Rights and Responsibilities of Students

Academic Requirements
Rights and Responsibilities of Students
Resources and Facilities
Prizes and Scholarships

As a student at Curtin University of Technology, you are part of the Curtin community and as such, have certain rights and responsibilities.

The following website provides links to information on a range of key issues you need to be aware of: http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/responsibilities.cfm

University Policies and Procedures

All students must observe the Curtin's statutes, rules, policies and procedures. The University's policies are published on the Internet and can be accessed using the following website: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/

Copyright

As a Curtin student you are subject to the provisions of the Commonwealth of Australia Copyright Act 1968 and are obliged to abide by the University's policies and requirements on copying. Students who flagrantly disregard University policy and copyright requirements will be liable to disciplinary action under the Student Disciplinary Statute and leave themselves open to prosecution by individual copyright owners. If you are copying material in a location outside of Australia you will also need to make yourself aware of the copyright legislative requirements of that location.

Fair Dealing

Under copyright fair dealing provisions, students are permitted to copy for the purpose of research and study, criticism or review, but certain limits apply. For example:

books - you may copy up to 10 per cent of the pages or one chapter, whichever is the greater
periodicals/journals/ newspapers - you may copy one article per issue (more than one if they relate to the same specific subject)
artwork, television, radio broadcasts and audio-visual material - specific requirements and limits apply.

You should normally only make a single copy, for your own individual use. Material (including music, film, unlicensed software) that does not support the educational purposes of the University cannot be downloaded, copied or communicated using University or personally owned equipment, or computer networks.

Copying of software and pre-purchased or rented videos, audio tapes, CDs or DVDs is not permitted except with the express permission of the copyright owner.

Further information

Additional information on copyright for students provided by the Library and Information Service, can be found at: http://library.curtin.edu.au/copyright/students.html

Curtin's copyright procedures in full: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/copyright_procedures.doc

Information on appropriate use of ICT for students: http://is.curtin.edu.au/scs/policies/studentuse.htm

Queries and concerns related to copyright should be directed to the University's Copyright and Compliance Officer on +61 8 9266 7494.

Appropriate Use of Curtin Information and Communication Technology Facilities

As a Curtin student you are given access to the University's ICT services and facilities to help you study, research and work more effectively. However the University will impose severe disciplinary penalties on you, which may include suspension or termination of enrolment, dismissal and/or criminal prosecution, if you use these privileges inappropriately or do not abide by Curtin policies and procedures. If you break any law of the Commonwealth of Australia or the state of Western Australia you will be reported to the relevant authorities and criminal or civil prosecution may ensue. The University logs most things that are done via its Internet services including email. Curtin also monitors Internet use daily and periodically will review files stored on Curtin computers and servers. If you are using your own computer to access the Curtin network and Internet services, the University also reserves the right to check what you have downloaded and stored if it has reasonable grounds for believing that you may have infringed copyright or done some other illegal act.

While at the University you must not use either your own computer or Curtin's ICT services and facilities to:

use another person's identity or authorisation code
share accounts/passwords
store software and pre-purchased or rented videos, audio tapes, CD or DVD material on Curtin ICT facilities without the express permission of the copyright owner
hack into, meddle with or damage any other computer or service or use any hacker tool without written permission from the University
harass or obstruct any person using ICT facilities and services
do anything dishonest or illegal, including viewing, sending or giving access to material defined as prohibited or objectionable, or giving a person under 18 access to restricted material.

Additionally, participation in the following practices should be demonstrably associated with current study, research programs or business activities:

viewing and/or downloading of movie and video material, including trailers and sample clips
accessing and/or downloading of music, including MP3s
listening to music/radio through the Internet
watching online news broadcasts
accessing and/or downloading adult material, including pornography.

Additionally, Curtin has a policy of zero tolerance to the accessing and downloading of pornography, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that it is required for teaching, learning or research purposes.

Curtin policies relating to appropriate use of ICT can be found at: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/is_conditions_of_use.doc and http://policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/is_code_of_practice.doc

Information on copyright for students can be found at: http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/copyright_procedures.doc

Queries and concerns should be directed to the University's Information Security Manager at: info-security@curtin.edu.au or on +61 8 9266 4201.

Guiding Ethical Principles

In general, the responsibilities of Curtin University of Technology as a community are to:

encourage and promote ethical behaviour
defend the rights of individuals within the University community
observe the duty of care to each member of the University community, with equity and justice
provide an appropriate environment for all its members so that they may express ideas, theories and beliefs freely
foster individual abilities and enterprise
provide equity of access to the learning environment, career development and University management
ensure that the working environment of the University is a safe and healthy one
provide mechanisms for safeguarding human rights
provide fair and open government of University operations
provide appropriate mechanisms for achieving corporate and individual goals
promote positive changes in University structure to enhance the well-being of individuals, groups and society
consider the impact of decisions on the well-being of individuals, groups and society
respect the intellect and humanity of others
respect the individual's right to privacy, and to undertake to keep personal information in confidence unless disclosure is required by legislative or regulatory authority
encourage individuals to conduct themselves conscientiously
encourage members to consider the impact of actions on others, on the University and on society
foster recognition of obligations both as a member of the University and, where relevant and appropriate, as a member of a profession/discipline
encourage research and teaching according to accepted ethical principles
acknowledge and encourage equity and justice
encourage members to defend the rights and dignity of others
foster loyalty to one's colleagues and co-workers, and thence to encourage collegiality among members of the University community.

Ethics, Equity and Social Justice

Curtin has adopted a range of policies and procedures to promote equity and social justice. Please refer to the Ethics, Equity and Social Justice website at: http://eesj.curtin.edu.au

The University recognises the right of individuals to be free from discrimination and harassment while engaged in activities undertaken as part of their employment by, enrolment as a student of, or other association with the University. Discrimination means denial of opportunities on grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, potential pregnancy, breast feeding, sexual orientation, gender history, race, nationality, colour or ethnic origin, age, religious or political conviction, impairment or disability, family responsibility or family status. It can occur when the aggrieved person is treated less favourably, in circumstances that are the same or are not materially different, than another person on one of the above grounds or when the aggrieved person is required to comply with a set of conditions with which they are unable to comply because of one of the above grounds. Harassment consists of unwelcome, offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening behaviour directed at another person, whether a student or staff. It is usually based on some real or perceived difference such as sex, race or disability and which may lead to the person harassed being offended, humiliated, intimidated or disadvantaged.

As an educational institution and an employer, the University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that students and staff are able to study and work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Please refer to the University's Procedures for the Elimination of Discrimination and Harassment at: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/elimination_discr_harass.doc

In the unfortunate circumstance where students believe discrimination or harassment has occurred, we have provision for the resolution of grievances. Please refer to the Grievance Resolution website at: http://ous.curtin.edu.au/grievance.html

Harassment Policy and Resolution Procedures

Harassment is an unacceptable form of behaviour. The University recognises the right of individuals to be free from harassment while engaged in activities undertaken as part of their employment by, enrolment as a student of, or other association with the University.

Harassment consists of unwelcome, offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening behaviour directed at another person, whether a student or staff member. It is usually based on some real or perceived difference such as sex, race or disability and which may lead to the person harassed being offended, humiliated, intimidated or disadvantaged.

As an educational institution and an employer, the University takes all steps reasonable and available to eliminate harassment of or by students, staff or other members of the Curtin community. Please refer to the University's Procedures for the Elimination of Discrimination and Harassment at: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/elimination_discr_harass.doc

Further information about Resolution Procedures are available from the Student Guild, Counselling Service and the Office of Ethics, Equity and Social Justice or at: http://eesj.curtin.edu.au

The following information pertains to the Bentley Campus. If you are studying at any other Curtin location, contact the Campus or Educational Centre directly.

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Safety and Health at Curtin

Curtin University of Technology has a comprehensive system in place for the management of Occupational Safety and Health. Integral to this is a commitment to providing a safe working environment for all members of the University community. Professional advice, support and services in safety and health, workers' compensation and injury management is available through EduSafe on +61 8 9266 4900. A further significant body of information including relevant safety and health policies, is available via the EduSafe website located at: http://www.edusafe.edu.au

Safety and Health Representatives

A network of over 70 safety and health representatives covering all University campuses assists the University to be proactive in preventing injuries and promote consultation on safety issues at a local level. Safety and health representatives are available to assist students and staff on all safety and health matters. You should make yourself aware of your safety and health representative, details of which are available at: http://www.edusafe.edu.au

Incidents (Accidents) Hazards and Injuries

All incidents (accidents) and hazards must be reported immediately to the relevant lecturer, unit controller or school office using the University's incident/hazard online report form available on http://www.edusafe.edu.au/online/. The University is legally obliged to report certain serious injuries that occur on campus to WorkSafe regardless of the employment status or other standing of the affected individual(s).

Emergency Evacuation

On hearing the alert/evacuation tone or alarm bell, you must immediately leave the building by the first safe emergency exit and go to that building's assembly area. It is important that you familiarise yourself with your building's emergency evacuation routes and assembly area. Further information is available at: http://www.edusafe.edu.au/curtin/emergency.html

Class Size

The University has a responsibility to observe Occupational Safety and Health and Fire Regulations. These specify the maximum number of people who can be accommodated in any teaching area. All large teaching spaces in the University have signs indicating their maximum capacity. In the case of laboratories, the maximum number is established through risk assessment in respect of experiments being conducted. Classes are assigned to rooms of the appropriate size. If a class is conducted in more than one venue, or repeated at different times, students should only attend the session to which they have been allocated. This will help the University to observe the Regulations and ensure that students learn in a physically comfortable and safe environment without overcrowding.

Personal Accident Insurance

The University provides Personal Accident Insurance cover for students on authorised, course-related work/field experience. The insurance is subject to the school/department approving the work/field experience. Students who receive remuneration for the work/field placement are not covered by this policy. Such students should be covered by the host organisation's workers' compensation policy.

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NO SMOKING IN THE WORKPLACE

http://lifestyle.curtin.edu.au/links.cfm
http://www.edusafe.edu.au/curtin/smoking.html.

General Rules on Smoking

It is unacceptable for all Curtin students, staff, associates, contractors or visitors to the University to have to walk through a smoke filled area to arrive at a destination. The University has a general "duty of care" under the Occupational Safety and Health Act WA 1984 and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations WA 1996 and respective state legislation at campuses outside WA.

The sale of tobacco products is prohibited on all University property. Ashtrays are not permitted inside University buildings, in major thoroughfares and within three metres of an entrance or air intake to a building.

The University is working towards the provision of "designated smoking areas" and ultimately to a smoke free environment. Smoking is therefore prohibited in University buildings; major thoroughfares; within three metres of an entrance or air intake to a building and in all University vehicles.

Entrances to buildings and major thoroughfares, fully or substantially enclosed, prominently display "No Smoking" notices.

Cigarette butts make up 50 per cent of all litter. It is an offence to litter in Australia.

Discarding a butt irresponsibly may result in a $50 fine by the Police, Local Councils, Keep Australia Beautiful Council or other authorities.

Assistance to Quit Smoking

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic Services in conjunction with the Health Service, the Counselling Service and Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program offers staff who smoke access to suitable counselling services and programs to help them stop smoking. Staff may register with the Healthy Lifestyle Program to obtain time off to attend workshops and counselling. Assistance to quit smoking is also available via the Quit line 131 848 (Australia-wide) or the 24-hour Alcohol and Drug Information Service on +61 8 9442 5015 or 1800 198 024 for country callers in WA.

Supervision of the Prohibition on Smoking

Managers and supervisors at all levels are responsible for ensuring that students, staff, associates, contractors and visitors observe to the University's prohibition of smoking.

Breaches of the No Smoking in the Workplace Procedure

All staff, students, associates, contractors and visitors are encouraged to report breaches through the University's Incident/Hazard reporting system via EduSafe.

Managers and supervisors at all levels shall advise offenders of the University policy and refer them to Health and Counselling Services for support to quit smoking. Further breaches shall be handled in accordance with the University's disciplinary procedures and applicable University by-law. Persistence in smoking in prohibited areas shall be formally reported to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic Services for further action.

It should be noted that there are provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations WA 1996 for penalties of up to $5,000 for persons smoking in an enclosed workplace.

The entire University policy pertaining to no smoking in the workplace is published on the Curtin website and may also be referred to at: http://www.edusafe.edu.au.

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Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol may not be consumed on campus, outside of licensed premises, unless a permit has been issued in accordance with the Curtin Land and Traffic By-Law and the provisions of the Liquor Licensing Act 1988 (WA).

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Traffic Control

This information pertains only to parking on the Bentley, Northam and Shenton Park Campuses.

Parking and traffic facilities are regulated by the University's Land and Traffic By-Laws. A speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour currently exists with periodical checks being conducted throughout campus. Infringement notices are issued for breaches of the by-laws.

Every member of the Curtin community who wishes to park a vehicle on campus must obtain a parking permit. It does not imply a parking bay will be available at all times. Permits are available on a renewable yearly basis on payment of the appropriate fee.

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