Student Misconduct

3.1 University Rules and Codes of Conduct

While the University has not formulated a formal general code of conduct, it has defined rules and good practice for many activities. That is, a number of areas within the University have specified rules and codes of conduct for particular activities and for the use of facilities.

There are, in addition, University rules governing student misconduct. These are described below.

3.2 What is Student Misconduct?

Student misconduct includes behaviour of a kind that impairs the reasonable freedom of other persons to pursue their studies or research or to participate in the life of the University.

It includes such activity as:

a) breach of any rule relating to student conduct in the University;

b) conduct which unduly disrupts or interferes with a class, a meeting or any other official activity within the University;

c) conduct detrimental to University property, such as stealing, destroying or deliberately damaging laboratory equipment;

d) stealing, destroying, impairing the accessibility of, or defacing any part of the University Library collection;

e) using University computing or communications facilities in a manner which is illegal or which will be detrimental to the rights and properties of others;

f) acting so as to cause students or staff or other persons within the University to fear for their personal safety;

g) refusing or failing to identify oneself truthfully when so required by a member of the academic staff or other officer of the University.

3.3 Penalties

The following penalties may apply:

a) a student who commits a breach of the University rules or damages University property (including, but not limited to fittings, fixtures, equipment, facilities, trees, plants, shrubs and lawns) shall be guilty of a breach of discipline and shall be liable for the payment to the University of a fine not exceeding $1,000;

b) a student who misuses University Library facilities, or computing or communications facilities, shall be guilty of a breach of discipline and shall be liable for the payment to the University of a fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or restriction or withdrawal of borrowing or access privileges;

c) fines and other penalties may only be imposed under these Rules by the Rector on behalf of the Registrar and Deputy Principal, or a person who holds a written delegation from the Registrar so authorising her or him;

d) it shall not be necessary for the University to prove in any case that it has suffered financial or actual loss;

e) the University may withhold any benefit (including any degree, diploma or result) from a student until any penalty imposed under these Rules has been discharged;

f) students adversely affected by determinations made and penalties imposed under this rule may appeal to the Vice-Chancellor. The appeal must be in writing and lodged within fourteen days of the student receiving notification of the adverse determination. Such notification shall include notice of the student's right of appeal. In all other respects, action under this rule is final.

In addition, in situations where it is considered that students present a threat of destruction to University property and/or disruption of academic instruction, assessment, examinations, and the proper functioning of the University, they may be temporarily suspended from part or all of the University.

3.4 Student Misconduct Procedures

The University has detailed procedures for dealing with allegations or complaints of student misconduct. The full text of the Council resolution on student misconduct, which contains details of these procedures, can be obtained from the UNSW web site: www.my.unsw.edu.au/student/academiclife/assessment/StudentMisconductRules.html