Student conduct 

Misconduct by a student means -

  • an act or omission of a student which is prohibited by a University Statuteregulationruleby-lawCode of Conduct or policy or Senate Resolution, or by an order made under a University Statute, regulation, rule, by-law or Senate Resolution; or
  • any conduct on the part of a student which impairs the reasonable freedom of other members of the University to pursue their studies or research, or the reasonable freedom of persons to express their opinions within the University, or to participate in the life of the University, or which impairs University administration;

Where it is believed that a student may have breached the Code of conduct, a policy, a By-law etc., the student is asked to respond to the concern(s) of alleged misconduct.  This process is managed under the Regulations of student conduct and discipline.

On this page, find out more about the four types of student misconduct, and the discipline process outlined in the Regulations.

Academic Misconduct

Academic integrity means behaving in an honest, fair and moral way in an academic setting and engaging academic misconduct is a risk to you and to the University.  It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that there is trust and confidence with the reputation of your degree and the University. 

Find out more about what academic integrity is, training and supports available, and more guidance on how to not engage in academic misconduct here.

Research misconduct

Research misconduct has significant risks you to, research participants, the University and the broader community.  Anyone engaging in research must act in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 (ACRCR).  

Find out more about what research integrity is, training and guidance available to you, and what is considered research misconduct here.

Professional Misconduct

Professional misconduct is inappropriate behaviour by a student while undertaking a part of your course in a professional setting e.g. professional/clinical placement, field trip, work integrated learning unit.  It relates to any behaviour that is not consistent with the professional standards expected within the profession.

If you are studying towards a professional degree: medicine, dentistry, education, psychology, podiatry, social work etc. engaging in professional misconduct may lead to a fail in a practical component of your course which could mean that you are not able to complete your studies.  General misconduct may also be considered by the School delivering your course as they have concerns about your fitness to practice in the profession.

Where you have any concerns, you are strongly encouraged to read any material provided to you by your school or discipline and discuss any issues when they arise with the relevant University staff member.

General Misconduct

General misconduct describes inappropriate behaviour that is not consistent with UWA’s values of inclusiveness and respect for others and / or the University.  UWA may become aware of alleged behaviour you have engaged in from: a complaint, a report, or a security incident report.  Some inappropriate behaviours may also be criminal offence.

Types of behaviour, or actions, considered unacceptable include, but are not limited to:

  • causing harm of any kind (physical, psychological, other)
  • attacking, harassing, intimidating, bullying another person, or threatening to do so
  • engaging in sexual misconduct
  • breaching the law or a University statute or University By-Law
  • failing to follow proper instructions by University staff or impacting on the orderly conduct of the University

Students should be aware of their obligations under UWA’s Codes, policy, regulations, and By-Laws; and review their rights and responsibilities under the Charter for Student Rights and Responsibilities.

The Student Discipline Process

When UWA is informed that you may have acted inappropriately UWA will first review the information provided in:

  • A complaint from another member of the University or wider community;
  • A report from a UWA staff member; or
  • A UWA Security report.

If there is sufficient information, UWA will commence the discipline process – an investigation into what is said to have occurred.  It is important that you consider and understand the following:

  • while the views of a complainant / reporter will be considered, it is UWA that makes the decision to commence a student discipline process;
  • the process involved an open and objective inquiry and doesn’t start with a belief that you have done something, and we are setting out to prove it;
  • where appropriate, UWA seeks in most cases to educate and support you so that you understand why the behaviour was unacceptable and to prevent you from doing the same type of behaviour again;
  • where appropriate, UWA may need to take steps to ensure the safety of the University community.

Any student asked to respond to an allegation of misconduct under the discipline process is strongly encouraged to read the Regulations on Student conduct and discipline (the Regulations) and any other policies referred to when you are informed about the commencement of the discipline process.

FAQs

  • Who are the people involved in the discipline process?
  • How / when will I know that a discipline process has started?
  • What is the Notice of Commencement of Discipline Process?
  • What are the steps in the Discipline process?
  • What is an allegation?
  • What is meant when the process talks about proof?
  • What are aggravating and mitigating circumstances?
  • What are the University’s expectations of me in a discipline process?
  • Are there any support services as I feel very distressed?
  • Can I have a support person in a discipline process?
  • Do I have to participate in the discipline process?
  • Can I appeal the outcome of the discipline process?
  • Can I appeal outside the University?
  • When will any penalty be applied?
  • Are interviews recorded?
  • Is a misconduct finding recorded on my academic transcript?
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