General Misconduct
The University has specific policies around student behaviour and if these policies are breached, they will implement penalties to students. Broadly speaking, General Misconduct is behaviour that is considered offensive, disruptive and/or harmful. Alternatively, if you want to raise an issue about someone else’s behaviour, refer to our information about the student Complaints and Grievances process here.
On this page you will find information about:
There is a separate University policy around Academic Misconduct, which is concerned with issues to do with plagiarism, collusion, or not following exam rules, etc. If you need advice on academic misconduct, have a read of our advice here.
What is General Misconduct?
The Student Conduct Policy aims to ensure that the University is a healthy and respectful environment for everyone to learn and work. It states that:
... students must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the standards of behaviour that promote the good order and management of the University.
The definition of General Misconduct is wide-ranging and can include behaviour such as:
- disrupting lectures or University events
- misusing computers or other facilities
- causing fear or intimidation in and around the University
- harassing staff or other students
- illegal behaviour
- damaging property
- failing to comply with a reasonable request
- supplying misleading information
- encouraging others to engage in general misconduct
These breaches can also extend across all University property, including libraries, computer labs and student associations. It also includes the internet. As these breaches may also be subject to criminal or civil legal action, if you receive an allegation of General Misconduct, we strongly suggest you get advice from us (contact us here) prior to responding to such an allegation.
I’ve been accused of general misconduct, what happens now?
If the University has sent you a formal General Misconduct Allegation, it should include:
- a clear outline of the nature of the misconduct
- information regarding any evidence of which the senior officer is aware relating to the allegation
- an opportunity to respond in writing as well as an invitation to attend a hearing, and specific timelines for these responses
- the name of the chair of the committee that will be investigating the allegation
- inclusion of, or reference to, the penalties that can be applied under Vice Chancellor Regulation Part 6
This notice will be sent to your student email address.
The University must collect enough evidence to proceed with an investigation under the Vice Chancellor Regulation Part 6 and the Student Conduct Policy. This evidence is brought to the attention of the Academic Registrar. If the Academic Registrar determines that an allegation of student General Misconduct should be investigated, the Academic Registrar must provide a notice to the student within 10 business days of the allegation being brought to their attention. You cannot be given a penalty for General Misconduct without going through the University’s formal process.
You will be given the opportunity to submit a response and attend a hearing about the matter. We suggest you do both of these. Before responding to the allegation, we suggest you get in touch with us here. As stated above, some forms of General Misconduct can have civil and criminal ramifications, so it is best to get professional advice before proceeding.
Within three working days of the hearing, you should receive notice of the committee’s decision, any penalties imposed, and information on how to appeal the decision.
You can read more about the University’s appeal process here.
Are there penalties for general misconduct?
If the committee upholds the allegation, it may impose a penalty on the student in accordance with the Vice-Chancellor Regulation Part 6. Penalties for General Misconduct can include (but are not limited to):
- a reprimand and caution
- a fine of an amount not exceeding the sum of $1,000
- the cost of making good any damage to property caused
- exclusion from all or any part of University premises for such a period and on any terms and conditions
- a requirement that the student refrain from having any or such specified contact with particular students, members of staff, or other members of the University community
- a requirement that the student apologise
In some cases, a Penalty or part of a Penalty may be satisfied with University service work.
Useful templates and relevant Policy