ANU Charter of Student Rights

and Responsibilities

Heavily inspired by both the ANU Student code of conduct and the University of Western Australia's Charter of Student Rights, Forward will present to the University a draft Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities as a contract between students and the university to never again neglect the rights of Students by the University.

Presently, the existing code of conduct does an excellent job at informing us exactly what our responsibilities are but is very light on our rights as students. You would have to dig through several links and heavy reading before you reach something that resembles your rights as ANU Students. Not withholding the fact that most of our rights to appeal and access are actually decentralized and delegated to the colleges. Depending on which college you're enrolled with, your rights to due process are convoluted by the each colleges different bureaucracy and standards. This Charter aims to bring in all your existing rights under one umbrella, one document for all students regardless of who they're enrolled with.

Mentioned in ANUSA's recommendation within a call to action on SASH, ANUSA recognized the possibility of ANU weaponizing the current student code of conduct against any students who speak out. This Charter is designed to prevent the possibility of that from occurring by clearly stating our rights as students while acknowledging our responsibilities that ANU expects, without encroaching on our rights.

A full copy of this draft copy can be found below:

Preamble:

Within the context of the Australian National University’s values, principals and behaviors, This Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities sets out the fundamental rights and responsibilities that are to be respected by both students and the Australian National University. It guides how we work, study, research and engage in campus life together.

Definitions:

A student refers to an individual who is presently enrolled in, or is seeking enrollment in, a program or course offered by the University, or who is or was given permission by the University to audit a course offered by the University.

A Student Organization referred in this Charter, includes the Australian National University Student Association (ANUSA) and the Post Graduate and Research Student Association (PARSA).

The University directly refers to the Australian National University and includes any of the Universities Administrative, Academic and Research entities.

A member of the University includes staff, students, visiting and honorary appointees, council members and other affiliations, including contractors, campus visitors, and volunteers, regardless of how transient their relationship with the ANU may be.

Sexual misconduct is a term encompassing any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature including sexual assault, sexual harassment, an act of indecency, making or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos without consent, and any other non-consensual sexual conduct if a reasonable person would consider that conduct to be an invasion of their privacy, indecent or otherwise unacceptable conduct.

Disclosure is the sharing of information regarding any incident of sexual misconduct with another person.

Report is the formal statement regarding an incident given to the University and/or police.

Intellectual freedom includes the right to express opinions about the operations and conduct of the University, and higher education policy more generally; to pursue critical and open inquiry and to discuss freely, publish and research; to participate in public debates; to participate in professional and representative bodies without fear of harassment, intimidation, coercion or unfair treatment by the University and its members. This includes the right to express unpopular or controversial views. In return, Intellectual freedom is accompanied by the obligation not to harass, vilify, intimidate or defame the University or its community.

General Rights

Every Student has the right:

To be recognized as an individual, autonomous member of the university community, with all associated rights to University services and facilities.

To be treated fairly and ethically with respect and dignity.

To study in a supportive and encouraging environment.

To pursue resolution when the individual student rights referred to in this charter are in tension with the rights of others, under the rights of representation and grievance specified within the charter.

Of access to their personal and academic records
To have the university’s records concerning them dealt with in ways that are secure with access limited to designated, authorized persons, and with content restricted to material defined as relevant by university policy or legislation
To protection against sudden amendment of any statue, by-law, regulation, rule, policy or administrative guidance without prior informant.

To have access to the statutes, regulations, rules and policies of the university which apply to them.

To be informed of the existence of this charter and to have adequate access to it.

General Responsibilities

Every student has the responsibility:

To act in accordance with the values, principals, policies and procedures of the University, as active contributors in building a collegial learning community and the positive reputation of the ANU.

To engage in their studies, actively participate in learning activities including all class time, independent learning and assessments, and strive to seek depth, breadth and challenge in their learning.

To positively represent the ANU and its student body while undertaking periods of study or placements abroad, respecting and abiding by the laws, customs and norms of their host country as well as the policies and procedures of their host organization/institution.

To observe and comply with relevant State, Territory and Commonwealth law and regulations.

To respond positively to any lawful or reasonable instruction given by a University officer or employee of the University or a person acting with the lawful authority of the University. This includes identifying themselves truthfully and producing student identification on request to above persons fulfilling the requirements of their duties.
To Take responsibility to familiarize themselves with, and understand, the University's policies, procedures and guidelines including industrial agreements and student policies, as appropriate to their position.

Fundamental Rights

Every Student has the right:

To reside and study on-campus in an environment free from sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and Sexual assault.

To be heard and consulted by members of the university regarding any decision affecting a student’s personal safety and well-being.

To assemble in a peaceful manner on-campus in demonstration under the conditions of (a) the assembly doesn’t directly interrupt university teaching spaces or activities (b) is an assembly that doesn’t incite violence and (c) is inclusive of all students.
To hold academic advisors accountable to their advice by reasonable request of receiving said advice in written form and a recorded date.
To access educational content and resources that is considerate of all abilities and impairments.

Fundamental Responsibilities

Every student has the responsibility:

To engage with other students and members of the university that is respectful of their boundaries and personal safety.

To recognize that sexual assault and sexual harassment are unlawful, and all forms of sexual misconduct are in breach of University values, rules, policies and codes of conduct.

To report any incidents of misconduct they have witnessed, and to intervene where it is safe to do in the situation.

Use university grounds, property, resources and facilities responsibly and sustainably, in accordance to relevant policies, and to consider the needs, choices, health and safety, and well-being of others.

To maintain a record of interaction with academic advisors through own initiative, including the safeguarding and presentation of written form as proof of consultation and advice given.

Disclose to the ANU on all information regarding to the existence or emerging conditions that could limit or hinder a student’s ability to study and contribute to academic commitments; and to provide truthful statements about their condition that is accurate and up-to-date.

Equal Opportunity and non-discrimination

Every Student has the right:

To study in an environment committed to the principals of equity and equality of opportunity, the recognition of diversity and the fulfillment of obligations.

To have access to education, services and representation regardless of: Gender or gender history, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, relationship status, pregnancy, political affiliation, religious affiliation, impairment, family responsibilities or status, age, language, nationality or origin, socioeconomic status.

To reside and study on-campus, in an environment free from racial harassment and discrimination.

To reside and study on-campus, in an environment free from gender-based harassment and discrimination.

To have consideration given to the making of alternative arrangements for academic commitments to allow accommodations for any known and declared impairments or chronic medical conditions.

Responsibilities

Every student has the responsibility:

To not act in a manner that Is discriminatory, harassing, sexually harassing, bullying, or engage in any form of interpersonal, psychological, sexual or physical violence.

To treat each other in a transparent, non-discriminatory manner with all parties accorded natural justice, including a timely response to any complaint, maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.

To interact fairly and in good faith with others, respect differing personal viewpoints, including cultural or religious perspectives as part of a culture which values academic freedom and debate.

Take responsibility for their own actions and ensure they always act in a respectful manner which supports the dignity, safety and well-being of others.

To report any incidents of misconduct they have witnessed, and to intervene where it is safe to do so in the situation.

Access to Education

Every Student has the right:

To be considered for selection into courses or units on the basis of criteria that are valid, explicit, fair and reliable.

To access accurate, timely and sufficient information regarding enrolment and other administrate procedures.
to have the content and outcomes of each unit, and any relevant information communicated effectively and clearly in the language(s) approved for that unit.

to expect the University to provide a safe and accessible environment, including facilities, equipment and grounds.
to expect the University to provide a high quality of education including a high quality of teaching, supervision, curriculum and unit content, a commitment to inclusivity, and good access to staff.

to transparency regarding agreements and arrangements, between the University and any other entity, which might inappropriately impact a unit or course in which they are enrolled, or research project on which they are engaged.
To be free of course-related fees and charges other than those levied in accordance with relevant legislation and existing university policy.

to be able to communicate freely, to voice alternative points of view in rational debate, and to have their intellectual freedom protected.
To reasonable access to relevant academic staff for assistance as well as to the various academic support services related to their studies.

To access relevant information provided by the University, including that concerning financial assistance provided by the University, such as grants, scholarships and loan.

Access to Education Responsibilities

Every student has the responsibility to:

To make reasonable attempts to attend all relevant classes and lectures throughout their enrolled term or semester

To be honest and ethical in their dealings with each other and with the University

To undertake their academic work with integrity and honesty, acting at all times to the highest ethical standards

To interact fairly and in good faith with others, respect differing personal viewpoints, including cultural or religious perspectives as part of a culture which values academic freedom and debate

To communicate with and about members of the University community with consideration and courtesy, through any mode of communication, in person and online (including through email and social media)

To provide the University, and maintain, accurate personal and contact details, and read and respond where necessary to University correspondence in a timely manner, correspondence including student email, ISIS, Wattle and the ANU Website.

Student Representation

Every Student has the right:

To have their opinion represented through relevant student organizations on all matters affecting students.
To vote in their relevant student organizations annual elections.
To representation on major decision-making bodies of the University either through direct election or by nomination through a recognized student organization.
To have the right, notwithstanding the existence of formal representation, to convey personal or collective opinion to the Vice-Chancellor.

Student Representation Responsibilities

Every Student has the responsibility:

To make reasonable attempts to exercise their right to vote
To inform their relevant student organization their desire to ‘opt-out’ in the election process, including the desire of not being approached by candidates.

Procedures for Grievances, appeals and complaints

Every student has the right:

To be able to appeal or register a complaint or grievance against any academic assessment, academic procedure, administrative procedure, perceived discrimination or harassment, or the abrogation of any right stated in this charter

To appeal an assessment grade without threat of repercussions of a lower grade as a result of appealing.

to a clearly-documented process for dealing with a review and an appeal, complaint or grievance which is confidential, non-discriminatory, unbiased, and accountable; offers the opportunity for them to be accompanied to hearings by a person of their choice; and leads to resolution within a reasonable time;

in respect to an appeal, complaint or grievance, to receive reasons for resulting decisions; to be advised of opportunity for further appeal; and to experience no repercussions as a result of participation in the process; and

to seek guidance from a Student advisor, college staff, and/or a college dean if appropriate when submitting an appeal, complaint or grievance.

Grievances, appeals and complaint Responsibilities

Every student has the responsibility:

To make evident attempts to informally contact and consult with the course convenor before making a formal attempt to appeal a grade.

To make an appeal within six (6) months of receiving the grade from assessment.

To make evident attempts to contact course representatives or college advisors before proceeding with a formal complaint against a member of the University.

To acknowledge responsibility if found in the wrong and participate, in good faith, in restorative activities to put things right when required.

To respect any final decision made by the University after a formal process of appeal.

ANU Charter of Student Rights

and Responsibilities

Preamble:

Definitions:

General Rights

General Responsibilities

Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Responsibilities

Equal Opportunity and non-discrimination

Responsibilities

Access to Education

Access to Education Responsibilities

Student Representation

Student Representation Responsibilities

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Procedures for Grievances, appeals and complaints

Grievances, appeals and complaint Responsibilities