General misconduct complaints

A general (non-academic) misconduct complaint involves reporting concerning behaviour by another student, particularly if they are perceived as bullying, threatening, intimidating, or acting unfairly toward you or someone else. If you feel victimised or threatened by another student's actions, you can make a complaint and/or seek support.

If your complaint relates to an academic complaint or dispute (e.g disputing grades) or academic misconduct (e.g cheating), please visit the Academic disputes and complaints page and the Academic Integrity page.

The Proctor’s Office is the primary reference point in the University for all matters relating to student general (non-academic) misconduct, including complaints against students, or disputes between students.

What we do:

• The Proctor's Office assesses disputes between students or complaints about student conduct and can recommend or determine the appropriate next steps, which may include referral to an external mediator or disciplinary procedures.
• The Proctor's office is a point of contact for students who are concerned about bullying and harassment.
• The Proctor's Office can advise students about where they should take any concerns about academic matters or about issues with members of staff.
• The Proctor's Office can advise staff (eg, Deans and Heads of Department) about how to handle disputes or complaints involving students.
• The Proctor's Office convenes a group of University experts who assess and assist in handling student behaviour which may present a risk to students, staff or university activities.
• The Proctor's Office can advise anyone in the University about student conduct and dispute policies.
• Staff can contact the Proctor’ Office if they need advice about how to handle a complaint or dispute involving a student or are concerned about the behaviour of a student.

Any member of the University community can report an incident involving a student. You are able to report student disputes or non-academic misconduct relating to a student anonymously if you wish.

You can make an anonymous report/complaint or ask the Proctor to keep your complaint anonymous but this can limit what actions the Proctor is able to take because of natural justice considerations.  If the information you provide is incomplete and/or anonymous it may mean the matter cannot be pursued or that needed services or support cannot be offered.

If you want to make an anonymous complaint to an external entity, you can use the whistleblower hotline to report suspected unethical misconduct, including fraud, corruption, harassment or bullying. They will send the anonymous report to the University. There is a limit to what action the University may be able to take if the report is fully anonymous and there is no way to contact the individual making the report.

• If you are not in immediate danger but wish to contact the police, call 105 or phone/visit your nearest police station.
  
• If you (or another student) are emotionally distressed or in need of support, you can contact Te Papa Manaaki, Campus Care. 
• You can contact AUSA Advocacy for support and assistance in any matter.
• If you are concerned about some aspect of your academic studies, you can contact the teaching staff responsible, particularly the Course Convenor, or the Academic Head (head of school or department). Class Representatives can also help you with this.
• If you have a concern about your enrolment or decisions about admission or credit, you should contact your closest Student Hub.
• If you are a resident in University accommodation, you can contact a Resident Advisor or member of the Accommodation management team.
• If you are experiencing abuse or violence by someone close to you, such as a partner, family member or flatmate, the University can provide support. Read more at Family violence: It's not OK. 

If you feel distressed and need immediate assistance, please reach out for help.

There are several ways to get help:

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member
• For immediate assistance via text or phone, contact 1737, a free 24/7 counselling service
• For immediate assistance via chat or phone, contact Safe to Talk, a free 24/7 help service specialising in sexual harm
• For assistance with online bullying, harassment and discrimination call Netsafe on 0508 638 723
• If it is not urgent, but you would like to talk to someone at the University, you can contact Te Papa Manaaki, Campus Care or University Health and Counselling Services.