University Charter of Student Rights

Within the context of the University Mission and core values, this Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities sets out the fundamental rights and responsibilities of students and their organisations at The University of Western Australia.

It recognises that excellence in teaching and learning requires students to be active participants in their educational experience. It upholds the ethos that in addition to the University's role of awarding formal academic qualifications to students, the University must strive to instill in all students independent scholarly learning, critical judgement, academic integrity and ethical sensitivity.

The Charter also recognises that students are central to a dynamic University community. In doing so, the University recognises the importance of student rights, responsibilities and opinion, and encourages diversity within the student body.

Students retain their fundamental rights as set out in relevant legislation and in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Everything in this Charter is limited by anything to the contrary in relevant state and national legislation, and the University's statutes, by-laws, regulations and rules.

This Charter is a statement of principles that the University shall take all reasonable and practicable steps to put into effect. The University expects the same of students. Many clauses contain references to particular University policies which explain the manner in which the University will take those reasonable and practicable steps.

The breach of any student responsibility does not automatically invalidate any student rights. Consideration of student rights and responsibilities will be dealt with through the appropriate University policies and procedures.

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy and any associated procedures:

student, unless specified otherwise in a specific policy referred to in this Charter, means an individual enrolled at the University in one or more units towards a higher education award course or an enabling course, or undertaking units through University Extension other than on an audit only basis;

student organisations, unless specified otherwise in a specific policy referred to in this Charter, means the Student Guild, which includes organisations within the Guild such as the Postgraduate Students Association;

the University means The University of Western Australia and includes any of the University's constituent entities, whether in Australia or elsewhere, and any person acting in the capacity as a representative of the University or any of its constituent entities;

the campus means all the land vested in the University, zoned for educational purposes, and not assigned to other entities, such as the colleges;

open spaces of the campus do not include areas that have been booked for specific events;

affirmative action obligations are as specified in state and national legislation;

services do not include certain targeted equity and support services;

intellectual freedom includes the right to express opinions about the operations of the University, and higher education policy more generally; to pursue critical and open inquiry and to discuss freely, publish and research; to participate in public debates; to participate in professional and representative bodies including unions and to engage in community service without fear of harassment, intimidation or unfair treatment; and the right to express unpopular or controversial views. Intellectual Freedom is accompanied by a responsibility not to harass, vilify, intimidate or defame the University or its community;

grievance, appeal and complaint are as defined in relevant University policy.

Policy statement

  • General and Fundamental Rights and Responsibilities
  • Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
  • Access to Education
  • Quality of Education
  • Student representation
  • Procedures for Grievances, Appeals and Complaints

Related forms

TRIM File No:
F53279
Contact position:
University Secretary
Related Policies or legislation:
University Policy on Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Relating to Students (UP15/1)
Policy No:
UP07/132
Function:
Student Administration
Authoring Organisational Unit:
Pre-Renewal - Office of the University Secretary
Date Approved:
30/10/2000, Revised 01/04/2015
Next Review Date:
01/01/2020
Approving Body:
Senate

 

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