Students' responsibilities & rights

The ethical principles of guidance at university ensure that all students—receive fair, thoughtful, and empowering guidance throughout their academic journey. An advisor giving guidance is someone who offers support and guidance, for example as a study advisor or academic supervisor.

1. Support for Student Agency
Guidance at Hanken is designed to empower students to make informed decisions, set meaningful goals, and take responsibility for their academic journey. Advisors support this process by offering information, exploring options, and encouraging independent thinking—without imposing personal views.

However, it’s important to understand that both students and advisors must operate within the framework of university rules, regulations, and academic standards. While guidance is flexible and student-centered, it is not unlimited. Decisions must align with institutional policies, legal requirements, and course-specific expectations.

This balance between autonomy and structure ensures fairness, consistency, and academic integrity across the university.

2. Equality and Non-Discrimination
All students have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. Advisors are expected to promote equity and recognize that some students may need different kinds of support to succeed.

Feedback and guidance should be adapted to individual needs when appropriate, and advisors must be aware of their own biases and assumptions.

However, fairness also means consistency. While support is tailored, it must still align with university policies and academic standards. Advisors cannot offer exceptions that go against established rules.

3. Awareness of Power and Context
Advisors are encouraged to reflect on their own values, expectations, and the institutional context in which they operate. They must be aware of the power dynamics in the advisor–student relationship and avoid using their position inappropriately.

Students should understand that advisors represent the university and are responsible for upholding its academic goals and standards. This includes ensuring fair progress, ethical conduct, and adherence to institutional guidelines.

4. Confidentiality and Trust
Trust is essential in all guidance relationships. Advisors are expected to protect students’ privacy and handle personal information with care. Information should only be shared when necessary—and usually with the student’s consent.

Students should feel safe discussing challenges, knowing that their concerns will be treated with discretion. However, in cases of serious concern (e.g. health or safety), advisors may need to escalate the issue to appropriate university staff, in line with legal and institutional obligations.

5. Continuous Developmen
Advisors are expected to continuously improve their guidance practices by reflecting on feedback, participating in training, and staying informed about university policies.

Students benefit from this commitment to quality and consistency. They should also feel encouraged to provide feedback on the guidance they receive, helping to shape better support for themselves and others.

Hanken is a campus-based university, and physical presence plays a central role in its teaching approach. Learning at Hanken is designed to be interactive, collaborative, and rooted in real-time engagement with peers and instructors. 

What Participation Means
Students are encouraged to attend scheduled lectures, seminars, and classes, especially when physical presence adds value to the learning experience. Many courses include interactive elements—such as group work, presentations, and discussions—that are designed to benefit from in-person engagement.

Participation is not just about showing up; it’s about being involved, prepared, and ready to contribute. In some courses, active participation may even be part of the assessment.

Attendance Expectations
Each course may have specific attendance requirements, which are communicated at the start and listed in the course description. These expectations are based on the course level, teaching method, and learning outcomes.

For example:

• First-year bachelor’s courses and the one-year master’s programme often prioritize campus-based participation.
• On-site activities should offer educational value that goes beyond what’s available online.

Monitoring and Integrity
Students are responsible for ensuring their attendance is correctly registered. Tools like attendance lists or digital platforms may be used. It is strictly prohibited to register attendance for another student—doing so is considered academic misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action.

Flexibility and Challenges
If a student faces individual challenges (such as illness, with a medical certificate), reasonable alternatives—like replacement assignments—may be offered. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the course syllabus and examiner’s discretion.

Impact on Assessment
Missing required attendance may affect your ability to pass or achieve higher grades. In some cases, replacement tasks may help you meet minimum requirements, but full participation is often necessary to reach top grade levels.

Hanken is committed to promoting good scientific practice and maintaining academic integrity among its students. The university actively works against cheating and academic dishonesty through its Action Plan against Academic Dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, cheating during exams, fabrication or distortion of data, and other illicit actions related to study attainments. This includes using generative AI wrongly. You as a Students are expected to familiarize yourself with the university's guidelines on using generative AI in your studies to avoid any form of misconduct.

Good scientific practice  

• be familiar with and adhere to the principles of academic integrity and research ethics at Hanken
• become familiar with and comply the principles of good scientific practice during the thesis process (such as learn how to identify violations of good scientific practice)   

In cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the university follows a structured process where the examiner hears the student, informs them of potential consequences, and consults with relevant authorities. Serious cases are handled by the Disciplinary Committee, which can recommend penalties such as failing the course, written warnings, or suspension. You as a Students have the right to request rectification if they are penalized for cheating.

Action Plan against Academic Dishonesty

AI in Studies at Hanken – Guidelines for Students

Writing a thesis is a major academic milestone—and successful supervision is built on clear communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. At Hanken, both students and supervisors play active roles in ensuring the thesis process is meaningful, ethical, and productive.

The Student’s Role
Students are expected to take full ownership of their thesis work. This includes:

• Making decisions about the research direction and methods.
• Managing time effectively and ensuring steady progress.
• Completing the thesis independently and with academic integrity.
• Prioritizing thesis work over other commitments.
• Actively participating in supervision sessions and seminars.

Students are encouraged to show initiative, engage critically with feedback, and seek support when needed. A clear research plan should be discussed early on to help structure the process and set expectations.

The Supervisor’s Role
Supervisors guide students through the thesis journey by:

• Providing constructive feedback at key stages.
• Encouraging critical thinking and offering alternative approaches.
• Referring students to support services when necessary.
• Respecting student autonomy while ensuring academic standards are met.

Feedback is typically given during thesis courses or seminars and is based on submitted materials. Supervisors also help students stay on track and clarify their role and limitations to ensure a balanced workload.

Trust and Confidentiality
Supervision is built on trust. Supervisors protect students’ privacy and only share information when necessary and—with few exceptions—with the student’s consent. In cases of serious concern for a student’s health or safety, supervisors may escalate the issue to appropriate university officials. Supervisors are allowed to discuss neutral study questions with colleagues for support. 

Structure and Flexibility
Hanken provides a structured supervision framework with time allocations to ensure fairness and efficiency. While supervision has limits, flexibility is important—especially when unexpected challenges arise. Supervisors may adjust meeting times or offer extra support when needed.

Support and Resources
Students can access a range of support services during the thesis process, including:

• Study coaching and time management support
• Scientific writing and language help
• Mental health services and individual arrangements
• Library and research resources
• For paired theses, students share responsibility equally and are expected to meet learning outcomes together.

These services can be found on the Study Services page. 

More information:

Bachelor's Thesis

Master's Thesis 

Feedback is a vital part of your academic journey at Hanken. It helps you grow, reflect, and succeed—not just in your studies, but in your personal development. Guided by Hanken’s ethical principles, feedback is built on respect, transparency, and shared responsibility.

You’ll receive feedback throughout your studies—in assignments, supervision, and group work. It’s meant to support your decision-making, goal-setting, and self-reflection. While feedback is tailored to your situation, it’s also your responsibility to engage actively, reflect critically, and make informed choices.

Fairness and equality are central. All students should be treated equitably, with attention to individual needs. Advisors and instructors are expected to be aware of potential biases and adapt their support accordingly.

Confidentiality matters. Feedback discussions are private, and information is only shared when necessary and—with few exceptions—with your consent.

Effective feedback is specific, timely, and balanced. It highlights strengths, identifies areas for improvement, and encourages a growth mindset. It can be given in group settings to foster collaboration or individually for personal guidance. Tools like Moodle, Feedback Fruits, and Copilot help make feedback more accessible and useful.

You also play a role in shaping the feedback culture. Giving thoughtful course feedback helps improve teaching and learning—for yourself and future students. When reviewing peers, be fair, respectful, and constructive.

By engaging in both giving and receiving feedback, you help build a stronger, more supportive academic community.

More information: Course evaluations with SPARK

According to Hanken's Code of Conduct, Hanken has zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination, abuse and harassment. It is everyone's responsibility to maintain good relations both at work and in their studies. All activities must be characterised by the values of equality, openness and integrity. We use a friendly and objective tone when communicating with each other. The full Code of Conduct is available online.

If you, as a student, feel that you have been treated unfairly by Hanken staff, you can contact the employee's supervisor. At the departments, the head of department is the supervisor for teaching staff in all subjects at the department. A list of heads of department is available at Councils and programme coordinators (under the Department Council tab) or contact dei@hanken.fi.

On the Reporting harassment and misconduct page, you will find more information about procedures and ways to get help. 

At Hanken, you’re never expected to navigate challenges alone. Whether you're facing academic difficulties, personal concerns, or need help planning your studies, support is available. Here's how to know when to seek help—and where to find it.

When to Seek Support
Reach out when:

• Your studies aren’t progressing as expected.
• You’re struggling with motivation, time management, or thesis work.
• You’re facing personal or health-related challenges.
• You need help with writing, communication, or academic planning.
• You experience stress, discrimination, or suspect misconduct.

Where to Start
Visit the Study Services page for a full overview of the support available to you.