Source: https://policies.westernsydney.edu.au/view.current.php?id=00304&dvid=1
Timestamp: 2020-06-01 09:52:30
Document Index: 658902387

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 10', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 8', 'art 6', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 3', 'art 8', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 4', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8']

Student Misconduct Rule / Policy DDS
Policy DDS > Student Misconduct Rule
3 Purpose and application
Part 2 – Investigation
4 Reporting Misconduct
5 Preliminary investigation
6 Notice to student
Part 3 – Hearing
7 Who investigates, hears and decides Misconduct or appeals
8 Fresh or new allegations
9 Admission of Misconduct
10 Notice of hearing
11 Requirements at hearing
12 Questioning witnesses
13 Failure of student to attend hearing or respond to notice
14 Decision and report
15 Grounds of appeal
16 Lodging an appeal
17 Appeals procedures
18 Appeal decision
19 Notification of outcome of appeal
20 No further internal appeal available
Part 5 – Sanctions for Misconduct
22 Category 1 Sanctions
23 Category 2 Sanctions
24 Category 3 Sanctions
25 Minimum Sanctions for certain types of Misconduct
26 Restrictions or conditions following temporary exclusion or removal
27 Suspended Sanctions
28 Effective date
29 Matters to be taken into account
30 Effect of Sanctions
Part 6 – Committee Constitution
31 Convening and constitution
32 External members
33 Quorom
34 Disqualification and casual vacancies
Part 7 – Temporary Restriction Orders
36 Purpose
37 Who may impose
39 Nature and scope
40 Notification
42 No internal appeal
Part 8 – Suspension Orders
44 Nature and scope
46 Variation, lifting and expiry
47 Compliance
48 No internal appeal
49 Procedural requirements and powers
50 Student and staff cooperation
51 Hearings to be conducted in private
52 Recording of proceedings under this Rule
53 Support persons
54 Withholding results and restrictions on graduation
55 Allowance for academic disadvantage
56 Fairness and conflicts of interest
57 Other action
58 University may designate person to present evidence for University
59 Status of prescribed deadlines
60 Meaning of no further internal review of appeal
61 Administrative errors or omissions
62 Recording and implementing decisions
63 Suspension of misconduct proceedings
64 Savings provisions
Part 10 – Dictionary and Delegations of Authority
67 Interpretation
68 Power to delegate
69 Guidelines
Schedule 1 – Who Investigates, Hears and Decides Misconduct
Schedule 2 – Authorised Officers Who May Impose Temporary Restriction Orders
The Board of Trustees of Western Sydney University makes the following rule under section 41 of the Western Sydney University Act 1997 and the Western Sydney University By-law 2017.
(1) This is the Western Sydney University (Student Misconduct Rule) 2015.
(1) This Rule commenced on 1 January 2016.
(1) This Rule applies to all students of the University and to students registered in a University Affiliate Course.
(2) This Rule also applies to all allegations of Misconduct, including those alleged to have occurred before the commencement of this Rule but which have not been dealt with under any previous rule, policy or other process for Misconduct.
(3) This Rule makes it an offence for any student to engage in any one or more of the following types of Misconduct:
general misconduct,
including Misconduct that occurs:
within a student residence located on any property under the control of the University;
during any activity associated with the University anywhere within or outside Australia, including any off-campus activity, field work, placements or exchanges or internships with other education providers, institutions or organisations or while using online or social media services monitored or facilitated by the University;
during any period of intermission from enrolment, including breaks in teaching sessions, leave of absence or because of deferment, temporary exclusion or suspension;
in any mode of delivery of educational services, including on-campus, online or distance education mode, regardless of whether these are delivered directly by the University or by a University Affiliate; or
where the respondent student has otherwise consented to be bound by this Rule (including under any agreement).
(1) Any person who reasonably suspects a student has committed Misconduct may report it to any one or more of the following:
any member of staff, who if not an Authorised Officer, must then refer it promptly to the appropriate Authorised Officer; or
directly to the appropriate Authorised Officer in accordance with Schedule 1; or
in the case of research misconduct directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research, Enterprise and International.
Note: Staff employed by a University Affiliate must ensure that the report is made to the appropriate Authorised Officer in accordance with Schedule 1 to the Rule.
(2) Following discovery or referral of alleged Misconduct, the Authorised Officer must as soon as possible do one of the following things as appropriate:
deal with the matter under the Student Misconduct Rule - Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines or another policy of the University; or
if the allegation has not been admitted by the respondent student, and appears to be Category 2 or 3 Misconduct, refer it to the Office of Governance Services for investigation and hearing by a Student Misconduct Committee; or
conduct a preliminary investigation of the allegation in accordance with this Part; or
send a notice to the respondent student inviting a written response to the allegations.
(1) When conducting a preliminary investigation, the Authorised Officer can, as appropriate:
invite the respondent student to respond to the allegations either through an interview or in writing in accordance with subclause (2) or (3) as appropriate;
make other inquiries as appropriate, including interviewing other witnesses;
in the case of research misconduct, undertake the preliminary investigation in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.
(2) If the Authorised Officer wants to interview a respondent student as part of a preliminary investigation, the Authorised Officer must notify the respondent student in writing, and:
outline the general nature of the allegation(s);
invite the respondent student to attend an interview to discuss it;
advise that the respondent student may bring along a support person or an advocate to the interview, but subject to the requirements of clause 53; and
if the respondent student does not attend the interview, then the Authorised Officer will complete the preliminary investigation and decide the next steps in the respondent student’s absence; and
give the respondent student a copy of, or an electronic link to this Rule.
(3) If the Authorised Officer wants to decide the matter on the papers, the Authorised Officer must notify the respondent student in writing and:
outline the allegation(s) with sufficient particulars to enable the respondent student to respond;
provide the respondent student with a period of no less than 10 business days to provide their written response;
outline the Sanction or range of Sanctions likely to apply if Misconduct is admitted or proven;
include statements to the following effect:
that if the respondent student admits the allegation, they will be invited to make a statement about an appropriate Sanction, either by attending a hearing or by providing a written statement;
if the respondent student does not respond to the notice within the time specified, then the allegation will be heard in accordance with Part 3 – Hearing; and
encloses a copy of, or an electronic link to, this Rule.
(4) At any interview with the respondent student, the Authorised Officer is to:
identify the respondent student, including by requesting to sight an official University identification card;
explain the allegation(s);
invite the respondent student to respond to the allegation(s); and
make a record of the interview having regard to clause 52 of this Rule.
(5) The Authorised Officer does not have to interview, or give copies of any evidence to, the respondent student during a preliminary investigation if the Authorised Officer reasonably believes that this would:
unreasonably compromise or undermine the integrity of an investigation; or
risk the health, safety or welfare of the respondent student, any witness or any other person involved in the investigation of the allegation.
(6) Following the preliminary investigation, the Authorised Officer is to do one of the following, as appropriate:
dismiss the allegation or take no further action if the Authorised Officer considers there is no substance to it, or that it is so trivial or vexatious as not to warrant further action; or
arrange for the matter to be dealt with under the Student Misconduct Rule - Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines or under another University rule, policy or process, rather than the matter being dealt with as Misconduct under this Rule; or
if the respondent student has admitted Misconduct, as appropriate:
impose a Sanction for Category 1 Misconduct;
agree on an outcome under the Student Misconduct Rule - Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines in consultation with the respondent student; or
refer it to the Office of Governance Services for consideration as Category 2 or 3 Misconduct; or
if the respondent student does not admit Misconduct and the Authorised Officer forms the view that there is a case to answer:
if considered Category 1 Misconduct – further investigate, hear and decide it in accordance with Part 3 – Hearing; or
if considered Category 2 Misconduct or Misconduct that falls outside the responsibility of that Authorised Officer, refer it to the Office of Governance Services to be managed in accordance with this Rule.
(1) Following a decision under clause 5(6) (c) or (d), the Authorised Officer must notify the respondent student of the decision made, and, if imposing a Category 1 Sanction:
advise the respondent student of the right to appeal under Part 4 – Appeals; and
enclose a copy of, or an electronic link to, this Rule.
(1) Schedule 1 to this Rule sets out the Authorised Officers, Senior Authorised Officers and Committees that have the power to investigate, hear and decide Misconduct and impose Sanctions.
(2) Committees may be assisted in an investigation by the Director, Governance Services.
(1) If a fresh or new allegation(s) is made against the respondent student, whether or not it is related to the original allegation before a finding is made, then the new allegation(s) may be heard and decided together with the original allegation at the discretion of the relevant decision-maker. However, the respondent student must first be sent:
another notice of hearing containing the fresh allegation(s) that meets the requirements set out in clause 10; and
an opportunity to be heard in relation to that new allegation(s) according to the procedure prescribed in this Part.
(1) A respondent student may, at any time before a hearing commences, admit an allegation of Misconduct and, if so, must be given a reasonable opportunity to make an oral or written statement about any Sanction to be imposed by the Authorised Officer or Senior Authorised Officer.
(2) If a respondent student admits all allegations of Misconduct (or facts giving rise to those allegations) before a hearing commences, the Sanction will be decided by:
if Category 1 Misconduct, the Authorised Officer hearing the allegation; or
if Category 2 Misconduct, a Senior Authorised Officer; or
if Category 3 Misconduct, the Board of Trustees.
(3) If a respondent student admits to only some of the allegations of Misconduct (or facts giving rise to those allegations) before a hearing commences, the matter must proceed to be heard and decided in accordance with this Part.
(4) The respondent student must be notified of the final Sanction imposed by the Authorised Officer for the Senior Authorised Officer, and the notice must include:
the Misconduct (or facts giving rise to the allegation of Misconduct) admitted by the respondent student;
except where a Category 3 Sanction is imposed by the Board of Trustees, a statement that the respondent student has a right to appeal that Sanction under Part 4 – Appeals; and
a copy of, or an electronic link to, this Rule.
(1) At least 10 business days before hearing an allegation of Misconduct, the respondent student must be sent a notice that:
gives sufficient particulars of the allegation to enable the respondent student to respond to it;
states the date, time and place for the hearing;
that if the respondent student admits the allegation, then the respondent student may make a statement about an appropriate Sanction, either by attending the hearing or providing a written statement on or before the hearing date;
the respondent student may bring along a support person or an advocate to the hearing, but subject to the requirements of clause 53; and
if the respondent student does not attend the hearing without reasonable excuse, then the allegation will be heard and decided in the respondent student’s absence; and
(2) A notice of hearing may (but does not have to) include copies of any evidence about the allegation then available. Any available evidence may be excluded or redacted if disclosure at that time could unreasonably:
place the health, safety or welfare of a person, including any witness at risk.
(3) If allegations or particulars to allegations contained within a notice of hearing need to be amended, the respondent student must be sent a fresh notice that complies with subclause (1).
(4) Nothing in this clause prevents a respondent student requesting an earlier hearing date or agreeing to the 10-day notice period being reduced, provided that the respondent student’s written consent is obtained.
(1) The Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Student Misconduct Committee must at any hearing of an allegation of Misconduct:
ensure that the respondent student has been given notice of the hearing under clause 10;
identify the respondent student, including by requesting to sight the respondent student's official University identification card;
confirm whether the respondent student admits or denies the allegation;
consider all available evidence about the allegation and make findings of fact based on any relevant evidence;
give the respondent student a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegation and any evidence, and to present his or her own evidence or give any statements;
decide whether the allegation is sustained, and
if so, decide what, if any, Sanction should be imposed; or
if not, dismiss it and take no further action.
(2) At a hearing, a respondent student is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to:
subject to clause 12 and any Guidelines, question witnesses.
(3) Any hearing conducted under Part 3 may be recorded in any form in accordance with clause 52 of this Rule.
(1) There is no automatic right for a respondent student to cross-examine witnesses in proceedings under this Rule. Questioning of witnesses may be permitted by an Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or the Chair of a Committee subject to this clause or any other provision of this Rule.
(2) A respondent student or, if applicable, his or her advocate may only question witnesses:
directly, with the permission of the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Chair of a Committee; or
through the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or the Chair of a Committee.
(3) The Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or the Chair of a Committee can, if appropriate, direct that witnesses may only be questioned using some form of telecommunications (such as video conferencing) and with or without the respondent student being present. If this occurs, the respondent student must be given details of the substance of that witness’ evidence and a reasonable opportunity to respond to that evidence before any finding is made.
(4) The Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Chair of a Committee can direct that questioning of a witness cease, or continue in an alternative form contemplated in subclause (3), if, acting reasonably, the decision-maker forms the view that:
the witness is being subjected to irrelevant or unreasonable questions; or
there appears to be a risk to the health, safety or welfare of that witness.
(1) A hearing must proceed to its conclusion if the respondent student does not attend the hearing without reasonable excuse.
(2) The Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Chair of a Committee has discretion to adjourn a hearing or extend a deadline for a short period of time, if the decision-maker considers it is reasonable to do so in the circumstances.
(1) Following a hearing, the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Committee must:
finding that the allegation is substantiated on the balance of probabilities and, as appropriate:
if an Authorised Officer, impose a Category 1 Sanction; or
if a Senior Authorised Officer, impose a Category 1 Sanction or a Category 2 Sanction for admitted Misconduct; or
if a Committee, impose a Category 1 Sanction, a Category 2 Sanction or, where clause 24(1) applies, recommend to the Board of Trustees that a Category 3 Sanction be imposed.
The Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Committee is to prepare and send the respondent student a report that sets out:
whether the allegation is dismissed or any finding of Misconduct made;
if an Authorised Officer, any applicable Category 1 Sanction;
if a Committee, any applicable Category 1 Sanction or Category 2 Sanction;
the availability of any internal appeal from the decision.
(2) A decision (including any Sanction) takes effect immediately from the date on which the report is sent to the respondent student, subject to any appeal.
(1) A respondent student may appeal to an Appeals Committee against a finding of Misconduct or the imposition of a Category 1 Sanction or Category 2 Sanction.
(2) There is no internal appeal available from:
an outcome imposed under the Student Misconduct Rule - Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines; or
a decision to recommend imposition of, or to impose, a Category 3 Sanction.
(3) An appeal may only be made on any one or more of the following grounds:
that the finding of Misconduct was made in breach of the requirements of procedural fairness or of a material requirement of this Rule;
that there is new or fresh evidence that is relevant to the original finding(s) of Misconduct and that evidence was not known or reasonably available to the respondent student before the finding of Misconduct was made and could reasonably be expected to affect the finding of Misconduct or the Sanction imposed; or
inconsistent with Part 5 – Sanctions for Misconduct; or
(1) A respondent student must lodge an appeal with the Office of Governance Services no later than 20 business days following notification of a finding made or Sanction imposed for Misconduct.
(2) At the time the respondent student lodges an appeal, they must specify:
the ground(s) of appeal under clause 15; and
if the appeal is made under clause 15(2)(b), details and copies of any new or fresh evidence.
(3) The Director, Governance Services may refuse to accept an appeal that does not meet any of the criteria stated in this Rule.
(1) The Appeals Committee:
may, in its discretion, hold a hearing or decide the appeal on papers for an appeal that does not involve new or fresh evidence.
(2) At least 10 business days before hearing an appeal, the respondent student must be sent a notice that:
specifies the date, time and place for the hearing;
if the respondent student does not attend the hearing without reasonable excuse, then the allegation will be heard and decided in the respondent student's absence; and
(3) At least 10 business days before deciding an appeal on the papers, the respondent student must be sent a notice that:
states that the appeal will be decided on the papers;
invites the respondent student to make any further written submissions in support of the appeal by a deadline not less than 10 business days from the date of the notice;
includes a statement that the Appeals Committee will proceed to decide the appeal if the respondent student does not respond within that time; and
includes copies, or an electronic link, of:
this Rule; and
(4) Any hearing conducted under Part 4 may be recorded in any form in accordance with clause 52 of this Rule.
(5) An appeal must proceed to its conclusion if the respondent student does not:
respond to a notice given under subclauses (2) or (3) within the specified deadline.
(6) If a respondent student withdraws an appeal before the Appeals Committee decides it, then:
(1) The Appeals Committee must limit its inquiry to the grounds of appeal specified in the notice of appeal and in accordance with clause 15(3).
(2) For appeals involving a ground of new or fresh evidence, the Appeals Committee is to:
decide whether that ground is made out; and
(3) For appeals on any other ground, the Appeals Committee must:
the original Sanction should be substituted for a more appropriate Sanction.
(4) If the Appeals Committee dismisses an appeal, then the original finding of Misconduct and decision to impose a Sanction will stand.
(5) If the Appeals Committee allows an appeal, it must either:
substitute its own finding and, if applicable, set aside or vary any decision regarding a Sanction; or
if it decides that the original finding or decision regarding a Sanction should not be set aside or varied, despite allowing the appeal, confirm that finding or Sanction.
(6) Any appeal must be decided on the basis of:
the material and evidence that was before the Authorised Officer or Student Misconduct Committee;
where a ground of appeal is made under clause 15(2)(b), any fresh or new evidence submitted by the respondent student; and
any submissions of the student or of the University concerning the appeal.
(1) The Appeals Committee is to prepare and send to the respondent student a report that sets out:
if the respondent student is an overseas student, any avenues of external review or appeal available to the student in accordance with the National Code 2018 enacted under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (Cth) (as amended); or
if the respondent student is a domestic student, information on how the student may obtain advice or assistance regarding any avenues of external review or appeal available to the student in accordance with domestic law.
(2) The decision of the Appeals Committee takes effect immediately from the date on which it sends its report to the student.
(1) There is no further avenue of internal review or appeal following completion of an appeal under this Part 4 – Appeals.
(1) There are three categories of Sanctions that may be imposed for Misconduct by the relevant Authorised Officer or Committee as specified in Schedule 1 to this Rule.
(2) Nothing in this Rule prevents a Senior Authorised Officer or a Committee applying Category 1 Sanctions for findings of Category 2 Misconduct.
(3) Certain types of Misconduct attract a minimum Sanction in accordance with clause 25.
(1) A Category 1 Sanction is any one or more of the following:
amendment of a mark:
by reducing the mark, including to zero; and/or
to a “Fail”; and/or
to a “Practicum Fail” for an assessment task, examination or final grade;
a direction to pay up to $500.00 for repair or replacement of damaged or lost property;
a direction to give an apology
a direction not to approach, contact or attempt to contact a staff member or another student, but only to the extent that this does not unreasonably interfere with the respondent student's ability to attend classes or undertake his or her studies for a period of up to the greater of 6 months or one teaching session;
a direction to undertake a short course or instructive program that addresses the conduct that was the subject of the allegations, including but not limited to an academic integrity module or a respectful relationships module or other training considered appropriate;
a direction that the respondent student gives a written undertaking to not repeat or continue the behaviour or activity that is the subject of the finding of Misconduct;
exclusion or deferral from undertaking or completing a placement, practicum or other form of professional experience for the whole or any part of one teaching session;
restricted or conditional access to or use of any campus (including buildings and the shuttle bus service), facilities or services for a period of up to the greater of 6 months or one teaching session;
temporary exclusion for a period of up to the greater of 6 months or one full teaching session from a:
specified unit of study;
course or research degree; or
from undertaking a specified activity (including research or field work, a placement or other form of professional experience) in connection with a course or research degree.
in the case of a year-long unit, temporary exclusion for the period of that unit.
(1) A Category 2 Sanction is any one or more of the following:
temporary exclusion for a period of up to the greater of two years or four teaching sessions from a:
from undertaking a specified activity (including research or field work, a placement or other form of professional experience) in connection with a course or research degree;
permanent exclusion from enrolment at the University, or a specified course;
a direction to pay a specified amount for reasonable costs of repair or replacement of damaged or lost property;
restricted or conditional access to or use of any Campus (including buildings), facilities or services for a period of up to the greater of two years or four teaching sessions;
suspension for a period of up to two years;
if a respondent student is already eligible for conferral of an award, deferral or non-conferral of that award.
(2) The following types of Misconduct are automatically characterised as Category 2 Misonduct:
Misconduct involving a sexual offence;
other types of assault;
Misconduct involving serious harassment, vitimisation, vilification or bullying;
Misconduct involving motting, hazing or similar activities;
Misconduct involving unauthorised access to personal information of others or University systems or data;
a failure to comply with a Temporary Restrictiion Order or Suspension Order;
any other matter as prescribed by this Rule.
(1) A Category 3 Sanction is the revocation of an award conferred on the respondent student. For the purposes of this Rule, it can be imposed for misconduct where a student has graduated from the University after referral of misconduct under clause 4(2)(b) or after commencement of a preliminary assessment under clause 4(2)(c). Otherwise, the matter is to be investigated and dealt with under the Revocation of Awards Rule.
(2) A Category 3 Sanction, in respect of misconduct dealt with under this Rule, may only be imposed by the Board of Trustees. A Category 3 Sanction may be recommended to the Director, Student Administration following findings made by either a Student Misconduct Committee, Appeals Committee or a Senior Autorised Officer at the conclusion of proceedings under this Rule.
(3) The provisions of Part – E of the Revocation of Awards Rule apply to Category 3 Sanctions.
(1) For all findings involving the following types of Misconduct, unless the Authorised Officer, Student Misconduct Committee or Senior Authorised Officer consider that there are extenuating circumstances that warrant a lesser Sanction in accordance with any Guidelines or procedures relating to the imposition of Sanctions, then the following Sanctions apply as a minimum:
for Misconduct involving a sexual offence – suspension for 1 year. For second or multiple occurrences or in circumstances of an aggravated sexual assault – expulsion;
for other types of assault – suspension for 6 months. For second or multiple occurrences or in circumstances of an aggravated assault – expulsion;
for Misconduct involving serious harassment, victimisation, vilification or bullying – suspension for 6 months. For second or multiple occurrences – expulsion;
for Misconduct involving motting, hazing or similar activities – suspension for 6 months. For second or multiple occurrences – expulsion;
for Misconduct involving unauthorised access to personal information of others or University systems or data – suspension for 6 months. For second or multiple occurrences – expulsion.
for Misconduct involving fraudulent conduct, including falsification or fabrication of documents submitted under declaration to the University:
a Fail grade and a reduction of a mark to zero for the unit that relates to the Misconduct;
for a first offence, single occurrence – temporary exclusion from the unit of study to which the conduct relates;
for a first offence, multiple occurrences – temporary exclusion from the unit(s) of study to which the conduct relates and/or suspension from the University for up to 2 years;
for a second offence – suspension from the University for 12 months;
for a third or subsequent offence – expulsion.
(2) Nothing in subclause (1) prevents the imposition of a more severe Sanction under this Rule.
(1) Any readmission to the University or a course following temporary exclusion or suspension is subject to any:
if applicable, conditions or restrictions specified in the decision including demonstrated compliance with any Sanction imposed.
(1) A Sanction may be suspended with or without conditions except:
Category 2 Sanctions for permanent exclusion, suspension or expulsion;
Category 3 Sanctions; or
where the student has previously been given a suspended Category 1 for the same or similar Misconduct.
(2) A respondent student may be required to comply with any one or more of the following as a condition of suspending a Sanction:
to undertake to do or not to do something to minimise risk of further Misconduct or to the health, safety and welfare of any person, such as restrictions on communications or interactions with another person;
to undertake counselling, training or other remedial action;
to apologise either verbally or in writing to any person aggrieved by the respondent student’s Misconduct;
to contact or report to a specified person, such as course coordinator, at specified intervals.
(3) If the respondent student fails to comply with a condition imposed under subclause (2), then the full Sanction will apply and take effect immediately when the University gives the respondent student notice to that effect.
(1) The effective date of a Sanction may be adjusted, backdated or delayed to take account of:
the start or finish of a teaching session;
the length of any previous summary temporary restriction or suspension order made in relation to the respondent student for the Misconduct; or
any other factor considered by the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or the Student Misconduct Committee including if there are any extenuating circumstances considered relevant to the effective date of a Sanction pursuant to clause 30.
(1) Subject to clause 23(2), a Sanction must be proportionate to the type and circumstances of the Misconduct, and take into account the following:
the nature, frequency, and seriousness of the Misconduct;
any previous record of Misconduct against the respondent student, including Sanctions or penalties imposed and the respondent student’s compliance with any Sanctions or penalties imposed;
the timing of any admission of Misconduct by the respondent student;
any relevant mitigating factors, including any extenuating circumstances;
the objective of preventing future incidences of Misconduct;
(2) Any Sanction imposed under this Rule in relation to conduct that occurred within a student residence does not affect or preclude any other action concerning the respondent student’s continued occupancy of or access to that student residence.
(1) The effect of a Category 3 Sanction (to revoke an award) is described in the Revocation of Awards Rule.
(2) A Sanction to not confer or to defer conferral of an award means the respondent student will not be permitted to graduate from their award course either during the deferral period or at all.
(3) A Sanction to expel a student means that:
the respondent student’s current enrolment will be cancelled immediately and any fees paid for that enrolment period may be forfeited subject to the Student Fees Policy;
the respondent student can never be re-admitted or enrolled in any course, unit of study or other curriculum element at the University;
the respondent student is not permitted to come onto any University lands or use any of its facilities for any reason;
the expulsion will be recorded on the respondent student’s internal and external academic transcript records permanently.
(4) A Sanction to exclude a student, either permanently or for a specified period of time, from a course at the University means as follows:
the respondent student’s current course enrolment will be terminated immediately and any fees paid for that enrolment period may be forfeited subject to the Student Fees Policy;
the respondent student will not be permitted to enrol in or graduate from his or her course, either for the period of exclusion or at all (as the case may be);
the respondent student is not permitted to seek a supplementary assessment or apply for a review of grade for the unit affected by the Misconduct;
the respondent student is not permitted to come onto any University lands or use any of its facilities subject to any conditions placed on the exclusion by the Student Misconduct Committee or the Senior Authorised Officer allowing access to specific services or facilities;
the exclusion will be recorded on the respondent student’s University record permanently;
the exclusion will be recorded on the respondent student’s internal transcript permanently and on the external academic transcript either permanently or for the period of exclusion (whichever applies);
if an exclusion is for a specified period of time, the respondent student will be required to re-apply for admission to his or her award course and comply with any conditions applicable for re-admission at the end of the exclusion period (including any conditions imposed as part of the Sanction);
the respondent student will not be permitted to apply for, and will be ineligible to receive advanced standing for any studies undertaken during the exclusion period.
(5) A Sanction to temporarily exclude a student for a specified period of time from a unit(s) of study at the University means as follows:
the respondent student will not be permitted to enrol in the unit(s) of study for the exclusion period;
the exclusion will be recorded on the respondent student’s internal and external academic transcript records for the period of exclusion;
the respondent student will not be permitted to apply for, and will be ineligible to receive advanced standing for any studies undertaken during the exclusion period in lieu of the affected unit(s) of study.
(6) A Sanction to suspend a student means as follows:
the respondent student’s current enrolment will be terminated immediately and any fees paid for that enrolment period may be forfeited subject to the Student Fees Policy;
the respondent student will not be permitted to enrol in or graduate from his or her course, for the period of suspension;
the respondent student is not permitted to come onto any University lands or use any of its facilities, including the shuttle bus service, for any reason;
the suspension will be recorded on the respondent student’s internal and external academic transcript records for the period of suspension;
the respondent student will not be permitted to apply for, and will be ineligible to receive advanced standing for any studies undertaken during the suspension period.
(7) A Sanction that a ‘fail grade’ to be applied to a unit of study means as follows:
any fees paid by the respondent student for that unit of study may be forfeited subject to the Student Fees Policy; and
any change of grade following a withdrawal without academic penalty is subject to the requirements of the University's Enrolment Policy and is limited to the remission of debt only.
(8) An Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or a Student Misconduct Committee may impose conditions on any Sanction that deals with any of the matters outlined in this clause.
(9) An Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or a Student Misconduct Committee may amend the effect of any Sanction as outlined if there are any extenuating circumstances considered relevant to the imposition of the Sanction pursuant to clause 29.
(1) All Committees shall be convened by the Director, Governance Services and should include at least one male and one female member.
(2) Except for external members, Committee members must be selected from the members of the relevant Student Misconduct Panel.
(3) Each Committee is to comprise three members:
at least one of whom must be an academic staff member from the Student Misconduct Panel;
one of whom must be a student from the Student Misconduct Panel;
one of whom may be a professional staff member from the Student Misconduct Panel where the allegation relates to general misconduct only; and
one of whom may be an external person appointed under clause 32.
(1) The Director, Governance Services may appoint one external member to a Committee as follows if it is considered appropriate in the circumstances of the proceedings:
a person who is admitted as an Australian legal practitioner for a minimum of seven years or who holds or has previously held office as a judicial or tribunal member anywhere in Australia;
a senior academic from another university, who is from the same or similar discipline as the respondent student, and who is not involved in supervising or examining the respondent student.
(1) The quorom for any Committee is two members, one of whom must be:
if the Chair is an external person appointed under clause 32:
that Chair; and
one academic staff member.
(1) A person is disqualified from appointment to a Committee if that person:
is from the same school in which the respondent student is enrolled;
has been involved in reporting, investigating, deciding or giving advice or recommendations about the allegation or appeal before that Committee; or
otherwise declares a conflict of interest to the Director, Governance Services.
(2) Subject to subclause (3), a person ceases to be a member, or is disqualified from membership of, a Committee if that person:
if appointed as a staff member, ceases to be a staff member of the University for any reason;
if appointed as a student, ceases to be a student for any reason;
if that person’s appointment is revoked by the Director, Governance Services for any reason;
resigns from the Committee; or
(3) A person appointed to a Committee from a Student Misconduct Panel may continue as a member of the Committee if, after the hearing or consideration of a matter commences, he or she:
ceases to be a member of the relevant Student Misconduct Panel; or
has completed the requirements of his or her degree or graduated from the University.
(4) If a vacancy on a Committee occurs after that Committee begins to hear or consider a matter, but before it makes a decision, then the Director, Governance Services, in consultation with the remaining Committee members, shall decide as follows, taking into account what is convenient and fair in the circumstances:
to direct the remaining members to hear and decide the allegation or appeal, as long as there is a quorom;
(1) The Chair of a Committee is to be:
an academic staff member designated by Director, Governance Services; or
if one is appointed, the external member appointed under clause 32.
has power to make any decision or give a direction in relation to procedural matters, including to adjourn a hearing or extend a deadline, in addition to any other powers or functions specified in this Rule;
does not have a casting vote if there is an equality of votes.
(1) A Temporary Restriction Order may be summarily imposed on a respondent student:
where that respondent student’s conduct is unreasonably:
in respect of any conduct by that respondent student for which a Suspension Order may be made under Part 8 – Suspension Orders.
(1) The Authorised Officers designated in Schedule 2 have power to summarily impose Temporary Restriction Orders as specified in Schedule 2.
(1) A Temporary Restriction Order:
takes effect immediately from when it is given; and
may be imposed for a length of time not exceeding three clear business days from the date it is made.
(2) An Authorised Officer may inform himself or herself as to any matter before imposing a Temporary Restriction Order, but does not have to give the respondent student an opportunity to be heard before making that order.
(1) A Temporary Restriction Order may withdraw, restrict or limit any right, entitlement or privilege applicable to a respondent student of the University, including:
attendance at, lectures, placements field work or other activities related to the respondent student’s study or enrolment (which includes exclusion from the premises on which that activity occurs);
entry onto any lands or into buildings of the University;
directing the respondent student not to contact or approach another student or any member of staff of the University while on University lands or through use of any University facilities, services or other resources.
(2) A Temporary Restriction Order:
should if reasonably practicable try to minimise any unreasonable academic disadvantage to the student; but
health, safety and welfare of the student or of others;
security or integrity of any University land, buildings business or systems (including any academic activity).
(1) An Authorised Officer must within one business day of making a Temporary Restriction Order:
confirm its nature, scope and length in writing to the student, if given verbally;
the name and student identification number of the student;
the nature, scope, length and dates of the Temporary Restriction Order; and
a recommendation as to whether the incident warrants further investigation or proceedings for Misconduct.
(2) Following notification, the person to whom the Temporary Restriction Order is notified must decide whether the incident warrants further investigation or action for Misconduct.
(1) A respondent student who is given a Temporary Restriction Order must comply with it and failure to do so is Category 2 Misconduct.
(1) There is no internal avenue of review or appeal against a decision to summarily impose a Temporary Restriction Order.
(1) A Suspension Order may be imposed on a respondent student for the purpose of preventing or minimising any of the following risks:
risk to the security or integrity of any land, buildings, business or systems of the University (including any research activity);
risk that the conduct giving rise to the alleged Misconduct will occur or continue.
(2) For a respondent student accused of general misconduct involving a sexual offence, serious bullying or harassment or an offence punishable by 12 or more months’ imprisonment (regardless of whether the respondent student is charged with that offence), a Suspension Order will be imposed automatically for the duration of proceedings under this Rule, unless the respondent student can reasonably satisfy the Senior Authorised Officer that:
the respondent student is unlikely to pose any risk specified in subclause (1); or
the risk can be managed without the need for a Suspension Order, but only on the condition that the respondent student gives a written undertaking, and continues, to comply with any reasonable management strategies specified by a Senior Authorised Officer.
(1) Only a Senior Authorised Officer can impose a Suspension Order.
(2) A Suspension Order may withdraw, restrict or limit any right, entitlement or privilege applicable to a respondent student of the University, including:
attendance at, lectures, placements, field work or other activities related to the respondent student’s study or enrolment;
(3) A Suspension Order:
subject to clause 43(2), must be proportionate to the circumstances;
may be made at any time before or after an investigation (including preliminary assessment) or before a hearing for Misconduct commences under this Rule;
takes effect immediately from the date on which the Suspension Order is notified to the student or a later time specified in that notice;
may be imposed for a specified period of time or for an indefinite period of time until conclusion of proceedings under this Rule; and
(1) A Suspension Order must be in writing and must:
(2) If the Suspension Order is to be issued for more than 30 days, or for the duration of proceedings under this Rule, the notice must also:
invite the respondent student to make written and/or oral submissions within 10 business days after the Suspension Order is sent on the issue of suspension only; and
tell the respondent student that if no submissions are received by that deadline, then the Suspension Order will remain in effect for the duration specified in the notice.
(3) The Senior Authorised Officer must consider any submissions made by the respondent student made in accordance with subclause (2).
(1) A Senior Authorised Officer may vary or lift a Suspension Order at any time to take account of any submission made by the respondent student under clause 45(2) or changes in circumstances, including the continued likelihood of any risks, by following the process specified in this Part.
(2) A Suspension Order ends on the earliest of:
5.00 pm on the expiry date specified in the notice;
if and when it is lifted; or
conclusion of proceedings under this Rule.
(1) A respondent student against whom a Suspension Order is made must comply with it and failure to do so is Category 2 Misconduct.
(1) There is no avenue of internal review or appeal against a Suspension Order, including a decision not to vary or lift a Suspension Order.
(1) Authorised Officers, Senior Authorised Officers and Student Misconduct Committees have power to carry out those functions specified in this Rule (including Schedules 1 and 2), and are required to:
act as quickly and with as little formality as possible, subject to the requirements of this Rule:
treat all allegations of Misconduct as allegations of the University; and
treat all proceedings under this Rule as inquisitorial proceedings, not adversarial proceedings.
(2) Authorised Officers, Senior Authorised Officers and Committees:
may decide their own procedures, subject to this Rule and any Guidelines;
are not bound by the rules of evidence;
may make inquiries and obtain evidence about any matter, consistent with the rules of procedural fairness, including health or risk assessments;
may obtain advice or assistance from another person in exercising their functions (although they cannot delegate the exercise of their function except as permitted under clause 68). This includes legal advice on jurisdictional or procedural issues;
may exercise functions that are preliminary or ancillary to the exercise of any function delegated under this Rule.
(1) All students and members of the staff of the University must:
(2) A respondent student or a witness may be directed to leave a hearing if his or her behaviour is unreasonably disruptive or in any way undermines the hearing process.
(1) Hearings under this Rule must be conducted in private.
(1) All proceedings before a Student Misconduct Committee or an Appeals Committee will be recorded in an audio or audio visual format. An Authorised Officer or Senior Authorised Officer may also designate any interviews or proceedings before them to be recorded.
(2) Where hearings are conducted by videoconferencing, the respondent student must access the hearing using such methods as directed by the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Student Misconduct Committee, and ensure that they are able to be appropriately identified. For example, a student may be directed to login to the videoconference using their official University student email account and/or provide information as requested to enable their identity to be verified before the hearing proceeds.
(1) A respondent student may bring along a support person to assist the student or to speak on his or her behalf (including as an advocate) at any hearing or an allegation of Misconduct or an appeal. However, that person must be available at the date and time specified in the notice of hearing.
(2) A support person may be directed to leave a hearing if that person unreasonably disrupts or delays the hearing. If this occurs, the hearing or appeal is to proceed to completion in the absence of that support person.
(3) Notwithstanding that a support person may advocate on behalf of the respondent student, the Authorised Officer, Senior Authorised Officer or Student Misconduct Committee may direct the respondent student to answer any question put to them in relation to the allegations.
(1) The respondent student is not entitled to be issued with any academic results that relate to allegations of Misconduct until the finalisation of proceedings under this Rule. Sanctions imposed under this Rule may impact a respondent student’s progression as set out in the Progression and Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
(2) The respondent student may not be entitled to graduate from the University until all proceedings related to the Misconduct (including under this Rule) are completed, having regard to the requirements of the Graduation Policy.
(1) The University must make reasonable allowance for any academic disadvantage a respondent student suffers (such as permission to re-sit an examination or an extension of time to complete an assessment task) following a Temporary Restriction Order of Suspension Order where subsequently:
the allegation of Misconduct is not sustained; or
a finding of Misconduct is overturned on appeal.
(1) Authorised Officers and Committee members must always:
disclose promptly any actual or potential conflict of interest and manage or work around that conflict of interest in accordance with any policy of the University relating to conflicts of interest; and
treat all matters dealt with under this Rule as strictly confidential and not discuss them with anyone else, except on a strictly ‘need to know' basis for the purposes of this Rule, including seeking legal or other professional advice.
wherever possible, a respondent student must be notified promptly of any delays in investigating or making a decision in relation to Misconduct.
(1) Any action taken under this Rule does not preclude the University from doing any of the following in relation to the circumstances involving the alleged Misconduct:
reporting the matter to the police or other external organisation (such as a professional registration body or a regulatory authority), regardless of whether the University is under a legal obligation to do so.
(1) The University may designate a person to present evidence or make submissions on behalf of the University to a Committee.
(1) Except for minimum periods of notice to be given to a respondent student, any deadlines specified in this Rule are indicative only.
(2) Non-compliance with a deadline does not render a decision or action void or capable of being set aside merely for that reason.
(1) If a clause in this Rule states that a decision cannot be the subject of any further internal review or appeal under this Rule, then that decision cannot be the subject of any further review or appeal under any other internal rule, policy or process of the University.
(2) However, this does not preclude a respondent student from exercising a right of review of that decision by a court, tribunal or other external body with power to do so.
(1) A decision made under this Rule may be corrected where:
(2) Any correction made to a decision must be notified to the respondent student promptly following discovery of that error, defect or omission.
(1) Subject to any right of appeal a respondent student has under this Rule, any finding of Misconduct and any Sanction(s) imposed shall be recorded on the University’s electronic document and records management system relating to the student in accordance with the State Records Act 1998 (NSW) and as specified in this Rule.
(2) All relevant University staff (including any prescribed in Schedules 1 or 2) will be notified about any decision or action taken under this Rule for the purpose of recording and implementing the decision.
(1) A Senior Authorised Officer may, at any stage of proceedings under this Rule suspend or adjourn any proceedings under this Rule pending the outcome of any police investigation or criminal proceedings, or any other actual or potential legal proceedings about the same circumstances of the alleged Misconduct.
(2) A decision under subclause (1) does not:
prevent a Temporary Restriction Order or a Suspension Order from being made at any time in future; or
(1) If before commencement or any amendments of this Rule, a hearing of an allegation or an appeal has already commenced under a process prescribed in an earlier version of this Rule, or under another rule or policy, but a decision has not yet been made, then that matter shall continue to be dealt with under that rule (or version of this Rule) or policy or under this Rule before amendment, until all processes are completed or exhausted.
(2) Any act, matter or thing that immediately before commencement or amendment of this Rule had effect pursuant to any by-law, rule, policy or other instrument of the University is taken to have effect under this Rule.
(1) This Rule supersedes and revokes any previous rules, policies or procedures of the University or of The College relating to Misconduct.
(2) Nothing in this Rule has the effect of invalidating any past act validly performed under any previous rule, policy or procedure of the University or The College relating to Misconduct.
(1) In this Rule the following words have these meanings, unless the context otherwise requires.
academic integrity Acting with the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in learning, teaching and research. Students, teachers, researchers and all staff are expected to act honestly, to be responsible for their actions, and to show fairness in every part of their work. Staff are expected to be role models for students. Academic integrity is important for an individual’s and an academic unit’s reputation (source: Exemplary Academic Integrity Project at the University of South Australia).
Conduct by a student that is in breach of any academic policy of the University or in any way undermines or otherwise puts at risk the academic integrity of any course, unit of study or assessment (including examinations) or the University’s academic reputation.
a. bringing unauthorised materials or devices into an examination or assessment activity;
b. working with another person in order to gain an unfair advantage in assessment;
c. copying another person’s answers or improperly obtaining answers to questions in an examination or other form of assessment;
d. submitting work for assessment that is not the student’s own work;
e. re-submission of work for assessment that has previously been submitted for a different assessment without approval;
f. communicating in an examination, or other test, with other students, or bringing into the examination room any textbook, notebook, memorandum, other written material or electronic device or any other item not authorised by the person who set the examination or the examinations supervisor in charge or other supervisor of a test;
g. writing an examination answer, or consulting another person or materials, for an examination answer, outside the confines of the examination room, without permission to do so;
h. attempting to read another student’s work in an examination, or, in other circumstances, without their permission;
i. where an individual work is required, making or receiving available notes, papers or answers related to the content of an examination or assignment (in whatever form) to or from another student, without the permission of the teacher of the unit;
j. not following the directions about seating location and movement about the examination room;
k. where a student submits work in which ideas, words or other work are taken from a source and presented as if these are the student’s own work, without appropriate acknowledgement of the original author, ‘Appropriate acknowledgement’ being the conventions of citation recognised as acceptable to the University;
l. a breach of the Student Honour Code.
A Committee convened under Part 6 – Committee Constitution and Procedures to decide appeals under Part 4 – Appeals.
A person authorised to deal with matters referred under the Student Misconduct Rule - Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines as defined in those Guidelines.
A person (other than a Committee or Senior Authorised Officer) with authority as specified in Schedule 1 or 2 of this Rule to:
a. hear and decide Category 1 Misconduct;
b. impose a Category 1 Sanction; or
c. make a Temporary Restriction Order,
and includes any person authorised by the Vice-Chancellor and President under clause 68(3).
A place designated as a campus or teaching and learning space of the University or a University Affiliate, including any buildings, facilities or services available there.
Category 1 Misconduct
Misconduct (whether it be academic, general or research) that is either specified as Category 1 Misconduct in this Rule, or would, if substantiated, attract a Category 1 Sanction.
Category 2 Misconduct
Misconduct (whether it be academic, general or research) that is either specified as Category 2 Misconduct in this Rule, or would, if substantiated, attract a Category 2 Sanction.
Category 3 Misconduct
Misconduct (whether it be academic, general or research) that is either specified as Category 3 Misconduct in this Rule, or would, if substantiated, attract a Category 3 Sanction.
Category 1 Sanction
A Sanction specified in clause 22.
Category 2 Sanction
A Sanction specified in clause 23.
Category 3 Sanction
A Sanction specified in clause 24.
A person appointed to chair a Committee.
A Student Misconduct Committee or an Appeals Committee.
A formally approved program of study (whether coursework or research, or a combination of both) regardless of whether it leads to the award of a degree, diploma or other qualification of the University or a University Affiliate.
a. the Dean of a University School;
b. the Dean, Graduate Studies;
c. the Chief Executive Officer of Western Sydney University - The College.
The responsible Authorised Officer or Committee that makes a decision under this Rule.
exclude or exclusion
Termination of enrolment or prohibition from enrolling in a specific unit or a course or with the University more generally for a defined period of time. The student’s enrolment is cancelled and they are precluded from re-enrolment in the specfied unit or course during the period of the exclusion.
expel or expulsion
Permanent exclusion from the University or a University Affiliate course or admission to or use of University or a University Affiliate’s lands or premises.
Events or circumstances which directly relate to the timing of the Misconduct and:
a. are beyond the person’s control, i.e. the person is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for the situation. These events or circumstances must be unusual, uncommon or abnormal; and
b. are claimed by the student with appropriate independent supporting documentation which the University may verify.
Conduct by a student that is contrary to accepted standards of behaviour at the University including conduct that:
a. places at risk the health, safety or welfare of any person;
b. places at risk the business or other operations, systems or activities of the University;
c. disrupts or interferes with another person’s ability to access or enjoy the University's facilities or services;
d. breaches the Student Code of Conduct;
e. breaches the Sexual Offences Response Policy and Procedures;
f. breaches the Sexual Harrassment Prevention Policy;
g. breaches the Bullying Prevention Policy;
h. breaches the Acceptable Use of Digital Services Policy;
i. breaches the Discrimination, Harassment, Vilification and Victimisation Prevention Policy;
j. breaches the Respect and Inclusion in Learning and Working Policy;
k. breaches the Privacy Policy and/or Privacy Management Plan.
l. breaches guidelines or other directions given by University staff in relation to acceptable standards of behaviour during University activities.
Examples of general misconduct include but are not limited to:
m. bullying, harassing, vilifying, victimising or threatening another person, including because of that person’s cultural or religious identity, gender, sexual orientation or disability;
n. behaving in an unreasonably antisocial or offensive manner for any reason;
o. not following a direction reasonably and lawfully given by a staff member of the University or a University Affiliate, including non-compliance with a Temporary Restriction Order or a Suspension Order;
p. refusing to produce identification, including a student identification card, when asked lawfully to do so by a University staff member or University Affiliate;
q. engaging in unprofessional behaviour while undertaking a practicum or placement as part of the student’s course;
r. engaging in hazing, motting or other unauthorised initiation activities of a similar kind;
s. unauthorised access to or use of any University property, systems or facilities or those of another organisation or person;
t. submitting forged or fraudulent medical or other documentation to the University;
u. any other conduct that is in breach of any policy of the University in relation to acceptable standards of behaviour.
Guidelines issued under clause 70.
Any one or more of academic misconduct, research misconduct or general misconduct.
The University's Office of Governance Services, or another administrative unit with responsibility for managing student misconduct.
Conduct by a student in connection with research that breaches the University's Research Code of Practice and/or other applicable law, regulation or code relating to research, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, including misconduct that occurs during Stage 2 of the Masters of Research.
A Category 1 Sanction, Category 2 Sanction or Category 3 Sanction as set our in Part 5 – Sanctions for Misconduct.
Senior Authorised Officer
a. the Vice-Chancellor and President;
b. the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
c. a Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
d. a Vice-President;
e. the Chief Student Experience Officer.
Has the same meaning as in the Sexual Offences Response Policy and Procedures.
respondent student
A person who, at the time of the alleged misconduct alleged against him or her:
a. is admitted to the University or a University Affiliate to undertake a course or unit of study, whether or not enrolled;
b. has completed a course or unit of study at the University or a University Affiliate, but has yet to graduate;
c. is otherwise studying or undertaking a student-related activity at the University or a University Affiliate, including as part of any exchange or other arrangement with another university or education provider;
but does not include a person:
d. who is an employee of the University or of a University Affiliate; and
e. the alleged Misconduct is required to be dealt with under the terms of that person’s employment with (as the case may be) the University or that University Affiliate.
Student Misconduct Committee
A Committee convened under Part 6 – Committee Constitution to hear and decide allegations of Misconduct under Part 3 – Hearing.
Student Misconduct Panel
A panel established under Guidelines which academic and professional staff members or students can be selected to serve on a Student Misconduct Committee or an Appeals Committee.
Banning a student from attendance at the University for a specified period of time.
An order made under Part 8 – Suspension Orders.
Temporary Restriction Order
An order made under Part 7 – Temporary Restriction Orders.
A period of time during which a unit of study is taught and assessed.
The controlled entity of the University known as Western Sydney University Enterprises Pty Ltd ACN 003 474 468 trading as Western Sydney University - The College CRICOS Code 02851G.
A component of a course, including any field work, practicum or placement with an external person or body.
Western Sydney University as established by the Western Sydney University Act 1997 (NSW).
a. The College;
b. Western Sydney University International College as a Third Party Provider to the University;
c. An organisation with whom the University has a third party arrangement under the Higher Educational Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015;
d. A person or an organisation with whom the University has arrangements in place for students to undertake placements, practicums or other activities as part of their Course requirements.
(1) In this Rule, unless the context requires otherwise:
a reference to a clause, a Part or a Schedule means a clause, part or schedule in this Rule;
a reference to any law, by-law, regulation or other statutory instrument includes any amendment, re-enactment of replacement or it;
a reference to a position within the University or The College (such as a dean) means the person employed in or appointed to that role, and includes any person acting in that role temporarily;
public holidays gazetted in New South Wales; or
(1) An Authorised Officer may designate another person in writing to act as decision-maker in his or her place if that Authorised Officer:
reasonably believes there is or may be a conflict of interest, or actual or perceived bias, if the Authorised Officer exercises that function; or
is otherwise unavailable to exercise that function.
(2) Any delegation of authority given under this Rule applies to the occupant of the position to whom it is made, including any person acting in that position.
(3) The Vice-Chancellor and President has authority to remove or to designate additional or replacement Authorised Officers in Schedules 1 and 2 at any time, including to take account of changes to organisational structure or where it is no longer appropriate for that Authorised Officer to continue exercising that function.
(1) The University may make guidelines not inconsistent with this Rule about any of the following matters:
establishment of Student Misconduct Panels, including selection and membership;
alternative methods for managing behaviours that warrant educative or remedial interventions rather than these being dealt with as Misconduct under this Rule;
to ensure Misconduct is managed and Sanctions are imposed appropriately and consistently under this Rule.
(2) Guidelines may be made by:
the Academic Senate in relation to academic misconduct and research misconduct;
the Vice-Chancellor and President or the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor in relation to the management of general misconduct, establishment and procedures of Student Misconduct Committees and the imposition of Sanctions.
Authorised Officer or Committee
Chief Student Experience Officer
(Senior Authorised Officer)
a. Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 general misconduct.
b. Impose a Category 1 or 2 Sanction, or recommend the imposition of a Category 3 Sanction to the Board of Trustees for admitted general misconduct.
c. Impose a Suspension Order under Part 8.
a. Investigate, hear and decide all appeals lodged under Part 4 – Appeals.
b. Impose a Category 1 or 2 Sanction, or recommend the imposition of a Category 3 Sanction to the Board of Trustees.
Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director, Academic Studies of The College
Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 Misconduct by a respondent student enrolled in, or undertaking a Unit taught within The College.
Dean or Deputy Dean of a School
Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 Misconduct by a respondent student enrolled in, or undertaking a Unit taught within that School.
a. Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 academic misconduct.
b. Impose a Category 1 or 2 Sanction, or recommend the imposition of a Category 3 Sanction to the Board of Trustees for admitted misconduct.
c. Impose a Suspension Order as specified in Part 8.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research, Enterprise and International
a. Investigation, hear and decide Category 1 research misconduct.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy and Planning
a. Impose a Category 1 or 2 Sanction, or recommend the imposition of a Category 3 Sanction to the Board of Trustees for admitted misconduct.
b. Impose a Suspension Order as specified in Part 8.
Investigate Misconduct following a referral under clause 4(2)(b) or 5(6).
Director of Learning, Online Education Services Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 Misconduct by a respondent student enrolled in, or undertaking a Unit taught by Online Education Services.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Graduate Studies Hear and decide Category 1 research misconduct.
Provost or Deputy Provost
Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 general misconduct that occurs within campus or other premises (including Student residences) for which that person has responsibility.
a. Investigate, hear and decide Category 1 Misconduct.
Investigate, hear and decide all categories of Misconduct and impose a Category 1 Sanction or Category 2 Sanction, or recommend the imposition of a Category 3 Sanction to the Board of Trustees.
Vice-President, Finance and Resources
a. Hear and decide Category 1 general misconduct.
Vice-President, People and Advancement
b. Impose a Suspension Order under Part 8.
Designated Restricted Areas or Activities
Person to whom Restriction must be Notified within 24 Hours
(clause 40(1)(b))
Any Campus Safety and Security Officer
Any building, land, facilities or services of the University (including Student residences) or a University Affiliate
Chief Student Experience Officer, (as applicable), Dean or College Chief Executive Officer and Director, Campus Safety and Security
Campus Provost or Deputy Provost
Any University building, lands, facilities or services on a Campus for which that Provost has responsibility
Chief Student Experience Officer and Dean
Director of Learning, Online Education Services Any online facilities, resources or other privileges Chief Student Experience Officer and Dean
Any member of academic staff of the University or a University Affiliate
a. Any lecture theatre, laboratory or other teaching or research setting or facilities
b. Any area (including offices and common areas) within a School or The College building
c. Any area (on or off a Campus) where the Student undertakes any field work, placement or other activity related to his or her Course
Chief Student Experience Officer, (as applicable) Dean or College Chief Executive Officer and Director, Campus Safety and Security
Any person supervising or monitoring an examination (including casual invigilators)
Any area where or in immediate vicinity of where an examination is being conducted
Chief Student Experience Officer and (as applicable) Dean or College Chief Executive Officer
Any member of University or The College library staff
Any University or The College library areas, facilities, resources or other privileges
Director, Library Services or The College Librarian and Director, Campus Safety and Security
Any person (including any third party) responsible for the management of Western Sydney University Village
Any University Student residence land, building, facilities or privilege
Chief Student Experience Officer and Director, Campus Safety and Security
Any Senior Authorised Officer
Any University building, lands, facilities or services on any Campus (including Student residences)