Code of Student Conduct

Responsibility for policy: Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Approving authority: Vice-Chancellor
Last reviewed: December 2020
Next review date: December 2025

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Application

1. This code applies to all students of the University of Waikato.

Purpose

2. The purpose of this code is to:
   1. give guidance to all students of the University of Waikato on the standards of conduct required by the University, and
   2. refer students, staff and other members of the University community to the procedures for making, investigating and resolving complaints of student misconduct.

Related documents

3. The following documents set out further information relevant to this code:
   • Academic Integrity Statement
   • Staff Code of Conduct
   • Student Discipline Regulations

Definition

4. In this code:

   student means a person enrolled at the University of Waikato.

Principles

5. The University of Waikato is committed to providing an environment conducive to learning and academic enquiry for all students, staff and other members of the University community regardless of location or medium (whether on campus, off campus, online or via other electronic media) based on the ethical values of mutual respect, honesty, trust, responsibility, tolerance and empathy.
6. As a place of learning and research, the University encourages its students to critique and challenge prevailing ideas and opinions and expects that they do so in a manner which is lawful, respectful and constructive.
7. The University does not tolerate physically aggressive behaviour, violence (including sexual violence), intimidation, coercion, bullying, discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment) or threatening behaviour.
8. Students are expected to act honestly, conscientiously, reasonably and in good faith at all times having regard to:
   1. their own welfare and wellbeing, and the welfare and wellbeing of other students, staff and other members of the University community
   2. the values of academic integrity, and
   3. the reputation of the University of Waikato.

Standards of conduct

9. Students must:
   1. act in a manner consistent with the principles set out in this code.
   2. comply with all applicable laws and with all University of Waikato statutes, codes, regulations, policies and lawful and reasonable instructions. (The University reserves the right to amend its statutes, codes, regulations and policies from time to time.)
   3. treat other students, staff and other members of the University community with respect at all times and always behave in a courteous manner
   4. respect the property of others and not willfully deface, damage or misuse any property of the University or of any member of the University community
   5. act with honesty and integrity in their dealings with and when representing the University
   6. ensure that all information they disclose to the University is accurate, correct, current and complete
   7. act ethically in the preparation, conduct and submission of academic work, including tests, examinations and all other forms of assessment
   8. take care and responsibility to uphold the reputation of the University and not engage in activities which could or would unfairly bring the University into disrepute
   9. take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others.

Student Discipline

10. The University’s procedures for making, investigating and resolving complaints of student misconduct are set out in the Student Discipline Regulations.