NCI Student Charter

This Student Charter is a shared understanding between students and National College of Ireland.

It outlines what students can expect from the College and what the College expects from students in return. The Charter promotes mutual respect, responsibility and partnership, helping everyone work together to create a positive, supportive learning community.

This Charter has been developed in conjunction with NCI’s Students’ Union and forms part of our Partnership Agreement, reflecting our joint commitment to an excellent student experience.

NCI’s Commitments

We are committed to providing students with:

• Accessible, quality education at a time and pace that suits the student’s situation and aspirations.
• A learning environment and resources that support and stimulate students and enable them to realise their full potential.
• An environment that promotes continuous improvement.
• Courses of the highest quality.
• Accurate information about all programmes and expectations.
• Assessment of learning that is fair, valid, and timely.
• A range of mechanisms to ensure the student voice and experience informs College decision making and delivery.
• A skilled, qualified, and supportive faculty and staff who will treat all students with courtesy and respect and be responsive to student needs and concerns.
• Fair and consistent enforcement of all College policies and procedures.
• A healthy and safe environment that promotes a positive learning experience.

Student Charter Commitments

1. Take charge of your own learning and produce work to the best of your ability.
   Examples:
   • Take responsibility for checking official College communications regularly (email, Moodle announcements).
   • Complete readings, lecture notes, and preparation before class or labs.
   • Seek clarification from lecturers when you don’t understand something.
   • Keep track of assessment deadlines.
   • Start assignments early rather than waiting until the deadline.
   • Use academic supports such as the Learning Support Service or library workshops.
   • Set personal goals and monitoring your own progress.
   • Attend class and engage in the learning positively and proactively.
   • Engage with formative feedback opportunities.
2. Participate actively in all learning situations.
   Examples:
   • Ask questions during class or tutorials.
   • Contribute meaningfully to group discussions or group projects.
   • Engage in practical activities, case studies, or simulations.
   • Arrive on time, be present (physically or online) and remain focused throughout sessions.
   • Turn cameras on (where appropriate) during online sessions to support engagement.
   • Bring required materials to the class (laptop, readings, data sets, etc.).
3. Make effective use of the facilities and services provided and plan your use of resources responsibly.
   Examples:
   • Book study rooms in advance and cancelling when not needed.
   • Use printers, computers, and lab equipment appropriately and not blocking access for others.
   • Take care of shared spaces such as classrooms, studios, labs, and the library.
   • Access student support services (counselling, careers, academic skills) when required.
   • Use online platforms (Moodle, Teams, library databases) correctly.
4. Comply with assessment regulations and use assessment feedback to support continued learning.
   Examples:
   • Submit assignments on time and following the required format.
   • Avoid plagiarism, collusion, or any academic misconduct.
   • Review received feedback and using it to improve future work.
   • Attend re-sit sessions or workshops when needed.
   • Ask questions about rubrics or marking criteria ahead of deadlines.
5. Participate in programme related committees and reviews through the student representative network.
   Examples:
   • Back up work regularly to avoid last-minute technical issues.
   • Check submission confirmation receipts after uploading assessments.
   • Share student feedback in a professional manner at meetings.
   • Complete surveys (module evaluations, national student surveys).
   • Act as a class representative and relay accurate student concerns.
   • Contribute constructive suggestions for improvements.
   • Support peer consultation on changes to assessments or timetables.
   • Maintain confidentiality where discussions are sensitive.
6. Identify problems and concerns and address them to the appropriate people in a timely and constructive manner. 
   Examples:
   • Raise module concerns first with lecturer. Where appropriate, this may be done through the class representative.
   • Raise other concerns with relevant functions, following the escalation pathway.
   • Provide evidence and clear information when raising concerns.
   • Seek help for personal or academic challenges when they arise in a timely manner.
   • Use formal processes if an issue cannot be resolved informally.
7. Treat all members of the College community with courtesy and respect.
   Examples:
   • Be polite and professional in emails and communication.
   • Avoid disruptive behaviour in class such as late arrivals, using mobile phones (including messaging or browsing), talking on phones, speaking to others and not listening.
   • Respect personal boundaries and diverse perspectives.
   • Engage respectfully with all NCI staff.
   • Contribute to a positive and inclusive tone on campus and online.
8. Be aware of the impact your behaviour has on other students. 
   Examples:
   • Do not monopolise discussions in class and allowing others to contribute.
   • Keep noise levels low in study areas.
   • Submit your portion of group work on time so the group is not disadvantaged.
   • Avoid behaviour that may make others uncomfortable or unsafe.
   • Be considerate in shared spaces, including online forums.
   • Support inclusive participation in discussions.
9. Act in a manner that promotes a safe and supportive learning environment.
   Examples:
   • Cooperate with safety procedures in labs, workshops, or studios.
   • Be aware of support services.
   • Respect confidentiality in sensitive situations or group work.
   • Use digital platforms responsibly (no harassment, bullying, or misuse).
   • Report concerns about wellbeing or safety through appropriate channels.
   • Follow data protection principles when handling peer information.
10. Abide by all College policies and procedures.
    Examples:
    • Read, understand and comply with all relevant policies and procedures.
    • Follow the academic direction provided.
    • Follow health and safety guidelines for your programme.
    • Meet deadlines for registration, fees, and administrative requirements.
    • Follow examination rules and instructions.
    • Adhere to placement, internship conduct rules where required.

Behaviour and Conduct

Students are expected to behave respectfully, responsibly, and in a manner that reflects the values of the College community. The College will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the safety, dignity, teaching, or learning experience of others.

Where a student fails to meet these expectations, particularly in relation to behaviour, respect, or conduct, the matter may be escalated through the College’s disciplinary procedures. Such matters will be handled fairly, consistently, and in accordance with the College’s established procedures and policies.