LEPL – Georgian State University of Sport – Mechanisms for Protection of Students' Rights and Legitimate Interests
LEPL – Georgian State University of Sport – Mechanisms for Protection of Students' Rights and Legitimate Interests
Introduction
This document has been developed on the initiative of the Student Self-Government of LEPL – Georgian State University of Physical Education and Sport (hereinafter – “GSUES”), with the support of the relevant structural units of the University.
The purpose of the document is to define and consolidate the mechanisms for the protection of students’ rights existing at GSUES, increase students’ awareness, simplify access to information, and make it easier to obtain it.
This document is approved by the Academic Council of LEPL – Georgian State University of Physical Education and Sport.
Mechanisms for Protection of Students' Rights and Legitimate Interests
In order to protect students’ rights and legitimate interests, LEPL – Georgian State University of Physical Education and Sport:
The rights of GSUES students are defined both in the University Charter and in the agreement concluded with the student.
The University has developed regulations governing the academic process, which define the procedures for obtaining, suspending, terminating and restoring student status, adding a semester, mobility, determining program compatibility, recognition of education received during studies, recognition of education received abroad, and admission/enrollment rules for foreign citizens or stateless persons.
The agreement concluded between the student and the Georgian State University of Physical Education and Sport protects the student’s rights and legitimate interests. The service agreement includes study conditions, rights and obligations of the student, tuition fees and payment procedures, duration and termination conditions, dispute resolution procedures, and other matters.
The student contract is prepared in language understandable to students, and before signing it, communication is ensured regarding the rights and responsibilities defined in the agreement. The student is entitled to:
The student has the right to:
a. Receive quality education.
b. Participate in the academic process – in accordance with University rules choose a desired specialty and register for disciplines within the educational program (curriculum).
c. Take part in scientific research activities.
d. Use the University’s material-technical base, library resources, information and other facilities in accordance with established regulations.
e. Receive full information about the educational program and courses via the individual access password provided.
f. Become familiar with internal regulations, the Code of Ethics, and academic integrity standards.
g. Freely obtain information about the status and activities of the University.
h. Participate in student life, elect or be elected to student self-government bodies; establish or join other student organizations.
i. Freely express opinions and reasonably refuse to share proposed ideas during the learning process.
j. Appeal assessments or administrative issues in accordance with established procedures if unlawful decisions or approaches occur.
k. Request recognition of accumulated credits in case of transfer from another institution/program in accordance with legislation and University rules.
l. Request development of an individual study plan if necessary.
m. Suspend status or transfer to another institution or program via mobility or internal mobility.
n. Upon successful completion of the program, receive the diploma issued by the University.
o. Choose elective components and specialize in a preferred direction.
p. Periodically evaluate academic staff, learning processes, services, administrative staff and University infrastructure.
q. Submit proposals to improve governance and teaching quality to the Quality Assurance Service.
The University has a Code of Ethics and disciplinary responsibility norms. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated based on a motivated complaint from a person who believes their rights or interests have been violated by staff or a student.
The Code of Ethics also protects students by establishing behavioral standards for personnel, including:
1. Treat students with respect, provide academic and intellectual guidance, protect academic freedom, and promote professional and ethical development.
2. Act fairly and objectively in the assessment process.
3. Ensure evaluations are based solely on academic performance and are not influenced by gender, religion, ethnicity, personal values, political affiliation, etc.
4. Provide complete information about the evaluation system and avoid placing any student in a privileged position.
Examination and academic process regulations also ensure transparent and fair protection mechanisms through appeal procedures.
For appeals of midterm/final examinations, a student may appeal within 3 working days from the announcement of the grade. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Faculty Dean with justification. The work is reviewed by another professor; if necessary, an external evaluator may be invited. If the reassessed grade differs by 20% from the original, a third reviewer is involved, and the Dean determines the final grade by averaging.
Students may also appeal issues related to administrative staff by submitting a written complaint to the Rector.
Administration and structural units must inform students about contract terms during status granting. Information is available on the website and in accessible locations.
Evaluation of protection mechanisms is essential for responding to violations. Effectiveness is assessed via surveys developed by the Quality Assurance Service.
The Quality Assurance Service analyzes effectiveness, usage statistics, and trends, and plans actions to improve implementation.
