Policy Academic Governance Student Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

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For matters occurring on or before 31/12/2025, refer to the previous version of this document here.

Intent

James Cook University (JCU; the University) expects students to uphold academic integrity, respectful conduct and professional behaviour in all aspects of University life, including education, research and all related learning and social activities. The Student Code of Conduct (the Code) provides a framework to support students in behaving and making decisions consistent with the University’s values and expectations, and ensures that breaches of the Code are addressed fairly, promptly and efficiently.

This Policy addresses Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) Standards 2.2, 2.3, 5.2 and 7.2.

Scope

The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students (including Higher Degree by Research candidates) undertaking study or research with JCU, in respect of all actions and activities (including inaction or inactivity) relating to, or impacting on, the University or its students and staff, affiliates, volunteers, contractors or visitors. This includes University or student-related activities on campus, at other sites (for example, during placements, field trips or exchange programs), or online.

Definitions

Except as otherwise specified in this Policy, the meaning of terms used in this Policy are as per the Policy Glossary.

Academic Misconduct	Conduct where a student attempts or succeeds in obtaining academic advantage through: misrepresentation, plagiarising, colluding, falsification, cheating, uncited content created by generative AI, improperly using personal relationships with staff or any other breach of academic integrity for their own gain or the benefit of others. Refer to the Student Academic Misconduct Procedure.
Accommodations	Actions that the University can take to allow a person who has made a complaint of Misconduct or Serious Misconduct to continue to study, work, live and/or socialise, and feel safe at the University. Accommodations may include changes to, reporting lines or temporary or long-term work or workplace reassignment. Accommodations can be made in response to any report or complaint of misconduct and do not constitute a form of disciplinary action involving a Respondent.
Authorised Delegate	The person delegated authority to make a decision regarding an administrative process of the University and as identified in the Academic and Student Delegation Register.
Authorised persons (security)	An authorised person appointed by the Vice Chancellor under the James Cook University Act 1997 who the Vice Chancellor is satisfied has the necessary training, or knowledge and experience, to be an authorised person for control of conduct purposes. This is usually JCU security staff.
Bullying	Bullying is unreasonable behaviour repeatedly directed towards a person or group of people that creates a risk to health and/or safety: Unreasonable behaviour is behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard for the circumstances, would see as unreasonable. It includes behaviour that is victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening. Unreasonable behaviour is repeatedly directed if it is directed towards the same person or group more than once, (even if it is not necessarily the same behaviour on each occasion). Reasonable directions issued by a staff member who has authority to give that direction, including as part of academic performance or assessment, do not constitute Bullying.
Complainant	A person(s) who makes a Complaint under this Policy.
Complaint	A complaint made under the Code of Conduct. A Complaint involves providing relevant information seeking disciplinary action or another form of resolution in relation to a Respondent. Complaints will be managed in accordance with the relevant academic, general or professional misconduct procedure, as applicable. A Complaint is distinct from a Report (as defined below).
Conflict of interest	May arise where a student’s personal, professional, or financial interests could influence, or be perceived to influence, their learning, research, assessment, or academic judgement.
Discrimination	Occurs when a person is treated less favourably than others, including in their employment or education, because of a personal characteristic or attribute. This includes both direct discrimination (overtly less favourable treatment) and indirect discrimination (conditions or requirements that disadvantage certain groups and are not reasonable). Protected personal characteristics under Commonwealth and Queensland law include (but are not limited to): Age Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status or intersex status Relationship status, parental or carer status, pregnancy or breastfeeding Family responsibilities Race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, immigration status Religious or political belief or activity Disability, impairment or medical condition Association with or relation to a person who has one of the above attributes The following conduct does not constitute Discrimination within the meaning of this Policy: a student is not admitted, or able to progress in a course or program because, notwithstanding that reasonable adjustments have been made, they cannot meet the inherent requirements of the course; the University has gained a lawful exemption, or the law otherwise permits the University, to target a course or program at a particular group of people to help redress disadvantages that group may experience; the University lawfully implements specific equal employment opportunity or affirmative action strategies, plans or programs designed to ensure genuine equal opportunities in the learning or research environment, particularly in relation to groups that have been disadvantaged in the past.
Equity Contact Officer	An individual appointed by the University who volunteers to be part of the ECO network and receives training through the Queensland Human Rights Commission. ECOs provide information and referral options for both Students and Staff regarding the Code of Conduct, and in particular matters around bullying, discrimination, harassment and racism, the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and related procedures.
General Misconduct	Any conduct which contravenes the obligations and expectations identified in the Student Code of Conduct. This includes but is not limited to: any behaviour which causes physical and/or psychological harm (including assault, threats or harassment) or obstructs University activities; removal, theft, intentional damage, tampering, vandalism, illegal use of, any inappropriate use of, or restriction of access to University property or equipment; falsification of records, documentation or certification or the fraudulent misuse thereof; and non-compliance with University policy and the reasonable direction of staff or Authorised Persons of JCU, particularly where the safety and wellbeing of others is at risk. Refer to the Student General Misconduct Procedures (Australia) or the Student Misconduct Procedure (Non-Academic) (Singapore).
Harassment	Conduct directed towards a person, or a group of people on the basis of one or more personal characteristics that is done with the intention to offend, humiliate or intimidate that person or group or which a reasonable person would anticipate would offend, humiliate or intimidate that person or group.
Hazing	Any action or situation, with or without the consent of the participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of staff or students. Hazing can include the practice of rituals, challenges, and other activities as a way of initiating a person into a group including a new residential college, team, or club.
Penalty	A sanction or punitive measure imposed by the University as a result of a misconduct finding by an Authorised Delegate, and on completion of an administrative disciplinary process. Penalties are described at Appendix 1, and range from reprimand through to expulsion and recission of an academic award conferred by the University.
Precautionary Measures	Reasonable and proportionate measures, actions, or directions which the University may make on an interim-basis in relation to a member of the University community who is alleged to have engaged in Serious Misconduct in breach of the Student Code of Conduct. Precautionary measures include, but are not limited to: suspension of the student from University sites; a direction that the student is to remain a certain distance away from the Complainant and/or any other person; a direction that the student is to temporarily leave on-campus accommodation. They may be implemented at any stage of a Report or Complaint process including before a final decision is made by an internal or external decision maker.
Professional Misconduct	Behaviour or conduct that a student adopts which are outside the bounds of what is considered acceptable by the governing or accrediting body of the profession, and/or of a lesser standard than what might be reasonably expected of a novice practitioner, and/or contravenes what is reasonably expected of a student in a clinical or professional setting. Examples are set out in the Student Professional Misconduct Procedure.
Racism	Conduct, behaviour, or practices that express, reinforce, or perpetuate prejudice, hostility, stereotyping, exclusion, or discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, or religion where the conduct is racialised. This includes forms of racism that target or marginalise people because of actual or perceived race-related attributes, including antisemitism, racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and other manifestations of racial or ethno-religious hostility, such as Islamophobia. Racism may be expressed through individual actions, institutional practices, or systemic structures, whether deliberate or unconscious, and may be direct or indirect.
Report	Information provided to the University about an incident or suspected wrongdoing that the person making the report reasonably believes to be a breach of the Student or Staff Code of Conduct. A student can make a report about the behaviour and/or conduct of another student, staff member or affiliate or report any incident of inappropriate behaviour or conduct by, or toward, a member of the University community including anonymously via the Misconduct Report Form. The University can provide support to a student making the Report (if they have identified themselves) including Accommodations and Precautionary Measures, and advice about making a Complaint.
Representative (or Support Person)	A representative (also referred to as a support person) is a person to assist, accompany and support a complainant, respondent or interviewee in their participation in matters relating to this policy and supporting procedures. A representative may be a friend or family member, a staff member, a JCU Student Association Student Advocate, delegate or staff member of a union that is a party to the JCU Enterprise Agreement. A representative must not be a person named in the Complaint.
Research Misconduct	Is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. This can be attributed to both individuals and groups of researchers, however, it does not include honest errors (e.g. an inadvertent mistake in methods, analysis or misinterpretation of data) or differences of opinion. Refer to the Academic Misconduct Procedure and the Code for Responsible Conduct of Research applicable to staff and students.
Respondent(s)	A person(s) responding to a Complaint.
University Community	University Community means the members of the Council, the Staff, the Students and Affiliates of the University, as well as those all people associated with the University, or who use the University's campuses or facilities for work, study, living and socialising, or other authorised activity.
University Site	University site means any campus, land or building as well as any digital platform owned by or under the control of the University.
Vexatious	A report or complaint is deemed to be vexatious if it is: dishonest or contains intentionally misleading information; malicious; pursued with undue persistence; without fair or reasonable grounds; has the intent to harass or cause delay or detriment; or is pursued in a manner that threatens, menaces or harasses a member of the University Community.
Vilification	Vilification is a public act that incites hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on the ground of the race, religion, sexuality or gender identity of the person or members of the group. Examples include a threat of harm to a person or their property, or inciting others to threaten harm to a person or their property.

Principles

1. JCU is committed to educating students about academic and research integrity, respectful conduct and professional behaviour, and to handling breaches fairly and proportionately. Students studying at James Cook University are expected to:

allow others to pursue their studies, research, duties, community engagement and other lawful University activities, in an environment of Academic Freedom, critical and open inquiry where every person has the right to hold an opinion and has the right to freedom of expression which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds (in accordance with the Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy);
act in a manner where tolerance, honesty, inclusivity and respect are the basis of the University community and where every person has the right of peaceful assembly and to associate with others, free from Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment or Vilification;
uphold high academic standards, intellectual rigour and ethical behaviour to maintain the University’s academic integrity;
act in a reasonable manner to ensure that University facilities, property and services are used sustainably and available to other students to share and utilise and which minimises environmental impact; and ensure that the reputation of the University is upheld; and
foster a community that is respectful, inclusive and safe for all, where differing perspectives, cultures and beliefs are valued and engaged with in good faith, free from violence.

Obligations and Expectations

Obligation of personal responsibility

2. Students will:

read and comply with their admission conditions and the University's policies, procedures, guidelines and ethical requirements;
read and comply with their subject and course requirements (including their Student Terms & Conditions); take responsibility for their own education and direct their own learning;
monitor their academic progress;
act with integrity and professionalism when undertaking placement and other work integrated learning/experience and/or engagement activities associated with their course;
raise issues or concerns with the University in a timely manner; and
take responsibility for seeking support and/or assistance from JCU academics and/or support services when required.

Obligation to act with honesty and integrity

3. Students will:

uphold academic and research integrity;
conduct themselves appropriately when representing the University within the community;
abide by relevant ethical requirements;
share responsibility for the success of the University and take a proactive role in its endeavours and activities;
not make or publish false statements relating to the University;
not use the University's name, intellectual property, logo, crest or resources for private or business purposes without appropriate authorisation;
not engage in fraudulent or corrupt behaviour, including the impersonation of another person or use of forged, false, falsified or incomplete evidence of academic standing or immigration status, medical information or any other relevant matter in order to gain or maintain admission or to improperly influence academic standing, assessment outcomes, placements, or related University decisions;
ensure any work submitted is their own and acknowledge all sources, including content generated with new tools (e.g., Artificial Intelligence), as required by assessment guidelines.
declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest that may influence, or be seen to influence, decisions or actions in their own interest;
report illegal, unethical and/or unacceptable behaviour which may constitute a breach of the Code if they reasonably believe that they have observed a breach;
not engage in unlawful behaviour; and
declare any criminal or civil proceedings that may impact on the student’s ability to complete or engage in a course of study or placement activity.

Obligation of respect and fairness

4. Students will:

treat other students, staff, affiliates and volunteers with respect and fairness; and not engage in unlawful discriminatory conduct because of a personal characteristic or attribute (see definition);
be responsible for what they write and disseminate through all forms of social media maintaining respect for their audience and respect for copyright;
not engage in conduct which may be considered violent, bullying or harassing, vilifying or abusive;
not engage in gender-based violence or sexual misconduct in line with the Gender-based Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy;
respect the privacy of others in the collection, use or access of personal information whilst undertaking studies; not disclose information identified as confidential concerning any matter relating to the University;
avoid disrupting or interfering with any teaching, learning, research or other academic activity of the University;
comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by someone who has authority to give that direction;
consider their responsibilities and the consequences when exercising their freedom of speech or expression;
support legitimate academic debate;
not impair the rights of others to participate in any legitimate University activity; and not encourage, persuade or incite others to engage in conduct or behaviour constituting misconduct in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Obligation to ensure safety and to respect property

5. Students will:

not endanger, or potentially endanger, the safety or health of others;
not cause physical or psychological harm to others, including students, staff, affiliates and volunteers whilst on University premises or placement/field trip sites, or during University authorised activities either off campus or online;
comply with the University’s requirements for working with humans, animals and biohazards;
not be under the influence of alcohol or any prohibited substance whilst participating in any learning, research or engagement activity conducted by the University (including placements and field trips) or authorised to be held on any University premises;
not use, possess or supply a prohibited weapon or any prohibited substance at University premises;
use University property and resources, including communication technology resources, cooperatively, legally, sustainably, ethically and appropriately;
respect the property rights of others, including students, staff, affiliates, volunteers and visitors whilst on University premises; and
comply with any reasonable request or directions from University staff with regard to safety or compliance with policy, procedure or ethical requirements, or to provide name or age or show proof of identity or age or student identity card

Compliance with the Student Code of Conduct

6. JCU is committed to supporting all members of the University Community who have experienced or witnessed any form of misconduct. Where uncertain about the Code’s application or interpretation, students should consult with their Academic Head or College Dean. For Gender-based Violence or Sexual Misconduct, students should consult with a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer.

7. Failure to comply with the Code may lead to disciplinary action, and in serious cases may lead to termination of Admission or Candidature and/or criminal prosecution.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

8. Every member of the University Community is responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and the health and safety of others. Any student who observes a member of the University Community who is not behaving with respect or integrity, if they are able to, and it is safe to do so, should intervene to seek to prevent the conduct.

9. JCU has a duty of care to ensure a safe learning environment for all members of the University community and is obliged to take immediate action where behaviour is inappropriate. Authorised persons can arrange for the immediate removal of students causing disturbances that hinder or interfere with any lawful activities conducted on the University grounds, or which disrupt any teaching activity, examination or official meeting of the University.

10. The University may, to prevent breaches of this Code, issue directions to a student regarding their future behaviour consistent with the requirements of this Code.

11. JCU reserves the right to administer the relevant policy or procedure and proceed with the investigation/inquiry even if the student withdraws from the University, is no longer enrolled, or subsequently fails to meet the definition of a student while a disciplinary matter is pending.

12. The University’s Behaviour Risk Group may also provide early intervention, assessment, and management advice to relevant decision makers regarding matters relating to inappropriate, concerning, or threatening behaviours. Where evidence of misconduct is found, or a pattern of behaviour becomes evident, the student will be referred to the appropriate Officer for decision under the requisite conduct policies; and/or to an external organisation or agency.

13. Where a breach of the University’s policies and procedures also breaches the law, JCU may report the criminal activity to the police and/or relevant law enforcement agencies.

14. For students admitted to professional disciplines, Code of Conduct breaches may be notified to relevant professional or regulatory authorities including (but not limited to) as Queensland Health, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA), Office of the Health Ombudsman, or Queensland Teachers College. The Review of Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement Policy may also be triggered following a finding of serious or repeated misconduct.

Decision making

15. Matters relating to student conduct will be determined by the appropriate Authorised Delegate as identified in the Academic and Student Delegations Register. Where the Authorised Delegate is conflicted the ‘one up rule’ will be applied. In most cases, delegation on matters of misconduct is held by the Academic Head, Dean of College, or Director Student Services.

Reporting Misconduct

16. A report on student misconduct may be made through a variety or mechanisms including directly to the Academic Head, College Dean, a report to JCU Security, through the Student Misconduct Reporting portal, or by formal Complaint through the Student Complaint Management Policy and Procedures (unless it relates to Gender-based violence or Sexual Misconduct).

17. The report of misconduct must:

provide sufficient details of the alleged misconduct; and
describe clearly the obligations that are alleged to have been breached.

18. Students are able to contact an Equity Contact Officer (ECO) to discuss options for internal and external support and making a Report or Complaint to the University on Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment. ECOs also provide information and guidance on University policies and procedures.

19. Reports of Gender-based Violence and Sexual Misconduct may be made through the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers and through the online reporting form.

20. Other Policies of the University also set out expectations of behaviour (e.g. the Social Media Policy; Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Policy; Library Use Policy; amongst others). Any breach of the conduct aspects of those Policies are managed through the academic, professional, general or other misconduct procedures. The nature of the alleged misconduct determines the procedure to be used.

21. Any person making an allegation of misconduct which is vexatious, may themselves be subject to misconduct procedures.

Procedural Fairness

22. Students responding to an allegation of misconduct can expect:

a copy of all relevant documents relating to the alleged misconduct;
to have a reasonable opportunity to appear before and/or provide a response to the decision maker;
to be accompanied by a Representative or Support Person in any meetings with the person considering the matter; and
support such as counselling or advocacy, this may include academic and other support.

Penalties

23. The misconduct penalties that may be applied are described in Appendix 1, including the principles to be applied when imposing a penalty, differential impacts to be considered, and how the University will record misconduct outcomes.

Appeals

24. Where a student has identified appropriate grounds for an appeal in terms of procedural fairness, an appeals committee will be constituted in accordance with the Student Review and Appeals Policy.

Timeframes

25. All allegations of breaches of the Student Code of Conduct will be managed under the relevant Misconduct Procedure which includes timeframes for allegations, response by student, notification of decision by the person considering the matter, and appeal processes.

Privacy and Confidentiality

26. Matters relating to allegations and hearings associated with breaches of the Student Code of Conduct will be treated as confidential and private to the parties involved, noting the University may have notification obligations to external agencies.

27. The requirement to maintain privacy and confidentiality directions during a conduct process does not in any way preclude any person involved from seeking any type of professional or personal support including health, psychosocial, legal or external recourse, for example the National Student Ombudsman.

28. Outcomes of disciplinary processes and appeal hearings will be recorded on the academic record of the student and is held confidentially in the Student Management System. Privacy and confidentiality restrictions relating to any Complaint and its outcomes are lifted from the Complainant and Respondent at the conclusion of the process.

29. Where students are required to meet professional requirements, only the outcomes of relevant breaches to the Student Code of Conduct will be reported to official bodies.

Schedules/Appendices

Appendix 1 Guidelines on determining an appropriate Student Misconduct Penalties

Related policy instruments

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy

Compliance Policy

Risk Management Policy

Higher Degree by Research Policy

Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Procedures

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Policy

Visiting Speaker and Event Policy

Social Media Policy

Student Review and Appeal Policy

Australia:

Academic Misconduct Procedure

Student General Misconduct Procedure

Student Professional Misconduct Procedure

Student Complaints Management Policy and Procedures

Gender-based Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Incident Management Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

Library Use Policy

Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement

Singapore:

Student Feedback Management Policy

Student Feedback Management Procedure

Student aged under 18 Policy

Student Attendance Policy

Dignity Policy- Policy against Bullying Discrimination Harassment and Sexual Misconduct for Students

Student Misconduct Procedure (Non-Academic)

Procedure to handle Academic Misconduct

Student Handbook

Policy Domain	Academic Governance
Policy Sub-domain	Student Experience
Policy Custodian	Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education
Approval Authority	Academic Board
Date for next Major Review	10/11/2030

Version no.	Approval date	Approval authority	Implementation date	Details	Author
26-1	13/04/2026	Academic Board	30/04/2026	Amendment to reflect NSO Fair Use of Confidentiality Provisions Investigation.	Chief of Staff
25-1	10/11/2025	Academic Board	01/01/2026	Major review of code, in particular the penalties that may be applied.	Chief of Staff
21-2	19/07/2021		02/09/2021	Amended to reflect the establishment of the Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy.	Chief of Staff
19-2	04/11/2019		19/11/2019	Amended to include definition of ‘unprofessional conduct’	Project Manager, Student Facing Policy
19-1	29/04/2019		09/05/2019	Reviewed and amended to clarify University’s approach to appropriate academic, professional and personal conduct.	Chief of Staff
18-1	09/03/2018		09/05/2018	Minor amendment to reflect current organisational structure	Quality, Standards and Policy Officer

Keywords	Conduct, misconduct, honesty, integrity, respect, fairness
Contact person	Chief of Staff