S T U D E N T G U I D E
Academic Year
Dear Students,
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his new academic year means a new beginning for all of us. We at EPOKA University are working hard to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. We believe that education is a shared responsibility and that the successful operation of a university depends on the cooperation of everyone involved: students and staff. The goal of EPOKA University is to train students for successful careers in an internationally competitive environment. Each of us is certainly responsible for contributing to making our university a place where we can all learn and work for a better future. EPOKA is a reflection of all of us. All of our policies are intended to provide an orderly and stimulating environment that will be conducive to learning. Our faculty and staff look forward to sharing their expertise in academia, special programs, and extracurricular activities. We encourage you to get to know your university and to become an active participant in its academic and social life. This student guide contains the rules and regulations, instructions and other explanations that you may need throughout your university life. We would suggest you to read the handbook carefully, discuss it with each other, and let it act as a guide for your effective involvement in all university activities. Keep this guide because you will use this information throughout your studies. On behalf of the entire EPOKA University staff, best wishes for a great 2008-2009 academic year and in general to your study process at our university!
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Vision
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poka University attracts exceptionally talented students and challenges academically the motivated students to work to their fullest intellectual capacities. In all of its programs, the University seeks to enhance the self-development of students so that they will become informed and effective participants in public affairs and in all of their subsequent educational and vocational pursuits. To that end, EPOKA provides a challenging and supportive living and learning environment that encourages students’ active participation in residential life, student organizations and social events. Training and Education: are the bases on which Epoka University will develop its students at the level of a contemporaneous university on the global arena. Scientific Research: Epoka University will give importance to producing knowledge and use it for the benefit of the society. Academic Leadership: Empirical and theoretical information produced in all areas will be used as leverage for the economic and social transformation of the society.
New Campus Perspective
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poka's Central Campus is located in a strategic place of Tirana, it is compactly designed, well maintained and noted for its scenic setting.
The Airport Campus, situated close to the Tirana International Airport, will consist of 7 faculty buildings. Each faculty has been designed to incorporate the natural surroundings and to facilitate student learning and community life. The new campus will also include residential spaces (apartments or residential buildings), dining facilities, a library, a medical center as well as indoor and outdoor venues for sport activities.
KAMPUS UNIVERSITAR
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EPOKA
About Epoka University
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poka University, is an ambitious private university established by Turgut Ozal Education Company in Tirana, the capital of Albania, consisting of seven departments: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Architecture, Finance and Banking, Economics, Business Administration, as well as Political Sciences and International Relations. At the same time, three research centers - the Earthquake and Construction Technologies Research Center, the Center of Research and Application and the Center for European Studies - carry out their activities in the framework of the University. Epoka University, which is the sole higher education institution in Albania with an English-only education, is expanding fast, aiming at becoming one of the leading universities in the Balkans within the medium-term. Among the University's strong points are its high quality students, first rate faculty coming from different countries such as U.K, USA, Germany, Turkey, Austria, Macedonia and well-established links with the local community. Most importantly it aims to become part of the International and European Higher Education Area. Epoka University, with its efforts to attract students and faculty outside its national borders, aspires to offer in the coming years a wide cross-section of programs to attract people for all nationalities. The project fits into the development strategy of our university in the context of the recent introduction of the law of higher education in Albania. In the framework of this project it is expected to play a very important role with its valuable contributions in the field of selected curricula screening, upgrading and defining on mutual basis with the partner faculties, employing the EU experience and the experience of other consortium members; participation and development in the distance learning Master in Finance, participation in the development and diffusion of a current economic situation observatory, participation in the process of establishment of an harmonized financial system in the Balkan Region. Mission The mission of Epoka University is to contribute to the sustainable development and improvement of society as a whole, through the education of highlyqualified graduates and responsible citizens who are able to meet the needs of all sectors of human activity, by offering relevant qualifications – including professional training - which combine high-level knowledge and skills, using courses and content continually tailored to the present and future needs of society.
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CONTENTS:
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Epoka University 2009-2010 Academic Calendar.....................................................................................7 Epoka University Organization Chart........................................................................................................8 Academic Structure Organization Chart................................................................................................... 9 Administrative Structure Organization Chart..........................................................................................10 Faculty of Economy and Administrative Sciences..................................................................................11 Faculty of Engineering and Architecture................................................................................................16 Student Affairs Office.............................................................................................................................20 Information Systems Center....................................................................................................................21 Library Services......................................................................................................................................24 EBSCOhost........................................................................................................................................27 Health, Culture And Sports Office.........................................................................................................28 Regulation on Undergraduate Education And Examinations...................................................................31 Epoka University General Exam Rules...................................................................................................39 Regulation on Student Discipline at Epoka University..........................................................................41 Regulation on the Preparatory School.....................................................................................................48 Scholarships Directive............................................................................................................49 Exchange Program............................................................................................................50 Our Partner Universities.........................................................................................................................51 Interships................................................................................................................................52
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2009-2010
September
1- 26
New Students’ Registration and Tuition Fees
September
28
FALL TERM CLASSES BEGIN
September
28-30
Course Registrations
October
12-16
Add & Drop Week
October
19
National Holiday – Mother Teresa’s Day
November
27
National Holiday –Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bajram)
November
28
National Holiday – Independence Day
November
29
National Holiday – Liberation Day
Note: On November 30 and December 1, no classes will be held December
25
Christmas Holiday
January
1-2
New Year Holiday
January
8
End of Fall Term
January
11-22
Final Examination Period
Note : No classes will be held on the Final Examination Period. Note: Final Examination Results will be announced within 10 days from the respective exam date. January 25
February 5
Term Break / Tuition Fees
February
8
SPRING TERM CLASSES BEGIN
February
8-10
Course Registrations
February
22-26
Add & Drop Week
March
14
National Holiday – Summer Day (no classes on March 15)
March
22
National Holiday - Nevruz Day
April
4
National Holiday – Orthodox & Catholic Easter (no classes on April 5)
May
1
National Holiday – International Labor Day (no classes on May 3)
May
21
End of Spring Term
May 24
June 4
Final Examination Period
Note : No classes will be held on the Final Examination Period. Note: Final Examination Results will be announced within 10 days from the respective exam date.
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EPOKA UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATION CHART
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ACADEMIC STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION CHART
RECTOR
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ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION CHART
RECTOR
PROVOST
COMUNICATIONS AND PROTOCOL OFFICE
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
HEALTH, CULTURE AND SPORTS OFFICE
INFORMATION SYSTEM OFFICE
MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS OFFICE
SECRETARY GENERAL OF FACULTIES
FINANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE
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FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
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he Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences mission is to provide superior educational opportunities for our students through effective instruction, relevant curricula, and academic counseling; to engage in scholarly pursuits that aid the continued professional growth and development of the faculty; and to actively participate in the service activities for the University and the business community. Our faculty will engage in research to create and disseminate new knowledge, develop quality-teaching skills, maintain high professional standards, and actively serve the University and Community.
Departments ? Banking and Finance ? Business and Administration ? Economics ? Political Science and International Relations
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FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES Department of Banking and Finance
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he Department of Banking and Finance aims at the qualification of new staff with general knowledge, alert to the challenges in finance, and able to work in banking sector as well as in the administration of local and foreign private companies. The student will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge to operate in Albania and abroad due to the learnt theoretical framework, banking system, Albanian economy, accounting, etc. The department's objective is to qualify new financers and bankers, supplied with the field knowledge by benefiting from all the achievements of this discipline at the international level. Mission
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he objective of this department is to fulfill the need for qualified members in the field of finance and in banking system, and to prepare skilled people to work in different banking sectors. In addition, the vast demands from the high-school applicant have been an influent factor for the establishment this department. Program
he degree conferred upon the completion of the undergraduate program is specialist in Banking and Finance/ Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance. The qualification from this department provides students with knowledge in Banking and Finance, and prepares them with the necessary organizational skills to serve in the public and private banking system. The system of attendance is full time. A detailed information on the courses offered in the semester schedules are included in the academic plan. List of courses offered each semester by our department and academic catalog correlate together.
Job Opportunities ? Accounting ? Asset Management ? Capital Markets ? Corporate Banking ? Credit ? Insurance ? Investment Banking / M & A ? Private Banking / Wealth Management
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FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
Department of Business Administration
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he Department of Business Administration aims at the qualification of new staff with general knowledge, alert to the challenges in economics and management, and able to work in the administration of local and foreign private sectors. The student will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge to operate in Albania and abroad due to learnt theoretical framework, human resources management, Albanian economy, accounting, related laws etc. The department's objective is to qualify new managers, supplied with the field knowledge by benefiting from all the achievements of this discipline at the international level. Mission
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he mission of the Business Administration Department is to prepare and graduate students for careers in business, government and non-profit organizations by providing a broad professional education. The business administration program is structured around a group of technical courses, which exposes students to the basic tools of quantitative methods, accounting, and economic theory, and a core of management and leadership courses that integrate culture, language, and ethics, to enable future business leaders to meet the challenges of today's global environment. Program
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he degree conferred upon the completion of the undergraduate program is Manager/ Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. The qualification from this department provides the students with knowledge in management and in business administration, as well as with organizational skills to serve in the public and in private sector. The system of attendance is full time. The list of departmental must, elective, restricted elective and free-elective courses is provided in details in the academic catalogue, including the theoretical lessons, recitation lessons, credits, equivalent credits according to ECTS credit system, and workload of each course. Job Opportunities ? Accounting
staff
? Customer service specialist ? Marketing analyst ? Sales ? Human
resources specialist
? Business
analyst
? Financial
analyst
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FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
Department of Economics
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he Department of Economics aims at the qualification of new staff with general knowledge alert to the challenges in economy, and able to work in the administration of local and foreign private companies. The student will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge to operate in Albania and abroad due to the learnt theoretical framework, Albanian economy, accounting, related laws, international economics etc. The department's objective is to qualify new economists, supplied with the field knowledge by benefiting from all the achievements of this discipline at the international level. Mission
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he mission of the Department of Economics at Epoka University consists of three interrelated components: providing the highest quality instruction to our undergraduate students, conducting leading-edge research in economics, and providing leadership and service to our professional communities. Program
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he degree conferred upon the completion of the undergraduate program is economist/ Bachelor of Arts in Economics. The students graduated from this department will be able to serve in the public administration, in the private sector and in non-governmental organizations. The system of attendance is full time. Detailed information on the courses offered in the semester schedules is included in the academic plan. The list of departmental must elective and free-elective courses is provided in details in the academic catalogue, including the theoretical lessons, recitation lessons, credits, equivalent credits according to ECTS credit system, and workload of each course. The list of courses offered each semester by our department and academic catalogue correlate together.
Job Opportunities ? Possibilities for internships during the studies in
local and foreign companies. ? The possibility of employment for the graduated
is tightly connected with their academicals advances, courage, and conditions that will be provided by the university ? Through the gained experience, the graduated economists will be among the most preferred staff in the specific disciplines due to their profession ethics, acquired theoretical framework, and applied methodology when employed. ? The department aims to encouraging and motivating the graduated students to organize and manage their private activities.
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FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
Department of Political Sciences and International Relations
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aculty members, all of whom have obtained their degrees from distinguished American or European universities, are in constant interaction with colleagues and institutions in many countries of the world. Exchange programs carried out with several foreign universities give undergraduate students the chance to study in a different environment for a semester or more. In addition, the Department's academic ties serve as a bridge for students interested in enrolling in M.A. or Ph.D. programs in universities abroad.
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he Department's main objective is to provide a balanced education committed to diversity. In addition to courses that orient them to the field, students are given the opportunity to conduct extensive research on such contemporary issues as the European Union, political economy, democratization, human rights, gender and identity politics. An expert staff including visiting professors from abroad offers a wide range of elective courses in order to allow students to specialize from the junior year onwards in areas of their choice.
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he Department of Political Science and International Relations offers B.A. degrees. Its academic program covers the four major subfields in the discipline: comparative politics, international relations, political theory and Albanian politics.
epartment graduates find career opportunities at home and abroad in the private as well as the public sector, particularly in organizations affiliated with the United Nations and the European Union, in the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in universities and the media, and in private companies. As this range of career options indicates, the Department's educational philosophy is to provide students with intellectual depth and with the necessary tools to think independently, to question and criticize, engage in collaborative work and be open-minded about alternative points of view. The Department has therefore adopted an interdisciplinary perspective and a multidimensional approach to the accumulation of knowledge.
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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
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he Faculty of Engineering mission is to educate individuals for careers of leadership and innovation in industry, government and educational institutions; to expand the engineering knowledge base through original research; to contribute through professional services towards more prosperous and sustainable society.
Departments Architecture Civil Engineering Computer Engineering
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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Department of Architecture
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aculty members, all of whom have obtained their degrees from distinguished American or European universities, are in constant interaction with colleagues and institutions in many countries of the world. Exchange programs carried out with several foreign universities give undergraduate students the chance to study in a different environment for a semester or more. In addition, the Department's academic ties serve as a bridge for students interested in enrolling in M.A. or Ph.D. programs in universities abroad. Each year several students receive scholarships from U.S. and European universities for graduate studies. The Department of Architecture offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Architecture. The undergraduate program is based on a four-year study leading to the Bachelor's degree with emphasis on architectural design studios. Mission o train professionals those are equal in national and international criteria of education; qualified in theory and practice areas; design environments which meet esthetic, technique, ecologic, economic, cultural, historical, social, environmental and other necessary requirements; and train intellectual and expert architects who are innovative, creative, ethical, have the ability to work in interdisciplinary projects.
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Program
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he curriculum is design-centered. Comprehensiveness is available through introductory coursework in the subject areas and substantial breadth and depth in the advanced courses. The integration of subjects is aided by the design process skills' courses and practiced in studio. The department courage students to acquire the purist sense of 'style' because architecture in an expression of the values, aspirations and character of the society that produces it. Therefore it is incumbent upon the architect that she/he have a broad understanding of the culture and times in which she/he works, and, beyond this, to be an influence in forging those values, aspirations and character. Job Opportunities ? Our graduates can go further on being employed in
different professional fields of architecture: ? Architectural Studios ? Construction site ? Restoration and Preservation of Historical ? Interior design ? Building Science
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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Department of Civil Engineering
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ivil Engineering covers a wide range of engineering applications from dams, tunnels, pipelines and highways to buildings. Civil Engineering is distinguished as being one of the earliest engineering disciplines. Throughout the ages it has provided creative and feasible solutions to many of the basic human needs and problems, and it still continues to take pride in being a fundamental building block of civilization. Mission
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he mission of the Department of Civil Engineering is to educate the students to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of science and engineering so that they can develop solutions to Civil Engineering problems and enhance their computing, communication, and research skills. It is aimed to especially emphasize teamwork, independent and innovative thinking and leadership qualities. In particular, Civil Engineering Program aims to train the students to have theoretical background in basic sciences and engineering and to be equipped with necessary technical skills and to produce graduates for the engineering and business communities with integrity, determination, judgment, motivation, ability and education to assume a leadership role to meet the demanding challenges of the society. Program he requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering include the completion of minimum of 160 credits of formal course work and 60 days of approved practical training (20 days are office and 40 days are onsite training). The first two years of the undergraduate program is dedicated to the study of basic sciences and mathematics which provide the student with engineering fundamentals. The study of mechanics and materials which is basic to civil engineering begins in the second year. The third and fourth years involve the study and application of the principles of geotechnical engineering (behavior of soils, design of foundations), structural engineering (analysis and design of reinforced concrete and steel structures), hydraulics engineering (flow of water in pipes, open channels, water resources), and the general systems approach to engineering problems.
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Job Opportunities
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raduates of the department qualify for a responsible position in the civil engineering industry in analysis, design and construction management. Prospective employers include, but are not limited to, construction contractors, consulting firms, industrial firms and various government agencies.
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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Department of Computer Engineering
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he advances in computer technology have added new fuel to the development of almost all of the science and engineering applications. Because of its role in the improvement of civilization, this discipline became a separate engineering profession. In today's age of information, Computer Engineering is one of the main branches of engineering that contribute through professional services towards more prosperous and sustainable society. Mission he mission of the Department of Computer Engineering is to educate the students to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of science and engineering so that they can develop solutions to Computer Engineering problems and enhance their skills on computer science, computer architecture, design and analysis of algorithms, software engineering communication and research skills. It is aimed to especially emphasize teamwork, independent and innovative thinking and leadership qualities. In particular, Computer Engineering Program aims to train the students to have theoretical background in basic sciences and engineering and to be equipped with necessary technical skills.
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Program he Computer Engineering program is based on four year American Bachelor Degrees. The first year of the program is dedicated to the study of basic sciences and mathematics which provide the student with engineering fundamentals. The second and third year are mainly composed of basic engineering courses besides fundamental courses of computer engineering. The Curriculum of the program includes elective courses, which give an opportunity to students to improve their professional skills according to their interests. Some of them are nontechnical and free elective courses, the remaining are technical electives. The requirements for a Diploma in Computer Engineering include the completion of minimum of 240 ECTS credits of formal course work and 60 days of approved practical training.
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Job Opportunities ? Working as lecturers or researchers for universities or research centers, ? Working for companies such as banks, airline industries, government departments,
consulting companies, and computer organizations that run large computer based systems, and firms specifying computer equipment for a certain application, ? Implementing data communication systems and Internet technologies, ? Designing and developing hardware components and interface cards for comput systems, ? Managing and working in high level software development projects, ? Maintaining and administering distributed databases and corporate local area networks.
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STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
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he primary mission of the Student Affairs Office is to support the University's Core Values and Mission by serving as the "office of academic records" for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and the general public. The Office's major objectives include establishing and managing accurate and timely curricular and student academic records; providing efficient, knowledgeable, and respectful delivery of services related to those records; transcript processing, enrollment verifications, scheduling, course registration, maintaining records on the student database, processing class lists and graduation applications and implementing and enforcing institutional, professional, and legal standards and regulations related to academic records in a fair, honest, and consistent manner. These goals/objectives and their associated activities encourage collaboration and cooperation between the Student Affairs Office and the constituencies it serves - students, alumni, faculty, administration and staff, and the public in a customer-friendly and helpful environment – while preserving the integrity of the institution's academic records.
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STUDENT AFFAIRS INFORMATION SYSTEM Student Affairs Information System (SAIS) is an interactive system where you can manage most of your procedures within the computer medium. You can access your SAIS page from URL https://sais.epoka.edu.al/ or simply by following the SAIS link present within the Quick Links of Epoka Home Page. From the login page using your Student ID number and password (you can get your password form Student Affairs Office) you can access your SAIS page.
Your Home Page includes information regarding your credential information, your messages, your registered courses and etc.
Using Academics link you can access Registration, Transcript, Grade Calculation, Weekly Schedule, Attendance and similar pages which are related with your academic status.
Registration Page Registration page is the page where you can access following information and register your courses to be taken. Interim Grades Grades entered into the system for courses the student has taken during the year are displayed. Attendanceiii Attendance records entered into the system for courses the student has taken during the year are displayed. Curriculumiii Table indicating courses the student is required to take during 8 semesters. iii
Courses I am Required to Take Includes main courses the student has failed, main courses the student has not taken in previous semesters, and main courses of the current semester respectively as well as a link for area and nonarea elective courses. iii
Courses I Have Selected List of courses the student has selected and section for final approval. After course registration has been approved, the student cannot make any changes in the program. In case of probable mistakes, advisors have an option for cancelling course registration. iii
Departmental Courses The student uses this section to select nonarea elective courses and obtain information about courses offered by departments. 21
GUIDELINE ON THE USAGE OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATION MEDIA
Objective Article 1 - The objective of this guideline is to define the necessary principles for the appropriate, effective and impressive usage of the informatics and communication medias (e-mail, network, wireless network, computers, visual and audio systems, telephones) in academic and administrative units within University as well as of the technological devices and services necessary for education activities. Scope Article 2 - This guideline covers all the activities of students and academic, administrative and technical personnel within University using each kind of informatics and communication media in all units of the University. The other personnel of the public or private sector, who takes part in joint projects between University and other institutions, are also obliged to obey the articles of this guideline. Usage Principles of Informatics and Communication Medias Article 3 - Users are obliged to use the informatics and communication media and other similar devices in accordance with the principles of the University. On the other hand, the non-academic but social-based usage of the devices mentioned above cannot be prohibited by the University as long as it is not in a conflict with the principles of the University. Faulty actions against guideline Article 4 - The following actions constitute an improper usage of the informatics and communication media, thus they are not allowed. a) Transgressive usage of the informatics and communication media as regards the Albanian Law and international agreements b) Commercial usage of the informatics and communication media for advertisement and sales without the permission of the University c) Usage and Installation of unlicensed and illegal programs d) Usage of network connection, band width and storage areas not in accordance with education goals e) Sending and knowingly storing immoral and offensive documents that violate personal rights f) Unauthorized and unsanctioned usage of informatics media with somebody else’s username and password g) Attempting to break someone's password (installation and usage of programs such as Trojan, Key logger and Spyware) h) Viewing, changing and destroying the documents of the members of the University without permission and spreading every kind of virus i) Acting with the aim of preventing other users from performing their activities j) Catching, monitoring, changing, and attempting to change the packets in network k) Opening a domain or username account under the name of a group or club whose owners are unknown, without the permission of the authorities of the University Audit. Article 5 - The University guarantees principally that it will not audit and monitor personal e-mails and folders on the personal computers of the academic and administrative personnel and that it will not tap their lines. However, on condition that there are serious complaints about the improper usage of the said informatics and communication media and proofs related with that, the right to monitor the channels and informatics media provided for users with the written approval of the Rector’s Office is preserved. On the said conditions, the right to monitor is possible only with the written permission and direction of the Rector’s Office.
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GUIDELINE ON THE USAGE OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATION MEDIA
In the writing of the Rector’s Office prescribing the said monitoring and recording, the personal information of the person, whose activities are to be monitored, the beginning and ending date of the action and the type of monitoring and recording are defined. The monitoring and recording actions of the Information Systems Center and other technical personnel to be held in accordance with Article 4 and within the frame of the written instruction are kept secret and they are not considered as crime. Unauthorized Audit Article 6 - The unauthorized monitoring and recording actions of the Information Systems Center and other academic, administrative and technical personnel with the exception of the way and scope set out in Article 5 are strictly forbidden and the necessary administrative and judicial criminal proceedings about the ones who do not act accordingly will be carried out by the Rector’s Office in cooperation with the competent institutions and sanctions within the frame of the relevant legislation will be imposed. When necessary, whether the Information Systems Center or other departments or people are involved in such unauthorized monitoring and recording actions can be ascertained by experts nominated by the Rector’s Office. Article 7 - On condition that there are serious complaints and evidences on the improper usage of informatics media, an "Informatics Crimes Investigating Commission" composed of three people is nominated by the Rector’s Office to investigate the said actions and claims. One member of the commission has to be a representative of the University Information Systems Center and another one has to be a representative of the Department of the person subject to this investigation. The Commission is required to complete its duty within fifteen days and submit its report to the Rector’s Office. The Commission shall not prepare its report without receiving the defence position of the person subject to this investigation. The statements of the user, information on evaluating other evidences attained and the outline of the investigation and opinions of the Commission members are included in the report. Privacy Article 8 – The Commission reports are confidential and shall not be given or made public to third parties other than University Administrative Board and the person subject to this agreement. A legal action will be initiated against the persons who do not act accordingly. Announcement of the decisions Article 9 - People subject to investigations are notified of the decisions on themselves. The competent institutions are informed by the Rector’s Office on the actions considered to be crime as regards other legislation articles. Exception against Decision Article 10 - An exception against the decisions of the commission can be performed within fifteen days; the University Administrative Board comes to a conclusion on the said exception within one month at the latest. It is possible to apply for an administrative procedure against the decisions on the exception. Entrance into force Article 11 - This guideline was adopted by the Decision No. 4 of the Senate of the EPOKA University in the Meeting No. 1, dated 14/09/2007 and entered into force on 14/09/2007. No legal action can be taken against actions in the scope of this guideline but performed prior to enforcement date Enforcement Article 12 - This guideline is enforced by the Rector of EPOKA University
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LIBRARY SERVICES Location onsisting of a reading hall for studying, reading books, magazines and newspapers and of a bookcase hall where books and magazines are kept, our Library will continue to serve students at the same place allocated for it on the fourth floor until its new building in the Airport Campus is finished. At the same time, Epoka University Library has subscribed to a considerable part of the listed collections of EBSCOhost, one of the most important electronic database collections. The collections which contain 39.397 full text titles - may be acceded electronically from any place by Epoka University users who have been duly granted a password. At the same time, external users can benefit from EBSCOhost services at the e-Library premises located in the first floor by making a pre-registration. Services Circulation (books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, etc); EBSCOhost electronic database collection; Purchase of books, magazines etc, which Epoka University users request to see in the library;
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Working Hours Weekdays: 08:00 - 20:00 Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00 Sunday: Closed How to benefit from our library? a)Membership Membership registration is required for the first time of applying to the Library. At the time of registration, students must submit to the Circulation Desk the ID number and email address assigned to them by the University. For issues related to library membership, please contact the Circulation Desk (library@epoka.edu.al). b)Catalogue research and circulation It is sufficient to arrive to the Library and search on the Catalogue Research computers or click on the Catalogue Research link under Library title on EPOKA University web page; search by author, title, publishing house, subject or keyword, and to get the publication from its shelf shown on the search screen with its respective Classification/Call Number. Our university serves by open-shelf system. It is possible to reach books and magazines in the library directly thanks to this system. Publications are placed on shelves according to their subjects. Before taking out the publication you borrow, you need to check out at the Circulation Desk. Epoka University Library Directive and Rules Aim Article 1- This directive has been prepared for the purpose of enabling users to benefit from library resources regularly and efficiently and for the aim of protecting these resources. Definitions Article 2 – The following terms herein shall have the meanings specified below: The University: means Epoka University. The Library: signifies the University Library. The Student: means the matriculated students of the University. The Staff: designates the full-time and part time academic and administrative staff of the University. The User: signifies the Student and the Staff and the guest users from outside the University determined by the University Administration. The Resources: mean the books, journals, bound journals, audio-visual materials, etc. and rare works having special value.
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LIBRARY SERVICES Scope Article 3- This directive covers the methods and principles regarding the use and lending of the resources and the sanctions to be enforced in case of failure of compliance. Use of Resources inside the Library: Article 4 – Users who benefit from the resources inside the library must abide by the following rules: a) Guest users may benefit from the resources by the permission of the Library Administration. b) Consuming food and beverages or using tobacco and tobacco products in public areas of the Library is prohibited. c) Patrons are responsible for protecting the personal property they have with themselves. In case personal property is stolen or lost, the library staff can by no means be held responsible. d) It is forbidden to use mobile phones, talk loudly and make noise in public areas of the Library. Borrowing Article 5- Resources may be borrowed by patrons who are students and/or staff members in accordance with the following rules: a) Only resources other than reference sources such as theses, reserved publications, unbound journals, dictionaries and encyclopedias and precious rare works may be borrowed. Resources that cannot be borrowed may be used through paid photocopy. b) Borrowers must show their University ID cards during the transaction of borrowing. Resources cannot be borrowed on behalf of someone else. c) Borrowing is limited to a certain period of time. A borrowed resource needs to be returned until the final date of return. If the borrowed resources are not overdue, the loan period may be extended once. d) The Library Administration has the right to require the borrower to return the borrowed resource before its due return date. The recalled resource must be returned to the library within three days at the latest. e) All the responsibility for borrowed resources belongs to the borrower until the due return date. f) A returned resource may be borrowed by the same user after at least two business days have elapsed from the due return date. Depending on the type of the resources, types of borrowers and loan periods determined for them and the maximum number of resources a patron may borrow are specified in Table 1. Table 1: Table for Use of Borrowed Resources Loan period (days)
Resource
Patron
Book
Pre-undergraduate/Undergraduate 15 students 15 Graduate students 20 Staff
Maximum number of check-outs (items) 3 5 5
Graduate students Magazine
5
2
3
3
Staff
Other resources
Preundergraduate/Undergraduate students Graduate students Staff
Overdue Fees Article 6 – In case borrowed items are not returned on their due dates: a) The patron must pay an overdue fee for every item she/he has returned to the library after its due date. b) The overdue fee is calculated by multiplying the number of overdue days with the daily overdue fee. The daily overdue fee is determined according to resource types and announced by the Library Administration.
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LIBRARY SERVICES Lost or Damaged Resources Article 7 – In case borrowed items are lost or damaged by the patron: a) The patron notifies the Library Administration of the loss or damage case through the Library Item Loss-Damage Form. b) In case a borrowed item is not returned to the library within 3 months after its due date, it is considered a lost item and the Library Administration arranges a Library Item Loss-Damage Form. c) The patron must pay the library the Resource Loss Fee for obtaining a resource identical with the item she/he has lost or damaged or an equivalent if she/he cannot find the same. The Resource Loss fee is determined by the Library Administration taking into account cargo and other costs. The patron must pay the Resource Damage Fee determined by the Library Administration for items which she/he has damaged and which are repairable. d) The patron must also pay an overdue fee for the period elapsing from the due date of the items she/he has lost or damaged until the Library Item Loss-Damage Form has been arranged. Paid Use Article 8- By the Library Administration's proposal and the University Administration's approval, use of some resources for a fee may be allowed in accordance with special rules. In this case, the patron pays a Resource Use Fee determined by the Library Administration. Payment of Fees Article 9 – Fees such as Overdue Fee, Resources Damage Fee, Resource Loss Fee, and Resource Use Fee are deposited as library debt in a bank account determined by the University. Bank receipts of the payments must be present to the library. In case of any disagreement, library records are valid. Enforceable Sanctions Article 10 – The following sanctions are enforced for those who act against the articles of this directive: a) Patrons who have unpaid library debts cannot borrow any library resource. b) In case irreplaceable rare resources are lost or damaged (especially in case of irretrievable loss or damage), the responsible patrons' library membership is frozen for two years. In such cases, the Resource Damage Fee or Resource Loss Fee is determined specially. In addition, disciplinary investigation is opened against the responsible people and other sanctions are enforced. c) In case patrons behave improperly in the library, damage library resources, check out resources illegally, lose or damage resources repeatedly and deliberately and violate the rules stated in the directive, the library staff writes an official report about them. These people are barred from using the library for one year by the University Administration, disciplinary investigation is opened against them and other sanctions are enforced. Enforcement Article 13- This directive is enforceable by the Rector of Epoka University.
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EBSCOhost
EBSCOhost is a subscription-based service provided by EBSCO Publishing. It is widely-accessible via private and public databases in libraries and schools. EBSCOhost is an umbrella term for various other databases which provide full text searches and abstracts of magazines, newspapers and reference books in a variety of subject areas, updated on a daily basis. Epoka Users can search all of the subscribed databases, or focus their search on a subset. ome databases have overlapping information, and are targeted to different sectors, such as libraries, K-12 schools, corporations, government institutions, universities, or medical institutions. The database collection of Epoka University is listed below. You may access EBSCOhost Search page either form URL http://search.ebscohost.com/ or from EBSCOhost icon in the Epoka Home Page within the Epoka Campus.
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? Academic
Search Complete Search Complete -- Publications ? Business Source Complete ? EBSCO Publishing Citations ? ERIC ? GreenFILE ? Health Source - Consumer Edition ? Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition ? Image Collection ? Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts ? MAS Ultra - School Edition ? MasterFILE Premier ? MEDLINE ? Newspaper Source ? Professional Development Collection ? Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection ? Regional Business News ? Religion and Philosophy Collection ? Teacher Reference Center ? TOPICsearch Total Numbers of full text titles: 39,397 Number of full text journals: 12,736 Number of Abstracted and Indexed Journals 18,054 Number of citations: 4,800 Number of links to fultext documents: 317,000 Number of searchable documents: 1,300,000 Cover-to-cover full text for 185 national (U.S.) and international newspapers Full text television and radio news transcripts from CBS News, CNN, CNN International, FOX News, NPR, etc. Selective full text for 392 regional (U.S.) newspapers ? Academic
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HEALTH, CULTURE AND SPORTS OFFICE
This Office organizes all kinds of social, cultural and sportive activities and sheltering and health services at our university. Actually five student clubs of the university organize their activities by the support of Culture Branch Office serving under this Health, Culture and Sports Office. Student clubs issue various magazines, newspapers and bulletins and hold congresses, concerts, charity fairs, book fairs, art exhibitions, and lots of scientific and cultural organizations. Also, prominent politicians, artists, authors and academicians of our country are invited to conferences, panels, talk programs. Such kind of activities is realized by these Branch Offices under Health, Culture and Sports Office and the distribution is shown below. Dormitories Branch Office ormitories for male and female students - with whom the University maintains contractual relations - offer accommodation opportunities to our students and areorganized in such a way as to facilitate students’ success both in the academic work and in social life. New students may apply for a place in the dormitories as soon as they have completed their registration. Dormitories provide students with: • Internet room where students can meet all the computer needs. • Canteen with a wide range of food and drinks to fulfil the student needs. • Rooms for 2 or 4 residents. • Organization of trips and excursions. • Billiard and table tennis. • Opportunity to participate in cultural and sport activities. • Parking facilities For further information about dormitories, please apply to Dormitories Branch Office For Female Students; Address: Rruga “Gjon Muzaka”, Përballë minibashkisë nr.10. Tiranë Web: www.horizontetereja.org E-mail: horizontetereja@yahoo.com Tel: +355 42 378 782 Cel: 0672087021 For Male Students; Address: Rruga e Durrësit, Sheshi “Rilindja”, Tiranë Web: www.horizontetereja.org E-mail: horizontetereja@yahoo.com Tel: +355 42 378 782 Cel: 0672087048
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HEALTH, CULTURE AND SPORTS OFFICE Culture Branch Office
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he cultural services in our Administrative Directorate are carried out by the Culture Branch Office. Carrying out these activities, the Directorate performs many activities by relating to interests of the person for the reason of valuing the free time of the students; facilitating to the social and cultural developments; having them acquired relaxing and entertainment habits with their new interest areas; procuring them to follow the activities related to the fine arts and making them participate in these activities if they want. The aim of this Office is to arrange cultural and art activities, to open art and photograph exhibitions, hold concerts, theatre plays and similar organizations and to make our students benefit from such activities extensively. Another aim of us is to support student clubs for their organizations. With regard to carrying out these social and cultural activities, the Culture Branch Office works with the HCSA, Art Boards of Faculties and Student Clubs in a coordinated way. Sport Branch Office his unit organizes sports activities at our university as well as intra-university and inter-university tournaments, establishes university teams and trains them, arranges sports courses for our students and personnel and it also operates the sports facilities. In addition to the sports activities, the Office invites successful sportsmen to the university so that students can benefit from their guidance.
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Counselling Service he aim of this service is to help our students in solving their individual, social, familial and similar problems that they might face during their education. Besides, in order to know themselves better, tests are applied in comply with their needs, and individual and collective counseling sessions are carried out. Our principles are: Privacy, Trust and Respect for Human Rights.
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You may consult our Guidance and Counseling Center if you want to; analyze your personality; improve your self-confidence; express yourself better; use time efficiently and define your priorities; cope up with the difficulties of university atmosphere; stay away from being pessimistic and alone; come over the test anxiety and stress; communicate well; make decisions about your future; make plans to study and to be successful.
Career Planning Center his Center analyses successful companies in our country, determines work-force qualifications demanded, and arranges seminars, courses and conferences in order to make our students improve themselves accordingly. In addition to giving seminars on different areas, the Center gives counseling services for the students that are planning to go abroad for education. These services include about acceptance, examinations and scholarships of foreign universities. dvisors identify the tendencies and interests of the students during their undergraduate studies and students are assisted in their choice of the proper jobs for themselves. The Center also prepares a company catalogue in order to inform students about their favorite work places and sectors.
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HEALTH, CULTURE AND SPORTS OFFICE At the same time, the Center organizes Career Days to bring businessmen and students together. The Main Activities of Career Planning Center: The Center: • prepares seminars and conferences in order to inform students about busines life; • organizes technical visits to related industrial premises for students to gainexperience; • provides apprenticeship training to students; • organizes Career Days; • makes vocational education tests; • makes interviews with graduates and defines their professional tendencies; • prepares a company catalogue which includes necessary information about business life; • supports related student clubs in their activities related to career planning; • receives part-time job applications by students and makes evaluations; • organizes "Foreign Education Days" seminars in order to inform the students; • publishes the magazine titled "The Youths’ Career" to present alternative business conditions. Health Center n addition to first aid, examination and counselling services, this unit also makes discounts for students who apply for contracted private hospitals by referral if necessary. Students/staff of Epoka University can use the Health Center during the day for general medical problems, and should call for urgent medical matters. This center will soon announce the discount of services in hospitals, medical centers, dental clinics and other healthcare providing units. Students’ Council he unit is composed of student representatives elected democratically in order to forward demands from students to the University Administration and to contribute to educational activities at the university. The fundamental objective of Epoka University Students’ Council is to ensure both the academic development of students and their social and personal growth. Therefore, the university environment is designed to enhance the students' academic performance while also advancing their social, artistic, athletic, cultural and intellectual skills.
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To meet this objective, the Students' Council organizes and encourages the students' participation in a wide range of activities: • Study and Communication Skills Workshops • Community Service and Volunteer Work • Students’ Clubs • Student Social Events • Career Development and Placement Programs • Enhancing Campus Life • Student Development and Counselling Services Students’ Clubs tudents’ involvement in diverse clubs and organizations can be one of the most enriching aspects of the university experience. Clubs and organizations are a wonderful place to make friends, build leadership skills, and meet people who share interests similar to yours. For such reasons, Epoka University sponsors the Club Guide, which includes a description and contact information for most clubs and organizations. The University offers a variety of clubs and organizations that meet everyone’s interest.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS
General Principles Article 1 - This directive covers the provisions pertinent to Epoka University's faculty and Departments undergraduate education and exams and assessments. Basis Article 2- This Regulation has been prepared on the basis of Albanian Higher Education laws and Statute of Epoka University. Student Affairs Article 3- This regulation explains all the Faculties in Epoka University of those finishing the learning process successfully by explaining the definition degree of faculties and the departments, if necessary also other academic programs, the diploma of engineering providing faculties, other undergraduate programs provided by faculties and departments are given the undergraduate diploma. The degree of undergraduate students of new faculties and department are to be defined by the Senate of the University. Student Affairs Article 4 – The Administrative Boards of Faculties determine student lateral transfers, education and exam issues. The student can object to the Administrative Board of the Faculty regarding these decisions within fifteen days. Issues of student discipline and proceedings will be conducted according to the "Epoka University Student Discipline Regulation". Student Acceptance and Enrollment Article 5 – Students are accepted to the faculties of Epoka University according to the results of the Entrance Examination. Albanian students are accepted in an ascending order according to the Entrance Examination results and high school GPA. Foreign students are accepted according to the decision of the Rector’s Office upon the proposal of Faculties on foreign students’ quotas. Foreign students are accepted upon success at different exams at their countries.
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tudents qualified by the Entrance Exam and international students of the foreigner quotas in the university can attend the English proficiency exam. Students successful in international English Language Exams are exempted from the English Proficiency Exam. The students failing to pass the English Proficiency Exam should attend the English Preparatory School.
uring the registration period, students are required to sign the education contract with the University. During the education period, the student is committed to adapt to the regulation, directives and to the related laws of the Republic of Albania. Moreover, it is required that candidates should not be registered at any other institution of higher education. Final registration dates, required documents and guidelines are determined and announced by the Administrative Board of the University. Upon fulfilment of the registration procedures, the candidate becomes an Epoka University student and is entitled to all students' rights. Students who do not complete the definitive registration in the faculty within the defined time period, are considered retired and are unprivileged to any right. Students that are excused from compliance with the above instructions can do the final registration by means of their relatives. Uncompleted, wrong or partial documentation causes the interruption of the relations between the student and the university.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS Advising Article 6 - To each student, the relevant department assigns a lecturer as an advisor. Such advisor assesses the student throughout his/her training at the University. The student is responsible for renewal and registration for each semester and when completing or renewing registration for any semester, the student fills in the registration form and obtains the approval of the advisor. Registration Renewal Article 7 - Epoka University students shall renew their registration for each semester at the faculties they are enrolled pursuant to the procedure laid out by the Administrative Board of the relevant faculty. Registration renewals are to be made within the time specified in the academic calendar. Students failing to pay the tuition fee as fixed by the University shall not be allowed to renew their semester registrations. Such students shall not be able to attend courses and take exams. Delayed tuition fees shall be charged from the student next semester with the addition of a 10% fine. Any semester for which no tuition fee has been paid shall be deemed to be within the overall academic terms to be completed at the University. Failure to renew registration for two consecutive semesters shall cause the student to be dismissed from the University. Identity Card Article 8 – Students who complete their final registration in accordance with Article 5 herein or who renew their registration in accordance with Article 7 herein shall be given and identity card with photo remaining valid for one year, demonstrating that they are students of University. Lateral and Vertical Transfers Article 9 - Transfers to the faculties of Epoka University are subject to the quotas to be defined by the Administrative Board of the relevant Faculty, which also carries out the matriculation activities. In accordance with this Article, students matriculated at the faculties of Epoka University are awarded a diploma only after completing two semesters at the least. Education Article 10 - An academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The normal period of the fall and spring semesters is fourteen weeks. If necessary, the University Senate may extend the duration period of the semester. The starting and ending dates and examination periods of each semester are announced in the academic calendar determined by the Senate. No classes and exams are held on official holidays. But if necessary, the education activities proposed by the relevant unit and by Senate approval can also be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays. Period of Study, Method and Language Article 11 - The maximum period of study granted to students enrolled at the undergraduate programs of the University is ten years. The education program includes theoretical and applied courses, applications, projects and studios, laboratories and workshops, practical studies, applied land studies, seminars, graduation projects, and internships and so on as set forth in academic programs. Unless otherwise agreed, the duration of each course is one semester. The medium of instruction at the University is the English language. Some courses at certain programs can be held in other language by the proposal of the Senate and approval of the Higher Board of the University.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS Education Programs Article 12 - Education at the faculties of Epoka University is conducted pursuant to the academic programs agreed upon by the Faculty Boards and accepted by the Senate. The elective courses of the study programs at Epoka University are composed of the internally elective courses provided by the respective department as well as by the externally elective courses provided by the other departments of the University on a semester basis. From the beginning of the third semester onwards, students who have successfully fulfilled the requirements of all of their courses in previous semesters and who have a minimum GPA of 3.00 may take one course from a semester of the following year with the approval of the advisor, or those who have a GPA of 3.50 or above may take two courses from a semester of the following year with the approval of the advisor. After the final registration, if the student submitted a certificate notifying that he has attended another undergraduate program successfully, he has the right to be exempted from the courses taken before during the add-drop week. The decision for the exempt courses is taken by the related Administrative Board of the Faculty after having analysed the courses. In the event that any student has not been able to complete the normal course load due to being exempted from some courses, not being able to pass prerequisite courses, having used the semester leave, or being in a position to participate in the international exchange programs, then the student can be given courses from two following semesters by the decision of the Administrative Board of the Faculty. However, the total course load within the semester can not exceed the normal course load. He/she can continue to add the courses with no prerequisites, unsuccessful courses or courses never taken of previous semesters. Prerequisite Courses Article 13 - Any prerequisites with respect to taking any specific course shall be implemented according to the education program made by the relevant departments which are determined by the Faculty Board. Registration, Adding and Dropping Courses Article 14 - Each student must attend the courses, applied studies, laboratories, projects, seminars, workshops, graduation projects and other studies of the semester s/he is enrolled for. Students must primarily take the courses which they have failed in previous semesters, FD and FF, and those which they have not taken until then. These courses will be given in the time order of the previous semesters. The student, with his/her advisor’s approval, may withdraw from one or more courses, or register for other courses within two weeks following the beginning of each semester. Students who have not attended at least 70% of theoretical courses and 80% of applied and laboratory studies are not allowed to take the final exam of those courses. Graduation Project Article 15 - The competent boards of the units providing higher education take decisions for students to submit a thesis, project, seminar, practice, research etc. when finishing the undergraduate studies, thus demonstrating that the student has completed the educational cycle and is formed professionally. The rules, submission, exam, and evaluation of the completion study is also predefined by the mentioned boards. The completion study is to be performed in the eight semester of the academic program. The thesis about the completion study relying on the predefined conditions can be announced to the students in advance. 33
REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS Grades, Examinations and Achievement Article 16 - For each course they have taken, students are awarded the following grades in letters by the lecturer of the course as the final grade of achievement for that course.
Letter Grade AA BA BB CB CC DC DD FD FF
Coefficient 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00
* 90-100 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 50-59 0-49
10 9 8 8 7 6 5 4 0
* System Grade over 100, the grade equivalence in transcript Grades not included in the averages are the following: I – Incomplete, S – Satisfactory, T – Transfer, U – Unsatisfactory, P – Progressive, EX – Exempt, NI – Not Included, NA – Non-Attendant
The (I) grade is awarded by the instructor to a student who failed to complete the requirements of a course due to illness or other valid reason although s/he was successful during the term. In the event that a student receives an (I) grade for a course, s/he must receive a grade by completing the previously unfulfilled requirements within fifteen days from the announcement date of the grades. Otherwise, the (I) grade will automatically turn into an (FF). However, in the case of long-lasting illness or a similar situation, the term for the (I) grade may be extended till the beginning of the following registration term, upon a proposal by the relevant department and subject to the approval of the relevant Administrative The (S) grade is given to students who pass the courses not included in the averages. The (T) grade is given to the students who transfer from a national or international institution of higher education to the University or do a lateral transfer in the institution, or attended student exchange programs or preparation schools of undergraduate programs to indicate equivalence with respect to previously taken courses, upon a proposal by head of relevant department and subject to approval of the relevant Administrative Board of the Faculty. The (T) grade is not included in students’ averages.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS The (U) grade is awarded to students who fail to pass courses taken as non credit courses, which are courses not included in point averages and courses taken at preparation schools or during the student exchange program. The (P) grade is given to students who successfully pursue courses not included in point averages. The (EX) grade is given to students who have passed the exemption tests administered by the relevant department with regard to courses specified by the Senate. The (EX) grade is not included in GPAs. The (NI) grade is given with respect to non-credit courses taken within the academic program (s) the student are enrolled at. This grade is indicated on the student’s transcript along with the grade in letters the student has received from the relevant course. This grade is not taken into account in enrolled program or related point average calculations. Courses in which students have scored (NI) cannot be repeated. The (NA) grade is given to students who have failed to fulfil the requirements of attending a course or course applications. The (NA) grade is treated as an (FF) when calculating GPA. Failure, Achievement, Honor and High Honor Article 17 – A student passing a course with CC is considered as successful. A student who takes FD and FF from a course, is considered as unsuccessful and has to repeat that course. A student with a grade point average of 2.00 and above and without a FD or FF grade in a course in the program is considered as successful. Students should pass all the courses in the program in order to satisfactorily complete the undergraduate preparation program. Students whose GPA is below 1.80 are put on probationary status. Students on probation status at the end of the fourth semester can not take courses from the fifth semester and over until student meets the conditions of the probation. In order to leave the probation status, the student principally repeats some of the courses with a grade below CC. Otherwise, the student can not take the courses of the proceeding years. At the end of each semester, students who have achieved all the courses of that semester and whose semester GPA is between 3.00 - 3.49 are placed in the honors list, and students whose semester GPA is between 3.50 - 4.00 are placed in the high honors list. Increasing Grade Point Average Article 18 - Students wishing to increase their grade point averages (GPA) can take the courses they ook in previous semesters again. The last grade received by the student with respect to any course will be valid when calculating the GPA. Determination of Grades Article 19 – The final grade of a course includes all the studies (mid-term exams, quizzes, land studies, practices, assignments, projects, workshops, seminars, attendance, laboratory studies, etc.) within a semester with respect to such course and the result of the final examination according to the performance evaluation system of the course. The relevant lecturer announces the achievement evaluation system regarding the courses to be offered within one week following the beginning of each semester. The achievement grades of a course are submitted to the relevant administrative unit within the time specified in the academic calendar and the results are announced by the Student Affairs Office. Examination Period Article 20 - There is a period of examinations at the end of the courses of each semester. The period of examinations is extended to cover the number of days in which examinations could not be held due to reasons acceptable to the relevant Administrative Board. The graduation project examination is held within the week following the final examination period. The examinations regarding the laboratories, applied and land studies, and others where the results of such studies shall be considered with a view to granting the right to take exams, can also be held after such studies are over. 35
REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS
Programs and Locations of Examinations, Make-up Exams Article 21 - The final examination programs in a semester are decided upon and announced at least two weeks before the beginning of the examination period by the relevant Administrative Boards. The exams are held in the University buildings at the date, venue and time specified in the programs. However, exams with regard to courses and practices held on land can take place on land and in extramural venues. In case student miss the final exam, it is impossible a make-up exam. Students who cannot take the final examination on account of their excuses shall provide documentation in support of their excuses and apply to the Student Affairs Office within at the latest one week following the date of the exam, together with a petition. A make-up exam shall be given to students whose excuses have been accepted by the relevant Administrative Board of the Faculty in the following semester. Examination Method Article 22 - Examinations are generally held in a written form. However, the instructor of the course may decide to conduct the exam in the form of an oral exam, project or assignment on condition that s/he states it on the course information form (syllabus) within two weeks after the semester begins. Examinations are arranged and conducted by the instructors teaching the courses. In the event that the responsible lecturer is not at the University on the exam day, by whom the exam shall be supervised shall be determined by the head of the relevant academic unit on recommendation of the course lecturer. Objections to Examination Results Article 23 - A student may object to the result of a final examination by submitting a petition to the Student Affairs Office within one week following the announcement of final grades. The objection is assessed by the relevant instructor in terms of material mistakes and the application is finalized by the relevant Administrative Board upon a proposal by the department offering the course. Summer Term Training Article 24 - The summer school shall be carried out in accordance with the "Epoka University Regulations for Summer School". Graduation Article 25 - The credit value of a course consists of all of the weekly theoretical class hours plus half of the weekly class hours of practices, laboratories, projects and workshops. Semester and Cumulative GPA Article 26 - A student's Semester Point Average is computed by multiplying the numerical grade received in each course by the number of credits offered for each course, then dividing by the total number of credit hours studied during the term. Two digits after the comma in the division are rounded to the next whole number. A student's GPA is computed by multiplying the numerical grade received in each course by the number of credits offered for each course, then dividing by the total number of credit hours studied. However, only courses on the instructional program are considered when GPA is computed. Graduation and Diploma Article 27 - A student who has been successful in all courses through pursuing the faculty's academic program, increased his/her grade point average to at least (2.00), without having a FD or FF grade and shall be deemed to have met the requirements of graduation by the relevant Board decision and be awarded an undergraduate diploma stating the name of the faculty and the name of the program defined in Article 3.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS
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tudents at the graduation stage but who have FD or FF grades from a maximum of two courses and a GPA below 2.00 despite having no failed courses, are given the right to take additional examinations. Additional examinations are given for courses from which they have received FF, FD, DD and DC at the end of the relevant semester. In order to meet graduation requirement, a student is permitted to exercise his right to take additional exams once during his/her education. Students entitled to a diploma shall deliver a non-affiliate document to be obtained from the relevant units to be able to receive their diplomas. Miscellaneous and Final Decisions Reservation of Permissions and Rights Article 28 – The student can be granted a leave of absence at the most for four semesters, and two at once at the most, (on valid and acceptable reasons) subject to a decision by the Administrative Board of the Faculty provided that he/she applies at the latest within 30 days after the beginning of the academic year. The student has to pay one third of the tuition fees for each semester for which he/she has been granted a leave of absence. On account of epidemic, natural disasters, detention, economic reasons, imprisonment and abolition of the suspension of military obligation, such leave of absence can also be granted in mid-term, subject to a decision by the relevant Administrative Board of the Faculty. However, the tuition fee paid by students in these conditions is not refunded. In the event that a leave of absence is demanded, the student shall apply to the Student Affairs Office within twenty days at the latest following the occurrence of such reason and prove it by documentary evidence. The continuity of the said reasons is grounds for the extension of leave of absence by the Administrative Board. A student on a leave of absence during a semester cannot attend classes and take the final examinations of such semester. The usage in cultural and art activities of university and faculty symbols or names by the students is related to the permission of the Rector’s Office. Leaving the University Article 29 - Students wishing to leave the University at their own discretion shall apply in writing to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty. Such students' registration shall be removed subject to the delivery by them of a non-affiliate document to be obtained from the relevant unit. Upon request by any such student, a document demonstrating academic status and diplomas and other documents submitted when registering shall be given back to the student, except that tuition fees paid until then are non-refundable. Students Sent to Partner International Students Article 30 - Students can be sent to universities abroad for a semester or two through exchange programs based on agreements between Epoka University and international universities. Meanwhile student shall remain registered, and this shall be deemed to have completed part of his overall training at Epoka University. Intra-University Transfers Article 31 - Students who have completed at least two semesters in their programs other than the preparatory school may apply to the Student Affairs Office during the period specified in the academic calendar for transferring to another program within the University. Applications are finalized by the proposal of the department the student wants to transfer to and the decision of the relevant Administrative Board.
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REGULATION ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS Double major and minor programs Article 32 - Students, starting from the third semester, may pursue courses offered within a program at a department other than and in addition to their own, in compliance with the principles laid out by the University Senate. In addition to a diploma to be received upon completion of their registered program, students shall be entitled to a diploma if they achieve courses of a double major program, and they shall be entitled to a certificate if they achieve courses of a minor program. Associate Diploma Article 33 - Students who have achieved all courses of the first four semesters as well as the obligatory courses are granted an associate diploma of the relevant department, subject to having a grade point average of at least 2.00 and without having a FD or FF grade. Scholarship-Holding Students Article 34 - In order for a scholarship student enrolled at a Faculty to continue receiving scholarships for the following year, s/he should; a) Have no disciplinary records b) Complete the study period within maximum five years including preparatory class c) Fulfill the requirements of attendance in the Article 15 of this Regulation d) Fulfill the success criteria as established by the University Administrative Board. Performance in contrary manner shall result in the abolition of the said status as of the end of the relevant academic year. Entrance into force Article 35 - This regulation shall enter into force on the date of announcement from the Founding Company to the Higher Board. Enforcement Article 36 - The provisions herein are enforced by the Rector of Epoka University.
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EPOKA UNIVERSITY GENERAL EXAM RULES 1. The students must be present in the examination room at least 15 minutes before the commencement of the examination. Students must listen to the course professor or invigilator and follow their instructions quietly till the start of the examination. 2. Students are not permitted to enter the examination room later than fifteen minutes after the beginning of the examination. The course professor or invigilator is not obligated to give any extra time. Students are not allowed to leave the examination room until thirty minutes after the commencement of the examination. The students may leave the examination only with the permission of the course professor invigilator, who shall handle in the students' scripts. If the student leaves the examination room with any excuse before it has finished, he/she will not be allowed to continue the examination. 3. Every student is responsible in person for any kind of information, document, book or notes or blank paper (apart from the materials distributed for that examination), and piece of paper or anything that can be used for cheating, found at his desk or around. In such case the student, before the examination starts, must check his desk and ask the course professor or invigilator to change the assigned desk, in opposite case any of the pretensions raised by the student will not be accepted. 4. In the case of “closed-book” examinations, it is not allowed to take any book or other written or printed matter or blank paper or non-approved electronic devices like, pagers of any kind, cameras of any kind, IPODs, MP3 players, personal computers, Personal Digital Assistants (i.e. Palm Pilots), wristwatch computers or any other equipment which might give the student an unfair advantage, to their desk or a reachable place in the examination room. 5. Any annotations made by students on their examination question sheets, (including annotations indicating a choice of answer) must be made in a manner which ensures these notations are not visible to any other student. 6. Cell phones are to be switched off during the exam. Earplugs are not to be worn in the examination room. 7. Pens, rubbers, rulers, calculators, etc., must not be shared. Electronic manager/diary devices with a calculator function are not allowed. Students may use a calculator approved by the course professor in the examinations that requires the use of calculator. Calculators must not be in cases. 8. Bags and books are to be deposited in areas designated by the course professor or invigilator and are not to be taken to the examination desk or table. 9. In the case of "open book" examinations, any written or printed material including books, acts, etc is permitted. Rough working is to be done in the examination book or on the sheet provided, and clearly crossed out. 10.Possession of unauthorized material constitutes a breach of rules, whether intended to be used or not. In such case, the student will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification. 11. Epoka University’s standard exam sheet is the examination answer sheet to be used. When considered as rational for the course, the course professor or invigilator may give permission for usage of additional answer sheet. Additional exam sheet are not to be used when answers must be written in the questions sheet. 12. Students must write their name and ID number clearly on each answer sheet. 13. The course professor or invigilator has the authority to assign the seats to the students, and change their seats without any further explanation in order to keep examination integrity. 14. The course professor or invigilator must check students’ ID cards. Students are not allowed to enter to the examination room and take the exam addressing some other student. Students must place their identity cards in a position on their desk where they are clearly visible to the course professor or invigilator. 15. The course professor or invigilator has the authority to request the immediate leave of the room by any student who in his/her opinion is guilty of misbehavior. 16. Besides the explanations made by the course professor or a person authorized by him/her, 39 invigilators are not obliged to give any explanation related to exam questions.
EPOKA UNIVERSITY GENERAL EXAM RULES
17. Students must not communicate with each other in the examination room or copy from each other's answers. 18. Students shall not continue writing an answer or add anything to their answers after the invigilator has announced the time termination. The course professor or invigilator may refuse to accept the sheets of students who fail to obey to this requirement. 19. Students may not pass off the work of others as their own or quote the work of others without acknowledgement. Such action will be liable to academic penalty and may also be liable to severe disciplinary action. 20. Food must not be brought into the examination room. Caps or hats are not to be worn in the examination room. 21. In the unlikely event that the examination room needs to be evacuated, the student must follow the instructions issued by the course professor or invigilator in the room. Any infringement of these rules and related regulations may entail the penalty of the cancellation of the student’s examination. An official report will be submitted under which the necessary procedures will start.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS Purpose Article 1 - The purpose of this regulation is to define disciplinary rules students must obey to, procedures, authority in charge for setting out the penalties and sanctions, in case of student misconduct towards obligations charged from Albanian Law, Statute, Regulations and Directives of Epoka University, inside and outside University's premises. Students are subject to disciplinary sanctions also for forbidden acts or not in accords with student integrity and qualities. Scope Article 2 - This regulation contains disciplinary rules, disciplinary sanctions, disciplinary misconduct, authorities for setting out the penalties that may be applied where misconduct by a student is substantiated, disciplinary boards, disciplinary investigations, appeal against disciplinary sanctions and rules and procedures for sanctions execution, students of Epoka University are subject to. Legal Basis Article 3 - This Regulation is made under the "Higher Education Law of the Republic of Albania" and the Statute of Epoka University and its operation purpose. Definitions Article 4 - Definitions that are mentioned in this regulation: Related to University: Epoka University Faculties, application and research centers Student: People who study at an associate, undergraduate, graduate, doctorate program, specialty in medicine or proficiency in art Rustication from Epoka University: Means prohibiting any student from entering into buildings, gardens, annexes and establishments of Epoka University within a specific period of time. Disciplinary Punishments and Crimes Disciplinary Punishments Article 5 - Disciplinary punishments are stated below. Warning: It is announced to student by an inscribed letter implying the student that he is required to be more cautious on his behaviour and duties. Condemnation: It is announced to student by an inscribed letter implying the student that he is in fault on his behaviour and duties. Rustication from the Epoka University for one week to one month: It is announced to student by an inscribed letter implying student that he is rusticated from Epoka University from one week to one month and cannot benefit from student rights during this period. Rustication from Epoka University for one or two semesters: It is announced to the student by an inscribed letter implying the student that he is rusticated from higher education Epoka University for one or two semesters and cannot benefit from student rights during this period. Dismissal from Epoka University: It is announced to the student by an inscribed letter implying the student that he is dismissed from Epoka University without any forgiveness. Disciplinary crimes requiring warning punishments Article 6 a) Involvement in improper attitudes and behaviour against student dignity b) Behaving disrespectfully towards people, yelling, singing, playing an instrument, making noise in such a way to disturb others, and polluting the environment c) Not replying duly the questions of authorities without any justified reason d) Occupying the places that are reserved for academic staff and guests in meetings and ceremonies.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS Disciplinary crimes requiring condemnation punishments Article 7 a) Behaving improperly as a student in terms of esteem and trust b) Drawing pictures and figures on walls and movable properties at Epoka University c) Submitting incomplete or wrong documents to higher education authorities or not submitting at all. Hanging posters or bills in places apart from those determined by higher education authorities d) Interrupting academic activities such as lectures, seminars, practice, labs, workshops and conferences e) Attending such activities stated above as drinking alcohol or gambling. Disciplinary offences requiring rustication punishment from one week to one month Article 8 – a) Disturbing study, peace and welfare in Epoka University, restricting the right of learning and teaching directly and indirectly b) Involvement in behaviour violating order and program of ceremonies c) Participating political activities at Epoka University d) Occupying the seats reserved for academicians or guests at ceremonies and meetings even after warning e) Preventing executions of disciplinary investigations in a reliable environment f) Distributing leaflets or hanging banners or posters at Epoka University g) Allowing someone to use a document taken from the Epoka University providing rights to him/her or using a document which belongs to someone else h) Inscribing unethical writings, drawing or sticking amoral pictures on walls, doors, fixtures and etc. in Epoka University i) Tearing out, ripping, changing, scratching or staining the announcements, programs etc hanged by institution or by authorization of it. Disciplinary offences requiring rustication punishment for one or two semesters Article 9 – a) Threatening administrators, academicians or other staff of Epoka University, attacking their honor and self-esteem in a written or oral way, or insulting them b) Talking offensively against personalities or decisions of administrators in Epoka University individually or collectively, making publications as such and provoking students against them or attempting to do such activities c) Except for political or ideological purposes, attempting to activities such as boycott, invasion, obstruction or involving in such activities hindering services in higher education. d) Involving in activities which lead to polarizations in terms of language, religion, race and sect e) Assaulting students and Epoka University staff f) Writing ideological or political words, drawing such pictures, emblems or etc, and sticking them on fixtures, walls doors or etc, in the Epoka University h) Stealing i) Drinking alcoholic beverages in Epoka University j) Provoking students or other people for an activity hindering work in Epoka University k) Organizing or attending meetings at open or closed places belong to Epoka University without any permission, making statements as if a student representative, attending meetings or ceremonies in such a way l) Entering into building of the Epoka University although it is prohibited, violating this decision or entering into buildings closed by authorities, and damaging or harming .them m) Keeping, copying or distributing all kinds of publications which are prohibited in Epoka University n) Cheating, attempting to cheat or allowing someone to cheat in exams.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS Disciplinary Punishments requiring dismissal from University Article 10 – a) Removing students and officials out of the Epoka University by use of force and violence; preventing work or forcing students to behave as such b) Disturbing peace and working order for political and ideological purposes in Epoka University, or attending activities such as boycott, invasion, hindering, slowing down work of personnel and provoking such kind of activities c) Keeping, copying and distributing political and ideological leaflets, posters, banners, tapes in Epoka University, and writing and exhibiting these on walls and furniture of buildings, making verbal or written propaganda d) Forcing someone by threatening, to organize an activity regarded as a crime or to attend such an activity or to make a false statement or to make a false declaration or to take the blame e) Becoming a member of illegal organizations, organizing activities or affording assistance on behalf of these organizations f) Using, carrying, keeping or dealing narcotic drugs g) Being punished for the offenses against the government h) Carrying arms, knives, explosive substances and other instruments designed especially for attacking and defending, keeping them in Epoka University or being sentenced for these offenses, through the violation of the legislation on firearms, knives or other materials i) Founding open or secret clubs, societies and etc, in the buildings or annexes of Epoka University without any permission j) Cheating in an exam by threatening, preventing removal of cheating students out of the class, making someone to enter an examination instead of him/her self or entering for an examination instead of someone k) Preventing work related to disciplinary Investigations or work of disciplinary board by using force or threatening l) Raping m)Sheltering or hiding somebody wanted by security forces n) Preventing lessons or entering examinations in any way, moving students out of the class, and involving in activities provoking or forcing to do so o) Torturing or making someone to torture someone else or a group for whatever reason it is. Unforeseen Disciplinary Crimes Article 11 - Same disciplinary punishments are inflicted on students who have done similar actions, mentioned above and requiring disciplinary punishments, in terms of character and graveness. Repetition of Disciplinary Crime Article 12 - A severe punishment graver for one degree is applied when a disciplinary crime repeated during his studentship. As for third application of disciplinary punishments that require same degree of punishment but are given for different actions and situations, a severe punishment graver for one degree is given. Disciplinary Proceeding Authorities for Proceeding Article 13 a) Rector of the university regarding students’ actions in collective or common places b) Dean regarding disciplinary crimes of the respective Faculty students Authorities for proceeding can do the investigation by themselves or assign some other investigators to do. Concerning collective or permanent student actions, a board of adjustment and investigation, including as many members as required by the scope and content of the action, is established under the chairmanship of the Rector or Vice-Rector assigned by him including other academician members from the faculties. 43
REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS This board presents to the Rector the reasons of students' actions and the measures to be taken to prevent repetition in a report. Besides, regarding students who have been found guilty after proceedings, authorized disciplinary chief is offered to give warning, condemnation or rustication from one week to one month punishments, and university disciplinary board is offered for rustication punishment for one or two semesters or punishment of dismissal from Epoka University. Duration of the Proceeding Article 14 - Disciplinary proceeding is begun on the first working day following the day when event is learned. If the proceeding is to be carried out by assigning an investigator, then the relevant investigator shall be informed about this proceeding decision without any delay, the proceeding is concluded within 15 days latest since the date of approval. In the case that the proceeding cannot be completed within this period of time, the investigator shall demand additional time justifiably. Disciplinary chief who has given the proceeding order may extend the time for proceeding if he considers that necessary. Method of the Proceeding Article 15 - The investigator listens to the witnesses and can make surveys or consult an expert or prefer to make these done by interrogation if it is necessary. Each proceeding operation is confirmed by an official report. The Official Report is prepared as to state where and when the operation was done, what was the content of it, who involved in it, and to specify questions and answers if any statements taken. And it is signed by the investigator, clerk, witnesses or experts or by responsible people for the document in interrogation letter, ID, address and similar info about the witness is clearly stated. The witness is duly administered an oath and the form of this oath is written down. All the staff in Epoka University has to submit all kind of information, files and other documents to investigators without any delay and has to provide assistance when asked. Right of Defence Article 16 - The inquired student is informed in writing about the crime he/she is attributed to at least three days before his/her date of defence. In this written notice, the student is asked to be present for pleading at the date and time specified. If sending a written notice is impossible, then it is announced in specific places of the Epoka University concerned that the student must apply to the investigator to defend himself/herself. In the writ received by the student; it is noted that he will be considered to renounce his right of defence and be decided upon through depending on other evidence if he/she does not abide by the call without any justified reason or not make his excuse on time. Additional time is given to the student who has a valid excuse or found out to be not able to abide by the writ due to force majeure, or he/she asked to send his/her defence statement in a specified time. Arrested students are announced to send their defence in written form. Articles 35 and 37 of this regulation are applied for every sort of notification. Investigation; is carried out through allowing student to defend himself/herself properly. But it is not allowed to extend the investigation on the ground of defence. Proceeding Report Article 17 – A report is prepared when the proceeding has been completed. In this report, proceeding approval, beginning date of proceeding, identities of inquired students, subject of the crime, stages of investigation, proofs and received defence are summarized. Each crime item is analyzed one by one and discussed whether the crime is confirmed or not looking at the evidence and necessary disciplinary punishment is suggested for it if any, originals or copies of the documents are attached to the report. Proceeding report is submitted to the authority who conducted this investigation.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS Measures To Be Taken During the Investigation Article 18 - If it is found to be necessary by the investigators, they may ask inquirers may ask authorities for disciplinary investigation to come to a decision on keeping accused students out of the higher education departments during investigation. The decision of the authorities is applied. That the student changed his department in the Epoka University or preferred to study in another Epoka University or left the Epoka University for any reason after he had committed that disciplinary crime does not hinder conducting an investigation, its process and taking necessary decisions about it. Co-execution of Penal and Disciplinary Investigation Article 19 - That a penal prosecution has already been conducted about a student for the same action does not delay a disciplinary investigation, defendants being sentenced or not in accordance with the penal law does not impede execution of any disciplinary punishment. Finalization of the Investigation Article 20 – The inquiry report and file are studied carefully and finalized directly by the Deans of Faculties. Required investigations are handled within three days at the latest by the disciplinary board. If it is found to be necessary by the Dean or the disciplinary board, the same investigator or a member of disciplinary board may asked to complete some specific investigation proceedings that are considered deficient. Persons and Boards Authorized to Impose Disciplinary Punishments Article 21 – Disciplinary punishments such as warning, condemnation, and rustication from one week to one month are imposed directly by the Dean of Faculty. Disciplinary punishments such as rustication for one or two semesters and dismissal from Epoka University are imposed by the authorized disciplinary board. The Administrative Boards of the University and Faculties also serve as the disciplinary board of their own institutions. Assembling of Disciplinary Board Article 22 – The disciplinary board meets at the place, date and time specified upon the invitation by its chairman. Article 23 - The chairman of the board executes the preparation of the meeting agenda, the information of the board members and the proper conduct of the board's work. Meeting Quorum Article 24 – The meeting quorum of the Administrative Board as a disciplinary board is more than half of the whole number of members. Spokesmanship Article 25 – The duty of spokesmanship is carried out by a member charged by the chairman. The spokesman completes analysis of the file within two days at the latest and presents his report to the chairman. Discussion Method Article 26 – In the board, after listening statement of the spokesman, the issue begins to be discussed. The board may also listen to investigators if necessary. When it is concluded that the issue has been cleared and discussions are sufficient, voting is done and the decision is declared by the chairman. Voting Article 27 - Each member of the disciplinary board is charged with voting against or for. Abstaining vote is not acceptable. Decisions are taken by absolute majority. In the case of equal votes, the chairman's vote is decisive. Summary of the decision is determined by a minute signed by members. Decision Article 28 - The persons or disciplinary boards authorized to impose disciplinary punishments are autonomous about accepting or refusing the punishment suggested in the investigation report, and they can impose another disciplinary punishment provided that they give the necessary justification.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS Duration of Decision Article 29 - Authorities for disciplinary punishment have to decide within five days at the latest since the completion date of investigation about punishments concerning warning, condemnation and rustication from one week to one month. In cases where other disciplinary punishments should be imposed, the file is immediately referred to disciplinary board. The Board has to decide within ten days at the latest from the date of receipt. Points to be Taken into Account While Imposing a Disciplinary Punishment Article 30 - Authorities competent for disciplinary punishments, while determining and assessing one of these punishments, shall take into consideration the graveness of crime, intention and purpose of accused student, whether he had a disciplinary punishment before and whether he regrets for his crime. Punishment shall be one degree graver when a disciplinary crime is committed in his/her own institution along with students from other institution. As for collective disciplinary crimes, in the case that criminals cannot be detected individually, each student shall be punished in an appropriate manner by authorized persons and boards. Implementation and Objection Notification of Punishments Article 31- Punishment following the disciplinary investigation is notified by the authority for investigation: To the investigated student, To his/her parents or to his/her closest family member in case of their absence, To public or private organization or people granting scholarship or credit to that student, Disciplinary punishments can also be notified by announcement in relevant higher education Institutions or connected establishments if necessary. Implementation Article 32 - Disciplinary punishments are applied since the date of imposition unless otherwise specified by the authorities. Objection Period and Administrative Procedure Article 33 - It is impossible to apply to any superior authority for making an objection to punishments such as warning, condemnation, decided by the competent persons and rustication from university from one week to one month or for one or two semesters. It is possible to apply to the courts for the punishments stated in this regulation. It is possible to make an objection to the University Administrative Board within 15 days against the decision of dismissal from Epoka University taken by the disciplinary board. In case of objection, the University Administrative Board shall assess the decision and either accept or reject it. In case of rejection, the disciplinary board or the authorized person shall take a decision again taking into consideration the rejection by the University Administrative Board. As for decisions taken by University Administrative Board against the student, it is possible to apply to the competent courts. Prescription Article 34 – In this regulation, concerning students involved in acts or situations regarded as disciplinary crimes, from the date when such crimes are learned by authorized people for investigation, prescription is: One month for punishments such as warning, condemnation and rustication from the Epoka University from one week to one month, six months for punishments such as rustication from the Epoka University for one or two semesters or dismissal from the Epoka University, and if disciplinary investigation does not begin, authorization to impose disciplinary punishment drops due to prescription.
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REGULATION ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE AT EPOKA UNIVERSITY PART ONE / GENERAL PROVISIONS
If disciplinary punishment is not imposed within two years since the date of the involving in disciplinary crimes, authorization to impose punishment drops due to prescription. However, when the competent person or board needs a judicial decision, this prescription period starts from the day on which that decision has been confirmed. The mentioned need is determined by a decision taken by the competent person or board. Miscellaneous Notification and Address Declaration Article 35 - All sorts of notification concerning disciplinary investigation is considered to be done by delivering in writing to the address stated by the student at the time of registration or by announcing it in relevant institution. If a student changed his address given at the time of registration and did not inform his/her institution about that or gave wrong or incomplete address, he/she cannot claim that no notification has been made for them when in such a notification has already been done to their address registered in the institution. File Submission Article 36 - Files concerning disciplinary investigation are submitted and received along with the delivery ticket. Signatures of deliverer and recipient exist under delivery ticket. Form of Correspondence Article 37 - Correspondence with people is executed by certified mail, if the document is delivered by hand; the signed document is kept in its file. Without prejudice to the form of notification in Article 35, other provisions of the notification legislation are applied for other matters. Prohibitions Article 38 - Privacy is essential in each stage of investigation. In addition to administrative proceedings, provisions of this regulation or of "Disciplinary Regulation for Administrators, Instructors or Officials of Epoka University" shall be applied for those people violating this rule. Entrance into force Article 39 - This regulation shall enter into force as of the date of its publication. Enforcement Article 40 - The provisions herein are enforced by the Rector of Epoka University.
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REGULATION ON THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Aim Article 1 - The aim of the Preparatory School is to advance the English knowledge and skills of students newly admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs of Epoka University to a level at which they will be able to follow the classes offered at the University. Scope Article 2 - The English language curriculum at the Preparatory School has been designed as generalpurpose and specific-purpose in accordance with the needs of the academic programs at Epoka University. The first half of the Prep School curriculum consists of basic English skills such as reading, writing, comprehension and speaking, and the second half, in addition to these skills, comprises English for a specific purpose oriented toward specific academic fields. The English Proficiency Exam and Placement Exam Article 3 - Students matriculated at Epoka University are required to take an English proficiency exam whose passing grade is 70. Students providing evidence that they have previously scored minimum 68 in TOEFL IBT, 190 in TOEFL CBT, 520 in TOEFL PBT and 5.5 in academic IELTS are exempt from the proficiency exam and start studying in the program s they enrolled. These test scores are valid for three years. Article 4 - Students who have not been able to take the proficiency exam or who have not been able to pass it must take the placement exam. Then, according to the result of this exam, they attend the English preparatory program suited for their level. Students completing the prep school program continue their education in the undergraduate and graduate programs they were placed. Period of Study and Attendance Article 5 - The period of study at the prep school is one year. The weekly number of class hours, which cannot be less than 20, is determined by the committees concerned. To be able to take the final exam, attendance to 80% of classes is mandatory. Students who do not fulfil the attendance requirement without a valid excuse are considered unsuccessful. Achievement and Assessment Article 6 - Each student’s grade average during the year is calculated out of the general average of the grades of the weekly, monthly and semester exams, class participation grade, and student assignment portfolio grade. This grade average constitutes 60% of the total grade. The final exam administered at the end of the academic year constitutes 40% of the total grade. The passing grade is 70 out of 100. Each student must score at least 60 on the final exam provided that s/he completes his/her passing grade to 70. Failing students attend the summer school. Students failing in the summer school may take the proficiency exam at the beginning of the new academic year. Students who fail this exam as well may study in the prep school for another year only once provided that they pay the tuition fee. In case these repeat students cannot pass the second year of the prep school as well, they are dismissed from the University. Leave of Absence Article 7 - Prep school students are not granted a leave of absence for a semester. Those who have a valid reason may be granted a leave of absence for an academic year only once by the decision of the concerned Administrative Board. Students on leave can take the proficiency exam with other students at the beginning of the new academic year. Other leaves of absence are subject to the “Regulations for Undergraduate Education and Examinations”. Entrance into force Article 8 - This regulation shall enter into force as of the date of its publication. Enforcement Article 9 - The provisions herein are enforced by the Rector of Epoka University
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SCHOLARSHIPS DIRECTIVE Definition Article 1- This regulation defines the characteristics of the scholarships at Epoka University, respectively: Company Scholarship, Success Scholarship, Academic Success Scholarship, High Success Scholarship and Success Scholarship in the Culture, Art and Sport field. Company Scholarship Article 2- The students graduated from schools with which the university has an agreement, after they win the right to register at Epoka University, receive a 20% discount in the tuition fee (not included other study expenses like books or dormitory), in the form of a scholarship. Success Scholarship Article 3- According to the entrance exam results the candidates which have been ranked first, second and third will receive a success scholarship; respectively 50%, 30% and 20% discount in the tuition fee (not included other study expenses like books or dormitory). Academic Success Scholarship Article 4- The student who doesn’t meet the criteria of article 2 and 3, and during a semester has taken more than 15 credits, in classes which are attended from more of 15 students, and at the end of the semester has a general average at least 3 in the system 0 – 4, receive an academic success scholarship. This scholarship of 50 Euros will be given to the winning students for four months during the following semester. High Success Scholarship Article 5- The students who have been ranked at the first places in national or international exams and proof this with a document, with the proposal of the rector and approval of the Higher Board will receive a High Success Scholarship. Success Scholarship in Culture, Art and Sport field. Article 6- If the students who have won the right to continue their undergraduate studies at Epoka University are successful in the culture, art and sport fields, at professional category, and prove this with a document, with the proposal of the rector and approval of the Higher Board will receive a Success Scholarship in the Culture, Art and Sport field. Continuity of the scholarship Article 7- All the scholarships of a student will be interrupted if they end their relationship with the university. The students who make a horizontal transfer inside the University lose the right of the scholarship. In order to continue to benefit from a scholarship the student should attend at least 70% of the lessons, must not interrupt the studies for a definite time and must not get a discipline punishment. Entrance into force Article 8- This directive shall enter into force as of the date of its publication. Enforcement Article 9- The provisions herein are enforced by the Rector of Epoka University.
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EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Exchange Program aims to make good use of the available education potentials in different countries by its students and staff. The objectives of the program: To qualify the high education quality in Epoka University and strengthen the European and other international dimensions. This objective can be summarized as presenting the good applications to our students and staff in partner universities in different countries. Major activities in the frame of the program: ? Cooperation among the universities ? Circulation of the students and the university workers ? Acknowledgement of the degrees as academic and improvement of the transparency.
The Projects which are supported by EXCHANGE Program ? Student and teaching staff transfer, ? Mutual works and projects for the development of the education programs, ? Support to the works of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ? Mutual scientific visitations, ? Master and doctorate programs, ? Summer schools.
The students should apply to their departments and receive approval from International Relation Office (IRO) of Epoka University.
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OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITIES
1) University of Texas At Austin - Usa http://www.utexas.edu/
2) Istanbul University - Turkey http://www.istanbul.edu.tr
3) Trakya University - Turkey http://www.trakya.edu.tr/english/index.php
4) Polytechnic of Bari - Italy http://www.poliba.it/
5) Torino University - Italy http://www.unito.it/index_english.htm
6) Fatih University - Turkey http://www.fatih.edu.tr/?&language=EN
7) Süleyman Demirel University - Turkey http://w3.sdu.edu.tr/sdu.aspx?lt=02
8) Shkodra University - Albania http://www.shkoder.net/en/univ.htm
9) International Balkan University - Macedonia http://www.ibu.edu.mk/
10) Gaziantep University - Turkey http://www.ibu.edu.ba/
11) International Burch University - Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.ibu.edu.ba/
12) Qafqaz University-Azerbaijan http://www.qafqaz.edu.az/
13) International Black Sea University- Georgia http://www.ibsu.edu.ge/
14) Süleyman Demirel University – Kazakhstan http://www.sdu.edu.kz/
15) Mediterranean University - Montenegro http://www.unimediteran.net 16) American University in Dubai - Dubai http://www.aud.edu
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INTERSHIPS
B
y cooperating with public institutions and private companies, Epoka University helps its students during summer vacations to obtain interships in successful companies according to the respective study department. In this way, students after 4 years will not be simply equipped with theoretical knowledge, but also will be contracted with prestigiouscompanies in France, Turkey and Albania. Nearly 60 students have be trained in these companies. During this year, our students have developed different practices not only in Albania, but also in Turkey, France and Germany.
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S T U D E N T G U I D E Address: Epoka University, Rr. e DurrĂŤsit, Tirana - Albania Tel: +355 4 22 32 086 +355 4 22 22 077 Fax: +355 4 22 22 117
www.epoka.edu.al