The UNSW Student Code of Conduct underpins Student Conduct and Integrity
Upon your enrolment at UNSW, you share responsibility with us for maintaining a safe, harmonious and tolerant University environment.
You are required to:
- Comply with the University’s conditions of enrolment
- Act responsibly, ethically, safely and with integrity
- Observe standards of equity and respect in dealing with every member of the UNSW community
- Engage in lawful behaviour
- Use and care for University resources in a responsible and appropriate manner
- Maintain the University’s reputation and good standing
What is misconduct?
Misconduct at UNSW usually falls in to one of three categories; academic, non-academic or research misconduct. Learn more about what actions or behaviours may constitute misconduct.
Academic misconduct
Includes:
- Misconduct during examinations (see Exam rules and policy)
- Plagiarism
- Contract cheating (or "Ghostwriting")
- Submitting false document, such as medical certificates or altered transcripts.
Non-Academic misconduct
Includes:
- Failure to treat staff or other students with courtesy, tolerance and respect
- Behaviour that is unlawful, discriminatory, sexually inappropriate, bullying, harassing, invades another's privacy or causes any person to fear for their personal safety
Research misconduct
Breaches of the UNSW Research Code of Conduct occur on a spectrum from minor (less serious) to major (more serious).
Research misconduct is a serious breach of Research Code which is also intentional, reckless or negligent. Falsifying or fabricating research data or results is a common example.
The misconduct process
Where the University believes a student may have breached the code, the University may take disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Misconduct Procedures.
Any student or staff member can raise an allegation of misconduct. All allegations of misconduct are subject to an investigation process. Designated Officers (within Schools, Faculties or Departments), the Conduct and Integrity Office and specifically appointed Investigative Officers have the authority to investigate allegations.
If an allegation is proven, penalties can range from a formal warning to suspension or exclusion, depending on the severity of misconduct. More information can be found in Appendix B of the Student Misconduct Procedures.
Contract cheating
Contract cheating is when a student engages another person to complete work for them, and then submits the work as their own, regardless if money was paid or not.
UNSW Courageous Conversations
As humans, we can all make mistakes from time to time. Here at UNSW we believe that students deserve the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
Conduct & Complaint Advisors
Here are some contacts you can reach out to for help and advice when dealing with issues and trying to resolving your questions or complaints at UNSW.