Importance of lodgement
Failing to issue a formal Warning can lead to several problems:
- The student may assume the behaviour is acceptable because it has not been addressed
- The behaviour may escalate over time
- Other students may observe the behaviour and believe it is permitted
Example
A student sent abusive emails to their Unit Coordinator about the unit content. The Unit Coordinator did not warn the student or report the behaviour. The student later sent similar emails to another staff member, prompting a report. It was then discovered that the student had been sending abusive emails to multiple Unit Coordinators over several semesters without receiving any formal Warnings.
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Seek assistance if necessary
Any behaviour that threatens the physical, emotional, or psychological safety of staff or students should be considered an immediate threat, and staff should contact the Safer Community Team on 9266 4444 or their equivalent on Global Campuses. Once the situation is safe, staff should contact the Office of the Academic Registrar for guidance, particularly if they are unsure whether a student’s behaviour is serious enough to require formal disciplinary action. Advice can be sought at SDAO@curtin.edu.au.
Initial notification
When a situation is not considered dangerous, but a student is not meeting expected behaviour standards, it can first be managed by the staff member involved. The staff member may speak directly to the student or email them, as appropriate, to explain that the behaviour is unacceptable and must stop.
Example
A student received an email from their Unit Coordinator advising that a class had been rescheduled due to circumstances outside the University’s control. The student was unhappy with the new time, as they were unable to attend. Instead of requesting alternative access to the class material, the student replied using inappropriate language. This was the first time the student had communicated in this way. This matter could be managed starting with the Initial Notification step, where an email notification would be appropriate, before lodging in the Dixon system.
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Follow up in writing
Next, the staff member must lodge the case through the Dixon webform and include a summary of the incident and any verbal warning or email communication given. The Office of the Academic Registrar will review the report and decide whether it should be treated as a Warning or escalated to General Misconduct. If it is managed as a Warning, the student will receive a written notification that outlines any educative action required.
Repeated behaviour
If a student repeats behaviour for which they have already received a Warning, the matter will be escalated to General Misconduct by the Office of the Academic Registrar. General Misconduct is managed under Statute No. 10 – Student Discipline and the Student Misconduct Rules.
