Code of Conduct for Residents Policy

The University of Newcastle is proud of its reputation in providing quality on-campus accommodation for students. This reputation has been built up over a period of 30 years, since Edwards Hall was established in 1972.

A sound reputation for quality service is dependent upon the behaviour of residents and their appreciation of the facilities provided, as well as their respect for other residents, staff and members of the University community.

All residents are expected to:

• assist in the provision of a harmonious living and study environment free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, nationality, sex, age, political conviction, sexual preference, religious belief or disability.
• to act at all times in a way that respects the rights and privileges of others and shows commitment to the ideals of the University with special reference to excellence in performance and freedom of expression.
• to be aware of and understand cultures other than their own and to be sensitive and tolerant to these cultural diversities.
• to understand and comply with the Code of Conduct for Residents as well as the University’s Student Discipline Rules and Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning, all of which prescribe behaviours which are to be encouraged and those which will not be tolerated at the University of Newcastle.

Acts of misconduct by students in Accommodation Services will be referred directly to the Vice-Chancellor or the University’s Student Misconduct Committee. In some cases, misconduct may warrant removal of a student from their on-campus accommodation pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. Non-compliance with the Residential Licence Agreement will be dealt with by the Director, Accommodation Services.

Notwithstanding the Student Misconduct Rule, the following examples of misconduct describe behaviour that will be referred to the Vice-Chancellor or the University’s Student Misconduct Committee for resolution.

Examples of Misconduct

• Assault: Knowingly or recklessly causing serious physical harm to another; knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another.
• Destruction of Property: Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying, defacing, or tampering with the property of the residence or the property of another person or entity.
• Dishonesty and Misrepresentation: Knowingly or recklessly furnishing false written or oral information including false identification to residential staff.
• Disruption/Obstruction: Knowingly or recklessly disrupting, obstructing, or interfering with residence functions or activities or the pursuit of the residence’s mission.
• Disturbing the Peace: Knowingly or recklessly disturbing the peace of the residence, including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, failure to comply with an order to disperse, fighting, quarrelling, and/or being intoxicated.
• Disorderly Conduct: Acting in a manner on residential premises or at Accommodation Services-sponsored activities that unreasonably disturbs the peace and tranquillity of the residences, including, but not limited to, throwing objects from roofs, balconies and windows and continuous noise making.
• False Report of Emergency: Knowingly causing, making or circulating a false report or warning of a fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophe or emergency such as activating a fire alarm.
• Harassment: Conduct that has the purpose of foreseeable effect of unreasonably interfering with an identifiable individual’s work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work, learning or recreational environment for that individual.
• Licence Agreement: Violation of the terms and conditions of the Residential Licence Agreement and policies of Accommodation Services.
• Misuse of Equipment: Misuse of safety equipment and unauthorised use or interference with fire fighting equipment, safety devised, fire alarms, fire extinguishers or other emergency.
• Noise: Noise or sound which infringes upon the rights of the members of the residential community to reasonable peace and quiet. Repeated excessive noise will be considered a violation.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• Smoking: Violation of the smoking policy of the University of Newcastle.
• Stolen Property: Unauthorised possession of property known to be stolen and/or that may be identified as property of the University or another person.
• Theft: The unlawful taking or use of University or personal property and of services. “Services” includes but is not limited to telephones, unauthorised use of University computers, illegal copying of software, acts in violation of the copyright laws, theft of residential keys or duplication of residential keys, and taking someone else’s parking sticker.
• Trespass or Forcible Entry: Unauthorised trespass, or forcible entry into any residential building, structure or facility, or into University property.
• Unacceptable Behaviour: Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene behaviour on a residential campus or at a residential function or engaging in abusive behaviour directed toward a member of the residential campus community.
• Vandalism or Defacement of Property: Any act that intentionally or recklessly destroys, damages or defaces residential property or property of any person on residential premises or at activities sponsored by Accommodation Services.
• Weapons: Unauthorised possession or use of a knife, firearm or explosive device of any description, which can be used to threaten or harm including but not limited to, pocket knives, switch-blades or any other knives of significant menace, firecrackers, compressed airguns, pellet guns, paint guns, water guns.

Essential Supporting Documents

Student Misconduct Rule 000935