1. Introduction
This Student Charter sets out the rights and responsibilities of students enrolled at BCBT - Brussels College of Business and Technology (BCBT), which is operated by Scholaria BV and has adopted this charter. It establishes the expectations for student conduct and the commitments made by the institution to support student learning and welfare. All students are expected to read and understand this charter upon enrolment.
Purpose: This charter defines the relationship between BCBT and its students, outlining what students can expect from the institution and what is expected of students in return. It applies to all students enrolled in programmes at BCBT.
2. Student Rights
2.1 Academic Rights
Students enrolled at BCBT have the following academic rights:
Quality EducationAccess to teaching that meets the programme specifications and learning outcomes
Course InformationClear information about programme structure, modules, assessment methods, and academic requirements
Academic SupportAccess to tutors, academic advisors, and learning resources
Fair AssessmentAssessment procedures that are fair, transparent, and conducted according to published criteria
FeedbackTimely feedback on assessments to support learning and progression
Academic AppealsThe right to appeal academic decisions through established procedures
Learning ResourcesAccess to library resources, learning materials, and digital platforms
Timetable InformationAdvance notice of class schedules and any changes to teaching arrangements
2.2 Welfare and Support Rights
Student Support ServicesAccess to welfare, counseling, and guidance services
Health and SafetyA safe campus environment with appropriate health and safety measures
Disability SupportReasonable adjustments for students with disabilities or learning differences
Pastoral CareAccess to support for personal, financial, or academic difficulties
ConfidentialityPersonal information handled in accordance with data protection regulations
Mental Health SupportAccess to mental health resources and referrals to appropriate services
2.3 Fairness and Respect
Equal TreatmentTreatment without discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality
Respect and DignityA learning environment free from harassment, bullying, or intimidation
Freedom of ExpressionThe right to express views and opinions in a respectful and lawful manner
Fair ProceduresAccess to fair disciplinary and complaints procedures
RepresentationThe right to be accompanied or represented in formal meetings regarding disciplinary or academic matters
2.4 Information and Communication
Transparent PoliciesAccess to institutional policies, procedures, and regulations
Student RecordsAccess to personal academic records and the right to request corrections
Advance NoticeReasonable notice of changes to courses, policies, or procedures that affect students
Communication ChannelsClear channels for communicating with staff and raising concerns
2.5 Facilities and Services
Campus FacilitiesAccess to classrooms, computer labs, study spaces, and student amenities
IT ServicesAccess to Wi-Fi, IT equipment, and technical support
Opening HoursAdvance notification of campus opening hours and closures
Reasonable FacilitiesFacilities and services that are fit for purpose and properly maintained
3. Student Responsibilities
3.1 Academic Responsibilities
Students are expected to fulfill the following academic responsibilities:
AttendanceAttend scheduled classes, tutorials, and assessments as required by the programme
EngagementParticipate actively in learning activities and complete assignments by deadlines
Academic IntegrityProduce original work and avoid plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic misconduct
PreparationCome to classes prepared and complete required reading and preparation tasks
DeadlinesSubmit assignments and assessments by published deadlines or request extensions through proper procedures
ProgressTake responsibility for academic progress and seek support when needed
Programme RequirementsMeet the academic and professional requirements of the programme
Attendance Requirement: Students must maintain a minimum attendance rate as specified in programme handbooks. Poor attendance may result in academic warnings or withdrawal from the programme.
3.2 Professional Conduct
Respectful BehaviorTreat staff, fellow students, and visitors with respect and courtesy
Professional StandardsMaintain professional standards of behavior appropriate to higher education
HonestyProvide accurate information to the institution and inform BCBT of changes to personal circumstances
Dress CodeDress appropriately for an academic and professional environment
PunctualityArrive on time for classes, meetings, and appointments
CooperationCooperate with staff members and comply with reasonable requests from authorized personnel
3.3 Campus and Community Conduct
Campus RulesFollow campus regulations and health and safety procedures
FacilitiesUse campus facilities responsibly and report damage or safety concerns
Prohibited ItemsDo not bring weapons, illegal substances, or prohibited items onto campus
Smoking and AlcoholFollow campus policies on smoking and alcohol consumption
NoiseMaintain appropriate noise levels in teaching areas and study spaces
Environmental ResponsibilityDispose of waste properly and respect the campus environment
3.4 Digital and Online Conduct
IT Acceptable UseUse BCBT IT systems and networks appropriately and lawfully
Digital CitizenshipBehave responsibly on online learning platforms and BCBT communication channels
Data SecurityProtect login credentials and do not share account access with others
CopyrightRespect intellectual property and copyright laws when using digital resources
Online RespectCommunicate respectfully in online discussions and avoid cyberbullying or harassment
3.5 Financial Responsibilities
Tuition FeesPay tuition fees according to payment terms or arrange payment plans
Financial CommunicationRespond to communications regarding fees and payments
Financial ObligationsSettle any outstanding debts to the institution
Accurate InformationProvide accurate information for student finance applications
4. Code of Conduct
4.1 Expected Standards of Behavior
All students are expected to:
Act with honesty and integrity in all academic and personal conduct
Respect the rights, dignity, and property of others
Comply with UK laws and Belgian laws applicable in Brussels
Uphold the reputation of BCBT
Contribute to a positive and inclusive learning community
Report concerns about the welfare or safety of others
Accept responsibility for personal actions and decisions
4.2 Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:
| Category | Prohibited Behaviors |
|---|
| Academic Misconduct | Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication of data, collusion, contract cheating, unauthorized collaboration |
| Harassment & Bullying | Physical or verbal harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, hate speech |
| Violence & Threats | Physical violence, threats of violence, possession of weapons, threatening behavior |
| Substance Misuse | Possession or use of illegal drugs, misuse of alcohol on campus, attending classes while intoxicated |
| Property Damage | Vandalism, theft, deliberate damage to BCBT property or property of others |
| Disruption | Disrupting classes, preventing others from learning, interference with BCBT operations |
| Fraud & Dishonesty | Identity fraud, falsification of documents, misrepresentation, impersonation |
| IT Misuse | Hacking, unauthorized access, malware distribution, copyright infringement, cyberbullying |
4.3 Professional Standards for Specific Programmes
Students enrolled in programmes with professional accreditation or industry partnerships may be subject to additional codes of conduct specific to their profession. Programme handbooks will outline any additional requirements.
5. Institutional Responsibilities to Students
5.1 BCBT Commitments
BCBT commits to:
Quality TeachingProvide teaching delivered by qualified staff according to programme specifications
Learning SupportOffer academic support, resources, and guidance to support student success
Safe EnvironmentMaintain a safe campus with appropriate health and safety measures
Fair TreatmentTreat all students fairly and without discrimination
Timely InformationProvide students with timely and accurate information about their programmes
Assessment StandardsConduct assessments fairly and provide feedback within reasonable timeframes
Complaint ProceduresOperate fair and transparent complaints and appeals procedures
Data ProtectionHandle student data in accordance with GDPR and data protection laws
Continuous ImprovementReview and improve services based on student feedback
5.2 Staff Conduct
BCBT staff are expected to:
Treat students with respect, fairness, and professionalism
Deliver teaching and support services to published standards
Respond to student queries and communications within reasonable timeframes
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students
Follow institutional policies and procedures
Act as role models for professional and ethical conduct
6. Attendance and Engagement
6.1 Attendance Requirements
Students must meet the following attendance requirements:
Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes per module
Attend all scheduled assessments, presentations, and examinations
Notify BCBT in advance of any absence where possible
Provide supporting evidence for absences due to illness or exceptional circumstances
6.2 Absence Reporting
Planned AbsencesRequest permission in advance for planned absences (appointments, travel, etc.)
IllnessReport illness to student support on the day of absence where possible
Medical EvidenceProvide medical certificates for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days
Exceptional CircumstancesSubmit Exceptional Circumstances forms for absences due to serious personal circumstances
7. Academic Integrity
7.1 Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct includes:
PlagiarismUsing others' work, ideas, or words without proper attribution
CheatingUsing unauthorized materials or assistance in assessments or examinations
FabricationInventing or falsifying data, sources, or research findings
CollusionUnauthorized collaboration with others on individual assignments
Contract CheatingSubmitting work completed by someone else as your own
Self-PlagiarismResubmitting your own previous work without permission
7.2 Preventing Academic Misconduct
Students should:
Understand what constitutes plagiarism and academic misconduct
Learn proper citation and referencing techniques
Use plagiarism detection tools before submission where available
Seek clarification from tutors if unsure about collaboration rules
Keep drafts and notes as evidence of your own work
Allow sufficient time for assignments to avoid last-minute pressures
7.3 Consequences of Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct may result in:
| Severity Level | Typical Consequences |
|---|
| Minor (First Offense) | Academic warning, resubmission with capped grade, reduced marks |
| Moderate | Zero mark for assessment, formal academic warning, required attendance at academic integrity workshop |
| Serious | Module failure, suspension from studies, formal disciplinary record |
| Very Serious/Repeated | Expulsion from programme, withdrawal of qualification, permanent exclusion |
8. Disciplinary Procedures
8.1 Non-Academic Misconduct Procedures
Allegations of non-academic misconduct will be investigated according to the following process:
Incident ReportIncident reported to Student Support or Senior Management
Initial AssessmentPreliminary investigation to establish facts
Formal InvestigationInvestigation conducted if allegations appear substantiated
Disciplinary MeetingStudent invited to disciplinary meeting with right to representation
DecisionDecision made based on evidence and communicated in writing
SanctionsAppropriate sanctions applied if misconduct is proven
AppealsStudent has right to appeal decision within specified timeframe
8.2 Disciplinary Sanctions
Disciplinary sanctions may include:
Verbal WarningInformal warning for minor first-time infractions
Written WarningFormal written warning placed on student record
Final Written WarningFinal warning indicating further misconduct will result in suspension or expulsion
SuspensionTemporary suspension from studies for a defined period
ExclusionPermanent exclusion from BCBT
Additional MeasuresRequired apologies, compensation for damages, restriction from facilities, behavioral contracts
8.3 Immediate Action
In cases involving serious risk to safety or wellbeing, BCBT may take immediate precautionary action including temporary suspension pending investigation. Such action is not a disciplinary sanction but a protective measure.
9. Complaints and Appeals
9.1 Student Complaints Procedure
Students who wish to raise concerns or complaints should follow this procedure:
Stage 1 - Informal ResolutionRaise the issue directly with the relevant staff member or department. Most issues can be resolved informally.
Stage 2 - Formal ComplaintSubmit a formal complaint in writing to Student Support if informal resolution is unsuccessful.
Stage 3 - ReviewRequest a review by Senior Management if the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily at Stage 2.
Contact: [email protected]. See also our Complaint Procedure.
9.2 Academic Appeals
Students may appeal academic decisions (assessment results, progression decisions, awards) on the following grounds:
Procedural irregularity in the assessment process
Evidence of prejudice or bias
Exceptional circumstances that affected performance (with supporting evidence)
New evidence that was not available at the time of assessment
Academic appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of receiving the decision, using the Academic Appeals Form available from Student Support.
9.3 External Review
Students who remain dissatisfied after exhausting internal procedures may have recourse to external review through the awarding body or relevant regulatory authority.
10. Support and Guidance
10.1 Student Support Services
BCBT provides support services to help students fulfill their responsibilities and address difficulties:
Academic TutorsGuidance on academic progress and study skills
Student Support TeamWelfare support, personal and practical difficulties
Disability SupportSupport for students with disabilities or learning differences
Counseling ServicesMental health support and referrals to external services
Financial AdviceGuidance on fees, payment plans, and financial hardship
Careers GuidanceSupport with career planning and employability
10.2 Getting Help
How to Access SupportEmail: [email protected]Phone: +32 471 09 6641In Person: Visit the Student Support office during visiting hours (Monday-Friday, 11:00-17:30)
Online Booking: Book appointments via the student portal
Students experiencing difficulties are encouraged to seek support early. All support services are confidential. See Student Services for details.
11. Review and Updates
This Student Charter is reviewed annually and may be updated to reflect changes in institutional policies, legal requirements, or educational standards. Students will be notified of significant changes via email and the student portal.
11.1 Feedback
BCBT welcomes student feedback on this charter and institutional policies. Students can provide feedback through:
Student surveys and evaluations
Student representation meetings
Direct communication with Student Support or Senior Management
Formal feedback forms available on the student portal
12. Contact Information
Related Policies: Students should also refer to the following related policies available on our
policies page:
