For the first time in 10 years, the University has proposed changes to the Code of Student Conduct and the Discipline Statute.
The proposed additions include specific prohibitions for sexual misconduct, online harassment and initiations. The Uni is proposing to have the power to force who breach the Code of Conduct to attend mandatory alcohol and drug counselling classes.
The proposed changes to the code highlight “the safety and well-being of the University community” as its key priority. Specific prohibitions have now been added for activities which are illegal or “carry the risk of harm to person or property.” Students could be directed to avoid contact with specific people for “such period as the Provost may determine”, which basically sounds like a restraining order.
The proposed new code allows for restorative justice where students have admitted their breach of conduct, and when those affected by this breach agree to it. This process will be facilitated by the University Mediator, or a third-party “approved by the Vice-Chancellor and acceptable to all involved”.
The changes also propose that Proctor should have the power to issue a “Notice to Clear Rubbish” to any flat with rubbish which is “either a health and safety issue or causes a negative visual impact,” and to enforce a daily fine which will accumulate for as long as the rubbish is not cleared. So, most of them.
The proposed changes were announced in an e-mail distributed to all students on Friday afternoon. In the e-mail, Registrar Chris Stoddart said the changes were proposed by a “group comprising key University, student and community stakeholders,” led by the Vice-Chancellor. Stoddart said that the changes “are not intended to significantly alter expectations established by the Code and Statute. Rather, they are meant to increase the clarity with which those expectations are expressed and to emphasise the underlying focus on the wellbeing of the University community.”
The Code of Student Conduct is a document setting out the Uni’s expectations of students’ behaviour, while the Discipline Statute (proposed to be renamed the Conduct Statute) goes over processes to deal with students who don’t meet those standards, including punishments. Both documents were last updated in 2011. Good luck cleaning up your flats.
Written submissions can be emailed to codereview@otago.ac.nz. Submissions are due by Friday 7 May 2021.