Discipline

All members of the College must at all times maintain high standards of honesty, integrity and respect for the College, other members of the College and its property. College members must comply with all College and intercollegiate guidelines and policies and abide by all reasonable directions of College staff. College members who breach the College’s guidelines and policies should expect penalties to be imposed by the College. The Dean of Students has primary responsibility for the maintenance of good order in the College. Alleged breaches of policy or guidelines should be referred to the Dean of Students for investigation and determination. The Principal, Dean of Students, Associate Dean, President of the Student Club and members of the GC will work together to ensure the effective implementation of the College discipline policy. From time to time, some students may, due to unacceptable behaviour, need to be reminded of their responsibility to the College and other members through the guidance and direction of the President and the GC of the Student Club. Serious discipline issues that include unlawful behaviour, sexual harassment, sexual assault, repeated bullying or violence will be referred to the Principal and may result in the termination of the student’s residency. Under the rules of St Hilda’s Student Club Inc., financial and other penalties may also be imposed on any student member found guilty of conduct unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the College. The College reserves the right to terminate your residence if we form a belief on reasonable grounds that your ongoing residence poses an immediate or ongoing risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person in the College community.

Damage

Any action which results in loss or harm to personal or College property is subject to disciplinary action, including payment for the repair or restoration of the damaged or lost property. The nature, intent and extent of such behaviour is considered in determining appropriate sanctions.

Disorderly conduct

Actions that annoy, disturb and show a serious disrespect for others, or that interfere with others are subject to disciplinary action.

Noise

St Hilda’s College is subject to the same community rules and regulations as anywhere else. Avoidance of excessive noise is in the interest of all members of our community. Reasonable quiet must prevail in the residential blocks 24 hours a day. Residents need to study and sleep without interference. This is especially necessary between 11.00 pm and 9.00 am. Any students who are disturbed by loud noise during these quiet hours should, if they feel comfortable, approach the student(s) making the noise. In most instances, residents are very receptive. If this is unsuccessful, residents should report their concerns to the Duty RA. Excessive noise from stereo speakers directed out of residential block windows is not acceptable. Members with a taste for loud music are required to use earphones or risk losing their privileges to have stereo equipment in their rooms. With an understanding that most residents do not make unreasonable noise intentionally, disciplinary action will only be taken against residents who do not reasonably respond to the requests of the Duty RA or who have received repeated noise complaints. Generally, action will be taken after the third strike/complaint against a student or group of students and the severity of the action will escalate for any further strikes/complaints. The Dean of Students will monitor noise complaints throughout the year and implement disciplinary action which may include fines, community service and/or formal warnings. Serious and continuous noise issues may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.

Minor disciplinary matters

Less serious matters include but are not limited to infringements of the Alcohol Policy, noise, laundry, cleaning or common area infringements. The purpose of these procedures is to provide a clear and transparent process that is: • Fair to all parties involved • Consistent and timely • Ensures procedural fairness • To the extent possible or necessary, confidential • Prevent victimisation of any parties involved with a complaint if relevant. Typically, the Dean of Students will manage all minor disciplinary matters and may: • Examine the evidence and interview interested parties • Impose a range of penalties, including: – A reprimand – A fine – A restriction involving the denial of the right to use specified College facilities or to participate in specified activities, functions or privileges, such as not being permitted to consume alcohol for a prescribed period of time. – Community service whereby a student will be required to spend a designated amount of time working on a task to be determined by the College. – Probation pursuant to which a student will be required to abide by all College guidelines and policies as well as any other requirements deemed necessary for a designated period of time. The commission of a further serious breach while on probation will usually result in suspension or expulsion. – Recommend that the student is not readmitted to the college for the following year. – Recommend that a committee comprised of the Dean of Students, Principal and the Student Club President be convened to discuss the matter and determine an appropriate outcome. • Require the immediate exclusion of a resident from The

College, during which time appropriate advice may be sought.

Appeals of minor disciplinary matters

For minor disciplinary matters managed by the Dean of Students, a student may appeal to the Principal. If a student decides to appeal, they must do so in writing within 5 business days. The Principal will review the matter within 10 business days and make a determination that is final. It should be noted that the outcome of an appeal may be that a more significant penalty is determined appropriate.

Serious disciplinary matters

Serious breaches of discipline, including these guidelines and any applicable policies, may be investigated by the Dean of Students but will typically be referred to the Principal with a recommendation for a determination. A matter is considered serious where: • There is reason to believe that there is a significant risk to the College and its staff or students; • A criminal offence may have been committed; • There are a number of allegations of a similar nature received against a respondent; • The possible penalty for the conduct, if proven, is suspension or expulsion. Suspension involves separation from the College residence and from all functions and activities of the College for a designated period. No refund of fees will apply. Expulsion from college results in membership of the College being terminated. No refund of fees will be made. Examples of serious misconduct include but are not limited to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, theft, violence of any kind, assaults, bullying, harassment and vilification. The outcome of a serious disciplinary matter may also include determinations possible for minor disciplinary matters above. The Dean of Students or Principal will follow the same process as for investigating minor disciplinary matters though may consult third parties or require referral to separate appropriate policy or procedures (for example the SAFE policy).

Final decision

Any decision made by the Principal is final and there are no further internal avenues of appeal. Students may however, wish to contact external bodies such as: • Independent Commission against Corruption • VIC Ombudsman • VIC Police