Student Behaviour and Conduct Procedure

The Student Behaviour and Conduct Procedure relates to the reporting of inappropriate, concerning and threatening behaviour directed at students including discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and sexual violence and other forms of potentially criminal conduct.

This shall be referred to as ‘behaviour’ throughout this procedure.

This procedure is part of the University’s Safer Campus Community program.

Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee - terms of reference

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  • Confidential disclosures

    Internal

    Students may wish to make a confidential disclosure of behaviour to:

    • Student Counsellors;
    • Education and Welfare Officers (EWOs); or
    • Women’s Officer or Queer Officer of the Students Representative Council.

    In instances where the student has requested the disclosure be treated as confidential, the person to whom the disclosure is made is not compelled to make a formal report to the Executive Officer of the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee and shall comply with the student’s request for confidentiality.

    External – SAPOL

    Students may wish to report matters of potentially criminal conduct direct to SA Police (SAPOL).

    In such instances, the disclosure continues to be treated as confidential and the person to whom the disclosure is made is not compelled to make a formal report to the Executive Officer of the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee.

    The University is not made aware of the disclosure unless the student makes a report to University.

  • Recorded reports (non-confidential disclosures)

    Staff reports

    Students may wish to report behaviour to a University staff member (other than those identified above under ‘confidential disclosures’). HDR students, may wish report behaviour to their Postgraduate Coordinator or the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

    In such instances, the staff member is encouraged to make a report or assist the student to make a report as outlined on the Safer Campus Community website. 

    They are also encouraged to refer the student to Counselling or the Education and Welfare Officers for support.

    Security reports

    Students may report behaviour directly to Security Services.

    In such instances, the student shall be advised that Security Services will be compelled to make a report of the behaviour to the Executive Officer of the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee.

    Where Security Services have been information about behaviour, they will report any incident to the Executive Officer of the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee. This will include information sharing from SAPOL.

    Student reports

    A student who has experienced or witnessed behaviour may report this directly to the Executive Officer of the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee.

  • Executive Officer, Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee - role and responsibility

    The Executive Officer is the Manager, Student Affairs (or nominee).

    Upon receipt of a report, the Executive Officer will assess whether there are any immediate precautionary actions required and take urgent action, as necessary, to protect the safety of students and/or staff on campus.

    This may include recommending an immediate interim exclusion or suspension under Rule 10 of the Student Misconduct Rules. 

    In such instances, this will involve a referral to an Authorised Officer or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

    The Executive Officer may also refer the matter to the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee for investigation.

  • Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee

    Composition

    The Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee shall comprise the:

    • Executive Director, Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Academic),
    • Manager, Student Affairs,
    • Student Affairs Officers (2),
    • Associate Director, Student Life, and
    • Associate Director, Legal Services. 

    The Committee may also co-opt other staff as required.

    Responsibilities

    The responsibilities of the Committee are defined in the Terms of Reference.

    The Committee operates to provide an investigation, risk management and coordination role in responding to any behaviour referred to it.

    The Committee may recommend referral of a matter to:

    • informal resolution – e.g. mediation/dispute resolution
    • the Student Misconduct Tribunal
    • other bodies within the University including the Early Intervention Group, Research Integrity Office, or HR (in instances relating to alleged staff misconduct)

    Alternatively, the Committee may recommend that no further action be taken and that the matter is dismissed.

    Student Misconduct Tribunal

    The responsibilities of the Student Misconduct Tribunal are set out under Statutes of the University – Chapter 3.

    Penalties include exclusion, suspension, or conditions being placed on a student enrolment.

  • Confidentiality

    All participants in the Student Behaviour and Conduct Committee and this procedure are bound by the University's Privacy policy.