Rights and Responsibilities of Students

As a student at Curtin University, you are part of the Curtin community and 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://www.students.curtin.edu.au/rights/.

University Policies and Procedures

All students must observe 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://www.policies.curtin.edu.au.

Compliance with Relevant Legislation

All Curtin students have a responsibility to ensure that their actions and behaviour at University comply with applicable law. Students are expected to be aware of common areas of legislation that apply to their study or research activities, or to their relationship with fellow students and staff. These legislative requirements extend across a number of areas such as Occupational Safety and Health, the Criminal Code, and equal opportunity and anti-discrimination provisions.

Summaries of the legislative requirements most directly relevant to Curtin's operations can be found in the Register of Legal Compliance Obligations at http://legal.curtin.edu.au/compliance/register.cfm.

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 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 are required for the same course of study or research project);
• artwork, television or 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 computer networks or equipment.

Copying of software and pre-purchased or rented videos or DVDs is NOT permitted except with the express permission of the copyright owner.

Further information

Additional information on copyright for students can be found at: http://www.copyright.curtin.edu.au/research/.

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

A handy guide to "Copyright Do's and Don'ts" for students is available at http://www.copyright.curtin.edu.au/resources/.

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 restricting access, 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 undertaken 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.

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://www.policies.curtin.edu.au/info_comm_systems.html.

Information on Internet copyright issues for students can be found at: http://www.copyright.curtin.edu.au/essentials.cfm.

Queries and concerns should be directed to local IT Support Staff or University Information Security at: info-security@curtin.edu.au.

Guiding Ethical Principles

In general, the responsibilities of Curtin University 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.

Curtin policies relating to Guiding Ethical Principles can be found at http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au.

Ethics, Equity and Social Justice

Curtin's commitment to social justice and ethical behaviour is an important part of our overarching strategy to ensure we value and inform our staff and students.

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. Curtin policies relating to discrimination and equal opportunity can be found at: http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au.

In the unfortunate circumstance where students believe discrimination or harassment has occurred, we have provision for the resolution of grievances. Please refer to the Complaints Management website at http://legal.curtin.edu.au/complaints/.

Further information about resolution procedures are available from Curtin Student Guild, University Counselling Services and Student Central.

Safety and Health Representatives

A network of almost ninety safety and health representatives covering all Campuses assists the University to be proactive in preventing injuries and promoting 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/or including near misses) and hazards MUST be reported immediately to the relevant lecturer, unit controller or school office using the University's incident/hazard on-line report form available on http://edusafeincident.curtin.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).

Bullying

Curtin University acknowledges the risk bullying poses to its management, staff and students and takes steps to identify and address any incidents where bullying may occur.

The policy and procedures for the Prevention and Management of Bullying http://www.edusafe.edu.au/workplace/bullying.cfm have been developed in accordance with national guidelines, legislative authorities, and in consultation with representatives from Curtin's management, staff and students.

The purpose of the document is to describe the University's policy and procedures in relation to bullying, including a definition of what constitutes 'bullying'; who the policy applies to; the impact of bullying; the procedures and resources to prevent or deal with bullying; roles and responsibilities, and associated consequences, sanctions or penalties related to breaches of the policy.

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

Emergency Evacuation

On hearing the alert/evacuation tone or alarm bell, you MUST immediately leave the building by the first available emergency exit and go to the building's assembly area.

The University has trained Fire Wardens to assist building occupants and emergency services personnel in the safe evacuation of the building. It is important that you familiarise yourself with your building's emergency exits, evacuation routes and assembly area. Further information is available at: http://www.edusafe.edu.au/emergency/.

Emergency Contact Details

All metro, Muresk and Kalgoorlie campuses must Dial 5 from an internal phone for all emergencies, or 9266 4444 from a mobile or off campus line. All other locations must call 000. Emergencies include medical, fire, bomb threats, security, assault and harassment.

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 and Public Liability Insurance

The University provides Personal Accident Insurance and Public Liability Insurance covers for students on authorised, course-related work/field experience. The Insurance is subject to the school/department approving the work/field experience and must be credited towards a course of study. 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. This applies to all students at all Campuses and Education Centres.

No Smoking in the Workplace

http://edusafe.edu.au/local/docs/policies/NoSmokingintheWorkplace.pdf

General rules on Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in University buildings; major thoroughfares; within three metres of an entrance or air intake to a building and in all University vehicles. 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.

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

Assistance to Quit Smoking

Curtin's Health and Counselling Services offer students and staff who smoke, access to suitable counselling services and programs to help them stop smoking. 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.

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).

Traffic Control

The information below pertains only to parking on the Bentley, Shenton Park and Northam Campuses. For parking arrangements at all other Campuses or Education Centres, please refer to the local administration.

Parking and traffic facilities are regulated by the University's Land and Traffic By-Laws. A speed limit of 30 km 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 or visitor's ticket. A parking permit 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.

While ensuring that all due care is taken, it shall be deemed to be a condition of every parking permit or visitor's ticket issued that the university is not, and shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safe custody of a vehicle or its contents.