• Section 1 - Preamble
• Section 2 - Purpose of Rules
• Guiding Principles of the University of Wollongong
• Statement of Values
• Section 3 - Application and Scope
• Section 4 - Responsibilities
• Section 5 - Categories of Student Conduct
• Academic Conduct
• General Conduct
• Section 6 - Student Misconduct
• Section 7 - Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct
• Principles of Natural Justice
• General Principles Guiding Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct
• Officers Authorised to Conduct Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct
• Academic Misconduct by a Student undertaking Coursework
• General Misconduct
• Outcomes of Investigations of Misconduct
• Academic Misconduct by a Student Undertaking Coursework
• General Misconduct by a Student
• High-Level Outcomes
• IT Misconduct
• Misconduct in University Residence
• Other Misconduct
• Section 8 - Urgency Provisions
• Section 9 - Disruption to Teaching Activities
• Section 10 - Record Keeping and Confidentiality
• Section 11 - Limitation on effect of Rules
• Section 12 - Schedule 1 - Application of Student Conduct Rules to Offshore Students
• Application
• Modifications for Cases of Alleged Academic Misconduct
• Procedural Matters
• Section 13 - Definitions

Section 1 - Preamble

(1) These Rules replace the previous Rules for Student Conduct and Discipline (2004-2007).

Section 2 - Purpose of Rules

(2) The University of Wollongong (UOW) is committed to providing a safe, equitable and orderly environment for the University community, and expects each member of that community to behave responsibly and ethically.

(3) These Rules outline the required conduct of students of UOW, and direct staff and students to University Rules, standards, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures and other requirements which specify acceptable and unacceptable student conduct, and the management of alleged student misconduct.

(4) Staff and students seeking further information on student general misconduct investigation procedures may contact the Integrity Division.

(5) Staff and students seeking further information on student academic misconduct (coursework) investigation procedures may contact the Academic Quality and Standards Division.

(6) Staff and students seeking further information on research misconduct investigation procedures may contact the Research Services Office.

Guiding Principles of the University of Wollongong

(7) These Rules affirm the values of UOW which include commitment to:

1. intellectual openness
2. excellence and dedication
3. empowerment and academic freedom
4. mutual respect and diversity
5. recognition and Performance

Statement of Values

(8) UOW is committed to Academic Integrity, which involves upholding ethical standards in all aspects of academic work, including learning, teaching and research. It involves acting with the principles of honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility and requires respect for knowledge and its development.

(9) UOW supports the promotion of these values in all academic endeavours in teaching, learning and research. Students and staff of UOW are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these values. The Rules, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures and other requirements specified by UOW and its constituent faculties and academic units have been developed in accordance with these values, and provide direction on translation of these values into action.

Section 3 - Application and Scope

(10) These Rules apply to the conduct of a person while that person is a student of UOW, and specifically govern the conduct of that person:

1. while at an Australian campus
2. while undertaking study within the virtual / online environment, or
3. elsewhere, where:
   1. the person is representing UOW. This includes conduct during work or clinical placements, practicum or other student professional experience, field trips, academic or sporting competitions; or
   2. the conduct affects another member of the UOW community in their capacity as a student or member of staff.

(11) Where alleged misconduct becomes evident during a student’s period of enrolment, then action will be taken in accordance with Section 7: Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct,

(12) Where alleged misconduct becomes evident after a student’s period of enrolment, action may be taken at the University’s discretion.

(13) These Rules apply to the following alleged misconduct by a student enrolled in a UOW program delivered at an offshore partner institution:

1. alleged academic misconduct by a student undertaking coursework, as defined in cluase 30(a);
2. alleged breaches of the IT Acceptable Use Policy and related IT policies; or
3. alleged conduct that is detrimental to the proper conduct or reputation of UOW.

(14) With the exception of misconduct specified in clause 13(b) and 13(c), alleged general misconduct by an offshore student is dealt with by the offshore partner institution in accordance with the policies or rules governing that institution, unless there is a specific agreement between UOW and the offshore partner institution to the contrary.

(15) Conduct by students enrolled in courses or programs delivered at, or undertaking Higher Degree Research at, UOWD is governed by the UOWD Rules for Student Conduct and Discipline.

(16) Conduct by UOW students undertaking simultaneous study at another institution as part of a joint offering of their course is governed by both these Rules and the rules and regulations of the other institution. The other institution may advise UOW of any alleged misconduct by a UOW student. Such misconduct may be recorded by UOW in accordance with the record keeping procedures outlined in the procedures listed in clauses 33 and 34.

(17) Conduct by UOW students undertaking study at an overseas institution as part of the International Exchange Program is governed by both these Rules and the rules and regulations of the overseas institution. The overseas institution may advise UOW of any alleged misconduct by a UOW student. Such misconduct may be recorded by UOW in accordance with the record keeping procedures outlined in the procedures listed in clause 33 or 34.

(18) Conduct by students of an overseas institution undertaking study at UOW as part of an exchange program is governed by the Rules, codes, policies and procedures of UOW. All investigations of alleged student misconduct by such students will be conducted in accordance with the procedures listed in rule clause 33 or 34, including the implementation of an outcome. In addition, UOW may advise the overseas institution of any misconduct found to have occurred.

(19) Visiting students who are not registered at UOW may be subject to the provisions of these Rules. In the case of misconduct by such persons, the matter may be referred to their home institution.

Section 4 - Responsibilities

(20) The University has a responsibility to:

1. ensure that these Rules and their associated procedures are accessible and communicated to all staff and students;
2. ensure that these Rules and their associated procedures are implemented and applied consistently across all faculties, units and campuses;
3. promote best practice in managing student misconduct; and
4. ensure that the process for managing student misconduct allows for:
   1. timeliness of response;
   2. fairness of consideration;
   3. respect for privacy; and
   4. keeping all parties informed of their rights and responsibilities in relation to alleged student misconduct.

(21) Students have a responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with:

1. the Campus Access and Order Rules
2. the IT Acceptable Use Policy and associated IT policies
3. the Code of Practice – Student Professional Experience 
4. the Code of Practice - Responsible Conduct of Research
5. the Student Conduct in Residences Policy
6. the Academic Integrity Policy
7. other University Rules, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures or requirements
8. Faculty and/or academic unit requirements

(22) Staff have a responsibility to:

1. be aware of all Rules, codes, policies, guidelines and procedures relating to student conduct;
2. encourage acceptable student conduct and discourage unacceptable student conduct; and
3. identify and act whenever student misconduct is suspected.

(23) UOW supports the rights of all students to engage in Academic Freedom. However, the right to Academic Freedom comes with responsibilities. Any exercise of Academic Freedom will be subject to UOW’s standards of conduct as set out in relevant policy documents.

(24) All persons involved in investigations of alleged student misconduct have a responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with these Rules and the procedures listed under clauses 33 and 34.

(25) All parties involved in matters of alleged student misconduct are obliged to preserve confidentiality and respect privacy in accordance with the University Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and other relevant privacy legislation.

(26) In addition to investigating any allegation of student misconduct, the University shall report the allegation to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) if the allegation gives rise to a suspicion on reasonable grounds of corrupt conduct.

(27) If, during an investigation into alleged student misconduct under these Rules, a Subject Coordinator, Academic Integrity Officer, Primary Investigation Officer or Faculty Investigation Committee has reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged misconduct is related to a student’s serious health condition, the matter must be reported to a Designated Staff Member under the Student Health Assessment and Leave Policy.

Section 5 - Categories of Student Conduct

(28) The University has, centrally and through its constituent faculties and academic units, established Rules, standards, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures, and requirements governing acceptable and unacceptable conduct of students during their studies at the University. Most of these are available via the Policy Directory or elsewhere on the University website.

Academic Conduct

(29) Academic conduct is based on the values of Academic Integrity. Academic integrity involves upholding ethical standards in all aspects of academic work, including learning, teaching and research. It involves acting with the principles of honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility and requires respect for knowledge and its development. Academic integrity is foundational to the work of the whole academic community, including students, teachers, researchers, coordinators and administrators. 

(30) Academic conduct can be separated into two categories:

1. Academic Conduct of a Student undertaking Coursework: the conduct of a student when undertaking the preparation, presentation or submission of coursework. Acceptable and unacceptable academic conduct of a student undertaking coursework is outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy, faculty/unit requirements, Subject Outlines, and other University policy documents setting out student academic requirements.
2. Research Conduct of a Higher Degree Research Student: the conduct of a Higher Degree Research student in the course of undertaking their research. Acceptable and unacceptable research conduct of a Higher Degree Research student is outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy, Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Procedure, Code of Practice - Responsible Conduct of Research, faculty/unit requirements and other University policy documents setting out student research requirements.

General Conduct

(31) In addition to conduct relating to academic studies, UOW also defines general conduct expected of students. Acceptable and unacceptable general conduct is outlined in:

1. the Campus Access and Order Rules
2. the IT Acceptable Use Policy  and associated IT policies
3. the Code of Practice – Student Professional Experience
4. the Student Conduct in Residences Policy
5. Other University rules, standards, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures or requirements
6. Faculty and/or academic unit requirements

Section 6 - Student Misconduct

(32) Conduct by a student that is in breach of the policy documents and requirements stipulated in clauses 30 and 31 is student misconduct.

(33) Student misconduct is not tolerated by UOW and will be investigated. Where there is an adverse finding of a student misconduct investigation, appropriate action will be taken.

Section 7 - Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct

(34) Investigations of:

1. alleged academic misconduct by a student undertaking coursework will be carried out in accordance with the Academic Misconduct (Coursework) Procedure.
2. alleged general misconduct by a student will be carried out in accordance with the Procedure for Managing Alleged General Misconduct by a Student.

(35) Investigations of alleged research misconduct by a Higher Degree Research Student will be carried out in accordance with the Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Procedure.

Principles of Natural Justice

(36) Investigations of alleged student misconduct will observe the principles of natural justice, including:

1. informing all parties of the procedure being followed and providing them with access to relevant Rules, standards, codes, policies, guidelines and procedures;
2. informing the respondent of any allegation made against them, and allowing time for a response in accordance with the timeframes stipulated in the procedures listed in clause 33 or clause 34;
3. providing the respondent with the opportunity to state their case, provide an explanation and/or put forward a defence;
4. conducting a factual investigation of the allegation, interviewing all relevant and available parties and considering all relevant information; and
5. acting fairly, impartially and without bias by considering all relevant information, including any mitigating factors.

General Principles Guiding Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct

(37) Persons or committees conducting investigations under the procedures listed in clause 33, or in the policy listed in clause 34, will act in accordance with the principles of natural justice and are not bound by the rules of evidence required in court proceedings.

(38) Decisions regarding alleged misconduct are findings of fact, determined on the balance of probabilities.

(39) Persons or committees will report apparent or suspected criminal conduct by a student to the Integrity Division, who will report the matter to the Police as necessary.

(40) All parties involved in an investigation will be treated with respect and impartiality, and any issues put forward by the student such as a disability or medical condition will be taken into consideration.

(41) The confidentiality of parties involved in an investigation will be respected, subject to the need to fully investigate the matter and any legal requirements for disclosure.

Officers Authorised to Conduct Investigations of Alleged Student Misconduct

(42) The following officers and committees may undertake investigations of alleged academic misconduct by a student undertaking coursework or general misconduct by a student, in accordance with the procedures listed in clause 33:

Academic Misconduct by a Student undertaking Coursework

1. Subject Coordinator
2. Academic Program Director (for allegations offshore)
3. Academic Integrity Officer
4. Associate Dean Education or standing nominee, as Chair of the Faculty Investigation Committee
5. Faculty Investigation Committee
6. Student Conduct Committee
7. Student Ombudsman
8. Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life) or standing nominee

General Misconduct

1. Primary Investigation Officer
2. Student Conduct Committee
3. Council Committee of Appeal
4. Chief Integrity Officer or standing nominee
5. Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor or standing nominee

(43) The Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Policy stipulates officers and committees that are authorised to undertake investigations of alleged research misconduct by a Higher Degree Research student.

(44) Other persons may assist in the conduct of investigations of alleged student misconduct, as appropriate.

Outcomes of Investigations of Misconduct

(45) Where student misconduct is found to have occurred, the following outcomes may be applied in accordance with the Delegations of Authority Policy and the procedures listed in clause 33.

(46) For cases of academic misconduct, the FIC or SCC may also implement a restricted enrolment status to help support the student. Students placed on a course status of restricted need to seek academic advice from a Head of Students (HOSt) before enrolling in subjects. HOSts may prevent students from enrolling in some subjects, and may place restrictions on the number of subjects that students are able to attempt while on restricted status.

(47) Where a student is referred to an Academic Integrity Module in accordance with the Academic Misconduct (Coursework) Procedure and they fail to complete the module their marks will be withheld until such time as they complete the required module.

Academic Misconduct by a Student Undertaking Coursework

(48) The range of outcomes that may be applied for academic misconduct are set out in the Academic Misconduct (Coursework) Procedure.

General Misconduct by a Student

Library Misconduct

Low-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Director, Library Services or Standing Nominee
2. Fine (as prescribed in the Library Borrowing Conditions) for overdue items
3. Temporary restriction of Library privileges
4. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property up to $1000

High-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Vice-Chancellor and President
2. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property in excess of $1000
3. Fine of up to $1000
4. Immediate Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President (with or without also suspending any scholarship the student may hold) 
5. Deferred Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President subject to one or more conditions (e.g. good behaviour, demonstrated consultation with a registered professional, academic performance)
6. Exclusion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
7. Expulsion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President Any other penalty that the Vice-Chancellor and President deems appropriate

IT Misconduct

Low-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Operations or standing nominee
2. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property up to $1000
3. Requirement of community service

High-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Vice-Chancellor and President
2. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property in excess of $1000
3. Withdrawal or restriction of access to IT Account
4. Fine of up to $1000
5. Immediate Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President (with or without also suspending any scholarship the student may hold)
6. Deferred Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President subject to one or more conditions (e.g. good behaviour, demonstrated consultation with a registered professional, academic performance)
7. Exclusion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
8. Expulsion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
9. Any other penalty that the Vice-Chancellor and President deems appropriate

Misconduct in University Residence

Low-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Director, Student Life or Standing Nominee
2. Requirement of community service
3. Temporary or permanent eviction from a University Residence
4. Temporary or permanent exclusion from the grounds and buildings of a University Residence
5. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property up to $1000

High-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Vice-Chancellor and President
2. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property in excess of $1000
3. Fine of up to $1000
4. Immediate Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President (with or without also suspending any scholarship the student may hold)
5. Deferred Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President subject to one or more conditions (e.g. good behaviour, demonstrated consultation with a registered professional, academic performance)
6. Exclusion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
7. Expulsion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
8. Any other penalty that the Vice-Chancellor and President deems appropriate

Other Misconduct

Low-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Chief Integrity Officer or Standing Nominee
2. Fine of up to $250
3. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property up to $1000
4. Limitation of student’s right of access to the University

High-Level Outcomes

1. Reprimand from the Vice-Chancellor and President
2. Charge for costs of replacing or repairing any damaged property in excess of $1000
3. Fine of up to $1000
4. Mark penalty in assessment and/or subject where the misconduct could affect academic performance
5. Immediate Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President(with or without also suspending any scholarship the student may hold)
6. Deferred Suspension by the Vice-Chancellor and President subject to one or more conditions (e.g. good behaviour, demonstrated consultation with a registered professional, academic performance)
7. Exclusion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
8. Expulsion from UOW by the Vice-Chancellor and President
9. Withhold official certification (eg academic transcript, degree testamur) for up to three months
10. Rescission of degree by the University Council
11. Any other penalty that the Vice-Chancellor and President deems appropriate.

(49) The Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Procedure stipulates outcomes that may be applied where research misconduct by a Higher Degree Research student is found to have occurred.

Section 8 - Urgency Provisions

(50) Urgency provisions related to cases of alleged academic misconduct by a student undertaking coursework are stipulated in the Academic Misconduct (Coursework) Procedure.

(51) Urgency provisions related to cases of alleged general misconduct by a student undertaking coursework are stipulated in the Procedure for Managing Alleged General Misconduct by a Student.

Section 9 - Disruption to Teaching Activities

(52) In accordance with the Campus Access and Order Rules, every supervising staff member is empowered to request a student involved in disorderly conduct during a teaching activity (such as a lecture, tutorial or practical demonstration) that impedes the normal functioning of that activity to leave the activity for the duration of the activity , provided that:

1. the supervising staff member must first request the student to discontinue the disorderly conduct; and
2. the supervising staff member must report each exercise of this power to the relevant Head of School, to the Manager, Security Operations and to the Integrity Division (for consideration of the conduct as possible general misconduct by a student).

(53) Note: If a student refuses to comply with a request to leave a teaching activity, academic staff are advised to contact Security for further assistance on 4221 4555.

Section 10 - Record Keeping and Confidentiality

(54) Files relating to investigations of alleged student misconduct will be retained and disposed of in accordance with the University’s Records Management Policy, the State Records Act 1998, and the General Retention and Disposal Authority GDA23.

(55) Cases of academic misconduct by a student undertaking coursework and general misconduct by a student will be recorded in accordance with the procedures listed in clause 33.

(56) Cases of research misconduct by a Higher Degree Research student will be recorded in accordance with the Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Procedure.

(57) All parties involved in matters of alleged student misconduct are obliged to preserve confidentiality and respect privacy in accordance with the University Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and other relevant privacy legislation.

Section 11 - Limitation on effect of Rules

(58) Nothing in these Rules affects:

1. the authority of any person or body at the University duly authorised to administer any University Rule not inconsistent with these Rules; and, in particular,
2. any power of a committee or person or other authority within the University to withdraw a student from a course, or to cancel the enrolment of a student, or to refuse a person further enrolment for any course or subject, or to deal otherwise with their case, by reason of their failure to satisfy academic requirements or to pay any fee, fine, charge or other money payable to the University.

(59) Nothing in these Rules affects the power of University Council to make rules given by any provision of the By-laws.

(60) Nothing in these Rules will be interpreted as limiting in any way any power vested in University Council by the Act or any other rule of the University or as limiting the right of the University to enforce by any other means any right vested in it or to take any other action which it may be entitled or empowered to take in the circumstances.

Section 12 - Schedule 1 - Application of Student Conduct Rules to Offshore Students

Application

(61) Misconduct by offshore students that is governed by the Student Conduct Rules and associated procedures is defined in rule 4.4 of the Student Conduct Rules.

Modifications for Cases of Alleged Academic Misconduct

(62) For cases of alleged academic misconduct for a student undertaking coursework the Academic Misconduct (Coursework) Procedure applies without modification, unless stipulated in Schedule 1 of the Procedures.

Procedural Matters

(63) An offshore partner institution must notify the Chief Integrity Officer of the outcome of any investigation under that institution’s own policies or rules of alleged general misconduct by a student enrolled at UOW.

Section 13 - Definitions