Misconduct and damage
Find out the University’s policies for dealing with conduct issues in the halls and for when hall property is damaged.
The hall handbook sets out the rules you need to follow and the behaviour expected of you as a resident. As a member of our community, you contribute to the culture and atmosphere in your hall and have a responsibility to help create a positive home for everyone.
Student Conduct Statute
The Student Conduct Statute and General Misconduct Procedure apply to all students enrolled at the University. We encourage you to make sure you are familiar with those documents.
As a restorative university we use restorative approaches to deal with misconduct, which include alternative resolution processes. These promote accountability and repair to resolve conflict, repair harm and respond to student misconduct. If conflict, harm or misconduct occurs, a restorative approach is considered as an initial option for responding to the harm.
The General Misconduct Procedure outlines the specific options and steps involved in the alternative resolution process, which includes a number of options.
If an alternative resolution process is not appropriate, the University and/or the student who has experienced the harm, may choose to follow a formal process using the misconduct procedure or serious misconduct procedure.
There is a separate conduct statute for students from other tertiary institutions.
Bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
We expect the culture in our halls to be safe and inclusive for all residents and we don’t tolerate any bullying, harassment or sexual harassment. If you’re aware of any threatening or degrading behaviour being directed to a member of our community, you should let hall staff know. You can also contact the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team directly.
Students found to be bullying or harassing other residents may face action under the Student Conduct Statute and General Misconduct Procedure. Read more about how we respond to bullying and harassment in halls in the Student Hall Handbook.
Student conduct action
All conduct issues will be addressed by the hall with support from the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team. Serious misconduct complaints will be referred to the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution Team and when a formal process is followed, the matter will be determined by the University’s Disciplinary Committee.
If you are facing allegations that you may have breached the Student Conduct Statute, you’ll be provided with a letter outlining the alleged behaviour, information about the process, the range of possible outcomes and the different types of support available to you.
The University’s specialised alternative resolution process is designed to meet the needs of a harmed party and this is facilitated by experts in restorative justice.
The specific steps of this process will depend on the situation and there are a range of ways that the University can support those involved in or affected by the harm. The goal is to collaboratively develop a plan to repair the harm caused and to meet the needs of those affected in a flexible, restorative and mana-enhancing way. This is a voluntary process and parties have to agree to participate. The possible outcomes are very variable depending on the situation.
The Student Conduct Statute (sections 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4) also sets out all the possible outcomes and penalties that can be imposed following a formal process. All outcomes in the Statute may apply, but the ones that most relevant to halls students are below.
Penalties for general and serious misconduct in a hall
8.3 Penalties for General Misconduct in Halls of Residence are:
- (a) exclusion from any particular area of, or activity associated with, a Hall of Residence for a period not exceeding two weeks; and
- (b) a ban on guests and/or alcohol for a period not exceeding the balance of the current trimester.
8.4 In addition to the outcomes set out in sections 8.2 and 8.3, the following outcomes are also available for Serious Misconduct:
- (a) transfer of a student from a Hall of Residence to a different Hall of Residence for up to one year;
- (b) permanent exclusion or eviction from a Hall of Residence;
- (c) disenrolment and exclusion from enrolment in some or all classes, or courses, for a period not exceeding two years;
- (d) withdrawal or suspension of access to all or any part of the University precincts, facilities or services (including library or information technology services) for a period not exceeding two years;
- (e) removal of the right to graduate in person.
Damage
You are responsible for any damage or loss that you cause. Residents may also be required to contribute to the cost of damage or loss that can't be attributed to a single individual.
Individual liability
The Hall Residential Agreement requires you to:
- Keep the facilities (your room, the hall, and all fixtures, fittings, and chattels within the hall) clean and tidy.
- Pay for any cleaning, damage, and repairs for which you or your guests are responsible.
- Keep your room in the condition it was in when you arrived, providing for fair wear and tear.
Joint liability
When something is lost or damaged, we encourage those at fault to take responsibility for their actions. However, sometimes damage or theft will occur that—despite our best efforts—cannot be attributed to individual residents.
Under the Hall Residential Agreement, if any facilities need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced, due to damage of any kind, and responsibility cannot be attributed to individual residents, all or a group of residents will be liable for a pro rata share of the cost. This might include cleaning, replacement of missing crockery and cutlery, or the repair of facilities or equipment. These costs are charged monthly to your account.
Feedback, concerns, and complaints
University halls and flats are communities, and we welcome your feedback and ideas. We encourage you to work with us to handle your concerns—you can find information here about giving feedback, raising concerns, and making complaints.