IMPRESSUM

5. ACADEMIC OBLIGATIONS

5.1 Attending Lectures (on-campus students)

According to ISBM Switzerland Attendance Policy, students must attend a minimum of 80% of their whole course of study.

1. 1. If a student is absent in 3 (three) expected contacts and that absence is not excused, he/she will be given a warning by E-mail/Telephone.
2. 2. Students who have been absent for 6(six) expected contacts will be issued a written warning stating that the student will be expelled from the Institution if he misses 10 (ten) expected contacts. If the student is absent for 10 (ten) expected contacts, he/she will be terminated from the Institution.
3. 3. Finally, the Institution will also notify Switzerland Border Agency immediately of the student’s failure to comply with the Attendance Regulations.
For more information about student attendance, please refer to our ‘Procedures for Recording and Monitoring Students’ Attendance’.

Online students must watch all recorded classes.

5.2 Absence of Teacher (on-campus students)

It is important to know that if a lecture is suspended due to a lecturer’s absence as a result of any emergency circumstance e.g. accident, illness etc, cover-up lectures will be provided for you and you will be notified about it duly.

5.3 Punctuality (on-campus students)

The Institution believes that being late for classes is not only detrimental to the academic process of the latecomer, but also disruptive for the entire class. A student can be marked as absent if he/she arrives for class more than 20 minutes after the start or leaves the class more than 20 minutes before the end. All students are required to attend daytime classes for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

5.4 Going Ahead with your Lectures (on-campus students)

Students are strongly advised to maintain consistency with the class lectures. You must follow the lectures in the class and be prepared for the lessons when you attend each class. This in actual fact helps you follow your next lectures. Do not keep your homework pending until the last minute. This is very dangerous for any student. Please try and avoid all attitudes that in the end jeopardize your academic life.

Going ahead with your lectures means following step-by-step, the process set out below:

1st Step: Listen to your Lectures carefully, and take full lecture notes

2nd Step: Read your notes when you go home

3rd Step: Identify any point you do not understand

4th Step: Take an active part in the next lecture or seminar

5th Step: Correct your misunderstandings in that seminar or class

6th Step: Prepare additional notes for your better understanding and exams.

5.5 Submitting Coursework/Assignment

You must submit all the coursework/assignments in due time. One of the main purposes of assignments is to assess your understanding of a subject area. They also serve other intellectual purposes:

- To organize your thinking.
- To bring a wide range of material to bear on a given problem or issue.
- To respond critically and with your own ideas to the issue.
- To select and use the information to support an argument.
- To present this argument in a clearly structured and literate way.
Please note that failure to submit your assignments in due time may result in unsatisfactory progress in the final assessment.

5.6 Filling in the Examination Entry Form

Students of the external bodies must be aware that there will be mostly written examinations at the end of the course. The examinations are conducted by the relevant bodies and their own examiners usually examine the papers.

However, the first task, at this stage, for you is that you must fill in the relevant Awarding Body’s Examination Entry Form if applicable. Without filling the Examination Entry Form, you will not be able to appear in the examination. Therefore, our advice to you is – fill in the forms and pay for the examinations entry.

5.7 Academic Progress

You are required to make overall significant progress in order to achieve your goal; enhance your career prospect and comply with the regulations of the immigration department (for on-campus students). You are permitted to proceed with your approved course of study only if you maintain satisfactory progress as evidenced by attendance at classes, satisfactory performance in examinations and the proper completion of such other work/task as may be allotted to you. Please note that if your progress is unsatisfactory, you will be given extra care and support and other relevant remedial measures to help you make progress. At the same time, you will be warned about the consequences you might face due to your unsatisfactory progress. If you persistently make unsatisfactory progress even after pursuing our remedial measures under a given a period of time, you may eventually be excluded from the Institution and your details will be reported to the immigration department (for on-campus students)

Further information relating to your Academic Progress can be found in ISBM Switzerland "Policy and Procedures on Monitoring and Report Students’ Academic Progress." You are strongly encouraged to contact your personal tutor who will be able to assist you should you have any queries regarding Academic Progress.

5.7.A. for Joint/dual award students: If in the early and mid-term monitoring your progress is unsatisfactory, you will be given 1st warning letter, if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 1st attempt, you will be given 2nd warning letter, if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 2nd attempt, you will be given final warning letter, and if you fail in the Final Examination of the Awarding Bodies in the 3rd attempt, you will be terminated from the Institution and Immigration departments will be notified immediately.

5.7.B. for ISBM students: You will get the information regarding the date and time of the exams from the students Welfare Officer. if you fail in the Examination we will assign for you another date for re-examination and if you fail in the Examination again we will assign for you the 3rd attempt, and if you fail on the 3rd attempt, you should repeat the course or you will be terminated from the Institution. For foreigner students on campus, the Immigration departments will be notified immediately.

5.8 Re-Sits & Retakes

You are expected to finish your intended course on time in accordance with the advised Institution course start and end dates. Each student is also expected to pass their examinations/assignments/ dissertation as per the Awarding Body/University schedule. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examinations you will have to pay an additional fee to the Institution and the awarding body/university in order to re-sit or re-take examinations in accordance with their specific guidelines. Students’ at ISBM Switzerland will only be allowed to re-sit examinations or repeat any part of their course up to two times per individual examination or module.
5.9 Mitigating Circumstances

It is obviISBM that there are some circumstances that genuinely prohibit some students from performing well in their studies. Please find the circumstances below that will be considered in mitigation:

- Severe illness,
- Sudden accidents,
- Parental illness or accidents,
- Illness or accidents of the sisters, brothers, or close relations,
If you are faced with any of the above situations, you must immediately inform your teachers, you will then be advised to put in writing. However, there is no automatic guarantee that consideration will be given. Each case will be dealt with individually and on merit.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

6.1 Keeping Your Records Updated and Change of Address Notification

6.1.A For on-campus students: The Institution will keep all students’ passport pages, showing all personal details (including biometric details) and leave stamps or immigration status documents – including evidence of their entitlement to study in Switzerland and the period that they have permission to stay in Switzerland. The Institution will update these records as necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you notify the Institution immediately if there is any change in your contact details e.g. address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, or any other change in your personal circumstances. You can notify any changes by completing the Change of Details Form which is available at the reception.
You must provide the details of your next of kin at the time of application and notify the Institution immediately should there be any change pertaining to your next of kin.
Your whereabouts are very important for us to know. We will from time to time be sending you letters and information in connection with your study with us such as attendance notification letter, examination notice & schedules, examination admission notice, course materials, or another kind of academic letters. Obviously, we will not be able to communicate with you properly, if we do not have your exact address. So, make sure that you duly inform us about any change in your address. If you do not give us your up to date address, we will not be able to provide exact address details which will result in the refusal of your application to the bank, reference, etc. and most importantly, failure to notify your current address to the Institution may even jeopardize your studentship at ISBM Switzerland.

6.1.B. For online students: The Institution will keep all students’ passport pages, showing all personal details this besides to all contact details. The Institution will update these records as necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you notify the Institution immediately if there is any change in your contact details e.g. address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, or any other change in your personal circumstances. You can notify any changes by sending your new information to the students Welfare Officer.
You must provide the details of your next of kin at the time of application and notify the Institution immediately should there be any change pertaining to your next of kin.
Your whereabouts are very important for us to know. We will from time to time be sending you letters and information in connection with your study with us such as attendance notification letter, examination notice & schedules, examination admission notice, course materials, or another kind of academic letters. Obviously, we will not be able to communicate with you properly, if we do not have your updated email address beside the ISBM email address. So, make sure that you duly inform us about any change in your personal email address. If you do not give us your up to date email address, we will not be able to provide exact address details which will result in many negative things.

6.2 Visa Issues (on-campus students)

If you have any questions regarding visa issues please get in touch with the Administrative Support Team, or a Student Support Officer who will be happy to help you in any way they can.

6.8 Sickness Affecting Study Performance

6.8.A. for on-campus students: ISBM Switzerland understands that no human has control over illnesses. It is natural that students may suffer illness and therefore, students’ performances and attendance at lectures may severely be affected. In such circumstances, the students must see a GP to get medical attention and treatment. The student who suffers illness must submit relevant documents in support of his or her illness.

The Academic Committee of the Institution will decide about extra classes or extension of time to submit coursework or assignment if any. The academic committee will communicate its decisions after due assessment of your case.

6.8.B. for online students: ISBM Switzerland understands that no human has control over illnesses. It is natural that students may suffer illness and therefore, students’ performances and attendance at lectures may severely be affected. As the lectures will be recorded and uploaded into the online library of ISBM, so most of the illnesses don't affect the online study.

The Academic Committee of the Institution will decide about the extension of time to submit coursework or assignment if any. The academic committee will communicate its decisions after due assessment of your case. For online students no extra classes will be discussed as the student can watch the recorded lectures.

7. CONDUCT

You are expected to conduct yourself responsibly on the Institution premises. Misconduct may result in you being suspended from the Institution. In such cases, no refund of fees will be given and any outstanding tuition fees will be payable.

The student is required to settle the fee by the day of graduation, irrespective of having completed the final exam. As long as the student has not received their award, they will continue to be regarded as an active student.

7.1 Disciplinary Procedures

When you enroll in a program of learning at the Institution, you agree and commit to a Code of Conduct. If your behavior, attendance record or academic standards are persistently below the standards required of the Code and are not resolved by informal discussion and negotiation, then disciplinary proceedings may be started against you.

The disciplinary procedure is a formal process which applies to all learners enrolled at the Institution. There are two types of activity in which disciplinary action may be required:

7.2 General Misconduct

This covers student’s behavior such as refusal to show the Institution ID Card, breach of health and safety regulations, being under the influence of drink or drugs, bullying and harassment of others or carrying weapons. It also includes misuse of Institution computers, online library, ISBM Materials including teaching materials and publications, online classrooms, Forums, Media including Social Media and other equipment on campus or online or any other action or incident considered to be of a similar nature to the above examples.

In Addition, forwarding of information to a 3rd party like password or teaching methods for any use without getting permission from the head of ISBM QUALITY team will be counted as misconduct.

All spamming and/or hacking activity as well pretending as representative of ISBM without official approval will be counted as a high level of misconduct and may lead to legal persecution

7.3 Academic Misconduct

This covers students’ behavior in relation to their program of learning such as copying, plagiarism, collusion, cheating, etc or any other action or incident considered to be of a similar nature to the above examples.

In addition, each has three levels of seriousness: Level 1 Minor; Level 2 SeriISBM and Level 3 Major.

Reasons for immediate suspension – some examples are below:

- Assault, fighting or other acts of violence, vandalism, bullying and harassment, theft, being in possession of illegal drugs, firearms or other weapons, committing or attempting to commit any act of arson, behaving in a way that brings the Institution into disrepute.
- Computer hacking, cheating in exams, extensive and/or persistent plagiarism or use of model answers, buying, selling or stealing of work.
- All information (books, materials, lectures, notice...etc.) belong to ISBM and the students have right only to use them for their study during their study time at ISBM. They have no right to forward them, publish them, sell them or do anything else for any reason without the permission of ISBM QUALITY committee. The permission should be signed by the head of the Committee.
Any student break this rule put him/herself under legal responsibility.

For more information, please refer to the ‘Students’ Disciplinary Procedures’ of ISBM Switzerland

7.4 Complaints Procedure

ISBM Switzerland endeavors to create a positive learning environment for students, one in which each student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Part of the maintenance of that positive environment is a fair and open complaints procedure made available to all students.

7.5 Informal Complaint

This is a less formal procedure where a complainant may raise his or her concern about the way the services were provided. The complainant simply may see the Complaint Officer and orally inform the matter which will be dealt with immediate basis. However, if the matter is serious and the complainant is utterly dissatisfied, the compliant officer will rather accept the complaint as a formal one.

7.6 State Secretariat for Education and Research Law On The Validity of Private Swiss Degrees (contact us for information)

7.6 Formal Complaint

If a student or a visitor wants to bring a serious complaint about any matter in relation to the way the services are provided, the complainant may bring a formal complaint. It requires the complainant to take a complaint form from the reception. The complainant may also additionally write his or her allegations in addition to filing the complaint form.

For more information about our complaints procedure, please contact either to the student affair office or to the quality office:

Students affairs

ISBM Switzerland
Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich
Email: quality@ousedu.eu
Quality Office

ISBM Switzerland
Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich
Email: quality@ousedu.eu

8. SECURITY

8.1 Identification Card (on-campus students)

You will be issued with an ID Card which is valid for one academic year. You must carry it at all times whilst you are at the Institution and must produce it when requested by a member of the Institution staff. Failure to produce your ID card may result in you being asked to leave the Institution premises. The card is also required for using library facilities and for sitting your exams.

8.2 Valuables

As personal possessions are your own responsibility during your time at ISBM Switzerland, you are advised to ensure the security of those possessions. ISBM Switzerland also advises you to consider personal possession insurance that would also cover educational visits and work experience.

9. STUDENT WELFARE ISSUES

9.1 Health and Safety (on-campus students)

Everyone in the Institution has a responsibility to those around us, and to ourselves, to ensure that we all remain safe in the Institution environment. You are requested to go through the ‘Health and Safety Manual” of the Institution and know the arrangements provided by the Institution.
Do not bring knives and other sharp implements into the Institution. Do not misuse the Institution property or equipment.

9.2 Fire Drills (on-campus students)

Make sure that you know where the fire exits are and how to use them. Do not tamper with fire alarms or fire extinguishers. The Institution will hold fire drills at regular intervals; make sure you know the procedures to follow.

9.3 Procedures in the Event of a Fire (on-campus students)

On discovering a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm.

On hearing the fire alarm, leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit (including fire exit doors). Lecturers are responsible for ensuring that the classroom in which they are teaching is evacuated.

Every student and staff must know the fire assembly point

On hearing fire at the alarm, go to the fire assembly point at the front main gates. Do not re-enter the premises until told by the controlling officer to do so.

9.4 Accidents & Incidents (on-campus students)

If you see anything that could be of danger to anyone then report it immediately to a member of staff – do not try to deal with it yourself.

In the case of an accident or incident, contact the nearest member of staff or the Reception. Please ensure you are aware of the location of the ‘First Aid Boxes’, a member of staff will be able to help you with this.

9.5 Smoking Policy (on-campus students)

With regard to the health and comfort of all members of the Institution and its visitors, and to comply with recent Government Policy, smoking is only permitted in the designated areas. Please note that smoking is completely prohibited inside the Institution premises.

9.6 First Aid (on-campus students)

ISBM Switzerland has trained First Aiders who can be called if there is an injury. Should you need assistance, please contact a member of staff or Reception.

9.7 Health & Safety on your Programme of Study (on-campus students)

You will receive health and safety guidance related to your program of study as part of your induction. A full copy of the Health and Safety Policy is available in students Welfare Officer.

9.8 General Counseling (on-campus students)

ISBM Switzerland provides counseling services to those students who fall back in their studies. This is assistance to those students who have the ability to follow the course but for some reasons, they have failed to perform well. ISBM Switzerland faculty members usually hold a meeting with the students and try to understand as to why the students have failed to maintain the required level of progress. Once reason has been detected the counselors then provide advice and necessary supports, or give the indication to academic personnel his required assistance if it is purely an academic matter.

9.10 Financial Advice

ISBM Switzerland understands that you may experience financial difficulties and may not be responsible for such difficulties. In such cases, ISBM Switzerland provides advice to you as to how to manage your resources in terms of money to tackle the situation.

9.11 ISBM Switzerland Student Union

The ISBM Switzerland Student Union helps bridge the gap between the students and the lecturers and administrative personnel of ISBM Switzerland. It represents the interests of the students and raises issues in relation to student welfare to the ISBM Switzerland Management. Members of the Student Union are elected by the students and the elected members usually serve the students for a term of two years. The Student Union has one representative from each faculty of the Institution. We recommend that the students which will be elected to be in the student union to be either in Switzerland or to be a person who doesn’t need a visa to enter to Switzerland so that he/she can participate in important meetings which usually takes places in Switzerland.

9.12 Social & Cultural Programmes

ISBM Switzerland is a leader in organizing social and cultural events on the campus. The purpose of such an event is to allow you to learn and enjoy the beauty of different cultures. Students from different countries take part in such social and cultural events. In those programs, they present their cultural activities, thoughts, ideas & beliefs. However, you are advised not to advance any political or disputed doctrine in the name of presenting the cultural and social program.

9.13 Career Advice

Whilst studying at ISBM Switzerland it is important to start thinking about your future career. Career advice and guidance provided by the Institution is available to all the students. For more information on career advice, please contact the Student Support Service.

9.14 Accommodation Support (on-campus students)

The Institution may be able to assist you in organizing accommodation for the duration of your stay. If you require any help in these matters please contact the Student Support Team using the details below.

Student Welfare Officer

Nicola Didanovic

E-mail: admission@ousedu.eu

9.15 Airport Pickup Services (on-campus students)

Overseas students arriving in Switzerland for the first time may wish to be met by the Institution Representative at the airport. If you would like to arrange this please contact the Institution well in advance of your arrival.

Student Welfare Officer

ISBM Switzerland

Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich

E-mail: admission@ousedu.eu

Note: Please note that the Accommodation & Airport Pickup service will be arranged according to availability. It is neither a guaranteed nor a mandatory service provided by the Institution. In the event of ISBM Switzerland not being able to make suitable arrangements, students are advised to make their own arrangements for airport pickup and accommodation.

9.16 Local Library Information (on-campus students)

Apart from the ISBM Switzerland library, you have many other libraries not far away from the ISBM Switzerland campus. You can take membership and use books as per their rules & regulations. Generally, you need to have proof of your identity and proof of address in order to apply for membership of the library. The following libraries are within easy reach in terms of locality.

Pestalozzi-Bibliothek Zürich Altstadt: Zürich Altstadt - Zähringerstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich, 044 204 96 90 (Mo-Fr 10-19 Uhr, Sa 10-16 Uhr)

Pestalozzi-Bibliothek Zürich Altstetten: Zürich Altstetten – Lindenplatz 4, 8048 Zürich, 044 431 27 60 (Mo-Fr 12-19 Uhr, Sa 10-14 Uhr)

9.17 Local Sports & Leisure Information (on-campus students)

ISBM is proud to be a member and sponsoring organization for the Swiss National Tourist Office which is known as MySwitzerland.com. MySwitzerland is responsible for almost all tourism/hospitality activities in Switzerland, they guide the tourist to the best locations in Switzerland and the best trips to enjoy your time during staying in Switzerland. ISBM is a member of MySwitzerland because we believe that by sharing our know-how with the Swiss National Tourist Office, we can achieve the goal which we want and make our country be a most famISBM country for tourism and hospitality worldwide.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/

10. CONCLUDING REMARKS

We are dedicated to providing better education to our students and with this view in mind, we have concentrated on employing our resources to maximize the facilities so that our students can use them for their benefits. We will ensure that the students are satisfied with the standards of our lectures, resources, and facilities. Please note that we are always prepared to listen to your suggestions. If you have any suggestions that will improve our services and standards please feel free to contact us. Please call us on ISBM Switzerland or alternatively email us at ISBM Switzerland

11. Graduation in Switzerland

ISBM will do from time to time (at least once per year) graduation parties, where all students are welcome to attend.

EU students don’t need a visa, please check if you need a visa.

https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html

We can’t guarantee a visa to any student.

12. OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

12.1 Equal Opportunity

ISBM Switzerland aims to promote equal opportunity for all and to ensure that no one is discriminated because of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, nationality, color, religion, political/religiISBM beliefs, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or family responsibilities.

12.2 Data Protection

Next, to its people, ISBM Switzerland regards information as to its most important asset. Because of this, the Institution recognizes the importance of protecting its information assets and, in particular, the information relating to its staff, students and other individuals in whatever form that information is held. All data, whether held electronically or manually, are kept securely and not disclosed unlawfully.

12.3 Disability Strategy

ISBM Switzerland is keen to consider all the potential students irrespective of their abilities in terms of physical and mental health. For disabled students who cannot follow the course due to their disability, ISBM Switzerland will take the necessary steps to consider their application for admission.

Please refer to the ‘Disability Strategy’ of the Institution for more information.

12.4 Disclaimer

This Handbook does not replace ISBM Switzerland’s regulations. All students will be required, as a condition of enrolment, to abide by and submit to the procedures of ISBM Switzerland which are amended from time to time.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this Handbook, but it is subject to alteration without notice. ISBM Switzerland will use all reasonable endeavors to deliver programs in accordance with the descriptions set out in this Handbook. However, ISBM Switzerland reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of programs, to discontinue programs and to merge or combine programs, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by ISBM Switzerland. If ISBM Switzerland discontinues any program it will use its reasonable endeavors to provide a suitable alternative program.

13. FAQ

Q. Where do I go first to register my course?

A. For on-campus students: You must go to the Admissions Office to register yourself in the desired course. The admission staff will help you in registering you in the course.

A. For online students: You must visit our website and then click on apply now under the title https://www.academy.zuerich/apply-now

After it, you should fill the requested information to register yourself.

Q. Where do I go to receive the Institution letters?

A. You must go to the Reception to fill in the required forms. The staff in the Reception will advise and help you in filling the forms. You just have to tell them what you actually want.

For online students, you can simply send us an email.

Q. Where do I go to receive my ID Card?

A. For on-campus students: You must apply by filling the ID Card Form which will be available at the Reception desk and hand with your application 2 personal pictures of you. You will need to allow time for your card to be processed. You can collect your ID Card from the Reception once it is ready.

B. For online students: You should request it from the student affair after it, you have to send us by mail 2 pictures of you. Once your IC card is ready we will send it you by regular post.

Q. Where do I go to discuss my financial difficulties?

A. You must meet the Student Welfare Officer to discuss your difficulties.

For online students, you can simply send us an email to the students Welfare.

Q. Where do I go to discuss my weakness in studies?

A. Go to the Reception in order to book an appointment with your Personal Tutor.

For online students, you can simply send us an email to the students Welfare.

Q. Can I work part-time?

A. As an online student, you are able to work full time in your own country and as a student on campus, you are able to work part time.

Q. How do I know about the details of my course?

A. You will be given a full induction at the beginning of your course. You will be provided with an intensive induction pack where all the necessary information will be included. The induction pack will contain the following information:

- The full title of your course
- The course duration
- The certificate awarding body
- The advance date of your examination
- The modules you will be taught
- Who your course Co-ordinator is
- Who your lecturers are
- When to apply for the examination entry.
Please read the induction pack carefully and try to grasp the most important information in order to make a smooth start to your study. If you have any queries you must meet one of our students Welfare Officer.

For online Students: you will get all the above-mentioned information per email from the students Welfare and some of the information will be uploaded directly into the online library.

14. COMMENTS & COMPLIMENTS

ISBM Switzerland aims to provide high-quality education and services to everyone who studies at ISBM, works and visits the Institution. Your views are important to ISBM Switzerland and we need you to tell us when a service is failing or something is not right. ISBM Switzerland would like to hear from you about services that you like and/or if you have an idea for any improvement or change to a service.

15. USEFUL CONTACTS

ISBM Switzerland: www.academy.zuerich

ISBM students Welfare: support1@e-student.club

ISBM admission office: admission@ousedu.ch

ISBM QUALITY team quality@ousedu.eu

Swiss Border Guard Corps: www.ezv.admin.ch

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

Travel Information www.traveline.info

The Swiss Federal Council http://www.admin.ch/br/org/index.html?lang=en

Swiss tourism information www.myswitzerland.com 

Embassies around the world www.embassyworld.com 

In Switzerland: Emergency Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance No: 112