Intercollegiate code of conduct

Mutual respect, support and friendship are among the finest traditions of the residential Colleges affiliated with the University of Melbourne. The following principles operate within the spirit of cooperation and respect which exists between Colleges and intends to foster healthy intercollegiate relations at individual and collective levels. Behaviour towards members of another College is unacceptable if it contravenes the law, regulations of the University of Melbourne and/or if it is reasonably perceived as offensive by those towards whom it is directed. College members and College clubs have an obligation to refrain from unacceptable behaviour. The areas detailed are not intended to be a comprehensive list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, rather a guide to illustrate standards deemed acceptable.

Alcohol and drunkenness If any team has visibly drunk spectators from their college, the team will automatically be disqualified from playing that sport further that year. No alcohol is allowed at any intercollegiate sporting event. Sporting competition

It is considered unacceptable to verbally or physically abuse or incite others through chants, derogatory comments, physical actions or other such behaviours which in any way denigrate the prowess or character of any other competitor or College.

Social interaction

Colleges and collegians should strive for positive interaction on any social level between Colleges, maintaining respect and civility at all times. Mutual respect and understanding for other people’s enjoyment must always be kept in mind.

Individual freedom

Individuals have the right to express any beliefs or opinions in any manner without fear of discrimination or any form of harassment, so long as in doing so they are not discriminatory or a cause of harassment.

Artistic endeavours

Colleges’ or individual collegians’ artistic achievements such as theatre productions, musical performances or art displays must be appreciated without prejudice.

Theft

Respect for Colleges’ and collegians’ property must be demonstrated at all times. Theft involves the removal, destruction or damage of anything on or within any College boundaries or on a collegian’s person on or off College grounds.

Advertising

Procedures for advertising or speaking within other Colleges are as follows and must be strictly observed. Official approval by both the head of the “host” College’s students’ club and head of College must be obtained prior to any form of advertising or speaking within that College. College Mascots/Pets All animals on College grounds are entitled to the utmost respect and courtesy. They must not be used in any way, shape or form in pranks or to antagonise other Colleges.

PRINCIPLES FOR SETTLING DISPUTES

Should apparently unacceptable behaviour occur, the following principles exist as guidelines to restore healthy relations between College clubs. 1. Providing the affected individual or group can positively identify the College of the committing individual(s) and if they consider an act to be unacceptable, the recommended course of action is to report the act to their own Student’s Club Executive. 2. Once notified, that Student Club Executive, providing they are satisfied the complaint is genuine, is obliged to contact the executive of the identified offender’s

Student Club. 3. If the identified offender’s executive is convinced an act of unacceptable behaviour was committed, it is that club’s responsibility to discipline its member(s) with an appropriate and available sanction. 4. The resulting action (or inaction) should be communicated to the complaining student’s executive. 5. Should the complaining student(s) or their executive be dissatisfied with the action, they may take the matter up with their own College Head, or any other appropriate body in the circumstance. 6. Where the standards of acceptable behaviour between two Colleges differ, it is their responsibility to overcome the problem by producing a mutually acceptable outcome, possibly with the involvement of a mutually agreed upon third party. While none of the above excludes the involvement of law enforcement processes, it is hoped most matters can be resolved internally to the satisfaction of the parties and to the credit of the Colleges. While this document has been formulated with intercollegiate relations in mind, the same principles and responsibilities exist and must be adhered to when dealing with members of the general public or University population. College clubs have the responsibility of ensuring all, especially first year, residents are aware of, and abide by, these principles.