Managing breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

Flinders University is committed to providing a safe, and respectful study environment and workplace for all members of the University community.

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and all Flinders Statutes, by-laws, policies, procedures, rules and codes, and to comply with any lawful direction of an officer of the University.

Download the Student Code of Conduct

Types of breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

Minor breaches

What is a minor breach?

Minor breaches of the Student Code of Conduct include behaviour which has a limited adverse impact on the University Community. For example:

interpersonal rudeness
minor disruptive behaviour in teaching sessions or classes, including tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips
minor misuse of facilities, equipment or University spaces, and
a minor violation of advised rules of a University space (e.g. talking loudly in an advertised quiet space).

What is not considered a minor breach?

A minor breach does not include:

allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault
behaviour that is violent, aggressive or threatening, or
behaviour that causes damage to the University’s facilities or equipment.

Managing minor breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

University Officers have discretion in how they manage minor breaches. They can have an educative discussion with the student on the spot, send a caution email to the student or meet with the student to have an educative discussion about the minor breach.

Outcomes of the educative discussion could include one or more of the following actions:

Giving directions or an instruction to the student
Providing educative advice on the student’s behaviour
Requiring the student to reflect on their behaviour and its impact on others
Providing a verbal or written caution to the student

Reporting minor breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

Staff and students can report a breach to a relevant University officer, verbally or in writing.
University Officers who have experienced or witnessed a minor breach can take action on the spot.
University officers include:
- Course Coordinator, Topic Coordinator, lecturer or tutor
- SAS College manager or WIL manager
- Security

Resources for staff

Template caution email

Support services for staff

Employee assistance program

Misconduct

Misconduct includes behaviour that has a negative impact on the University community

Examples of breaches of the Student Code of Conduct that constitute misconduct include:

repeated minor breaches of the Student Code of Conduct
failure to follow the lawful and reasonable directions of a University Officer
behaviour that disrupts or interferes with another person’s ability to access or enjoy the University’s facilities, technology or services, or impairs their ability to perform their duties
inappropriate behaviour towards, or harassment of, other members of the University community. This includes harassment of a sexual, racial or other discriminatory nature, and harassment online
violence or threats of violence towards members of the University Community
behaviour that is detrimental to the interests, reputation or good standing of the University
dishonest or fraudulent behaviour
behaviour that places at risk the business or other operations, systems or activities of the University
behaviour that involves damage or significant misuse the property of the University any member of the University Community or any third party engaged in University activities.

Serious Misconduct

Is conduct that meets the definition of misconduct, and:

has a significant negative impact on one or more members of the University community or the University, or
the student has engaged in multiple acts of Misconduct, or
the student has a prior record of Misconduct and has previously received a formal warning.

Reporting breaches of the Student Code of Conduct

Misconduct and Serious Misconduct

Staff should report instances of misconduct and serious misconduct to the relevant College Dean (Education).

The report should include:

details of the conduct of the student
any supporting documentation
details of any preliminary action undertaken
a description of the impact of the conduct on the individual or members of the University community, or the operations of the University.

Resources for staff

Template report form

Support services for staff

Employee assistance program

Academic misconduct

Academic Misconduct is managed in accordance with the Student Academic Integrity Policy and procedures.

Further information about managing and reporting academic integrity issues can be found on the Managing student academic integrity issues webpage.

Managing student academic integrity issues

Need further information?

Student Policy and Integrity Services is available to provide academic staff with guidance and advice on the processes for managing breaches of the Student Code of Conduct.

8201 5099

studentcomplaints@flinders.edu.au