The procedure, your privacy and support options
Procedures for handling student misconduct
Understanding the process
- General misconduct process map [PDF 602KB]
- Academic misconduct process map [PDF 454KB]
- Student discipline procedure
Getting notified of student misconduct
We will send all correspondence to your official Macquarie University email address.
In the notification you will receive:
- Information that the Discipline Committee will consider, including details about the alleged misconduct.
- Details about the Discipline Committee meeting (time and place).
- Further information about support options.
Your rights as a student
The right to be informed
To receive all details of the allegation against you and any information the Discipline Committee considers.
The right to respond
To respond to the allegation by your attendance at the Discipline Committee meeting and providing a written submission to the Committee prior to the meeting.
The right to access support services
To access University services to support you during this process.
A support person can attend the Discipline Committee meeting with you and offer advice. However, the support person cannot directly participate in the meeting. Please note that the support person should not be a legal practitioner.
Student Advocacy provide free, independent support and advice on areas which include:
- Helping you understand what to expect with the Discipline process
- Review draft submissions
- Attend the meeting as a support person
Student Wellbeing consists of highly trained professionals who provide support to students via individual and group programs that address issues that impact your mental wellbeing.
Student Wellbeing provides you with accessible, free and effective professional resources when facing emotional problems.
The right to appeal
As a Macquarie University student, you also have access to immediate support and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1800 MQ CARE (1800 22 7367).
Time frame for resolving allegations
The time it takes to resolve an allegation can vary due to the nature of the allegation. We will notify you of the allegation approximately one week before the Discipline Committee meeting.
In case you choose to appeal a decision of the Discipline Committee, the time frame for resolving the allegation would increase.
Show cause invitation
More information to follow.
In the meantime, if you need help, contact the Student Advocacy for advice or send an email to disciplinecommittee@mq.edu.au.
Privacy
Once you report an allegation of misconduct, we will protect your privacy as much as possible and where it is practical. To maintain confidentiality, personal information that identifies an individual will only be disclosed or used by us as permitted under the relevant privacy laws and obligations.
When you submit your allegation, we will provide you with an acknowledgement. However, we do not usually provide updates on the matters. If you notify us of alleged misconduct, our contact with you may be limited to requests for additional information.
Support
You can access a range of University services to support you during this process:
- Student Advocacy can provide you with support and assistance including information about the process, clarifying how a sanction may impact your studies and/or visa requirements.
- If you have general queries about the misconduct process, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Grievance and Discipline Administration Officer via email at disciplinecommittee@mq.edu.au.
- You may also refer to the Student Code of Conduct, Student Misconduct and Discipline Rules and the Academic Integrity Policy for further information on the University governance framework for handling student misconduct.