Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities as described in the University of Canberra’s Student Charter. The University’s Student Conduct Rules provide details of prohibited behaviour, whether academic or behavioural. Further information on academic misconduct is available from the Student Academic Integrity Policy, which covers issues such as cheating in examinations and plagiarism.

If a student is accused of academic or behavioural misconduct (by a staff member, a student or another party) the University has processes for dealing with these matters. These processes give students the right to be heard and provide their view of matters if any accusation is made. Certain officers across the University are designated as ‘prescribed authorities’. If a prescribed authority believes that there is evidence to suggest a student may have a case to answer, a Summary Inquiry will be called. Students receive written notification of a Summary Inquiry with seven days notice and have the opportunity to present their case in person or in writing if they prefer. If it is in writing, the information must be sent to the prescribed authority not less than two days before the Inquiry. Students may be accompanied to the Inquiry by another person (not being a qualified lawyer) who is a UC student or staff member.

For very serious matters, or if there is a second instance of misconduct, the more formal Committee Inquiry will usually be held.

Students have the right to appeal the finding of a Summary or Committee Inquiry and this can be done by writing to the Student Conduct Officer, University of Canberra, ACT 2601 (please post appeals  or drop off to a staff member in Student Central) or via email to student.conduct.officer@canberra.edu.au. Appeals against Inquiry findings must be lodged within 14 days of receipt of written notification of the outcome of the Inquiry.

Students requiring further information on conduct matters may seek advice from staff in the Student Equity and Access Office in Student Central. Please call 6206 3972 or email studentequity@canberra.edu.au

Students who require advocacy and support as part of the conduct process may contact the Advocacy Officer, University of Canberra Student’s Association on 6201 2000.

If a student is a victim of misconduct by another student (e.g. if they are harassed or bullied for example) they may make a written complaint to a prescribed authority (e.g. their Faculty Dean or Associate Dean Education). The prescribed authority will then determine whether an Inquiry should be held. If a student feels that he or she has been discriminated against, bullied or harassed by a staff member, they may make a complaint under the terms of the Student Grievance Resolution Policy. Other support will depend on the nature of the matter but students are encouraged to contact the Student Equity and Access Office for advice if they feel they have suffered discrimination, bullying or harassment from either a staff member or a fellow student. Students may also wish to seek support from a counsellor in the Health and Counselling Centre.