Student Code of Conduct

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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.

Your responsibilities as a student:

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.