Definition of terms
Executive Director
Means the Head of Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation and represents the Institution on behalf of the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors.
Executive Committee
Means members of the Board and those charged with executive responsibilities.
Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation
A Pan-African Centre for study, Reflection and Worship situated in Kitwe, Zambia.
Participant's Council
An elected council comprising of representative participants from all Programmes and Committees which shall attend to issues and affairs pertaining to participants in collaboration with MEFs respective sections/offices and the Head of Programmes office.

Participant
Meaning any person pursuing a course or area of studies provided at MEF.

Mutual respect
Means a common admiration and understanding between two or more people.
Disorderly Behavior
Means any behavior that is contrary to the established participants code of conduct at MEF.
Narcotic and Psychotropic drug
Means unprescribed and illegal drugs that taken or are in possession of an individual and are harmful to the mind and the body in general.

Hooliganism and Vandalism
Hooliganism means a public behavior that is extremely noisy and violent Vandalism means a criminal action of willfully destroying or damaging public or MEF property.
Incitement/Picketing
Any acts of influencing one or more people to go on strike, to boycott classes, meals or other MEF activities due to dissatisfaction or protest.

Indecent Dressing
Dressing that is generally unacceptable by Zambian society; tight Skirts and trousers, bare backs, sleeveless skirts and blouses, miniskirts, tight and miniskirts
Special Diet
Meaning any special food recommended by a Medical Doctor.

Introduction
The Handbook encompasses both the Academic and Behavioral Guidelines. It therefore, speaks of the Grading System, teaching methods, term breaks, allowances, punctuality, grievance/disciplinary procedures etc.
You are encouraged to read through the handbook carefully, as it will be advantageous to you if you understand its contents. You are further encouraged to seek clarification on whatever issues you do not understand. You will be expected to observe all the rules and guidelines as laid down in the handbook. No one else, but yourself will be at fault if you fail to do so.
We hope that this handbook will be a reference book for you to be used whenever you need clarification on any academic or behavioral issue.
We wish you a fruitful stay at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEF PARTICIPANTS
Preamble
In order to protect course students from people who display bad behavior which may interrupt normal life conditions, Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation has put in place a CODE OF CONDUCT to be used as a guide for all students. These guidelines should be followed strictly. A breach of any of them may result in appropriate punishment against the offender.

Rules
Mutual respect
Mutual respect between students and members of staff of every category must be observed at all time, bearing in mind that every member plays a vital role to the success of Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (MEF), and the need to respect and appreciate cultural diversity in paramount.

Punctuality
All students are expected to observe times for all institutional activities i.e. classes, Chapel and other functions. Time for these activities shall be provided to students.
Class attendance
Except as a result of illness, no student is allowed to miss or be late for class without permission from the senior lecturer.

Visits by the opposite sex

No member of the opposite sex may be admitted to the dormitories. However, in special cases i.e. illness and the like, express permission shall be sought from the Head of Programmes, Research and Planning or any management member in case of an emergency. The lounges and classrooms are available to students for joint studies or discussions up to 22:00 hours.

Sex related offences
Sexual harassment, which is defined as any unwanted physical contact or remarks, including all suggestion of sexual nature, is not permitted. Any sexual immorality cases (with proven evidence) shall be disposed with an expulsion.
Silence in dormitories
Silence in the dormitories must be observed from 22:00 hours until 05:00 hours.
Play of musical instruments
Musical instruments such as radios, tape recorders, guitars, etc. may be played in the dormitories, provided the tone is kept low. No musical instrument is to be played after 22:00 hours. Failure to adhere to this will result in the confiscation of the said instruments for safe keeping until closing time for that particular semester.

Singing Practice

Singing practices and the use of loud musical instruments may be done in the chapel or outdoors, away from others.

Bed time
As rule, all students must be in their dormitories by 22:00 hours.

Visitors
No visitor is allowed to enter the dormitories after 22:00 or spend a night in the dormitories.
Night off Campus
The Head of Programmes, Research and Planning and the Programme senior lecturers MUST authorize an “Absent (Notification Form)” if a student plans to be away from campus overnight. The student will be required to fill in the Notification Form in the Head of Programmes, Research and Planning’s office, giving the name and address of the family the student is going to stay with. Notification should be given two days before somebody leaves.

Removal of dormitory property
Students are not allowed to remove from dormitory any items shown on the room inventory lists without permission from the Finance, Administration and Resource Manager.
Procedure on the loss of keys/damaged property
Lost keys or any dormitory property damaged will be replaced or paid for by the student involved.
Locking and cleaning of rooms
Students must keep their dormitory rooms securely locked at all times. Students are advised to keep all their valuables safely locked in their rooms. Campus authorities will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property resulting from failure to follow this rule. Students are expected to clean their own rooms.
Safe-keeping of cash
students are advised to deposit any large sums of money in the safe in the accounts office. A form will be signed indicating the amount on the deposit and another form will be signed recording every withdrawal by the student.

Missing items
Any missing item(s) from your room must be reported to the Matron and the sooner the report is done the better.

Consumption of alcoholic drinks
Consumption of alcoholic drinks is not accepted. No alcoholic beverages are allowed by students in dormitory or any place on campus.

Drunkenness and disorderly behavior
Drunkenness, disorderly behavior, rowdy behavior and fights constitute serious offences, and are strictly forbidden on and off campus. Expulsion will be awarded if such offences are committed as determined by the disciplinary committee.
Use of Narcotic and Psychotropic drugs
The use or possession of drugs is strictly prohibited, and is punishable by expulsion.

Hooliganism and Vandalism
Students are expected to handle any property in their possession with care. Hooliganism and vandalism or manifestation of these practices in any form, whatsoever, is not acceptable. Any students found guilty of this offence shall, depending on the magnitude of such a case be warned and surcharged, and expelled.

Conflicts between room mates
Any conflicts (i.e. habits, practices or general behavior which is an inconvenience) between students shall be investigated by the PRO. If such claims are proved to be in existence the PRO shall counsel the students involved. If after a counseling process the difference is not resolved, the PRO in consultation with the Head of Programmes, Research and Planning shall take appropriate action.

Incitement/Picketing
Incitement from an individual or group of students for a collective action such as class boycotts, and any other form of strikes against the institution without following established channels shall not be tolerated. Ringleaders of such acts shall, after thorough investigations if found guilty, be suspended or expelled from MEF. Similarly, any acts of picketing in the event of a strike or class boycott shall merit expulsion.

Dressing on campus
All students are expected to dress in a decent and acceptable manner bearing in mind that Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation is a Christian community. (Ladies: no bear backs, strapless tops, tights, short skirts and dresses above the knees, tops showing too much cleavage. Men: no sports shorts, vest, bathing slippers and no sagging).

MISCHELLANEOUS ISSUES
Illness
Any student not feeling well should consult Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation clinic staff, who may refer him/her to a medical doctor when necessary. No student shall consult a Doctor without the knowledge of the clinic staff. All referral cases shall be done through MEF Clinic staff.

MEF STUDENTS COUNCIL
There shall exist Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation student union hereinafter referred to as Students Union or the Union. Each Programme will elect a representative who thereafter will form the students union. The student union shall be elected by all MEF students and shall comprise representatives from all Programmes. Elections of the office bearers shall be facilitated by the Assistant Programmes Officer with the help of the Senior Lecturer in Charge. Elections shall be held not later than two months after the commencement of the academic year.

Representation
-Peace Building and Conflict Transformation representative
-Youth Leadership Programme representative
-Management of Orphans and vulnerable children (SMC-OVC) representative.
-Media and communication representative
-Hostels committee representative
-Social Work/Community Development representative -Kitchen Committee representative
-Hostels Committee representative
-Worship Committee representative
-IT Committee representative
-Library committee representative
Composition
The Students Union shall be comprised of the following posts

Position	Details
Chairperson	Shall supervise and direct affairs of the union and shall preside at all meetings of the union. Further, he/she shall be responsible to the student body.
Vice Chairperson	Shall act as chairperson when chairperson is absent and in consultation with the chairperson attend to various issues affecting students.
Secretary	Shall prepare and keep minutes of each students union meetings and shall handle all union correspondence.
Vice Secretary	Shall assist the Secretary.
Committee members	These shall attend to other various issues as assigned by the union.