Laxmi College of Optometry: Student Conduct and Community Standards
In keeping with the esteemed traditions of our institution, all students at Laxmi College of Optometry are expected to maintain the highest standards of discipline, decorum, and professional ethics both - in campus and OPD. Our collective conduct reflects our shared commitment to excellence and safeguards the reputation of our institution.
1. Student Code of Conduct
1.1 Professional Attire and Appearance
Students are expected to maintain a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance at all times:
- Gentlemen: Formal shirt, formal trousers, and formal shoes. Hair should be neatly styled, and a clean-shaven look is required.
- Ladies: Indian or Western formal attire with neatly styled or tied hair.
- Clinical Attire: A clean, well-maintained white apron must be worn daily.
- Identification: College identity cards must be visibly worn at all times and presented upon request to any faculty member or authorized official.
1.2 Attendance, Punctuality, and Academic Discipline
- Punctuality: Late arrivals or unauthorized early departures will be recorded as an absence.
- Campus Leave: Students are required to remain on campus during college hours unless they have obtained prior written permission from the coordinator or authorized personnel.
- University Eligibility: In accordance with university norms, a minimum of 80% attendance is mandatory in both theory and practical modules separately. Students who do not meet this requirement will not be eligible to appear for university examinations.
- Absence Reporting: Planned absences must be communicated in advance via email to [email protected]. For medical absences exceeding two consecutive days, a valid medical certificate must be submitted upon return.
1.3 Official Communication
Students are responsible for regularly checking the college notice boards to stay informed about official updates, schedules, and vital information.
1.4 Care of Institutional Property
- Accountability: Students are expected to respect campus property. Financial compensation will be required for any damage caused to college premises, equipment, library books, or furniture, whether due to negligence or intentional misconduct.
- Personal Belongings: While the college endeavours to provide a safe environment, the institution is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings. Students are advised to secure their valuables.
1.5 Financial Regulations and Tuition Policy
- Deadlines: All tuition and institutional fees must be cleared on or before the prescribed deadlines.
- Refund Policy: Fees once deposited are non-refundable and non-adjustable.
- Early Withdrawal: In the event that a student chooses to discontinue or leave the program before completion, the tuition fees for the entire duration of the course remain payable.
1.6 Safety, Decorum, and Community Responsibility
- Institutional Reputation: Students must refrain from any activity, whether on or off campus, that compromises the reputation, safety, security, decorum, or integrity of the college, its staff, or fellow students.
- Legal Compliance: Students are expected to adhere to all local, state, and national laws both within and outside the institutional premises.
- Academic Harmony: Activities that disrupt lectures, practical sessions, research initiatives, administrative operations, or any authorized college events are strictly prohibited.
- Academic Participation: Organizing, instigating, or participating in the boycott of examinations, lectures, tutorials, or any other scheduled academic activities is strictly prohibited.
1.7 Use of Mobile Devices
To maintain an optimal learning environment, the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in all academic and clinical areas (with the exception of the designated lunch break). Non-compliance will result in the temporary confiscation of the device.
1.8 Prohibited Conduct and Zero-Tolerance Policies
- Substance Abuse: Smoking, vaping, or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances within the college premises, OPD postings, or outreach camps is strictly prohibited and will invite severe disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
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Zero Tolerance for Ragging
In compliance with University Grants Commission (UGC) and regulatory norms, ragging in any form—whether physical, verbal, or psychological—is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the campus. Any student found guilty of ragging will face immediate suspension, expulsion, and legal action as per the law. - Academic Integrity: Malpractice, cheating, or unfair means of any kind during examinations will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under strict disciplinary protocols.
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Zero Tolerance for Harassment
The institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment. Safe, respectful, and consensual interaction is mandatory for all members of the campus community. - Clinical Protocols: Strict adherence to all rules, regulations, and professional protocols during OPD hours and clinical postings is mandatory.
1.9 Administrative Authority
The Director, Principal, and Vice Principal reserve the right to amend, update, or modify institutional rules as necessary to maintain academic and operational standards. The decision of the Management (Director/Principal/Vice Principal) shall be final and binding in all matters.
2. Library Regulations
Library Rules & Guidelines
To ensure an environment conducive to study and research, the following guidelines apply to the institutional library:
- Circulation Hours: Book issuance and return services are operational between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Reference Materials: Reference books are strictly for in-library use and may not be taken outside the library premises without explicit written permission.
- Borrowing Limits: A student may borrow one book at a time for a maximum duration of 3 days. The book may be reissued for an extended period, provided there are no pending reservations for it.
- Unauthorized Loans: The internal or secondary transfer of borrowed books between students is strictly prohibited. If a book is transferred unauthorizedly, both parties involved will be liable for compensatory charges.
- Pre-Examination Restitution: To facilitate inventory check and preparation, book issuance will be suspended one week prior to the commencement of examinations. Consequently, all borrowed books must be returned to the library at least one week before the exams begin.
- Library Decorum: To maintain cleanliness and preserve resources, consumption of food and beverages inside the library is strictly prohibited.
3. Recommended Additions for an Optometry College
3.1 Patient Privacy and Data Security (HIPAA/Confidentiality)
Why it matters: Optometry students handle patient files, case histories, and diagnostic data. Protecting this information is a legal and ethical requirement in healthcare.
- Patient Confidentiality: Students must maintain absolute confidentiality regarding patient records, diagnoses, and personal information. Sharing patient details, case histories, or clinical photographs on personal platforms or messaging apps is strictly prohibited.
- Consent: No student shall photograph or record a patient or clinical procedure without explicit written permission from the clinical supervisor and the patient.
3.2 Clinical and OPD Etiquette
Why it matters: Students interact directly with the public during OPD postings and vision camps. Their behaviour directly impacts patient care and the college's reputation.
- Professional Empathy: Students are expected to treat all patients with utmost respect, empathy, and dignity, regardless of their background, age, or socioeconomic status.
- Hygiene and Infection Control: Strict adherence to hand hygiene, equipment sanitization protocols (e.g., cleaning the slit lamp chin-rest between patients), and clinical safety guidelines is mandatory before and after every patient examination.
- Supervision Compliance: Students must not perform any diagnostic procedures, prescribe corrective lenses, or give medical advice to patients without the direct supervision and approval of an attending faculty member or optometrist.
3.3 Digital and Social Media Policy
Why it matters: Modern campus codes need to address online behaviour, as cyberbullying or trashing the college online can damage the institution.
- Responsible Social Media Use: Students must refrain from posting defamatory, offensive, or malicious content online regarding the college, its faculty, staff, or fellow peers.
- Online Representation: No student is authorized to create official social media pages, groups, or online forums using the logo, name, or branding of Laxmi College of Optometry without prior written approval from the administration.
