University Expectations of Student Conduct

We expect our students to act in accordance with Deakin's Values and the Student Code of Conduct and to refrain from any behaviours defined as misconduct in the Vice-Chancellor Regulations (PDF, 230.8 KB).

Reporting Student Misconduct

The Student Success Division works with staff and students around allegations of student misconduct at Deakin. You can contact us at any time to have an informal conversation about something you have experienced or seen – prior to making a decision to progress with any formal allegation.

If another student is using language which you find disrespectful, or which is not aligned with Deakin’s Student Code of Conduct, you can tell them you don’t find their behaviour appropriate and request them to stop. If it doesn’t stop or you feel uncomfortable speaking to them, you can make a report to Safer Community or Student Success and we will support you.

If you experience or witness serious inappropriate behaviour by another student, you can make a report to Student Conduct. Any information or statements you provide can be de-identified so that your identity remains anonymous. You are also able to make report on behalf of another student if required.

After a report has been made, the Student Success team reviews the evidence and then makes a decision regarding dealing with the alleged misconduct.

Process

Decisions made by the Student Success team can include referring the matter to the Student Misconduct Committee. All students who receive an outcome from the Committee can request an appeal of the decision, in accordance with the Student Appeals policy and procedure. If, after receiving a final University decision you remain dissatisfied, you can seek an external review.

External Review

About the National Student Ombudsman

The National Student Ombudsman (NSO) is a free and independent service for students to escalate complaints about the actions of their higher education provider. Students can contact the NSO:

• online at nso.gov.au
• by phone 1300 395 775
• in person at the Commonwealth Ombudsman office locations.

Gender-based Violence

The University adheres to the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Any reports of misconduct relating to gender-based violence are dealt with sensitively and in line with the National Code.

For further advice, please email us at studentconduct@deakin.edu.au.

Timelines

When you submit a report about a student's conduct, Student Success Division will contact you within 10 University working days to acknowledge your report and advise you of the nest steps. You will also be given an update every 10 University working days until a decision is finalised.

Formal reports  of misconduct will be addressed within 45 University working days. Where there are extenuating circumstances that may require a longer timeframe, we will contact you to explain.

For further advice or questions, please email us at studentconduct@deakin.edu.au.