Student Code of Conduct

• Part A - Introduction
• Part B - Principles
• Honesty
• Fairness
• Trust
• Accountability
• Respect
• Part C - Obligations
• Personal Conduct
• Academic Conduct
• Part D - Compliance with the Student Code of Conduct
• Part E - Terms and Definitions

Part A - Introduction

(1) This Code of Conduct applies to all students, including on-campus, online and distance students, and students participating in an award program, exchange program, study abroad, pathway, or non-award program.

(2) This Code sets out principles and obligations for student conduct that align with the University’s values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

Part B - Principles

(3) All students must behave in a way that is consistent with the University’s principles. 

Honesty

(4) Honesty fosters trust, integrity, and a culture of academic excellence. It ensures the accuracy and reliability of research, learning and administrative processes, and assists in maintaining the University’s reputation and the credibility of all associated with the University. Honesty supports open, transparent and respectful communication, fosters an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives can be expressed and debated to reflect the University’s strong commitment to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech and ethical decision-making.

Fairness

(5) Fairness guides actions that are impartial and consistent, encompassing principles of inclusivity and natural justice. It reflects the University’s commitment to celebrating diversity and its zero tolerance for unlawful harassment or discrimination. Fairness is the foundation for making equitable decisions, ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources and information. Fairness safeguards academic integrity by preventing favouritism or unlawful discrimination.

Trust

(6) Trust is achieved through honesty, fairness and transparency. It is fostered by cooperative collaboration amongst students and staff, delivering on commitments and appropriately sharing information. Trust is cultivated by appropriately preserving confidentiality and safeguarding privacy. The University holds a position of trust in our community which comes with the responsibility for us to act with integrity and professionalism. 

Accountability

(7) Accountability means we take ownership of all actions or inactions within our control. It means upholding the integrity of our academic endeavours, avoiding conflicts of interest and taking action against wrongdoing. Accountability involves behaving professionally and being proactive about our knowledge and learning. It also means contributing to sustainability – social, economic and environmental. 

Respect

(8) Respect means treating every person, with courtesy, consideration and dignity. It means we behave and communicate in a way that is considerate and does not offend, degrade or humiliate. It includes acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as the traditional custodians of the lands on which the University is situated. Respect fosters a harmonious and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can be shared. Respect also extends to treating animals considerately and showing consideration for the property of the University and others. 

Part C - Obligations

Personal Conduct

(9) All students must:

1. treat other people with respect, courtesy, consideration and dignity, regardless of gender, religion, race, sexuality or disability;
2. communicate with other members of the University community in a kind, courteous and respectful way;
3. respect diversity and avoid engaging in or promoting conduct that is bullying, harassing or discriminatory, including online and on social media; (Note: See Prevention and Response to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy and Student Conduct Rule);
4. act honestly and ethically in all dealings with the University and members of its communities;
5. behave consistently with community and University values when representing the University and not engage in conduct that has the potential to bring the University into disrepute;
6. use University resources, including information and communication technology resources, equitably, responsibly and lawfully, and not in a way that defames, vilifies, bullies or harasses any other person, or interferes with or prevents other people’s access to or use of those resources (Note: See Information Technology Conditions of Use Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, and Copyright Compliance Policy);
7. respect the privacy and personal information of other members of the University’s communities;
8. treat University property, facilities and premises, and property belonging to other members of the University communities, with care and respect;
9. support academic freedom and freedom of speech in a way that is consistent with the requirements of this Code (Note: See Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom); and
10. take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of other members of the University communities (Note: See Health and Safety Management System Framework); and
11. comply with all applicable University rules, policies and procedures.

Academic Conduct

(10) All students must:

1. act honestly and ethically in all areas of academic life, including in the conduct of research and the preparation and submission of assessments, and avoid engaging in academic misconduct as defined in the Student Conduct Rule (Note: See Student Conduct Rule, Responsible Conduct of Research Policy, Code of Practice for Higher Degree by Research Candidature, and the Academic Integrity and Ethical Academic Conduct Policy);
2. participate positively and respectfully in the teaching and learning environment, and follow the reasonable requests and instructions of their lecturers, tutors, supervisors and other representatives of the University;
3. work collaboratively and contribute equitably to group work, projects and other cooperative learning experiences;
4. behave professionally and ethically during all placements, practicums, work experience and other external learning experiences (Note: See Outbound Global Experience Procedure and Student Professional Experience Policy);
5. comply with all applicable University rules, policies, procedures, and course outlines.

Part D - Compliance with the Student Code of Conduct

(11) Failure to comply with this Code may lead to an assessment under the University’s Student Conduct Rule, which may result in a finding of misconduct and imposition of a penalty.

Part E - Terms and Definitions

(12) In this Code:

1. award program means a program approved by Academic Senate that leads to the conferral of an academic qualification on a student who has met the relevant program requirements;
2. exchange program means a program that gives overseas students who have not been admitted to a course at the University the opportunity to enrol in one or more units of study at the University in accordance with the terms of an exchange arrangement between the University and their home institution;
3. non-award program means a program that does not lead to a University award or qualification;
4. pathway program means a program that prepares students for university study and facilitates their entry to an award program;
5. study abroad program means a program that gives overseas students who are admitted to a formally approved program of study at an overseas institution with which the University does not have an exchange arrangement, and who are not admitted to a course at the University, the opportunity to enrol in one or more units of study at the University for up to one year;
6. University means the University of Newcastle, its controlled entities and any entities undertaking research or teaching and learning activities on behalf of the University.