Student Conduct & Misconduct
Austral College is dedicated to creating a positive, safe, and respectful learning environment where all students can achieve their academic goals. Students are expected to uphold the college's core values of integrity, respect, accountability, and professionalism. Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment, undermines the safety or well-being of others, or violates college policies and regulations, including disrespectful, aggressive, or threatening behavior and physical assault against staff members, will not be tolerated. This policy outlines the expected standards of conduct and the consequences for violations.
Student Conduct Definitions
Integrity
students are expected to uphold honesty in all academic work and interactions. This means avoiding plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty.
Respect
Treat all staff, fellow students, and the wider college community with kindness, courtesy, and consideration, regardless of differences in background, culture, or beliefs.
Accountability
Students must take responsibility for their actions, including submitting assessments on time, and adhering to college policies.
Professionalism
Maintain a professional attitude in all college-related activities. This includes punctuality, appropriate dress for workshops and work placements, and respectful communication.
Collaboration
Engage with peers, staff, and external partners in a respectful and constructive manner, fostering a positive learning environment for everyone.
Health & Safety
Follow all health and safety guidelines set by the college to ensure a secure and supportive environment for yourself and others.
Digital Conduct
Use college online platforms and resources responsibly, avoiding any misuse, inappropriate behavior, or unauthorized access.
Student Misconduct Definitions
Verbal disrespect
means actions such as name calling, hurling insults or using offensive or hurtful language when addressing an Austral College Administration Support Officer, a Manager or a fellow peer.
Non-verbal disrespect
means it is not limited to words but it can also manifest through non-verbal actions.
Disrespectful Behavior
means actions or language that show a lack of respect for authority, staff members, peers, or the learning environment.
Talking over someone
e.g interrupting someone while they are speaking, not allowing them to express their thoughts.
Mocking or ridiculing
e.g making fun of someone’s appearance, beliefs or abilities.
Insensitive comments
e.g making thoughtless or hurtful remarks about a sensitive topic or a person’s vulnerabilities.
Stereotyping and prejudice
e.g making assumptions or generalisation’s about someone based on their background, ethnicity, or other factors.
Ignoring boundaries
e.g not respecting someone’s personal space or privacy after they’ve expressed their discomfort.
Bullying
e.g the deliberate and repetitive use of behaviour to harm, intimidate or control another person.
Aggressive Behavior
means actions intended to intimidate, threaten, or harm others physically or emotionally.
Passive-Aggressive Behaviour
means engaging in passive-aggressive actions, such as silent treatment, sarcasm or backhanded comments.
Threatening Behavior
means verbal or non-verbal expressions of intent to harm or cause fear to others.
Swearing
means use of profane or disrespectful language directed towards any member of Austral College.
Yelling
means loud, aggressive, or abusive shouting directed towards any member of Austral College.
Threats to Harm
means expressions or actions indicating an intent to cause physical or emotional harm to any member of Austral College.
Physical Assault
means any physical contact intended to cause harm or injury to any member of Austral College.
Discrimination
means to treat a staff member, a manager or fellow peer in an unfair manner based on characteristics like their race, gender, religion or other personal attributes.