1. The purpose of our policy
This policy sets out the high-level principles supporting management of student misconduct at Adelaide University.
Our policy outlines Adelaide University’s obligations and responsibilities in relation to student misconduct and aims to foster respectful, cooperative and productive relationships within the Adelaide University community.
This policy provides authority to maintain the:
2. Who and what our policy applies to
This policy applies to students at Adelaide University, regardless of their location or how their course or other activities are delivered.
It applies to:
- activities related to, or undertaken on, property owned or leased by Adelaide University, whether or not connected to a student’s study
- University-owned, managed, affiliated or branded student accommodation
- activities related to privately owned facilities, such as offshore partner universities or organisations, that affect or could affect another person’s ability to study, research, or participate in Adelaide University activities
- conduct or activities (on-campus, off-campus, offshore or online) that have, or are likely to have, an effect on Adelaide University or any member of the Adelaide University community.
The policy also applies to students engaged in:
- study-related activities, including all categories of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), exchange and study abroad, study tours and examinations
- representing Adelaide University, for example, in promotional activities, competitions or sport, conferences and volunteering activities
- the use of University facilities and systems, IT resources or other equipment covered by University policy
- activities or events organised by Adelaide University student associations, sports clubs or their affiliated organisations.
3. Student Conduct Policy principles
The principles for this policy are:
3.1 We uphold our duty of care to students and staff
Adelaide University has a duty of care to students and staff and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of the Adelaide University community. We will:
- provide safe and inclusive environments for the Adelaide University community
- make statutes, by-laws, policies and procedures that identify and regulate expected standards of behaviour
- provide accessible and timely student support services
- ensure that the Student Code of Conduct and any associated policies and procedures are accessible and communicated to all students and staff
- apply the Student Code of Conduct and its associated policies consistently across all colleges, schools and campuses
- promote best practice in investigating and addressing allegations of student misconduct.
3.2 We maintain high standards of student conduct
Adelaide University does not tolerate student misconduct and will investigate allegations in accordance with the Student Misconduct Procedure.
3.3 We apply transparent, fair and timely processes
We will ensure that all misconduct investigations are conducted in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness (also known as natural justice), and that all parties are treated equally and with respect.
3.4 We encourage early and educative resolution of concerns
While Adelaide University takes student misconduct seriously, we encourage early and informal resolution of concerns and grievances wherever appropriate. Educative and restorative approaches may be used where these are likely to promote understanding and improved behaviour. Staff and students should consult the Student Complaints Policy, the Student Complaint Resolution Procedure, the [Staff Complaint Resolution Procedure] and the [Students at Risk Framework] for guidance on managing inappropriate conduct or related concerns.
3.5 We apply disciplinary action where misconduct is substantiated
Where there is a finding of a student misconduct, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include expulsion from Adelaide University. Penalties for student misconduct are applied in accordance with the Student Misconduct Procedure.
3.6 We uphold students’ right to appeal
Students have the right to appeal a student misconduct decision. Appeals may be made to misconduct bodies within the University, as outlined in the Student Misconduct Procedure. Students also have the right to seek an external review of a misconduct decision.
3.7 We recognise that this policy provides overarching expectations and is not an exhaustive list of expected behaviours
The Student Conduct Policy and the Student Code of Conduct set the overarching principles guiding expected behaviour at Adelaide University. They do not prescribe every possible circumstance or behaviour. Further guidance on conduct matters in specific contexts is provided through the related policies and procedures listed in Section 6 of this policy.
4. Definitions used in our policy
Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.
Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary titleholders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.
Exchange means study undertaken under a formal agreement between Adelaide University and an overseas provider.
Misconduct means, for the purpose of this policy, student misconduct.
Procedural fairness (also called ‘natural justice’) means acting fairly in administrative decision making and relates to the fairness of the procedure by which a decision is made, not whether the outcome is fair. Procedural fairness will be accorded based on the circumstances of the complaint.
Student means, for the purposes of this policy:
- a person who is enrolled in, or has deferred enrolment in, or is on formal leave of absence or suspension from, an academic program, a course or a group of courses at or offered by the University or an affiliated educational establishment that leads to a University award
- a person who is authorised to participate in learning or research training activities of any type at the University
- a student of another education institution who is authorised to have access to University premises, facilities, or both
- a person who was a student at the time that the alleged misconduct took place.
Student misconduct means conduct by a student that:
- is inconsistent with the Student Code of Conduct
- breaches, or is in contravention of, a University statute, rule, code, by-law, or policy
- constitutes misconduct not otherwise defined as academic misconduct or research misconduct (See the Academic Integrity Policy and the [Investigating and Managing Research Conduct Procedure] for definitions of academic misconduct and research misconduct)
- involves an act or omission that adversely affects the University or any member of the University community
- includes any attempt to engage in conduct described in paragraphs (a) to (d).
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an umbrella term for a pedagogical approach that combines theoretical learning of a discipline or professional context with practical experience, either actual, simulated and/or virtual, as a planned part of the curriculum. This approach helps students apply academic concepts to real-world work and professional situations, enhancing their skills, employability and understanding.
5. How our policy is governed
This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.
Policy category | Academic |
|---|---|
Approving authority | Co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President |
Policy owner | Deputy Vice Chancellor – Student Experience and Success |
Responsible officer | Executive Director, Student and Academic Services |
Effective from | 1 January 2026 |
Review date | Three years after date this version is approved, [TBC] |
Enquiries | Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit] |
Replaced documents | None |