1. Introduction

Mingachevir State University is committed to upholding high standards of academic integrity and maintaining robust internal discipline. This Code serves as a comprehensive framework that encompasses the entire academic community of the university—faculty members, administrative staff, and students—ensuring professional excellence and social justice. Safeguarding an ethical environment at the university forms the foundation of our institutional reputation and our responsibility to society.

2. Core Values and Principles of Operation

The Disciplinary Committee is guided by the following fundamental principles in its activities:

• Legality: All investigations and decisions are carried out strictly in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the university’s internal норматив acts.
• Confidentiality: Information discussed during meetings and decisions taken are considered “strictly confidential” and are not disclosed to third parties.
• Fairness and Objectivity: Each case is reviewed impartially, free from personal interests, and based solely on facts.
• Transparency: Decisions are well-justified, and information about the process is accessible only to authorized bodies (Rectorate).

3. Objectives and Responsibilities of the Committee

The Committee performs the following duties to ensure a healthy moral and psychological environment within the university:

• Strengthening discipline: Monitoring compliance with internal rules in teaching and administrative processes.
• Review of complaints: Conducting thorough investigations of reported violations of disciplinary rules by students and staff.
• Ethical assessment: Evaluating compliance of faculty and staff with ethical conduct standards.
• Recommendations: Submitting appropriate disciplinary or preventive measures to the Rector based on investigation results.

4. Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Standards

Each member of the university community is responsible for adhering to the following:

4.1. Academic and Work Discipline

• Strict adherence to class and working hours, and efficient use of university resources is required.
• Principles of network security and data protection must be observed when using information technologies.

4.2. Interpersonal Relations

• Relationships between students and teachers, as well as management and staff, must be based on mutual respect, courtesy, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Any form of discrimination, bullying, or abuse is strictly prohibited.

4.3. Conflict of Interest and Anti-Corruption

• Official authority must not be used for personal gain, and a “zero tolerance” approach must be maintained toward bribery and corruption.

5. Rights and Composition of the Committee

Rights of the Committee:

1. To request necessary documents and information from structural units in line with its objectives.
2. To obtain written and oral explanations from individuals suspected of disciplinary violations.
3. To involve external experts and specialists in resolving complex technical or legal issues.

Composition:
The Committee consists of a professional team approved by the Rector, including legal experts, IT specialists, academic management experts, and experienced educators.

6. Meetings and Implementation of Decisions

• Frequency: Committee meetings are held at least once a month. Extraordinary meetings may be convened when necessary.
• Voting: Decisions are adopted through open voting by a simple majority.
• Reporting: Meeting minutes and advisory decisions are submitted only to the Rector of the University.

7. Responsibility and Updates

Members of the Committee or university staff who violate the provisions of this Code are subject to disciplinary action. The Code is reviewed annually and updated in accordance with the university’s development strategy.

8. Ethical Organizational Behavior Policy
   The Ethical Organizational Behavior Policy of Mingachevir State University establishes clear standards for professional conduct, integrity, and accountability within the institution. It promotes ethical decision-making, respect, and transparency across all levels of the university community. The full policy can be accessed here:
   Ethical organizational behavior policy
9. Reporting and Complaint Submission Channels
   The university ensures multiple accessible and user-friendly channels for submitting claims and complaints:

• Online submission: A dedicated section on the official website allows individuals to submit complaints electronically

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qpqlmBGd8KomKu87TPMXH6DKhmlHgcTTj34NfbAITPU/edit

• Email communication: Ethics-related concerns can be sent directly via email at info@mdu.edu.az.

• In-person submission: Physical complaint boxes and designated offices are available within the university premises.
• Hotline service: Individuals can also report issues through the hotline number 0-104-103-103, ensuring prompt and confidential communication.

Trainings based on ethical values