OUS Policy has been legally reviewed and approved by MME Switzerland

By Applying to Study at OUS, the student agrees to accept the following terms and conditions are part of the General terms and conditions GTC (or can be called sometime Policy, AGB, Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen or Standard of Excellence, any of those names are treated as "Terms and conditions" and the following information are applicable)

All programs have additionally 8.2% AQT tax (do not mix with MWST).

OUS will try to record all classes and upload them to our library however if for any reason some classes will not be recorded, the student is responsible for reading his/her lecturer handouts and contacting the lecturer for any question.

 Student Handbook

For ONLINE & ON-CAMPUS students

(Please note: The Student Handbook is based on international students studying in Switzerland or ONLINE/DISTANCE students)

Last review Jan 2017

Your new life at OUS Switzerland starts here…

Amongst the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most exciting cities, you are embarking on your journey to become what you would like to be. Use this Handbook to navigate your way through your time at OUS Switzerland, from your first day to your leaving day, and beyond, helping you to get the most out of your enjoyable experience.

- "How to use this Handbook"

This Handbook has been designed to help you settle into life at OUS Switzerland with greater ease, as well as to show you the impressive range of support services available to OUS Switzerland’s students and provide a comprehensive guide to any questions you may have about student life. The booklet informs you about these support services and also offers practical advice and information on a wide range of subjects.

This Handbook is just a starting point for a lot of the information contained in it and has been designed for use in conjunction with other resources such as OUS Switzerland’s website. This handy booklet will help guide you through your first days at OUS Switzerland. Make sure you read it carefully so you are prepared with the correct documents to make the enrolment process hassle-free.

During your first few weeks, you will find yourself referring to the Handbook frequently as you orientate yourself at OUS Switzerland, but it will also be of use in the longer term as it provides information and advice on a comprehensive array of topics.

1. WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

"Faith, unity and discipline are the keys to success"

OUS Royal Academy of Economics and Technology in Switzerland – is a dynamic, modern Institute in the heart of Switzerland, with a focus on all aspects of the management and business industry. There is a long tradition of management in Switzerland, and it is the ideal environment for young people from all over the world wishing to study in the most important business and management professions.

For many of our students, it is the first time they study online and study with a group of students for a long period and from completely foreign cultures. We, therefore, offer them round-the-clock support from the time they start studying until completion of their studies. Even after they have graduated we are always available to listen to their questions.

Students learn about the business and management sector in a familiar atmosphere. The curricula include all subjects related to business management, and after the courses, students can undertake appropriate to continue studying. The school’s manageable size enables individually supported teaching and considers the cultural and religious backgrounds of each individual.

OUS AQT Team

2. ACADEMIC ISSUES

If a student wishes to carry out a particular procedure within a country’s Department of Education regarding their diploma earned at OUS, such procedures are to be carried out independently by the student. OUS respects the unique rules and regulations of each country and does not intervene or influence the respective authorities. the following text will be on all OUS Diplomas/Degrees "All Certificates remains the property of, and must be returned to OUS Switzerland upon reasonable request".

2.1 Enrolment

2.1.A. For on-campus students:

When you arrive at OUS Switzerland, you will be welcomed to the campus during our Enrolment Day. Enrolment is the administrative process you will attend when you first arrive at the Institution, and it will involve registering for classes, settling any outstanding fees, and collecting books (if applicable) and timetables. It is also an opportunity for you to meet academic and administrative staff, to get a letter for opening a bank account, apply for your student discount card, a letter to register with your local GP and much more. Please note that OUS Switzerland only accepts students who are 18+ years old prior to the course commencement date.

2.1.B. for Online students:

For Online students, we have at the beginning of each term an Orientation DAY, during the Orientation we show you how to login to our Library and External Libraries, how to login to OUS email… etc. and We try to answer all your questions.

2.2 Registration with the Awarding Body

Registration with the relevant awarding body is mandatory. Please note that you are registered with one of the under-mentioned Awarding Bodies as per their Rules & Regulations before or at the time of taking admission in OUS Switzerland

2.3. Know your Subjects

It is very important that you know well about the subjects you will study. Please make sure you know the following details beforehand:

- Subject-name
- Number of core and optional subjects (if any)
- Name of the lecturer teaching a particular subject
2.4 Class Timetable

The class timetable will help you avoid any clash between your lectures and other commitments. It is strongly recommended that you do not get involved with other commitments when your course or term time is going on.

2.5 Know your Lecturers

The most important thing is that you must know who your lecturers are. They are the people who will be helping you throughout your academic life in OUS Switzerland. It is recommended that right from the beginning of your course you must know who your lectures are. You must know the following things:

- Name of the Lecturer

- The Subject was taken by the Lecturer

- Day and Time of the Lecturer’s Class

2.6 Know about your Class Rooms, Library, etc.

Reception: Zurich 2nd floor OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Administrative Room: Zurich 2nd floor OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Class Room: On-Campus / Online

Library:

http://www.epvodi.com/  (based in Switzerland)

http://www.researchgate.net/  (based in Germany ) (you can register yourself by using OUS.email account)

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/  (based in the UK) (you can register yourself by using OUS.email account)

https://www.academia.edu/  (based in the USA) (you can register yourself by using OUS.email account)

Café/ Student Common Room: On-Campus / Online

Conference Room: On-Campus / Online

Accounts and Marketing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2.7 Academic Obligations

All information (books, materials, lectures, notice...etc.) belong to OUS and the students have right only to use them for their study during their study time at OUS. They have no right to forward them, publish them, sell them or do anything else for any reason without the permission of OUS QUALITY committee. The permission should be signed by the head of the Committee.

Any student break this rule put him/herself under legal responsibility.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

3.1 Who is Who?

For the full and updated list please visit our website https://www.ous.edu.eu/OUS/Leadership-team

3.2 Paying your Fees

You can pay your fees by cheque, cash, bank transfer, or/and other payments methods. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, which prevent you from paying your fees duly, you may talk to one of the Institution’s administrative staff or the Student Welfare Officer. Study fees are subject to change without prior notice and can increase for current and future students without prior notice if needed.

Please note that you may pay your tuition fees in a single payment at the time of enrolment or by installments.

Single Payment: Single payment should be made up to 30 days before the course start date (For those who got early payment scholarship, should be paid within the given period in the Letter of Acceptance).

Payment by Instalments: You may pay by three installments as well. No supplementary charge will be added to the tuition fees (subject to change in 2016).

50% of the study fee should be paid prior to the study and the remaining amount can be paid in installments during your study (maximum up to one year, if you need an exception please contact the administrative)

The following conditions will apply to you if you pay by installments:

- You must continue to pay your installment until the full balance of the course fee is paid in full.
- A facility to pay by installments may be withdrawn or charged interest from you if you who fail to meet installment deadlines promptly or your cheques are dishonored.

3.2.1. The fees are subject to change without prior notice. In addition to tuition fees, there is 8.2% AQT tax. You may check Google, XE or any other service to know how much, approximately, is the fee in your local currency

3.2.2. 1000 Euro additional for the exit

3.2.3. 500 Euro additional for the direct entry

3.2.4. 1000 Euro additional for the exit

3.2.5. 1000 Euro additional for the direct entry

3.2.6. The total estimated fee covers the regular duration, which means the students must pay the semester fee for any extra semester may take.

3.2.6. Please note: students who are going to pay their study fee through a 3rd party must pay a 10% additional fee.

3.3 Institution Letters

As a student, you may require all or one of the following letters issued by the Institution:

- Bank letter, (To open up a bank account) (only for on-campus students)
- G P letter, (To register at the surgery so as to obtain basic medical facilities) (only for on-campus students)
- Council letter, (To get Council Tax Exemptions on House Rent) (only for on-campus students)
- Other relevant letters
Depending on the type of letter, you must allow 3–5 working days to process the letters. Please note that you must fill in the relevant form in order to obtain the letter sometimes we do accept just an email in order to prepare for you the letter.

3.4 Opening Bank Account (only for on-campus students)

students Welfare Officer can provide you with information on how to open a bank account on arrival at the Institution.

To open up a bank account in Switzerland you will need to provide the following documents:

- OUS Switzerland Enrolment Letter
- Passport
- Swiss ID card
- Confirmation of Switzerland and Overseas address
It is worth mentioning that most phone bills and other utility bills are preferred to be received by Direct Debit. Thus, it is useful to have a bank account to keep continuity and of your day to day transactions.

3.5 Registration with Local GP (only for on-campus students)

You are also eligible to use the National Health Service (NHS), free of charge, during your studies here in Switzerland for the first year. You should book an appointment with your local GP first, and then you need to take a letter from the Institution addressed to the GP. Remember, you will not be able to get free treatment unless you are registered with your local GP.

3.6 Student ID Card (ISIC Card)

ALL OUS students will get an ISIC card (only through OUS Switzerland) The ISIC Association is the non-profit organization behind the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC card is the only internationally accepted proof of bona fide student status and it comes with UNESCO logo.

For on-campus students: Student without a Student ID Card will not be allowed to enter the Institution premises to attend lectures or to use any Library facilities, IT facilities, and so on. The ID card proves your status as a student of OUS Switzerland. You must, at all times, keep your ID card with you whenever you enter the Institution premises.

3.7. Grading system

The student needs to have a minimum of 40% in order to pass.

Our grading system is as the following:

A+: 85 - 100% (First class with Distinction)

A: 70 - 84% (First class)

B+: 60 - 69% (Upper second class)

B-: 50 - 59% (Lower second class)

C: 40 - 49% (Pass)

D: Less than 40% (Fail)

For Information about Thesis, please refer to the handbook “How to write a thesis”.

4. ACADEMIC SUPPORT

4.1 Induction Pack

Induction Pack has been designed to provide all the necessary information to the students. All information relating to academic and administrative matter is provided in the Induction Pack. This helps you understand the following things:

- Course Details
- Relevant details relating to academic matters
- Administration process outline
- Guide to apply for letters and other facilities
4.2 Lectures

In OUS Switzerland one of the most important methods of course delivery is a lecture where a lecturer addresses students face to face. Your lecturer will make you well acquainted with all the topics of a particular subject and you are highly encouraged to participate in the discussion to clarify any issue that you do not well comprehend.

For online students, you have live classes and we try to record most of them and upload them to our library and you can watch them anytime you want during your study period again and again.

4.3 Lecture Handouts

The lecture handout is designed to give a suggestive approach as to the study of a particular topic. The lecturers of OUS Switzerland are required to distribute handouts to students to make the taught topic easy to understand. However, you should make sure that you consult all the recommended books on top of the lecture handouts.

4.4 List & Guide of Essential & Additional Reading

There are lots of books in the market for each of the subjects and it is not possible for new students to actually understand what to read or not to read. Most importantly the students can not decide which book to read to meet the standard of the level they are studying. In such a case students need guideline from the academics. OUS Switzerland’s lecturers provide a list of academic textbooks that are recommended as essential reading. They also recommend another list of books as additional reading.

You are strongly advised to read and focus on the essential reading list. The additional readings have been recommended to help you learn more and get support to your essential understanding of the topic.

4.5 Module Tutor

The Module Tutor is responsible for preparing and delivering a program of study for each module. He/she is a model of excellence for the students.

The Module Tutor will guide you through the subject he/she has been entrusted with. You will be ensured by the Module Tutor that you are going through the whole curriculum properly. If you have any problems or concerns regarding your studies, you can consult your Module Tutor without any hesitation.

4.6 Personal Tutor

As a student, you will be allocated with a personal tutor by the Institution. Your personal tutor will assist you to retain an interest in your personal and academic development throughout your academic career. You can consult her/him for any of your academic matters.

Your Personal Tutor is responsible for offering guidance in your academic work, monitoring progress and initiating the provision of additional support where this may be required. He/she is always prepared to fulfill a more generally supportive role and to discuss any matters affecting your academic work. In cases where personal difficulties are affecting your academic work, the Personal Tutor may consider initiating appropriate consultation with you and/or the Course Coordinator and Academic Head.
For the thesis, you have to send us a proposal of what you are planning to write and we will assign the right supervisor to you.
All students must submit a „Plagiarism Checker report” with their thesis/project using http://en.writecheck.com/ Turnitin, LLC.

WriteCheck is an online plagiarism checker that also provides a grammar checker tool by ETS® and a Tutor service by Pearson®. WriteCheck helps students become better writers by identifying grammar errors and unoriginal content in written work. WriteCheck was developed with the guidance and input of instructors who saw the need for a simple service to help students identify and correct writing mistakes in a formative manner.

4.7 Course Co-ordinator

There is a Course Coordinator for each course administered by the OUS Switzerland. The Course Coordinator deals with the overall management of the academic affairs of the relevant discipline and acts as a course leader. He/she is responsible for ensuring that lesson plans and practical activities are relevant and appropriate. He/she conducts teaching observations on request by the Academic Head or as part of the Institution's observation policy; gives feedback and leads on where the quality of teaching needs to improve and suggests development activities etc. You can consult your Course Co-coordinator for any of your academic matters, however, you need to book an appointment with him/her through your Module Tutor. The Course Co-ordinator is usually members of the students Welfare team.

4.8 Academic Head

The Academic Head leads the Institution in the development and implementation of its academic quality assurance and enhancement strategies and procedures. He/she is responsible for ensuring that the academic sessions of the Institution run smoothly. He/she is also responsible for advising and contributing to the development of the Institution’s programs. You can consult the Academic for any of your academic matters especially if you have any serious problems in making progress. However, you need to book an appointment with him/her through your Module Tutor.

4.9 Revision Lectures

When all lectures are finished, you need to understand the style of questions and effective ways to give the answer to those questions. Although you may have full realization of the topic, however, you may not be able to do well in the examinations, if you do not know how to answer effectively or to the satisfaction of the examiners.

We have seen that although students have taken better preparation, they fail to achieve good results because of a lack of understanding of examinations techniques. OUS Switzerland is keen to provide revision lectures to prepare you explaining essential techniques of examinations.

OUS Switzerland is trying to have before the end of each term and before the exam few days for open questions where you can contact your Lecturer directly and ask him/her questions.

4.10 Mock Examinations

OUS Switzerland is always sincere about the quality assurance and this is the reason why all the courses include Mock Examinations for the students. The students must appear at all the mock examinations before they actually appear at the final examinations.

4.11 Academic Feedback

OUS Switzerland is very much keen to prepare the students for the final examinations. To prepare the students properly the lecturers provide feedbacks, written and oral. The feedbacks actually provide details of strengths, weaknesses of the students and also provide ways to improve the weaknesses.

The feedback also provides the guideline to continuously develop their skills and analytical ability in dealing with problems as posed by the questions. The purpose of feedback is not to show the students what their difficulties are, but to show what they need to do to develop in case of any difficulties.

4.12 Special Revision Classes

We understand that before the examinations the students are mostly worried about the examinations. The students mostly are concerned about the techniques of examinations, about the issues that are most likely to be examined by the examiners, and so on.

The special revision lectures have been designed to deal with the examinations preparations, to discuss different techniques about how to tackle a question in the examinations. These preparatory revision lectures help the students to develop the confidence to appear in the examinations.

4.13 English Language Support

OUS Switzerland provides its registered students with free English Language Support in addition to the main course. If you have any weakness in English or if you are advised by your module tutor, you can participate in the English Language Support program free of cost. Furthermore, you will get sufficient English Language books and other resources in the Library to enrich your skills in English. Besides the books, we do have a specific module {business English} which has more than one level. This module will help all non-native English speakers to improve their skills in business English.

4.14 OUS Switzerland Library

OUS Switzerland library is online (http://www.epvodi.com/). The library is, in fact, resourceful as it contains numerous leading textbooks, journals, prospectuses of different universities and so on. Apart from your studies in the library, you can borrow books and other study materials from the library as well following the Library Procedures. Please note that you need to show the Institution ID Card to use library facilities.

OUS Education Group has teamed up with ResearchGate GmbH to give access to our students to access millions of publications and be able to publish their own work. ResearchGate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. All that you need to read ResearchGate is OUS email account and choose OUS from the list.

OUS Education Group has teamed up with Emerald Group Publishing to give access to our students free of charge. Emerald the world’s leading scholarly publisher of journals and books in business and management to provide you with an extensive online library of journals to help you with your studies. All that you need to read Emerald is OUS email account.

4.15 IT Lab

The Institution provides excellent online IT support for the students, we have a special team hired for IT.

4.16 Study Room

OUS Switzerland has a common study room ONLINE/ZURICH. The room is specially designed for individual and group study.

4.17 Photocopying & Printing Facilities

OUS Switzerland provides in campus photocopying and printing services to the students. You do not need to go outside the campus for printing or photocopying learning materials. The services are provided at a minimum price.

Online students, you should find somewhere near you.

4.18 Examinations & Assessments

4.18.A. For Joint/double award: Examinations are arranged by the Awarding Bodies, with the entry process being arranged by the Institution. It is essential that you consult your Course Coordinator thoroughly about your examination entry and collect any forms promptly when requested to do so by the Admin Office.

Awarding Bodies’ examinations are held in their allocated locations. Awarding bodies will assess your examination scripts; publish your results and let you know directly or through the Institution according to their own principles and policies.

4.18. B. OUS award: The complete Examinations processes are arranged by OUS. It is essential that you consult your Course Coordinator thoroughly about your examination entry and collect any forms promptly when requested to do so by the Admin Office.

OUS examinations are held online or at OUS in Switzerland. Your examination scripts will be corrected and marked from your lecturers and then we will publish your results on the online Library.

4.19 Brief Guide to Make Effective Plan of Your Studies

OUS Switzerland strongly advises that you prepare your own study plan. This will help you make the appropriate level of preparation for the examinations. The planning depends on your personal circumstances and commitments that you currently have. However, we can give you some suggestions which we believe will immensely help you make an effective plan.

- Know your route.
- Know your syllabuses.
- Know the dates of your examinations.
- Calculate the weeks that you have to finish your syllabuses.
- Assess how much you have to study a week to keep pace with your syllabuses.
- Assess the levels and urgency of your commitments.
- Make a priority list as per your existing commitments.
- Now try to fix the time that you can allocate for your studies.
- Prepare the timetable for your studies.
- Stick to your timetable till the examinations take place.

5. ACADEMIC OBLIGATIONS

5.1 Attending Lectures (on-campus students)

According to OUS Switzerland Attendance Policy, students must attend a minimum of 80% of their whole course of study.

1. 1. If a student is absent in 3 (three) expected contacts and that absence is not excused, he/she will be given a warning by E-mail/Telephone.
2. 2. Students who have been absent for 6(six) expected contacts will be issued a written warning stating that the student will be expelled from the Institution if he misses 10 (ten) expected contacts. If the student is absent for 10 (ten) expected contacts, he/she will be terminated from the Institution.
3. 3. Finally, the Institution will also notify Switzerland Border Agency immediately of the student’s failure to comply with the Attendance Regulations.
For more information about student attendance, please refer to our ‘Procedures for Recording and Monitoring Students’ Attendance’.

Online students must watch all recorded classes.

5.2 Absence of Teacher (on-campus students)

It is important to know that if a lecture is suspended due to a lecturer’s absence as a result of any emergency circumstance e.g. accident, illness etc, cover-up lectures will be provided for you and you will be notified about it duly.

5.3 Punctuality (on-campus students)

The Institution believes that being late for classes is not only detrimental to the academic process of the latecomer, but also disruptive for the entire class. A student can be marked as absent if he/she arrives for class more than 20 minutes after the start or leaves the class more than 20 minutes before the end. All students are required to attend daytime classes for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

5.4 Going Ahead with your Lectures (on-campus students)

Students are strongly advised to maintain consistency with the class lectures. You must follow the lectures in the class and be prepared for the lessons when you attend each class. This in actual fact helps you follow your next lectures. Do not keep your homework pending until the last minute. This is very dangerous for any student. Please try and avoid all attitudes that in the end jeopardize your academic life.

Going ahead with your lectures means following step-by-step, the process set out below:

1st Step: Listen to your Lectures carefully, and take full lecture notes

2nd Step: Read your notes when you go home

3rd Step: Identify any point you do not understand

4th Step: Take an active part in the next lecture or seminar

5th Step: Correct your misunderstandings in that seminar or class

6th Step: Prepare additional notes for your better understanding and exams.

5.5 Submitting Coursework/Assignment

You must submit all the coursework/assignments in due time. One of the main purposes of assignments is to assess your understanding of a subject area. They also serve other intellectual purposes:

- To organize your thinking.
- To bring a wide range of material to bear on a given problem or issue.
- To respond critically and with your own ideas to the issue.
- To select and use the information to support an argument.
- To present this argument in a clearly structured and literate way.
Please note that failure to submit your assignments in due time may result in unsatisfactory progress in the final assessment.

5.6 Filling in the Examination Entry Form

Students of the external bodies must be aware that there will be mostly written examinations at the end of the course. The examinations are conducted by the relevant bodies and their own examiners usually examine the papers.

However, the first task, at this stage, for you is that you must fill in the relevant Awarding Body’s Examination Entry Form if applicable. Without filling the Examination Entry Form, you will not be able to appear in the examination. Therefore, our advice to you is – fill in the forms and pay for the examinations entry.

5.7 Academic Progress

You are required to make overall significant progress in order to achieve your goal; enhance your career prospect and comply with the regulations of the immigration department (for on-campus students). You are permitted to proceed with your approved course of study only if you maintain satisfactory progress as evidenced by attendance at classes, satisfactory performance in examinations and the proper completion of such other work/task as may be allotted to you. Please note that if your progress is unsatisfactory, you will be given extra care and support and other relevant remedial measures to help you make progress. At the same time, you will be warned about the consequences you might face due to your unsatisfactory progress. If you persistently make unsatisfactory progress even after pursuing our remedial measures under a given a period of time, you may eventually be excluded from the Institution and your details will be reported to the immigration department (for on-campus students)

Further information relating to your Academic Progress can be found in OUS Switzerland "Policy and Procedures on Monitoring and Report Students’ Academic Progress." You are strongly encouraged to contact your personal tutor who will be able to assist you should you have any queries regarding Academic Progress.

5.7.A. for Joint/dual award students: If in the early and mid-term monitoring your progress is unsatisfactory, you will be given 1st warning letter, if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 1st attempt, you will be given 2nd warning letter, if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 2nd attempt, you will be given final warning letter, and if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 3rd attempt, you will be terminated from the Institution and Immigration departments will be notified immediately.

5.7.B. for OUS students: You will get the information regarding the date and time of the exams from the students Welfare Officer. if you fail in the Examination we will assign for you another date for re-examination and if you fail in the Examination again we will assign for you the 3rd attempt, and if you fail on the 3rd attempt, you should repeat the course or you will be terminated from the Institution. For foreigner students on campus, the Immigration departments will be notified immediately.

5.8 Re-Sits & Retakes

You are expected to finish your intended course on time in accordance with the advised Institution course start and end dates. Each student is also expected to pass their examinations/assignments/ dissertation as per the Awarding Body/University schedule. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examinations you will have to pay an additional fee to the Institution and the awarding body/university in order to re-sit or re-take examinations in accordance with their specific guidelines. Students’ at OUS Switzerland will only be allowed to re-sit examinations or repeat any part of their course up to two times per individual examination or module.
5.9 Mitigating Circumstances

It is obvious that there are some circumstances that genuinely prohibit some students from performing well in their studies. Please find the circumstances below that will be considered in mitigation:

- Severe illness,
- Sudden accidents,
- Parental illness or accidents,
- Illness or accidents of the sisters, brothers, or close relations,
If you are faced with any of the above situations, you must immediately inform your teachers, you will then be advised to put in writing. However, there is no automatic guarantee that consideration will be given. Each case will be dealt with individually and on merit.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

6.1 Keeping Your Records Updated and Change of Address Notification

6.1.A For on-campus students: The Institution will keep all students’ passport pages, showing all personal details (including biometric details) and leave stamps or immigration status documents – including evidence of their entitlement to study in Switzerland and the period that they have permission to stay in Switzerland. The Institution will update these records as necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you notify the Institution immediately if there is any change in your contact details e.g. address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, or any other change in your personal circumstances. You can notify any changes by completing the Change of Details Form which is available at the reception.
You must provide the details of your next of kin at the time of application and notify the Institution immediately should there be any change pertaining to your next of kin.
Your whereabouts are very important for us to know. We will from time to time be sending you letters and information in connection with your study with us such as attendance notification letter, examination notice & schedules, examination admission notice, course materials, or another kind of academic letters. Obviously, we will not be able to communicate with you properly, if we do not have your exact address. So, make sure that you duly inform us about any change in your address. If you do not give us your up to date address, we will not be able to provide exact address details which will result in the refusal of your application to the bank, reference, etc. and most importantly, failure to notify your current address to the Institution may even jeopardize your studentship at OUS Switzerland.

6.1.B. For online students: The Institution will keep all students’ passport pages, showing all personal details this besides to all contact details. The Institution will update these records as necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you notify the Institution immediately if there is any change in your contact details e.g. address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, or any other change in your personal circumstances. You can notify any changes by sending your new information to the students Welfare Officer.
You must provide the details of your next of kin at the time of application and notify the Institution immediately should there be any change pertaining to your next of kin.
Your whereabouts are very important for us to know. We will from time to time be sending you letters and information in connection with your study with us such as attendance notification letter, examination notice & schedules, examination admission notice, course materials, or another kind of academic letters. Obviously, we will not be able to communicate with you properly, if we do not have your updated email address beside the OUS email address. So, make sure that you duly inform us about any change in your personal email address. If you do not give us your up to date email address, we will not be able to provide exact address details which will result in many negative things.

6.2 Visa Issues (on-campus students)

If you have any questions regarding visa issues please get in touch with the Administrative Support Team, or a Student Support Officer who will be happy to help you in any way they can.

6.8 Sickness Affecting Study Performance

6.8.A. for on-campus students: OUS Switzerland understands that no human has control over illnesses. It is natural that students may suffer illness and therefore, students’ performances and attendance at lectures may severely be affected. In such circumstances, the students must see a GP to get medical attention and treatment. The student who suffers illness must submit relevant documents in support of his or her illness.

The Academic Committee of the Institution will decide about extra classes or extension of time to submit coursework or assignment if any. The academic committee will communicate its decisions after due assessment of your case.

6.8.B. for online students: OUS Switzerland understands that no human has control over illnesses. It is natural that students may suffer illness and therefore, students’ performances and attendance at lectures may severely be affected. As the lectures will be recorded and uploaded into the online library of OUS, so most of the illnesses don't affect the online study.

The Academic Committee of the Institution will decide about the extension of time to submit coursework or assignment if any. The academic committee will communicate its decisions after due assessment of your case. For online students no extra classes will be discussed as the student can watch the recorded lectures.

7. CONDUCT

You are expected to conduct yourself responsibly on the Institution premises. Misconduct may result in you being suspended from the Institution. In such cases, no refund of fees will be given and any outstanding tuition fees will be payable.

7.1 Disciplinary Procedures

When you enroll in a program of learning at the Institution, you agree and commit to a Code of Conduct. If your behavior, attendance record or academic standards are persistently below the standards required of the Code and are not resolved by informal discussion and negotiation, then disciplinary proceedings may be started against you.

The disciplinary procedure is a formal process which applies to all learners enrolled at the Institution. There are two types of activity in which disciplinary action may be required:

7.2 General Misconduct

This covers student’s behavior such as refusal to show the Institution ID Card, breach of health and safety regulations, being under the influence of drink or drugs, bullying and harassment of others or carrying weapons. It also includes misuse of Institution computers, online library, OUS Materials including teaching materials and publications, online classrooms, Forums, Media including Social Media and other equipment on campus or online or any other action or incident considered to be of a similar nature to the above examples.

In Addition, forwarding of information to a 3rd party like password or teaching methods for any use without getting permission from the head of OUS QUALITY team will be counted as misconduct.

All spamming and/or hacking activity as well pretending as representative of OUS without official approval will be counted as a high level of misconduct and may lead to legal persecution

7.3 Academic Misconduct

This covers students’ behavior in relation to their program of learning such as copying, plagiarism, collusion, cheating, etc or any other action or incident considered to be of a similar nature to the above examples.

In addition, each has three levels of seriousness: Level 1 Minor; Level 2 Serious and Level 3 Major.

Reasons for immediate suspension – some examples are below:

- Assault, fighting or other acts of violence, vandalism, bullying and harassment, theft, being in possession of illegal drugs, firearms or other weapons, committing or attempting to commit any act of arson, behaving in a way that brings the Institution into disrepute.
- Computer hacking, cheating in exams, extensive and/or persistent plagiarism or use of model answers, buying, selling or stealing of work.
- All information (books, materials, lectures, notice...etc.) belong to OUS and the students have right only to use them for their study during their study time at OUS. They have no right to forward them, publish them, sell them or do anything else for any reason without the permission of OUS QUALITY committee. The permission should be signed by the head of the Committee.
Any student break this rule put him/herself under legal responsibility.

For more information, please refer to the ‘Students’ Disciplinary Procedures’ of OUS Switzerland

7.4 Complaints Procedure

OUS Switzerland endeavors to create a positive learning environment for students, one in which each student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Part of the maintenance of that positive environment is a fair and open complaints procedure made available to all students.

7.5 Informal Complaint

This is a less formal procedure where a complainant may raise his or her concern about the way the services were provided. The complainant simply may see the Complaint Officer and orally inform the matter which will be dealt with immediate basis. However, if the matter is serious and the complainant is utterly dissatisfied, the compliant officer will rather accept the complaint as a formal one.

7.6 State Secretariat for Education and Research Law On The Validity of Private Swiss Degrees (Click Here to read more)

7.6 Formal Complaint

If a student or a visitor wants to bring a serious complaint about any matter in relation to the way the services are provided, the complainant may bring a formal complaint. It requires the complainant to take a complaint form from the reception. The complainant may also additionally write his or her allegations in addition to filing the complaint form.

For more information about our complaints procedure, please contact either to the student affair office or to the quality office:

Students affairs

OUS Switzerland
Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich
Phone: +41 (0)78 838 28 21
Fax: +41(0)438186929
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Quality Office

OUS Switzerland
Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich
Phone: +41 (0)78 87 80 78 5
Fax: +41(0)438186929
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

8. SECURITY

8.1 Identification Card (on-campus students)

You will be issued with an ID Card which is valid for one academic year. You must carry it at all times whilst you are at the Institution and must produce it when requested by a member of the Institution staff. Failure to produce your ID card may result in you being asked to leave the Institution premises. The card is also required for using library facilities and for sitting your exams.

8.2 Valuables

As personal possessions are your own responsibility during your time at OUS Switzerland, you are advised to ensure the security of those possessions. OUS Switzerland also advises you to consider personal possession insurance that would also cover educational visits and work experience.

9. STUDENT WELFARE ISSUES

9.1 Health and Safety (on-campus students)

Everyone in the Institution has a responsibility to those around us, and to ourselves, to ensure that we all remain safe in the Institution environment. You are requested to go through the ‘Health and Safety Manual” of the Institution and know the arrangements provided by the Institution.
Do not bring knives and other sharp implements into the Institution. Do not misuse the Institution property or equipment.

9.2 Fire Drills (on-campus students)

Make sure that you know where the fire exits are and how to use them. Do not tamper with fire alarms or fire extinguishers. The Institution will hold fire drills at regular intervals; make sure you know the procedures to follow.

9.3 Procedures in the Event of a Fire (on-campus students)

On discovering a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm.

On hearing the fire alarm, leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit (including fire exit doors). Lecturers are responsible for ensuring that the classroom in which they are teaching is evacuated.

Every student and staff must know the fire assembly point

On hearing fire at the alarm, go to the fire assembly point at the front main gates. Do not re-enter the premises until told by the controlling officer to do so.

9.4 Accidents & Incidents (on-campus students)

If you see anything that could be of danger to anyone then report it immediately to a member of staff – do not try to deal with it yourself.

In the case of an accident or incident, contact the nearest member of staff or the Reception. Please ensure you are aware of the location of the ‘First Aid Boxes’, a member of staff will be able to help you with this.

9.5 Smoking Policy (on-campus students)

With regard to the health and comfort of all members of the Institution and its visitors, and to comply with recent Government Policy, smoking is only permitted in the designated areas. Please note that smoking is completely prohibited inside the Institution premises.

9.6 First Aid (on-campus students)

OUS Switzerland has trained First Aiders who can be called if there is an injury. Should you need assistance, please contact a member of staff or Reception.

9.7 Health & Safety on your Programme of Study (on-campus students)

You will receive health and safety guidance related to your program of study as part of your induction. A full copy of the Health and Safety Policy is available in students Welfare Officer.

9.8 General Counseling (on-campus students)

OUS Switzerland provides counseling services to those students who fall back in their studies. This is assistance to those students who have the ability to follow the course but for some reasons, they have failed to perform well. OUS Switzerland faculty members usually hold a meeting with the students and try to understand as to why the students have failed to maintain the required level of progress. Once reason has been detected the counselors then provide advice and necessary supports, or give the indication to academic personnel his required assistance if it is purely an academic matter.

9.10 Financial Advice

OUS Switzerland understands that you may experience financial difficulties and may not be responsible for such difficulties. In such cases, OUS Switzerland provides advice to you as to how to manage your resources in terms of money to tackle the situation.

9.11 OUS Switzerland Student Union

The OUS Switzerland Student Union helps bridge the gap between the students and the lecturers and administrative personnel of OUS Switzerland. It represents the interests of the students and raises issues in relation to student welfare to the OUS Switzerland Management. Members of the Student Union are elected by the students and the elected members usually serve the students for a term of two years. The Student Union has one representative from each faculty of the Institution. We recommend that the students which will be elected to be in the student union to be either in Switzerland or to be a person who doesn’t need a visa to enter to Switzerland so that he/she can participate in important meetings which usually takes places in Switzerland.

9.12 Social & Cultural Programmes

OUS Switzerland is a leader in organizing social and cultural events on the campus. The purpose of such an event is to allow you to learn and enjoy the beauty of different cultures. Students from different countries take part in such social and cultural events. In those programs, they present their cultural activities, thoughts, ideas & beliefs. However, you are advised not to advance any political or disputed doctrine in the name of presenting the cultural and social program.

9.13 Career Advice

Whilst studying at OUS Switzerland it is important to start thinking about your future career. Career advice and guidance provided by the Institution is available to all the students. For more information on career advice, please contact the Student Support Service.

9.14 Accommodation Support (on-campus students)

The Institution may be able to assist you in organizing accommodation for the duration of your stay. If you require any help in these matters please contact the Student Support Team using the details below.

Student Welfare Officer

Nicola Didanovic

Tel: +41 (0)78 87 80 78 5

Fax: +41(0)438186929

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

9.15 Airport Pickup Services (on-campus students)

Overseas students arriving in Switzerland for the first time may wish to be met by the Institution Representative at the airport. If you would like to arrange this please contact the Institution well in advance of your arrival.

Student Welfare Officer

OUS Switzerland

Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich

Tel: +41 (0)78 87 80 78 5

Fax: +41(0)438186929

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Please note that the Accommodation & Airport Pickup service will be arranged according to availability. It is neither a guaranteed nor a mandatory service provided by the Institution. In the event of OUS Switzerland not being able to make suitable arrangements, students are advised to make their own arrangements for airport pickup and accommodation.

9.16 Local Library Information (on-campus students)

Apart from the OUS Switzerland library, you have many other libraries not far away from the OUS Switzerland campus. You can take membership and use books as per their rules & regulations. Generally, you need to have proof of your identity and proof of address in order to apply for membership of the library. The following libraries are within easy reach in terms of locality.

Pestalozzi-Bibliothek Zürich Altstadt: Zürich Altstadt - Zähringerstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich, 044 204 96 90 (Mo-Fr 10-19 Uhr, Sa 10-16 Uhr)

Pestalozzi-Bibliothek Zürich Altstetten: Zürich Altstetten – Lindenplatz 4, 8048 Zürich, 044 431 27 60 (Mo-Fr 12-19 Uhr, Sa 10-14 Uhr)

9.17 Local Sports & Leisure Information (on-campus students)

OUS is proud to be a member and sponsoring organization for the Swiss National Tourist Office which is known as MySwitzerland.com. MySwitzerland is responsible for almost all tourism/hospitality activities in Switzerland, they guide the tourist to the best locations in Switzerland and the best trips to enjoy your time during staying in Switzerland. OUS is a member of MySwitzerland because we believe that by sharing our know-how with the Swiss National Tourist Office, we can achieve the goal which we want and make our country be a most famous country for tourism and hospitality worldwide.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/

10. CONCLUDING REMARKS

We are dedicated to providing better education to our students and with this view in mind, we have concentrated on employing our resources to maximize the facilities so that our students can use them for their benefits. We will ensure that the students are satisfied with the standards of our lectures, resources, and facilities. Please note that we are always prepared to listen to your suggestions. If you have any suggestions that will improve our services and standards please feel free to contact us. Please call us on OUS Switzerland or alternatively email us at OUS Switzerland

11. Graduation in Switzerland

OUS will do from time to time (at least once per year) graduation parties, where all students are welcome to attend.

EU students don’t need a visa, please check if you need a visa.

https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html

We can’t guarantee a visa to any student.

12. OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

12.1 Equal Opportunity

OUS Switzerland aims to promote equal opportunity for all and to ensure that no one is discriminated because of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, nationality, color, religion, political/religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or family responsibilities.

12.2 Data Protection

Next, to its people, OUS Switzerland regards information as to its most important asset. Because of this, the Institution recognizes the importance of protecting its information assets and, in particular, the information relating to its staff, students and other individuals in whatever form that information is held. All data, whether held electronically or manually, are kept securely and not disclosed unlawfully.

12.3 Disability Strategy

OUS Switzerland is keen to consider all the potential students irrespective of their abilities in terms of physical and mental health. For disabled students who cannot follow the course due to their disability, OUS Switzerland will take the necessary steps to consider their application for admission.

Please refer to the ‘Disability Strategy’ of the Institution for more information.

12.4 Disclaimer

This Handbook does not replace OUS Switzerland’s regulations. All students will be required, as a condition of enrolment, to abide by and submit to the procedures of OUS Switzerland which are amended from time to time.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this Handbook, but it is subject to alteration without notice. OUS Switzerland will use all reasonable endeavors to deliver programs in accordance with the descriptions set out in this Handbook. However, OUS Switzerland reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of programs, to discontinue programs and to merge or combine programs, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by OUS Switzerland. If OUS Switzerland discontinues any program it will use its reasonable endeavors to provide a suitable alternative program.

13. FAQ

Q. Where do I go first to register my course?

A. For on-campus students: You must go to the Admissions Office to register yourself in the desired course. The admission staff will help you in registering you in the course.

A. For online students: You must visit our website and then click on apply now under the title https://www.ous.edu.eu/OUS/Apply-NOW

After it, you should fill the requested information to register yourself.

Q. Where do I go to receive the Institution letters?

A. You must go to the Reception to fill in the required forms. The staff in the Reception will advise and help you in filling the forms. You just have to tell them what you actually want.

For online students, you can simply send us an email.

Q. Where do I go to receive my ID Card?

A. For on-campus students: You must apply by filling the ID Card Form which will be available at the Reception desk and hand with your application 2 personal pictures of you. You will need to allow time for your card to be processed. You can collect your ID Card from the Reception once it is ready.

B. For online students: You should request it from the student affair after it, you have to send us by mail 2 pictures of you. Once your IC card is ready we will send it you by regular post.

Q. Where do I go to discuss my financial difficulties?

A. You must meet the Student Welfare Officer to discuss your difficulties.

For online students, you can simply send us an email to the students Welfare.

Q. Where do I go to discuss my weakness in studies?

A. Go to the Reception in order to book an appointment with your Personal Tutor.

For online students, you can simply send us an email to the students Welfare.

Q. Can I work part-time?

A. As an online student, you are able to work full time in your own country and as a student on campus, you are able to work part time.

Q. How do I know about the details of my course?

A. You will be given a full induction at the beginning of your course. You will be provided with an intensive induction pack where all the necessary information will be included. The induction pack will contain the following information:

- The full title of your course
- The course duration
- The certificate awarding body
- The advance date of your examination
- The modules you will be taught
- Who your course Co-ordinator is
- Who your lecturers are
- When to apply for the examination entry.
Please read the induction pack carefully and try to grasp the most important information in order to make a smooth start to your study. If you have any queries you must meet one of our students Welfare Officer.

For online Students: you will get all the above-mentioned information per email from the students Welfare and some of the information will be uploaded directly into the online library.

14. COMMENTS & COMPLIMENTS

OUS Switzerland aims to provide high-quality education and services to everyone who studies at OUS, works and visits the Institution. Your views are important to OUS Switzerland and we need you to tell us when a service is failing or something is not right. OUS Switzerland would like to hear from you about services that you like and/or if you have an idea for any improvement or change to a service.

15. USEFUL CONTACTS

OUS Switzerland: www.ous.edu.eu 

OUS students Welfare This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OUS admission office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OUS QUALITY team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Swiss Border Guard Corps: www.ezv.admin.ch

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

Travel Information www.traveline.info

The Swiss Federal Council http://www.admin.ch/br/org/index.html?lang=en

Swiss tourism information www.myswitzerland.com 

Embassies around the world www.embassyworld.com 

In Switzerland: Emergency Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance No: 112

16. ANNEXES

Annex A (on-campus students / and some are valid for online students)

OUS Switzerland Students’ Regulation (General)

Introduction:

OUS Switzerland is keen to maintain the excellence in academic performances and quality education. This can be achieved only by disciplining the staff and the students of the Institution. In view of this OUS Switzerland is happy to make regulations for the students, which must be observed by all the students, while they are studying courses with us.

Regulation 1: The students must attend/watched at least 80% of lectures in an academic year.

Regulation 2: The students must submit required Coursework or Assignments, or appear at the written examination without adopting any unfair means.

Regulation 3: The students must maintain at all the time good appearance and behavior with the fellow students and to all the members of OUS Switzerland staff.

Regulation 4: The students must not behave intimidatingly under any circumstances.

Regulation 5: The student has a duty to provide accurate details relating to personal and previous academic issues.

Regulation 6: The students must not be involved in any act, business, or job, or must not enter into a contract in contravention with the laws of Switzerland.

Regulation 7: The students must not be involved in any form of behavior that amounts to bribery or attempts to bribe.

Regulation 8: The student must not remove without permission any materials, or deliberately cause loss and damage in any form or manner to any from the Institution library or IT labor any other facilities.

Regulation 9: Students must not solicit any thought or philosophy or campaign to enhance racial hatred, or increase a sense of discrimination based on race, religion, and color.

Regulation 10: The students must follow the health and safety rules and procedures during the stay in the OUS Switzerland campus.

Regulation 11: The students must not use any OUS Switzerland property, or OUS Switzerland office equipment without prior permission.

Regulation 12: The students must not act in such a manner that in effect badly affects the course or academic integrity.

Regulation 13: The students must NOT act unlawfully or against the interests of the Institution.

Regulation 14: The students must avoid plagiarism and any proof of it may result in removal from the course.

Regulation 145: If student do study break, postpone study start or failing exam must pay the latest updated study fee, in case the student refuses to pay the differences, will be considered as the student fails to meet his/her financial obligations and OUS reserves its right to cancel his/her study place without any refund.

Any deliberate and serious breach of any of the regulations will be gross misconduct on the part of the students.

Annex B

Disciplinary Procedures

B.1. Introduction:

The basic purpose of the disciplinary procedure is to keep our students in line with the academic standards so that students can experience the excellence of academic and professional studies.

B.2. Disciplinary Procedure Step-By-Step:

Stage: 1 Initial Proceeding

Step: 1 Write a letter explaining the gross breach of duty or misconduct.

Step: 2 Request an explanation from the accused student about the breach or misconduct.

Step: 3 Make a meticulous assessment of her /his previous academic performances and conducts.

Stage: 2 Hold an investigation

Step: 1 Talk to the department’s personnel i.e. where the misconduct or breach took place.

Step: 2 Talk to witnesses, if there are any.

Step: 3 Collect and collate the evidence regarding the misconduct from both parties

Stage: 3 Assessments

Step: 1 Assess the alleged breaches or misconducts.

Step: 2 Assess the answer made by the accused student.

Step: 3 Assess the investigation findings.

Step: 4 Make a comparative study of alleged breach or misconduct, alleged student’s explanation, and investigation findings.

Step: 5 Assess the prima facie of the allegation.

Stage: 4 Post Assessment Activities

Step: 1 Confirm in writing to the student the date of the hearing, time, place, and the person who will conduct the hearing.

Step: 2 Inform the student of the papers or documents that she or he is required to bring.

Stage: 5 Final Hearing

Step: 1 Listen to the accused student and take full notes of what she or he says.

Step: 2 Take a good look and assess meticulously the reasons and explanations about the alleged breach or misconduct.

Step: 3 Report the result or findings of your investigations.

Step: 4 Report the final decision of the hearing i.e. whether she or he is in breach of duty or liable for gross misconduct.

Step: 5 confirm the decision of the final hearing in writing to the student.

B. 3. Disciplinary Committee (DC):

Consist of the Chairperson & 2 Members

B. 4. Explanatory Note:

- The Disciplinary Committee will be in charge of all the disciplinary issues of OUS Switzerland
- The Chairperson of the disciplinary committee will be able to delegate his power to any one of the two members or other to decide on behalf of the Committee Chair.
- In the case of any disciplinary issue, the DC will form a sub-committee to make an investigation on the matter and to make decisions about the student in question.
- An appeal can be made against the decisions of the sub-committee and the appeal must be made to the full disciplinary committee.
- The full disciplinary committee will then make final decisions by following the full disciplinary hearing procedure and will make final decisions.
- There will be no further appeal against the decisions of the full disciplinary committee i.e. the decision of the full disciplinary committee will full and final.

Annex C

Student Appeal against Disciplinary Decisions

C.1. Appeal Procedure against Disciplinary Committee Decisions:

Rule: 1, An aggrieved student has the right to make an appeal against the decisions of the disciplinary committee but must pay 900 Euro in order to open a case. The fee is applicable even if the complainant at any time point decided to cancel his/her complaint.

Rule: 2, The aggrieved student must make an appeal in writing and it must be addressed to the Chairperson.

Rule: 3, The aggrieved student must give details of the grounds, provide evidence, if any, relating to the grounds for appeal with the application.

Rule: 4, The disciplinary committee must provide a particular date, time, venue to hold a hearing of the appeal, and must send a letter to the effect as soon as possible.

Rule: 5, On that date, the full disciplinary committee must be present and must listen to the aggrieved student. The Committee must also make a closer examination of the evidence if any, that may be presented by the aggrieved student.

Rule: 6, The Disciplinary Committee must listen to the witness, if any, of the aggrieved student and take full note of what the witness says.

Rule: 7, The Committee must then make a meticulous assessment of the following issues for better decisions:

- Grounds raised by the aggrieved student;

- Evidence presented by the aggrieved student,

- Witness statements of the aggrieved student;

- Any other documents or evidence relating to his or her claim;

Rule: 8, The Committee must listen to the legal representative or another type of representative and take notes of all the statements.

Rule: 9, The Committee must assess the issues relating to the client as presented by the representative.

Rule: 10, The Committee will then make a comparative study and assessment of all types of submissions, documents, evidence, and take its final decisions.

Rule: 11, The Committee will read out its final decisions to the aggrieved student in his/ her presence or in the presence of his/ her representative.

Rule: 12, The Committee will send a copy of its decisions in writing and it must be signed and sealed.

Rule: 13, After the decisions of the Committee there will be no further appeal.

C. 2. The OUS Switzerland DC Hierarchy:

Disciplinary Appeal Committee

Disciplinary Committee

C. 3. Explanatory Notes:

· The OUS Switzerland will have a two-tier disciplinary committee, and they will be as follows:

¨ Disciplinary Committee

¨ Disciplinary Appeal Committee

· The disciplinary appeal committee will be the apex in the hierarchy and will hear the appeal only.

· The disciplinary committee will conduct the first hearing on the necessary assessment.

· The disciplinary committee will be accountable to the disciplinary committee.

· The disciplinary committee may be constituted of a minimum of one member.

· If the committee is constituted of more than one member, one of the members will be the chairperson of the subcommittee.

· The chairperson must be a senior member in the hierarchy of the OUS Switzerland

Annex D

Complaints Procedure

D. 1. Policy Overview

OUS Switzerland is keen to minimize all kinds of non-conformities and to encounter those non-conformities through an established system of receiving and dealing with complaints. Appropriate systems of receiving and dealing with the complaints provide the gateway to learn the views of those who experienced the institution’s services. This gives OUS Switzerland an opportunity to rectify the non-conformities and thus brighten the image of the institution when correctional actions to remedy the non-conformities are taken, some complaints must pay 900 Euro in order to open a case, if it needs our lawyer to be involved, then 300-700 Euro must be paid for each hour our lawyer needs (the rates are made by our lawyer).

The complainant has to pay the fee even if he/she decided to stop his/her claim in a later time point.

D. 2. Who can complain?

The following people may bring complaints:

- those who are not satisfied with any services received from OUS Switzerland;
- students (or those acting on student’s behalf)
- visitors
- service users
- staff members

D. 3. Where to complain?

You can contact the complaint department per email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: If you contact the complaint department and they decided that for your complain a fee is applicable, this fee should be paid even if you don’t wish to continue with your complaint. The fee will appear in your file.

The complaint department is part of the quality department, so all complaints go at first to the quality officer then will be forwarded to the responsible person/department.

D. 4. Reasons for Complaints

Complainants may bring complaints about any of the reasons set out below:

- That the advice provided was not appropriate or wrong;
- That the personnel did not provide appropriate guidance;
- That the matter has been dealt with negligently;
- That the institution did not update the complainant properly and in time, thus complainant failed to take appropriate action and suffered loss and damage;
- That the complainant received substandard services;
- That the complainant had been misled about the matter;
- That the institution did not deal with complainant’s problem expeditiously and thus had caused him/her problems of a substantial nature;
- That the institution has charged in excess of the fee scheme;
- That the institution had never provided the complainant with the services for which he/she had already paid;
You may also add any other reasons that suit you most in your complaint. Please give details of the reasons as much as possible. State your reasons clearly and without any apparent ambiguity.

D. 5. Purpose of the Complaints Procedure

The purpose of the Complaints Procedure is to establish an effective monitoring system in the organization. OUS Switzerland can identify any on-going irregularities or ineffectiveness of systems when there is a complaint about the matter from an interested party. The complaints procedures are also used as indicators of standards of customer service that have been successfully established and tested.

When a complainant approaches OUS Switzerland with a genuine complaint, it is believed that the complainant has given OUS Switzerland a chance to rectify the errors or ineffectiveness or unfairness in the system. It also helps OUS Switzerland to take appropriate policy decisions after careful consideration and investigation of the complaint. The most important purpose of the complaints procedure is to ensure that no student leaves the organization with bad experience, dissatisfactions or grievance.

D. 6. Informal Complaints Procedure

D. 6. 1. Introduction

This is a less formal procedure where a complainant may raise his or her concern about the way a particular service was provided. The complainant may meet with the complaints officer and discuss the matter that will be then immediately dealt with. However, if the matter is serious and complicated and the complainant is still dissatisfied, the complaints officer may accept the complaint as a formal one.

D. 6. 2. Report to the Complaints Officer

If a student, visitor, or other interested party is dissatisfied because of the way she or he was dealt with, the dissatisfied person may complain about the matter. The Complaints Officer will record the complaint in writing and will immediately look into the matter.

The email of the head of the quality department is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

D. 6. 3. Investigation

The Complaints Officer will then immediately investigate the matter. If necessary, the Complaints Officer will contact the department from which the complaint emanated. If the complaint is able to be immediately resolved, the Complaints Officer will make a decision as to the resolution of the complaint and inform the relevant parties. However, if it is not possible to investigate the matter on the same day, the Complaints Officer will provide a possible time frame to deal with the complaint, explaining to the complainant why it was not possible to give a decision immediately. If upon investigation, the Complaints Officer feels that the situation is serious enough to warrant a formal complaint, the complainant will be advised of this and encouraged to pursue this.

D. 6. 4. Decision

If the Complaints Officer is able to resolve the complaint and provide a decision, this will be done so orally but should be followed by a written confirmation of the decision to the relevant parties. A copy of the written decision must be given to the senior management of the academic or the administrative head. If the Complaints Officer is unable to satisfactorily resolve the complaint, the advice of the Senior Management Team may be sought, or the complaint may be escalated to the status of a Formal Complaint.

D. 7. Formal Complaints Procedure

If a complainant wishes to bring a serious complaint about any matter in relation to the way services are provided, or the way they have been dealt with, or if an informal complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily, the complainant may bring a formal complaint.

A complaint form should be completed, with documentary evidence attached as appropriate, and this should be submitted to the Complaint’s Officer for consideration. At this stage, the documentary evidence submitted need not be the original copies.

D. 7. 1. Letter of acknowledgment

When the Complaints Officer receives a formal complaint, a letter of acknowledgment will be sent. The letter must set out the next steps to be taken including the fee which should be paid from your side if any, and indicate a time frame of the investigation. The maximum time for an investigation will be four weeks.

D. 8. Complaint fee

The fees are between 0 Euro - 900 Euro (depend on the case, this will be evaluated by the complaint officer), if it needs our lawyer to be involved than 300-700 Euro must be paid for each hour our lawyer needs (the rates are made by our lawyer).

D. 9. Investigation

After receiving the formal complaint, the Complaints Officer must contact the department or the member of the staff against whom the complaint has been brought. Details of the complaint will be provided for their prompt response. The Complaints Officer will consider the evidence brought by both parties and may interview witnesses if appropriate in order to accumulate further evidence.

D. 10. Report of Findings

The Complaints Officer will report their findings in writing to the academic or administrative head and will inform both parties in writing of his/her decision in the matter, along with recommendations as to steps to be taken in order that the matter may be fully resolved. The written decision must indicate the following:

- Background of complaint
- Summary of investigation
- Summary of evidence or documents and witness statements
- Summary of findings
- Decision
- Reasons for such decisions
- Conclusion
The letter must clearly explain the steps already taken in relation to the complaint such as suspension or reprimand.

D. 11. Appeal of Decision

If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision given by the Complaints Officer, he/she may submit an appeal. The appeal will be heard by the academic or administrative head.

Appeals should be submitted in writing to the academic or administrative head within 14 days of the Complaints Officer’s original decision. Additional evidence which the complainant wishes to submit should be attached. The head will consider all evidence available, both new evidence and that from the Complaints Officer’s investigation, and shall provide the staff member or department against whom the complaint has been lodged the opportunity to respond to the accusations in writing.

The head will then complete a report, in line with the guidance above, and make a decision as to the outcome of the appeal. He/she may decide to support to the original decision of the Complaints Officer or may make alternative recommendations as to the resolution of the complaint. The decision of the academic or administrative head will be final and no further right of appeal will be offered. The GTC is valid for all students unless they are contrary to Swiss Law.

Annex E

Policy and Procedures for the handling of Deposits, Fee payments, and Refunds

E.1 Introduction

It is important that students pay their fees and any required deposits at the right time to avoid any problems with starting the studies. Students are encouraged to read the following carefully and of course, get in touch with the Institution if there is anything they need to clarify.

E.2. Deposits

E.2.1. Deposits (for on-campus students)

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of OUS Switzerland programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration to accept their place.
B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, the Institution will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the visa application of the overseas students.
Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer

If a student pays directly to OUS Switzerland bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number if available should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus but students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them. When we receive deposits, the details of the amount paid will be confirmed on the visa letter.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but the Institution. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fee with third parties or send money to the Institution by post. Some of the Institution’s approved overseas representatives will accept bank drafts, made payable to the Institution only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives; if any deposit is paid a receipt must be obtained from the Institution immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. The Institution advises the students to email or informs us whenever they make payments to the overseas agents/consultants. If the students have any doubts, they should contact the Institution over phone, fax or email.

E.2.2. Deposits (for on-campus students with student visa)

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of OUS Switzerland programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration to accept their place.
B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, the Institution will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the visa application of the overseas students.
Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer or.

If a student pays directly to OUS Switzerland bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number if available should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus but students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them. When we receive deposits, the details of the amount paid will be confirmed on the visa letter.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but the Institution. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fee with third parties or send money to the Institution by post. Some of the Institution’s approved overseas representatives will accept bank drafts, made payable to the Institution only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives; if any deposit is paid a receipt must be obtained from the Institution immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. The Institution advises the students to email or informs us whenever they make payments to the overseas agents/consultants. If the students have any doubts, they should contact the Institution over phone, fax or email.

E. 2.3. Deposits (for online students)

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of OUS Switzerland programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration to accept their place.
B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, the Institution will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents for the further steps.
Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer.

If a student pays directly to OUS Switzerland bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number if available should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus but students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but the Institution. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fee with third parties or send money to the Institution by post. Some of the Institution’s approved overseas representatives will accept bank drafts, made payable to the Institution only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives; if any deposit is paid a receipt must be obtained from the Institution immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. The Institution advises the students to email or informs us whenever they make payments to the overseas agents/consultants. If the students have any doubts, they should contact the Institution over phone or email.

E.2.4. Deposits (for on-campus students without student visa)

A. After registration, the payment details will be sent to you either per email or per post.

B. The Institution will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the start of your study (for local students, payment can be done even after the start of the study, for that please contact the admission officer per email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the admission office in the Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich)
If a student pays directly to OUS Switzerland bank account, the first name and surname of the student should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

For local students, no deposit is required. The payment plan can be discussed with the admission officer.

E.3. Fees

Students may pay their tuition fees in a single payment at the time of enrolment or by installments.

E.3.1. Single Payment: Single payment should usually be made before the course start date. Students paying tuition fees in a single payment may receive 5% discounts.

E.3.2. Payment by Instalments: All fees must be settled prior to the commencement of the course. If installments option is chosen 90 Euro additional to each installment must be paid.
The following conditions will apply to those paying by installments

For online students and for Visa student the first payment should be as minimum as 50% of the study fee (for exceptions please contact the admission office per email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Students who choose to pay by installment(s) must continue to do so until the full balance of the course fee is paid in full.
A facility to pay by installments may be withdrawn or charged interest from individuals who fail to meet installment deadlines promptly or their cheques are dishonored.

E.4. Refunds

1. The Institution assumes that all prospective students will have thought long about taking up a course and therefore applying for admission.
2. 2. However, the Institution understands that there are many reasons for wishing to withdraw from a course, both before and after courses have commenced. Consequently, the Institution policy on refund of fees upon withdrawal is as follows: In the event of cancellation, for whatever reason, the following will apply:
i) Cancellations must be made in writing and will only be considered to have been made on the date on which they are received by the Admissions.
ii) For further information please see our policy.
3. Where cancellations are received after starting of the course commencement date, for whatever reason, no refund will be given.
4. Overseas students should note that where a statement has been sent to the Swiss Immigration to support a student visa application, the Institution must notify the Swiss Immigration of any cancellation.
5. 5. (For Visa Students) For students who are not successful in obtaining a visa a refund will be granted after a deduction of the non-refundable registration fee 240 Euro, on the receipt of a completed Refund Request Form and a copy of the official visa refusal letter issued by the relevant Swiss High Commission/Consulate. A copy of the judgment of the Swiss Immigration Tribunal may also be required where the Appeal was rejected by the Tribunal. Any such request must be made within three months from the date of the refusal.
6. (For Visa Students) No refund is permitted or shall be made if a student enters Switzerland on a student visa obtained on the basis of the Institution's letters of acceptance.
7. Where it is proved that a prospective student has submitted a forged document or documents (e.g. certificates, transcripts etc.) with a view to obtaining an Institution Offer Letter, such a prospective student will not have his or her fees refunded by the Institution.
8. (For Visa Students) International students who failed to obtain a visa must apply for a refund within three months of their visa refusal.
9. Although the Institution will always endeavor to respond to refund requests with a sense of urgency, under normal circumstances it takes up to six weeks to process a refund. The process will start from the day the Refund Application Form along with other required documents are submitted to the Institution.
10. In order to claim a refund of tuition fees the student or sponsor must meet the following conditions:
- Advise the Head of Administration in writing of withdrawal from the course before the start date of the course (please see policy).

- Complete and return the Refund Application form along with Student Card and other Institution property, including all original documentation issued by the Institution.

- International students or their sponsors must return all original documents issued by the Institution (acceptance / enrollment letter, receipts etc) which were issued by the Institution and proof of rejection of student visa (a letter issued by the Swiss Embassy / High Commission or Swiss Immigration Authorities, confirming the refusal of visa / entry) and photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport.

No refund will be given to a student under the following circumstances:

a. Cancellation is due to change in personal circumstances, including a family bereavement.

b. (For Visa Students) If the student is asked to leave the country by the Swiss Authorities, or if they leave Switzerland during the program period without permission from the Institution and are subsequently refused re-entry.

c. (For Visa Students) If a visa is refused as a consequence of not having a minimum of 80% attendance by the student over the period of the course enrolled or of any illegal activities by the student.

d. If the disruption in studies is due to students’ conviction, court proceedings or litigation involving them.

Review of the Policy: The Institution may at its discretion, review and alter its Policy and Procedures for the handling of Deposits, Fee payments and Refunds at any time without giving prior notice to or consulting with anyone concerned or affected by this policy.
IMPORTANT Note (for all students): Registration fees are non-refundable. After starting the study fee is non-refundable and the full study fee must be paid (including AQT tax and all other expenses) even if the student wishes to stop/withdraw his/her study.

For more information about our Policy and Procedures for the handling of Deposits, Fee payments, and Refunds, please contact us or check our website for the policy.

Annex F

Terms and Conditions

Introduction

1. OUS Royal Academy of Economics and Technology in Switzerland is based in Zurich (was is Zug) and is officially registered and established under Swiss law of the State (Canton) of Zug in Switzerland.

2. OUS is entitled to operate as a private educational institute in Switzerland in compliance with federal and state law.

3. OUS offers a range of online study programs starting from Diploma Diplomas up to Doctorates, including Masters and Bachelors study programs.

4. These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are part of the individual contract between OUS and its students.

Conclusion of the Contract

1. The registration form sent directly from the Webpage or by electronic mailing is a binding offer of the student.

2. After receipt of the Application and Registration Fee (§ III.B), OUS will send a Letter of Acceptance to the student.

3. The Contract with the student becomes valid:

§ with the reception of the Letter of Acceptance, if the student has his/her residence in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or a Member State of the European Union or the EEA;

§ after OUS received a down payment of 10% of the Tuition Fee if the student does not live in the above-mentioned countries.

Study Fees

General remarks

1. All fees and other charges are published on the website of OUS.

2. If for any reason the study fees published in OUS. a printed brochure is different from the study fees published on the OUS official website, then the study fees on OUS. the official website shall prevail.

3. All prices are quoted in EUR but can be quoted in USD or CHF at student's request.

4. All quoted prices may change without prior notice.

5. In addition to these rules, regarding the handling of deposits, fee payments and refunds OUS refers to Annex E of the Student Handbook in its most recent version.

Application and Registration Fee

1. OUS will charge an Application and Registration Fee to be paid to OUS. bank account within 15 days after filing the registration form according to § III.A.1.

2. If the student wishes to start with his/her studies within these 15 days (§ III.B.1), the payment of the Application and Registration Fee must be made upon instructions of OUS.

3. The Application and Registration Fee is not refundable.

Tuition Fee

1. Tuition Fee must be paid 15 days before our intake at the latest.

2. The Tuition Fee includes the costs for E-study materials, but not the costs for the shipping of the study materials or any other printed materials by post or any other shipping ways.

3. The early payment discount of 5% applies if the Tuition Fee has been received 30 days before the course starting date.

4. In case a study program is canceled by OUS, the Tuition Fee will be returned to the student.

5. If a student fails to meet his financial obligations despite appropriate notices, OUS reserves its right to cancel his/her study place.

6. The Tuition Fee will not be returned if the student resigns before the study program is completed.

Scholarships

1. OUS grants some limited scholarships to students under the prerequisites described on the web page.

2. Scholarships can only be granted to students who paid at least the Application and Registration Free according to § III.B.1.

Data Protection and Data security

1. OUS shall strictly comply with Swiss data protection laws and agrees not to disclose the personal data or information to which it had access during the execution of the Contract, to protect such data and information and to use it only to the extent necessary for the fulfillment of the Contract.

2. OUS shall not disclose or give access to such data to third parties if not necessary for the execution of the Contract.

3. OUS shall take all technical, organizational and contractual data security measures to avoid disclosure in any form.

4. The student agrees that:

§ OUS keeps the personal data of the student for 10 years after the end of the Contract;

§ OUS may exchange personal data of students for payment purposes (payments by credit cards, etc.);

§ OUS may transfer data to state authorities in case of official requests.

Termination and Withdrawal of the Contract

Termination

1. The Contract will be terminated without written notice after the expiration of the agreed contract period. The parties can agree upon an extension of the Contract.

2. The Contract can be terminated on written notice 30 days before the start of the next semester. The dates of the semesters are published on the web page.

3. OUS can terminate the Contract if the student does not comply with its disciplinary duties as set out in § VII of the most recent Student Handbook according to the procedural rules established in Annex B and C of the most recent Student Handbook.

Withdrawal

1. In a case of withdrawal earlier than 30 days before the course starting date as set out on the webpage, OUS will refund two-third of the Tuition Fee.

2. In a case of withdrawal later than 30 days before the course starting date as set out on the webpage, OUS will refund one-third of the Tuition Fee.

3. In a case of withdrawal after the course starting date, no fees are refunded anymore.

Performance of the courses

1. OUS study programs are held only with a sufficient number of students.

2. OUS reserves the right to cancel any study program in case of an insufficient number of students, or due to circumstances beyond its control.

3. On student’s request and under exceptional circumstances, OUS can postpone the starting date of a study program to the next semester. This decision has to be taken by the Quality Department of OUS.

Disciplinary measures

1. Students are expected to comply with OUS. Code of Conduct and Exam Code of Conduct as set out in Annexes 2 and 3 as well as to the laws of Switzerland.

2. OUS reserves the right to expel students for disciplinary reasons. Regarding the disciplinary procedures, Annex B and C of the most recent Student Handbook are applicable.

Miscellaneous

1. In addition to this OUS GTC, the most recent version of the Student Handbook and its Annexes form part of OUS. regulatory framework.

2. OUS has the right to change the Contract (including starting dates and Tuition Fee) anytime needed.

3. All OUS documents including all annexes and the handbook are subject to change without prior notice.

4. Students and Alumni accept and will accept the Quality Assurance (incl. accreditations, validations, certifications, memberships, etc.) which OUS offers from the day of their application until the day of their graduation. Applying for the AAQ accreditation is planned by 2022 (subject to change anytime). It is highly recommended to apply for a joint/dual award program for more national and international acceptance by applying for a job or further study. The student who doesn't apply for the dual awards takes full responsibility in case the single award was not recognized in his/her country, even with the dual awards there is no guarantee of recognition of any diploma in the student country. In case the joint program terminated, the student will be automatically moved to a joint program to another school. If there is no other joint program possible, the student will be moved to the single program (only OUS diploma) and the difference in fee (max 990 Euro) will be added to the student financial file.

5. Students and Alumni do not have the right to object or ask for any other Quality Assurance. In case OUS loses an accreditation, Certification, Membership, partner, etc.., the student has no right to request it back, or request a refund or anything else.

Jurisdiction and applicable law

1. This contract including all annexes, programs, and handbooks shall be governed by substantive Swiss law, excluding the Swiss conflict of law rules.

2. For any controversy arising between OUS and a student or an agent, the place of jurisdiction shall be in Zurich/Switzerland.

NOTE: the updated policy replaces all previous policies if you continue with A.B.M.S. GmbH until 02. March 2017 at 13:00 PM, you confirm that you read the updated policy and accept it.

OUS Policy has been legally reviewed and approved by MME TEAM - Switzerland