Types of student conduct

Anyone can make a complaint (or report) about the conduct of a student. There are four categories of student conduct which have slightly different complaints/reporting processes – defined in detail in the Student Conduct Rule. They are:

• Concerning behaviour: behaviour that could be construed as inappropriate, worrying or threatening.
• Academic misconduct: conduct involving academic fraud, cheating or plagiarism, conduct which contravenes academic rules and policies or conduct which encourages anyone else to engage in similar conduct.
• Research misconduct: conduct involving:
  • a breach of the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research;
  • intent and deliberation, recklessness or gross and persistent negligence; and
  • has serious consequences such as adverse effects on research participants.
• Non-academic misconduct: this describes a broad range of conduct that does not otherwise fit within the categories above and could include anything from bribery, criminal acts, breach of policies, threatening, bullying or obstructive behaviour etc.

How to make a complaint

To make a complaint or report about concerning behaviour, contact one of the following:

• Campus care
• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Vice President at DVC-A@newcastle.edu.au

To make a complaint or report about academic misconduct, contact one of the following:

• A Student Academic Conduct Officer
• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Vice President at DVC-A@newcastle.edu.au

To make a complaint or report about research misconduct, contact the Dean of Graduate Research

To make a complaint or report about non-academic misconduct contact:

• the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Vice President at DVC-A@newcastle.edu.au
• the Student Living Support Manager (if your complaint relates to student accommodation) at StudentLivingSupport@newcastle.edu.au

Tips when making a complaint

• Complaints should be made in writing.
• Complaints should include all relevant detail about the allegations being made, including:
  • Estimated dates of when the conduct occurred
  • Any documents that support your complaint, including email exchanges
  • Contact information of University staff members that may have further information about your complaint
  • A description of how the conduct affected you (if at all)

Student Conduct Rule

The Student Conduct Rule contains detailed information about the complaints/reporting process for student conduct related complaints, including actions that may be taken by University staff members upon receiving a complaint. We encourage you to read this document if you wish to make a complaint.

Need Help?

For further assistance to make a complaint or report about student conduct, contact:

Carl Anderson
Senior Conduct and Appeals Officer 
DVC-A@newcastle.edu.au
4921 6159

Daniel Studden
Conduct and Appeals Officer
DVC-A@newcastle.edu.au
4913 8035