University of Newcastle Code of Conduct

Background

In March 2008 the University's Executive Committee endorsed the development of a values-based Code of Conduct that would clearly enunciate the University's values and be adopted by staff, students and other members of the University community. There was an identified need to review the staff Code of Conduct and develop a new code that built on the University's strategic plan and promoted the core values and corresponding behaviours that would relate to the entire university community.

Consultation to create the values-based Code of Conduct was extensive and feedback was provided from many areas of the University community.

A Steering Committee was formed to guide the Code of Conduct project. Membership consisted of:

Assistant DVC (Services) - Chair	Julie Craig
President Academic Senate	Professor Linda Connor
Director, HRS	Ian Pike
Manager, Equity and Diversity	Belinda Munn
Faculty PVC	Professor Mike Calford
Academic Staff Member	Professor Mel Gray
Student Representative	Monique Schmidt
Student Representative	Danielle Thompson
Project Officer	Yvonne Hooper
Deputy President, Academic Senate	A/Prof Brailey Sims
Associate Director Organisational Development	Beverley Richards

Focus groups were facilitated at Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses in the early stages of the project to discuss the University's values. Staff, students, conjoint staff and consultative committee members participated in the focus groups.

An early draft version of the Code was presented to University staff, students, Academic Senate, Faculty Boards, Executive Committee and external agencies in August 2008. In September and October, later draft versions were presented to the Executive Committee & Directors' Forum, Academic Senate and council members for feedback and comment. The final version of the Code of Conduct was approved by the University Council on 28 November 2008.

The Launch

The Code of Conduct was launched to the University community on 2 December 2008 as part of the Vice-Chancellor's Christmas presentation. Hosted by Australian actor Grant Dodwell, the launch was well-received with more than 600 staff and students attending the events at Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses. The launch was also video-streamed to the University's Orange and Tamworth locations.

The University's award-winning chamber choir performed three songs at the Callaghan event, including a piece written specifically about the University's values. The Values piece was also filmed by the choir at the Conservatorium the week before the launch and will be shown to new staff as part of their induction. A recording of the Code of Conduct launch and the Vice-Chancellor's presentation can be viewed at the Code of Conduct Video Gallery page.

The Values

The Code of Conduct consultation and feedback process resulted in five values being identified as the university's core values - honesty, trust, fairness, accountability and respect. The value of 'responsibility' was also included in the initial discussions, however, it was considered by the Steering Committee to be aligned closely with accountability and so was incorporated into this value. Much of the content of the Code came directly from examples provided by focus group participants.

The Design

A draft Code of Conduct booklet design was conceived by the Primed organisation using the University's new internal communication branding. The draft booklet was presented at the Executive Committee and Directors' Forum in September 2008. The University's Media and Marketing Team modified this initial concept to create the final design and layout for the Code of Conduct booklet.

The values-based graphic animation that was presented at the Code of Conduct launch was conceived by Primed who used the internal communication model as their inspiration. New staff at the University will be shown the Code of Conduct graphic animation as part of their induction to the University. The animation will also be shown to commencing students as part of orientation.

Vox Pops

What do the values mean to you? This was the question that was posed to staff and students at Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses in November 2008. Their responses were filmed and then screened at the launch of the Code. Thank you to all participants. The vox pops can be viewed at the Code of Conduct Video Gallery page.

Roll-out

Staff and students will see a lot more of the new values-based Code of Conduct in 2009. The Code of Conduct will be featured at student orientation and be incorporated into all student course outlines. It will also become a major focus in the staff induction program and posters outlining the five values will be placed in all major meeting rooms at our campuses. Further implementation of the Code will be discussed at the Leadership Development workshop in February 2009.

Copies of the Code of Conduct are available from Human Resource Services or from this link.