“I AM SORRY”: STUDENTS’ APOLOGIES IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

Abstract

Higher education institutions offer students a chance to pursue their studies and become experts in their respective areas. During their studies in institutions, as students, they are bound by the institution’s regulations to enhance or uphold harmony and moral standard. Regrettably, some students take the rules laid down by the institution for granted by committing offences that infringe upon the regulations. If there are reasonable cases to accuse, the students will be presented before the institution’s disciplinary board. The disciplinary board will hear the fact of the case and decide on the proper penalty for the offence committed. During a disciplinary proceeding, a student may be given a chance to apologise on their offence. The objective of this paper is to discuss the effect of apology in student disciplinary proceedings. This study employs qualitative research involving conceptual discussion and library research. The sincerity of the accused students in regretting their actions and apologising has been observed to have an effect on the panel’s decision to reduce the penalties.