disregard for updated health and safety information, especially related to communicable diseases, is considered a violation of the Code of Conduct at HOMTI.
RELATIONSHIP/MARITAL/FAMILIAL GUIDELINES
Hassan Odukale Methodist Theological Institute establishes guidelines regarding relationships, marriage, and family matters:
1. Students in the process of marriage may be required to temporarily cease studies to focus on their marriage. Those experiencing marital separation or divorce must inform the Director of Students Affairs and may be asked to pause studies to prioritize their marriage. Counseling or a class may be recommended to support marital stability.
2. Unmarried individuals of the opposite sex are not permitted to be alone together in campus housing. Visits between members of the opposite sex in a residential setting are allowed during reasonable hours, contingent upon the presence of at least three people in the apartment at all times