1. Purpose and Expectations

This Code of Conduct governs the behaviour of all students of the Divine Theological Training Institute (DTTI), a church-sponsored theological training institute under the African Divine Church, at its Vihiga Main, Mbale, Chavakali, Kaimosi, Kisumu and Kakamega branches. Enrolment at DTTI is a commitment to a standard of life that honours Jesus Christ, the Church that sponsors the Institute and the calling each student is preparing for. Students are therefore expected, both within and beyond the Institute, to show integrity, humility, self-control, diligence and love for neighbour. This code is read and signed at admission.

2. Respect and Non-Discrimination

Every member of the DTTI community is created in the image of God and must be treated with equal dignity regardless of gender, age, ethnic community, county of origin, disability, denomination or social background. Harassment, intimidation, tribalism, hateful or demeaning speech, and any form of sexual harassment are serious offences. Students must address trainers, staff, chaplains and visitors with respect, and must resolve personal disagreements peacefully and, where necessary, through the channels provided in this code.

3. Spiritual Life, Chapel and Fellowship

As a training institute of the African Divine Church, DTTI maintains a rhythm of corporate worship. All students attend the weekly chapel service and morning devotions unless formally excused by the Registrar for a documented reason, and residents take part in hostel fellowships as scheduled. Students are expected to conduct themselves in chapel with reverence: arriving on time, dressing modestly, participating in hymns and prayer, and silencing mobile phones. Students who belong to other denominations are respected and are free to hold their convictions, provided they participate respectfully in the Institute's common worship life.

4. Academic Behaviour

Students must attend all scheduled lessons, practicals and attachments; arrive punctually; complete assignments honestly and by the set deadline; and treat trainers and classmates with courtesy in class and on the e-learning platform. Cheating, plagiarism and misuse of artificial intelligence tools are governed by the Academic Integrity Policy, and examination conduct is governed by the Examination Policy. Mobile phones are silenced during lessons and may be used in class only with the trainer's permission.

5. Property and Environment

Students must care for classrooms, laboratories, workshops, hostels, chapel, furniture, books and equipment as stewards, not consumers. Littering, graffiti, defacement and wastage of water and electricity are offences against the community. Library materials must be borrowed and returned through the proper procedures. Damage to property, whether accidental or deliberate, must be reported immediately; deliberate damage is charged to the offender together with a surcharge, and accidental damage is repaired at cost.

6. Substance, Weapons and Conduct Restrictions

The following are prohibited for all students at all DTTI branches, in hostels, during attachments and on institute trips: alcohol, tobacco and vaping products, miraa and any narcotics, as prohibited by Kenyan law; the possession or use of weapons, including knives and other dangerous instruments; gambling and betting, including on mobile platforms; and attendance at or organisation of activities that disgrace the Institute or the Church. Students found in possession of, using or trafficking drugs face immediate suspension pending a disciplinary hearing and, for trafficking, referral to the police.

7. Dress Code and Identity

Dress at DTTI is modest, neat and fitting for a minister-in-training. During class hours and official functions, students wear smart casual or formal attire; Sunday chapel attire is formal. Clothing that is revealing, torn, bearing offensive or ungodly slogans, or associated with gang culture is not permitted. Each student is issued with an identity card that must be carried on institute premises and produced on request, and worn visibly at examinations and official functions. Loss of the identity card must be reported immediately; replacement is issued on payment of KES 500.

8. Attendance, Punctuality and Leave

A student whose attendance falls below eighty-five percent of scheduled hours in a course, without documented cause accepted by the Registrar, is barred from the end-of-term examination of that course. Absence on medical grounds requires notification within two days and a supporting document on return. Leave of absence for funerals, illness, family emergencies or ministry engagements must be sought in advance from the Registrar, who records it and informs the trainers concerned. Persistent lateness is treated as a discipline matter.

9. Off-Branch and Online Conduct

Students remain DTTI students on attachment, practicum, mission and field trips, and their conduct must bring credit to the Institute and the Church. Host organisations report misconduct to the Registrar, and it is dealt with under this code. Online, students must not post, share or stream content that is obscene, defamatory, tribalistic, harassing or that presents the Institute, the African Divine Church, staff or fellow students in a false or disrespectful light. Cyberbullying and cyber harassment are offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 and are treated accordingly.

10. Disciplinary Procedure and Grievances

Minor breaches are corrected through verbal counsel and, where necessary, a recorded written warning by the trainer, warden or Dean of Students. Serious or repeated breaches are referred to the student disciplinary committee, chaired by the Deputy Principal (Administration) or Deputy Principal (Academic), before which the student is heard in person and may be accompanied by a fellow student or staff member of their choice. Sanctions range from counselling and community service through suspension to dismissal, and are communicated in writing with reasons. A student aggrieved by a decision may appeal in writing to the Chief Principal within seven days. Conversely, any student with a grievance against a fellow student, a trainer or staff member may present it, without fear of victimisation, to the Registrar, who channels it to the appropriate officer for response within fourteen days.

11. Review

This code is reviewed every two years by the Institute Management Board in consultation with the student council and the chaplaincy, and amendments take effect at the start of the following academic year after communication in assembly and on notice boards.