How does NUS handle misconduct complaints against staff?

Question

Accepted Answer

National University of Singapore's Protocol for Handling Staff Misconduct Allegations

The National University of Singapore (NUS) implements a structured process for addressing misconduct complaints lodged against its staff members, which encompasses internal investigations and disciplinary actions. Upon receipt of a complaint, NUS immediately issues a 'no-contact order' to the accused staff member, prohibiting any interaction with the student complainant, and places the staff member on suspension from work for the duration of the investigation. A committee of inquiry then convenes to ascertain if the staff member's conduct constitutes inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour that violates the university's code of conduct. For severe breaches of this code, disciplinary sanctions, potentially including termination of employment, are enforced. In instances where it is deemed necessary, NUS will file a police report, and police investigations may run concurrently with the university's internal proceedings. Throughout this process, the university commits to providing care and support to the affected student.
Internal Investigation and Disciplinary Procedures

Following a complaint, NUS initiates an internal investigation. The accused staff member is suspended from their duties, and a 'no-contact order' is imposed to prevent any communication with the student who filed the complaint. A committee of inquiry is responsible for evaluating the evidence to determine if the staff member's actions breached the NUS code of conduct, classifying them as inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour. This rigorous examination ensures a thorough review before any disciplinary measures are considered.
Sanctions for Code of Conduct Violations

The severity of the misconduct determines the disciplinary action taken by NUS. For serious breaches of the staff code of conduct, which include inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour, sanctions can range from warnings to dismissal. In the past 18 months, NUS has reported at least four instances of employee dismissals stemming from behaviour and actions directed at students. These cases include a professor from the political science department, Ethan Putterman, who was dismissed for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct towards a student.
Police Involvement and Student Support

NUS collaborates with law enforcement when necessary, filing police reports if the alleged misconduct warrants external investigation. Police investigations may proceed independently or in conjunction with the university's internal processes. Concurrently, NUS prioritises the well-being of the affected student, ensuring they receive necessary care and support throughout the investigation and resolution of the complaint.
Historical Cases and Reporting Transparency

NUS has previously released reports detailing its handling of sexual misconduct complaints, outlining the number of complaints received between 2016 and 2021. These reports indicate that sanctions were applied to some employees found to have violated university policies. Specific past dismissals include Jeremy Fernando for failing to meet professionalism standards, Professor Zheng Yongnian for inappropriate behaviour in a professional setting involving a colleague, and Professor Theodore G Hopf for sexual misconduct.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does NUS handle misconduct complaints against staff?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends