St Hilda's College Handbook

Communitas

The College motto Communitas means ‘community in feeling’ or ‘oneness in spirit’.

St Hilda’s College is named to commemorate St Hilda who died in 680, at the age of 66. At Streoneshalh, now called Whitby Abbey, St Hilda was renowned for drawing together all kinds of men and women and creating a community. For the last 33 years of her life Hilda dedicated her life and work to teaching the observance of righteousness, mercy, purity and especially peace and charity. She encouraged the poet Caedmon and drew him into her community of scholars. So great was her wisdom, sense of justice and uncommon common sense that people from all ranks of society came to ask her advice in difficult times.

Her Abbey was the place where the Synod of Whitby met in 663-664AD and reconciled the Celtic and Roman Churches.

It was the hope of the founders of St Hilda’s that our College would become a place where the humanities, sciences and the fine arts would complement one another, where students of different gifts and backgrounds would learn to live in a community of scholarship and then, after graduation, serve the wider community.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which our college is situated. We pay our respect to all the First Nations Elders and students who call St Hilda’s home. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community, the University of Melbourne, and the wider world.

ST HILDA’S COLLEGE

The University of Melbourne

19-27 College Crescent

Parkville, Victoria 3052 Australia

Tel +61 3 9248 8400

Email: [email protected]

www.hildas.unimelb.edu.au

Welcome

to the St Hilda’s community! I have been involved in colleges for almost 20 years and truly believe that they are transformative places, and a great privilege to live within.

At St Hilda’s, everyone belongs. Our diversity is reflective of the University itself, and we value all the wonderful gifts and perspectives that each person brings to our community.

There is not a staff member here who does not seek your welfare and believe it is their job to invest in your development. We are looking forward to learning from each other and investing in one another. We seek to bring the best out of each individual and launch each student well into the world of university and employment. Belonging to St Hilda’s will make a difference to who you are long term and what you value. We will build your capacity to create a more humane and just world—it is what we are all about.

Since its opening in 1964, St Hilda’s College has been a place where all of its members live and work, study and grow together on the basis of respect and responsibility for one another. Together we are a community of teachers and learners. Our experiences promote the development of the whole person, and we live in a residential community where academic experiences are linked to many other aspects of the lives of students. Intellectual life is integrated with the social.

The information and conduct guidelines presented in this handbook have been formulated to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all members of St Hilda’s. The College places great emphasis on personal responsibility both to yourself and to others, as well as a commitment to high ethical standards.

With this in mind, the College is committed to

promoting and ensuring these guiding values:

Respect: St Hilda’s promotes respect for self and others

Belonging: St Hilda’s cultivates an inclusive and supportive community where diversity and individuality is celebrated

Challenge: St Hilda’s provides a climate of openness which encourages genuine engagement, the expression of differing views and positive discourse

Growth: St Hilda’s supports students to find their passions, achieve their ambitions and pursue excellence through a growth and development mindset

Communitas: St Hilda’s provides opportunities to support others both within the college community and the broader local, national and global community

With these values in mind, each member of St Hilda’s is expected to respect all persons and property in the community and encouraged to participate in the life of the College so that the values of friendship, scholarship, integrity, leadership and service are sustained.

Welcome to College!

James Hardiman Principal

College Grace

The College Grace is said collectively on High Table evenings and on other formal occasions:

Benedic, domine, hoc frumentum, et nostrum communitatem per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Translation:

Bless O Lord, this food and our community, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

College

Library

Student

Readmission

Facilities and safety and

College organisation

The College Office is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm weekdays for information and routine matters. You can also make appointments to see the Principal, Dean of Students, and Associate Dean here.

BOARD

The Board is the governing body of the College. It makes all major policy decisions. It appoints the Principal and determines the annual fee. The College has been affiliated with The University of Melbourne since its beginning, but is a separate non-profit business to the University. Our College Board is comprised of former residents, experts co-opted by the Board, and University senior staff.

SENIOR COMMON ROOM

The Senior Common Room comprises the nonresident tutors, Senior Residential Advisors, College Fellows and other staff of the College.

Non-resident tutors are appointed in response to student enrolments at the beginning of each semester.

Usually some forty non-resident tutors, often alumni, are appointed each semester.

JUNIOR COMMON ROOM (JCR) Aims

Each member of the JCR is a member of the St Hilda’s Student Club, founded on the tradition of Communitas. There are two key functions of the Club: creating shared experiences, and the provision of a net of friendship for all members. While recognising the needs of individuals, it is to these two ends that the Club is devoted.

The Club also seeks to represent fairly the interests of its members and to encourage their positive development - intellectually, in creative fields, and in sporting endeavours.

General information

All residents and transition-to-residence students are automatically members. The JCR is located on the ground floor of the Noel Miller Wing.

The General Committee (GC) members are the elected leaders of the Student Club. They are responsible for everyday matters and decisions pertaining to the Student Club.

Participation in Student Club events is voluntary but we know from experience that getting involved adds to the quality of College life for both the student participating and for all other members who benefit from the cross-section of views expressed. There are also extensive opportunities to participate in committees and in leadership opportunities within the Student Club events and activities.

Academic life

Students at St Hilda’s College are full time students enrolled in courses at the University of Melbourne, at Monash School of Pharmacy, and a few exceptional faculties of RMIT and ACU.

Central to the purpose of St Hilda’s College is its clearly stated aim to support and enhance the university experience of its students. As an academic community, the College expects students to treat their studies seriously, and in a balanced way, throughout the year. Establishing balance between study and other activities is critical to the achievement of academic success.

ACADEMIC ADVICE OVERVIEW

We care about your academic progress and provide appropriate assistance and support. If you are having difficulties with study, with a particular subject or in settling down to work, you should discuss your concerns with someone. The Associate Dean is the main point of contact for students needing assistance with studies and related concerns, but the Principal, Dean of Students, and Senior Residential Advisors are also available to support students.

The College has also appointed College Fellows, who are either past residents or have a significant connection with the College. As distinguished academics or exceptional contributors to their professions and the community, they are a resource for both students and staff seeking academic or

professional advice and are regularly invited to participate in special College functions. They run 2 special academic events per year called the Whitby Series where students enjoy an evening of discussion and critical thinking around a specific real world ethical dilemma.

The Associate Dean oversees the academic program with support from the Dean of Students. Both the Dean of Students and Associate Dean live in college and have offices located on the first floor of the administration building near the western entry to the Alice Paton Library.

Students are able to contact them directly on 03 9248 8274 (office) or by email on [email protected] or [email protected] respectively.

The academic program of the College has two main elements: the Tutorial Program and the Mentoring Program.

THE TUTORIAL PROGRAM College tutorials

The College offers an opportunity for students to receive small group teaching by non-resident tutors who are outstanding university graduates at various stages of their academic or professional careers. First year tutorials start in Week 2 of Semester 1, with returning and senior students’ tutorials starting in Week 3.

Tutors offer weekly one-hour tutorial classes in their subjects on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Where four or more students are enrolled in the same subject, a tutorial will be generated by the Associate Dean at the start of each semester. Where there are only three students enrolled in a subject, a case can be put to the Associate Dean to run a fortnightly tutorial for that subject or we can help you sign up for an established tutorial at another college.

We try to provide academic support for each student. However, some subjects may not be possible to support due to unavailability of a suitable tutor, insufficient student enrolments or the subject falling outside of the University of Melbourne. There may also be subjects that will not have a tutor provided despite high enrolment rates due to the perceived ease of the subject and the historical poor attendance and lack of need for tutorial support. In these instances, students can still seek support through the Associate Dean for one-off consultations with an appropriate tutor.

The timetable is displayed on the College portal, The Quad. It is important to check the timetable regularly to be aware of any changes. Students are expected to submit their un-availabilities at the start of the semester to ensure that tutorials are scheduled at times that suit their availability. While it may not always be possible to avoid timetable clashes, submitting unavailabilities helps reduce the likelihood of

tutorials being scheduled with students are unable to attend.

College tutorials are intended to supplement and extend the work covered in your university classes and it is expected that all students will attend the tutorials arranged for them. If you are unable to attend, you must email your tutor and the Associate Dean in advance and make an apology.

The College aims to closely monitor your attendance and performance at tutorials: tutors keep rolls and report attendances to the Associate Dean at the end of each week.

Students consistently absent from tutorials will be followed up by their tutors or the Associate Dean.

At the conclusion of each semester, students are asked to assess the value of college tutorials, as is the practice at the university. Students’ assistance with these evaluations contributes to the overall quality of the tutorial program.

Use of tutorial rooms

In determining the use of tutorial rooms and their facilities, first priority is always given to the tutorial program. The library is available for students who need a venue for private study. Students who use tutorial rooms are required to leave the rooms tidy and ready for use by the next tutorial. Food and drinks are not allowed in tutorial rooms.

Tutorials at other Colleges

In cases where St Hilda’s does not provide a particular tutorial, students may have the opportunity to attend a tutorial at another college. Students seeking permission to attend a tutorial at another college should see the Associate Dean. They will consult with the other college on the availability of a place in the tutorial and, when approval is given, issue you with a confirmation email to present to the receiving college tutor. Should you stop attending a tutorial at another college, it is important to inform the Associate Dean to enable them to notify the other college to ensure that St Hilda’s is not charged for your attendance.

Where a tutorial is not provided by another residential college of the university or where a student has been ill or has missed university classes for valid reasons, extra academic support will be sourced and provided where possible. Students who require such assistance should speak with the Associate Dean.

THE ACADEMIC MENTORING PROGRAM

First & second year mentoring program

The College has an Academic Mentoring Program for first & second year students to assist them in managing their transition to university life and to support their academic progress and personal development. Each student is allocated a mentor Senior Residential Advisor who will maintain contact in general as well as meeting more formally with them throughout the year.

Further, during first semester, a member of our residential staff team will meet with each firstyear student to discuss their academic progress and transition to university life.

Senior student mentoring program

St Hilda’s College offers a Mentoring Program for senior students of the College that seeks to provide them with opportunities to learn about future career options and to assist with their movement into chosen professional fields. The specific objectives of the Program are to:

enable senior students to acquire knowledge about particular career and work environments, including organisational cultures and expectations provide senior students with opportunities to develop new personal and professional skillsimprove the future employment options for senior students enable networking activities for both senior students and their mentors enhance the connections between the College and professional/business individuals and organisations

It is the responsibility of senior students to both engage in this program and demonstrate interest in being a participant to fully benefit from the professional development opportunities it offers.

Academic results

The College has the rights to all residents’ academic results and University enrolment details.

Re-enrolment or continuing residence in College is dependent on students’ academic performance. Following the release of semester results, students whose academic progress gives cause for concern will be required to meet with the Associate Dean and Dean of Students. Futhermore, Non-University of Melbourne students are required to send their results to the Associate Dean to review at the end of each semester.

Academic Improvement Plans

Many residents will be hoping to advance their studies in to a graduate degree at University of Melbourne following their undergraduate degree.

Our experience is that in order to access a University of Melbourne graduate degree, you will need a minimum WAM of 65; although, achieving a WAM above 65 does not guarantee enrolment. Recognising this, any resident who achieves average results between 50 – 65 at the end of a semester will be placed on an Academic Improvement Plan that aims to support the resident to increase their overall academic standing.

Academic Improvement Plans will involve a meeting with the Dean of Students or Associate Dean.

Depending on the circumstances contributing to their academic results, the student may be paired with an academic mentor. This mentor will then work with the resident to provide regular mentor meetings and help determine if there are additional supports, tutorials, or services that the resident may benefit from. The Deans and academic mentors will do what they can to support the student’s progress and development, but ultimately, as adults, the responsibility for their academic success and decisions lies with the student themselves.

Academic Show Cause

Residents must achieve a minimum pass mark in three-quarters (75%) of their subjects, each semester. If a resident fails to achieve a pass mark in at least three-quarters (75%) of their subjects in a single semester, they will be required to meet with the Associate Dean and Dean of Students to discuss their academic results.

Unless there have been marked extenuating circumstances that have contributed to the resident’s less than satisfactory academic results, the resident will be placed on Academic Show Cause.

Being placed on Academic Show Cause requires that the resident demonstrates cause as to their failure to meet the minimum academic requirement and that they are working proactively to improve their academic outcomes in the following semester.

As a minimum expectation, the resident will be required to:

sign an individualised fitness-to-return policy that is created in consultation with the Associate Dean and Dean of Students attend all academic tutorials as coordinated by the College relevant to their subjects meet at least fortnightly with a designated academic mentor or the Associate Dean that aids with study planning etc. During this meeting the resident should provide an overview of and discuss any upcoming exams/assignments and preparation work to date; results achieved throughout the semester and strategies for prioritising study and managing workloads and college engagement be proactive in informing the Associate Dean if their academic performance does not improve

The academic mentor will report back to the Associate Dean to confirm attendance from residents on Academic Show Cause.

If a resident on Academic Show Cause does not comply with the above expectations and fails to pass at least three-quarters (75%) of their subjects in the subsequent semester, their position in College may be terminated unless extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated.

Ongoing Support and Special consideration

If you have a disability, health condition or

eligible commitments that impact your studies, registering for ongoing support can provide the necessary study adjustments to help you succeed at university. Ongoing support is intended for situations where the impact lasts longer than six weeks, such as learning difficulties, chronic health conditions, or disabilities.

For shorter-term difficulties, special consideration me be appropriate. If illness or other special circumstances are affecting your academic progress for less than six weeks, it’s important to consult the Dean of Students or Associate Dean as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process and support you in submitting a Special Consideration application to the University.

Both the Dean and Associate Dean are here to help you access the necessary resources and adjustments, whether you require temporary support through special consideration or longer-term adjustments through ongoing support.

Subject or course choice

These are important issues. Contact the Associate Dean for support and guidance in planning your degree. If you change courses or universities, you must also notify the Associate Dean, who will inform the Admissions Manager to ensure the database is updated and accurate for future tutorials.

Library

The Alice Paton Library is situated above the front office. The collection is intended to supplement materials found in the larger libraries on the University campus, not replace them. It consists of books, periodicals, nonprint media and other study aids.

Catalogue

An online catalogue of items in the current collection is available from any computer logged onto the College network. There Is one library assistant available to assist and the main point of contact for enquiries is the Dean of Students.

Loans

All items borrowed must be checked out in the presence of a Library Assistant. All borrowed items must be returned or renewed on time or users may incur a fine which may be deducted from their bond money.

Items returned when the Library is unattended must be placed in the book return chute. They remain the responsibility of borrowers until checked in by Library staff.

Books and CDs from the library’s main collection are available for a six-week loan period. This is renewable for further sixweek loan periods. A fine of $0.20 per day will be imposed for overdue items (to a maximum of $10).

Where an item is lost or not returned, the replacement cost will be billed to the student’s account with the College. Such fees may be deducted from the bond paid to the College by residents at the start of each year.

Periodicals are for use in the library and may not be borrowed.

New acquisitions

If the College Library currently does not have access to a resource required for course work, it may be possible to acquire new textbooks and materials. Requests for new books shall be made to the Dean of Students who will determine if the College will purchase the book. In requesting new materials, residents should: First confirm that the book is not available at the University and confirm this during their request. If the book is available at the University Library, it is reasonable that residents will loan it from there.

Understand that not all textbooks and materials may be supplied by the College and that priority will be given to:

Materials that are essential for courses with reasonable numbers of students enrolled

Materials that will likely have an ongoing use within the College.

The library has a limited range of novels for interested residents. The library does not supply new novels/materials not required for course work at university. Residents interested in hiring novels can gain free membership at the Carlton Library.

Overdue items

Overdue items should be returned within two days of receiving an overdue notice, normally communicated by email. Failure to return books after due notification may result in fines and appropriate disciplinary action.

Use of Library for study

As the library is often unsupervised, students should use it without causing inconvenience to others:

tables should be left clear

students should not ‘reserve’ their seats if they intend to leave the library for more than 30 minutes

talking should be kept to a minimum

mobile phones should be set to silent mode, and calls made or received outside the reading area

furniture must not be shifted or removed

food and drinks are not permitted in the library

Student Wellbeing

Student wellbeing is seen as encompassing everything the College does to meet the personal, academic and social needs of its students. This involves recognising, valuing and developing each student as a total and unique person. The College believes that every student matters every day.

WELLBEING PROGRAM

The Wellbeing program at St Hilda’s is extremely important. The College recognises that delivering effective care requires a multifaceted approach. Our wellbeing team is comprised of Resident Advisors (RAs), Senior Residential Advisors (SRAs), the Associate Dean, the Dean of Students, and the Principal. This team is trained in mental health and physical first aid and the College encourages you to seek them out if you need support.

The RAs and SRAs will be allocated a block as their designated area for providing support to these students. However, we encourage every student to seek out anyone they feel comfortable with. The focus for the wellbeing team is providing support to anyone who needs it. The wellbeing team may take notes and record information about students for the purposes of ensuring that we are providing the best support possible and that the appropriate staff who are best positioned to support or refer any individual student is kept informed.

In the event that any notes are taken by a staff member, the student would be informed.

STUDENT PRIVACY

As St Hilda’s College residential agreement is with the resident, any and all private information is communicated to the resident alone. St Hilda’s College does not usually disclose private information to any other parties, including parents or guardians, without consent from the resident themselves.

Your personal information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected, unless when you consent to us using that information for another purpose, or where it is permitted or required by law, or where we reasonably believe it is necessary on health or public safety grounds or desirable on other grounds to use the information for another purpose. This may be particularly relevant when the health, wellbeing or safety of a student or the community is at risk. The Privacy Policy Is available on the Quad for review and all residents and staff are bound by its contents.

NOTE TAKING AND RECORD KEEPING

The wellbeing team may take notes and record information about students for the purposes of ensuring that we are providing the best support possible, and that the appropriate staff who are best positioned to support or refer are accurately informed.

Information recorded is held to high standards and accessible to the student upon request (if there is no information regarding another student in the record). Incident reports can be collected without student consent. Notes will be collected with explicit student knowledge. All relevant students will be reminded of this expectation and their ability to access their information during appropriate times. Information collected will be kept per data storage requirements: securely and for the period of seven years.

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Students at the University of Melbourne have access to the University Counselling Service, which provides free services including individual counselling, groups and workshops, and consultancy in issues of concern.

The Counselling and Psychological Services, Level 5, 757 Swanston Street Parkville 3052. Telephone 8344 6927 for an appointment or visit their website on www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel.

Appointments to see a counsellor for students enrolled at the Monash School of Pharmacy can be made in person at the Student Services Office, Ground Floor, Building 407 (Healthscope), Victorian College of Pharmacy, Parkville, or by contacting [email protected] or via phone on 9903 9689.

Health Services Students at the University of Melbourne may access the University Health Service at 138 – 146 Cardigan Street, Carlton from 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone 8344 6904 or 8344 6905. Website: www. services.unimelb.edu.au/health.

For students who require alternative options, the College is well connected with local support services and private suppliers for referral and the wellbeing team will be happy to help discuss options, especially if wait times are long at the above services.

Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency, we encourage students to first call the staff member on duty who can support in contacting emergency services and subsequent access. If this is not possible, call an ambulance on 000. This might include major injuries, mental health crisis or incidences involving alcohol.

The nearest hospital Emergency Department is at Royal Melbourne Hospital located at the corner of Royal Parade and Grattan Street. The Emergency Department entrance is on Grattan Street. General enquiries telephone 9342 7000.

FITNESS TO REMAIN OR RETURN

The College is not always the right community for students experiencing severe mental or physical health issues. Students in this situation may be subject to the fitness to remain or return policy available on The Quad.

Readmission Policy

Students should be aware that a place at St Hilda’s College is awarded for a single academic year only and that re-enrolment in the College in subsequent years is not automatic.

Demand for places at the College normally exceeds the number of places available. It is important that the students who are offered places are those who will make the most of the opportunities that college life provides.

In assessing applications for re-enrolment, consideration will be given to the following factors when determining whether or not a place will be offered:

a resident’s academic progress

the extent to which a resident has participated in the College Tutorial Program

attendance at High Table dinners and other College events

whether any damage has been incurred to the resident’s room and its immediate surrounds

the extent to which the resident’s conduct has or has not contributed to harmony and wellbeing of the College community during the year.

The decision to readmit a student to the College is entirely at the discretion of the Principal.

Facilities and safety and security

BIKES

Bikes should be secured to racks provided. Bike owners are strongly recommended to purchase ‘D Bolt’ type locks for securing both wheels and frame to the racks. St Hilda’s College cannot guarantee the security of bikes kept at the College.

The College has installed 16 bike lockers. These are available to students on a first come, first serve basis. Interested residents should apply at the front office. There is a $50 key deposit payable for use of a locker. This is refunded when the key is returned.

DINING HALL INFORMATION

St Hilda’s invests heavily in the range and quality of the food it provides its residents. The College kitchen is vigilant in maintaining the highest possible standards of hygiene and food preparation. Comments and suggestions on all aspects of the meals provided are welcomed. Please contact the Catering Manager or President of the Student Club for further information.

Meal times

Meal times will be signposted in the dining hall. It is expected that all students will have collected their meals at least 15 minutes prior to closing of the Dining Hall.

Late dinners

Late meals are provided only for students who are unable to attend the normal evening meal due to course or sports training commitments. Late meals can be ordered via the Quad. Late meals can be collected from 7:00 pm from the student kitchen. Collections earlier than this are not permitted.

Dining Hall property

College crockery and cutlery must not be removed from the dining hall or adjacent outdoor dining area. Students ignoring this rule will, for the first offence, be required to spend a designated amount of time performing community service for the College, with subsequent offences likely to be referred to a meeting of the Dean of Students and more significant action will be taken. Cost of replacement will be shared by the Student Club.

In keeping with St Hilda’s strong environmental ethic, students and staff are required to provide their own keep cup for the morning baristamade coffee. Dining Hall cups are not to be taken out of the Dining Hall.

KITCHEN ACCESS

Only kitchen staff are permitted in the kitchen area, in the cool rooms or refrigerators.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

St Hilda’s College has a duty of care to provide all members of the College community with a safe residential and working environment. This includes ensuring that all privately owned electrical equipment brought into individual rooms and common areas meets safety requirements. Residents are required to make sure that any electrical equipment in their possession is satisfactorily maintained. The College has fitted all buildings with safety switches. Should these be triggered, power will automatically be disconnected. The Maintenance Engineer should be contacted to restore power.

Double adaptors are not permitted.

Permission to bring any additional heavy-duty electrical appliances must be made to the Concierge (concierge@ hildas.unimelb.edu.au).

Additional room heating or air conditioning appliances are not permitted.

Microwaves and large refrigerators for student use are located in the student kitchen. Small refrigerators are supplied in student rooms. It is essential that these appliances are used appropriately and are kept clean.

Microwaves, toasters, and other cooking devices are not permitted in any student room outside of H block, where the fire sensors are different. Any student using these devices and setting off an alarm will pay the fire brigade costs, which are often around $5,000.

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURE

All members of College are required to be familiar with college evacuation procedures. In the event of an evacuation, residents are required to observe the directions of the Fire Wardens who will supervise any evacuation. The main evacuation muster point is on the grass at the front entry carpark. If this area is not available, the alternative evacuation point is on the sports oval accessed via the rear exit of College.

Fire safety

The College has been fitted with sensitive heat and smoke detectors as well as fire doors and Break Glass Alarms. Smoke from appliances such as toasters and sandwich makers will cause the detectors to activate the college fire alarms and may result in significant fines being levied by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)

Interfering with any aspect of the College’s fire detection and alarm system, emergency lighting, smoke and fire doors or firefighting equipment is a Federal offence, may result in a significant fine being levied by FRV and may also put others in danger.

Fines levied by the FRV, which are usually between $3,000-$6,000, will be passed on to those responsible for activating the alarms. Tampering with any fire equipment will also result in suspension or expulsion from college.

Students should note that the practice of securing bicycles to stairway banisters constitutes a fire and safety hazard and is forbidden. Any bicycle or other bulky item found in corridors, foyers and stairways will be confiscated immediately and the owner will be required to pay a fine to have the item returned. Repeat offences will incur increasing fines.

THE QUAD: COLLEGE PORTAL

The Quad is our means to communicate to residents. It provides access to many online college services and other useful links, including:

a public announcement system where students and staff can post messages for viewing by other College members

helpdesk system where students can lodge requests for maintenance and IT support

print quota system where students can view the details of their print quota

photo gallery of images of social and formal college events

various Student Club documents such as the Student Club Constitution and Minutes of GC meetings

meals ordering system for takeaway lunches and early or late dinners

wellbeing resources where students may access a range of websites for information regarding issues of concern

St Hilda’s College tutorial timetable and the tutorial timetables for other colleges

a repository of College policies and procedures

SECURITY

The College’s six accommodation blocks are fitted with electronic locks.

You are solely responsible for your fob. Under no circumstances should you give your fob to another person.

If your fob is lost or stolen, you are required to inform the front office immediately. A replacement electronic key fob will be provided which when put into use will deactivate the lost fob. Students will be required to pay $25 for this replacement fob at the time of issue.

Doors for each room are on ‘passage’ mode. This means that you are required to touch your fob against the door to lock it, and then again to unlock it. You are solely responsible for locking your room upon exiting, this is a good habit to get into.

LOCKOUT POLICY

The College expects residents to take responsibility for their own key/fob. If you lock yourself out during office hours (8.30am –4.30pm), approach the front office to help you. If you lock yourself out of College outside of office hours you should contact the Staff member on duty to let you in. The staff member on duty starts at 6.00pm. In cases of emergencies between 4.30pm - 6.00pm contact the Dean, Associate Dean, or Principal. Understanding that residents make mistakes at times, disciplinary action will only be taken against residents who require repeated nonemergency or health related assistance (3 strikes) from the resident staff outside of hours. The Dean of Students will monitor lockouts throughout the year and implement disciplinary action which may include fines, community service and/or formal warnings. Repeated lockouts beyond 3 strikes will attract escalating disciplinary action.

LAUNDRY

Personal washing may be laundered in B, D and H block laundries. All washing must be dried in the laundries where there are lines and drying cabinets or in your own washroom. Use of laundry facilities is prohibited between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am. Members of the College must not tamper with the computerised settings on the washers and dryers. All students must supply their own washing powder.

NETWORK COMPUTER ACCESS

Each student room is also equipped with a data outlet to access the network or wifi connectivity.

On entering College all students are obliged to abide by the terms set out in the College Computing Facilities Acceptable Use Policy and relevant IT policies found on the Quad. All students should be familiar with these terms, as misuse of the computer facilities will result in disciplinary action.

PARKING

A very limited number of parking permits is available each year. They are allocated according to seniority. Only limited permits are available for first year students.

Cars parked in the College grounds without a permit, or in a reserved space, may attract a fine of $161 (minimum) imposed by the City of Melbourne parking authorities. Appropriate warning signs are displayed at the entrance to each College parking area.

Once a fine has been issued by the City of Melbourne, the College is unable to have it revoked. Please note that claims of lack of knowledge are not valid. There are only two parking positions provided for the use of visitors and these have a strict two-hour limit which is enforced.

PHOTOCOPYING AND PRINTING

Direct photocopying is not available. Free scanning facilities are available in the library and scanned material can then be printed. Print credit can be purchased on the Quad.

RECYCLING AND LANDFILL BINS

Students are provided with one yellow comingled recyclables bin and one red landfill waste bin. Red bins will be emptied by the cleaners each week. No rubbish is to be deposited in corridors or kitchenettes.

Students are strongly encouraged to make use of the yellow recycle bins, which they must empty into the large yellow bin at the back of E, F and G Block. With the good recycling habits of St Hilda’s students, our recycling system will save a significant amount of high-quality resources each year that would have ended up buried in landfill sites.

At St Hilda’s College, we are committed to the environment and its sustainability. The College has made a significant investment in this recycling system. If the yellow or red bins are lost or damaged, they will be replaced at a cost to the student of $50 each.

For more information, contact the front office or Maintenance.

ROOM CLEANLINESS

All students are expected to maintain their rooms in a reasonable state of cleanliness and good order. Students refusing to comply with this requirement are asked to leave the College.

All student rooms are cleaned once a week by our cleaning staff. Students cannot reasonably refuse College staff entry for this purpose.

Rooms are not cleaned before 8:00 am. Rooms are cleaned during the designated day without exception, other than genuine illness.

Staff do not disturb student study areas (desks) when papers and academic materials are in use. However, the room needs to be in a reasonable state for cleaning. Cluttered and messy rooms are subject to an additional cleaning charge.

No rubbish is to be deposited in corridors.

Room Decoration: Do not drive nails or pins into the walls, doors or ceilings. Posters should only be fixed with Blu-tack or equivalent. Any other tape damages paint and plaster. No posters or stickers are to be glued to doors nor should walls or doors be defaced with graffiti. Posters and stickers are not to be attached to ceilings.

Students must accept liability for the repair of damage done to rooms. For example:

the cost of resurfacing a door is $500 the cost of repainting a room is $1250

Room allocation

First year residents will be allocated rooms at the sole discretion of the Principal and may not request specific rooms.

St Hilda’s College Handbook 19

Returning residents will be allocated rooms under the room allocation policy found on The Quad.

Room doors

Student rooms in A, B, C and H Blocks have been fitted with smoke-proof doors. These doors are fitted with an automatic closing device and must be maintained in the closed position. It is a breach of fire safety legislation to chock these doors open at any time or to tamper with the closing mechanism. Spot checks will be carried out to monitor compliance.

Room maintenance

Students are responsible for the condition of their rooms and for any damage, including room exterior doors, furnishings and carpet tiles, during the period of occupancy.

Do not remove furniture, furnishings or fittings from your room or add any furniture from College common areas.

To assist with maintenance of rooms and to enable appropriate action to be taken in situations where damage has occurred, each student is required to complete and sign a room inventory form within a week of moving into College. This form will be supplied digitally on the day of check-in. Students are expected to vacate their rooms in the same condition (including cleanliness) as when they arrived.

The College provides a mattress, mattress protector, pillow and pillow protector. Mattresses must not be placed on the floor. This practice is detrimental to the fabric of the mattress and to your health, and is potentially a fire hazard.

To help prevent fires, please do not attach large note-pads to doors.

Room repairs

Residents are asked to inform the maintenance staff of any repairs required in their rooms. This can be done by using the Maintenance Tracker on the Quad. Maintenance requests are checked on a regular basis and, where possible, repairs are completed during the day by the maintenance staff.

Room heating boilers for heating are turned off on Melbourne Cup Day and are reinstated on Anzac Day.

Room inspections

The College reserves the right to conduct periodic room inspections. The condition in which students maintain their rooms will be considered when future room allocations are being determined. Room inspections will be conducted by College staff during the year and prior to students’ departure at the end of the year.

Corridors

It is an offence to place any item in a corridor as it could become a hazard in the event of an emergency evacuation. Student belongings left in corridors will be removed.

It is also an offence to throw water, play ball games or have large gatherings in corridors because of the risk of damage to safety fixtures and fittings and also because of the risk of creating a dangerous and slippery surface in a public place.

Each floor is responsible for general cleanliness.

Reparation for damage to corridors and bathrooms is a collective responsibility.

STORAGE

At the end of the academic year, all students, except returning overseas students, are required to remove their belongings from College. Articles left in College without authorisation for one week or more are disposed of and the proceeds given to the College library or to charitable organisations.

No responsibility is accepted for goods stored in student rooms or storage areas while a student is absent from College.

Limited storage may be available for returning students. If made available, a bond of $250 is payable prior to storage of your belongings. $200 of the bond will be refunded on the student’s return to College in February.

If the student does not return, the full amount will be forfeited to the College and belongings will be donated to charity.

SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

The College takes every precaution to keep the grounds safe and free of intruders, however on occasions, strangers are found within the College grounds. Students should always lock their rooms even when absent for short periods of time. Ground floor rooms are more vulnerable to theft. Incidents of theft should be reported promptly to the College office and, where appropriate, to the Police.

College security is a matter of prime importance. For this reason, it is unacceptable for doors to be propped open when they are supposed to be closed or locked. College doors and gates are locked between 9pm and 10pm every night.

The College maintains a network of security arrangements including a staff member or student leader on duty outside of normal working hours, a network of video surveillance cameras and patrols by an external security company. Any concerns with College security should be reported to the front office.

It is important that the presence of prowlers and even minor theft is reported promptly to the College office during business hours or to the Duty RA when the College office is not open. Incidents of theft should be reported promptly to the Police.

Duty phone

As part of the College’s commitment to the security and wellbeing of members of the College community, RAs and SRAs participate in the duty roster and will be on call after business hours (6pm – 8am) and on weekends. The duty phone can be contacted by calling 0417013608. Please note that the you must call and not message the duty phone.

Assistance provided by the duty RA is a service to students and should not be abused or taken for granted. Excessive or frivolous use of this service will be subject to disciplinary action.

University grounds and surrounds Students are strongly advised not to walk alone through the University during the late evening. Residents returning from the library should be accompanied. If concerned, call the College for an escort. You may also call University Security on 8344 6666 to request assistance or to ask for an escort.

Dangerous items

The possession of any dangerous object, weapon, or inflammable chemical agent is extremely dangerous. Fire-arms, ammunition, fireworks, or other explosives (including petrol), hunting knives, swords, sabres and the like are prohibited in College.

Roof and undercroft

Walking on the roof and/or undercroft is not only extremely dangerous, it is an offence. These areas are out of bounds at all times. An individual found on a roof will be fined $1000 and required to spend a designated amount of time performing community service for the College. Repeat offences will attract an increased fine and disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from college.

Common areas

All public areas are common areas and should be used with care.

The College gardens are provided for the general enjoyment of all. Because of the significant expense involved in the replanting and re-grassing of these areas, ball games and sports are not permitted in the front or back quadrangle. Non-compliance with this rule will result in disciplinary action.

Smoking/Vaping

Given the University of Melbourne has adopted a no smoking policy, no smoking (including use of e-cigarettes/vaping) will be permitted on the St Hilda’s College site, indoors or out. The smoke free zone includes the University oval which is subject to University of Melbourne no smoking rules and Morrison Close which is owned by Ormond College.

Students found to be smoking or vaping on college grounds will receive a warning. Subsequent incidents will result in escalating consequences up to and including expulsion from College with no fees refunded.

Fees and charges

Accounts are rendered at the start of each semester and are payable in full within 30 days, without further notice, unless specifically arranged and approved by the Chief Financial Officer.

The College fee for undergraduate students covers accommodation and educational support for the College year, from the commencement of semester one until the weekend following that student’s final examination.

As a general rule, students are not permitted to extend their stay in College beyond the weekend following their final examinations because of the potential disruption to students still undertaking examinations.

Students who wish to reside in College for more than the designated College year may apply to do so at a special student rate, subject to the approval of the Dean of Students and the availability of accommodation. Rates applicable at the end of the year will be communicated to residents when they are determined.

Students accepting residency in College do so for the full College year. No fee reduction applies for students who reside in College for less than the designated College year, except where leave of absence has been authorised. Authorised leave of absence may be granted if your absence is for at least 7 continuous days, falls during the university term and occurs because of:

official course commitments, such as placements in the country illness

special circumstances approved by the Principal and the Chief Financial Officer.

Leave of absence will not be approved for absences occurring during university vacation periods. Applications for leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the Chief Financial Officer as soon as the circumstances arise. A rebate of 50% of the fee will be allowed in respect of approved applications. Fees are not refunded to students who are required to leave the College as a result of a disciplinary decision.

If you have any queries regarding your account or any other financial or general business concerns, the Chief Financial Officer will be pleased to assist.

Security bond

A security bond, currently set at $500, is payable upon entering the College. This bond will be refunded within three months of a student’s departure subject to deductions for any damages, losses or outstanding monies owing at the time of that departure.

Insurance

Insurance of students’ personal effects is a difficult issue. Some, but not all, household contents insurance policies permit the addition of the College location to the existing policy. The College recommends that this option be checked and accessed if available. Individual policies for students’ belongings whilst in College are very difficult to obtain and are also very expensive. The College is unable to obtain comprehensive insurance cover for its residents. The best advice is to practise a prevention strategy and avoid bringing expensive bikes or other valuable and attractive items to College and to always keep individual rooms locked.

Visitors and transition residents

TRANSITION RESIDENTS

The College runs a program for transition to residence students, who are entitled to the following benefits: participation in the College tutorial program, lunch and dinner, participation in intercollegiate sport, use of College facilities, including the Alice Paton library, tutorial rooms, JCR and gymnasium, an account on The Quad access to wellbeing support.

Transition to resident students are members of the College’s Student Club and are able to participate in student social events arranged by the Student Club, including turns, the St Hilda’s Ball, Hilda’s Day celebrations and the College Play.

Subject to seating availability, transitionresidents are also welcome to attend College formal dinners, such as Variety Night, Music Night and Awards Night. A member of the Student Club GC is assigned special responsibility for transition-resident student matters as part of their portfolio.

VISITORS

At all times, students are held responsible for the conduct of any guests they bring on to College property and as such will be held liable.

for any breach of College rules that their guest may commit and will face disciplinary action as if they, themselves had breached rules or policy. This includes incurring responsibility for meeting the costs associated with any damage their guests may cause to College property.

Students may invite guests to the College for meals during the College semester periods subject to the following conditions:

immediate family are permitted to share an occasional meal at no costs with residents non-Immediate family are permitted to join residents for a meal but must purchase a $15 meal voucher from the front office before hand

no visitors are permitted to formal dinners without approval from the Dean of Students students are not permitted to have any guests during SWOTVAC, the exam periods, or in the Winter break

No guests are permitted to attend College or Student Club events.

General Conduct

ALCOHOL

All members of St Hilda’s have a responsibility for ensuring that residents are aware of their obligation to be considerate, to live in harmony with one another and to meet their responsibilities under the Alcohol Policy in Appendix A. There are designated Alcohol-Free Zones within The College. Alcohol consumption is not permitted in the tutorial rooms or library at any time, or the pergola area, front quad and the dining hall unless it is an approved function. Additional Alcohol-Free Zones may temporarily be appointed by the Dean of Students or Principal of the College. The abuse of alcohol and its consequences such as violence to others, damage to property and disruption to others’ sleep and study will not be tolerated.

Please refer to College policy in Appendix A at the back of this Handbook.

COLLEGE SPORT

Traditionally St Hilda’s has been a strong sporting college and all students are encouraged to participate and support College sport. In doing so, it is expected that members of sports teams will compete to the best of their ability within the rules of the sport and of the ICSC.

Team captains must ensure that team members abide by these rules on the field while also take steps to ensure that behaviour at any postmatch celebrations does not breach college or intercollegiate guidelines or community standards of acceptable behaviour.

Spectators are also expected to abide by college and intercollegiate guidelines for behaviour and by rules governing the use of sporting venues. Respect should be shown to players and supporters of all teams as well as referees.

Students are expected to abide by the intercollegiate guidelines in relation to concussion. Please refer to the Student Wellbeing section of the handbook in the event of medical emergencies.

DINING HALL

High table

High table nights are on Monday and the first 6 Wednesdays of Semester 1. We expect all students to attend and to be seated, with gowns, at least 5 minutes before the SCR proceeds (6.25pm at the latest). All students should stand when they see the SCR procession at the dining hall door. High table is an opportunity to gather as one and where the Principal, the Dean of Students, key academic guests and student leaders make announcements of relevance to the College community. No one should leave the dining hall until the announcements have been made.

General dress

Each member of the College will be required to purchase an academic gown. Students are responsible for the safekeeping and condition of their gowns. On High Table nights, students are expected to dress appropriately and to wear an academic gown. Caps and hats are not permitted to be worn on these occasions. Bare feet or thongs are not permitted at any time in the dining hall due to health regulations.

Dress – formal occasions

There are at least two formal dinners at which all members of the College are expected to dress accordingly. These dinners are:

Commencement Dinner

Valedictory Dinner

On these occasions, the acceptable dress is formal (e.g. dress, lounge suit) and academic gown. It is not acceptable to discard academic gowns or jackets until permission granted by the High Table.

Student kitchen

The student kitchen is a facility provided exclusively for student use. It is the responsibility of students to keep it tidy and clean. In the event that the student kitchen is left in an unacceptable state, it may be locked and not be used by students for a period determined by the Dean of Students.

Parties

It is expected that the GC will organise any party or social event within the College as an inclusive and safe event and as such, individually hosted events will not be considered.

No party is to be held in a student room, tutorial room or in a corridor.

Discipline

All members of the College must at all times maintain high standards of honesty, integrity and respect for the College, other members of the College and its property. College members must comply with all College and intercollegiate guidelines and policies and abide by all reasonable directions of College staff. College members who breach the College’s guidelines and policies should expect penalties to be imposed by the College.

The Dean of Students has primary responsibility for the maintenance of good order in the College. Alleged breaches of policy or guidelines should be referred to the Dean of Students for investigation and determination.

The Principal, Dean of Students, Associate Dean, President of the Student Club and members of the GC will work together to ensure the effective implementation of the College discipline policy. From time to time, some students may, due to unacceptable behaviour, need to be reminded of their responsibility to the College and other members through the guidance and direction of the President and the GC of the Student Club. Serious discipline issues that include unlawful behaviour, sexual harassment, sexual assault, repeated bullying or violence will be referred to the Principal and may result in the termination of the student’s residency.

Under the rules of St Hilda’s Student Club Inc., financial and other penalties may also be imposed on any student member found guilty of conduct unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the College.

The College reserves the right to terminate your residence if we form a belief on reasonable grounds that your ongoing residence poses an immediate or ongoing risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person in the College community.

Damage

Any action which results in loss or harm to personal or College property is subject to disciplinary action, including payment for the repair or restoration of the damaged or lost property. The nature, intent and extent of such behaviour is considered in determining appropriate sanctions.

Disorderly conduct

Actions that annoy, disturb and show a serious disrespect for others, or that interfere with others are subject to disciplinary action.

Noise

St Hilda’s College is subject to the same community rules and regulations as anywhere else. Avoidance of excessive noise is in the interest of all members of our community. Reasonable quiet must prevail in the residential blocks 24 hours a day. Residents need to study and sleep without interference. This is especially necessary between 11.00 pm and 9.00 am. Any students who are disturbed by loud noise during these quiet hours should, if they feel comfortable, approach the student(s) making the noise. In most instances, residents are very receptive. If this is unsuccessful, residents should report their concerns to the Duty person.

Excessive noise from stereo speakers directed out of residential block windows is not acceptable. Members with a taste for loud music are required to use earphones or risk losing their privileges to have stereo equipment in their rooms.

With an understanding that most residents do not make unreasonable noise intentionally, disciplinary action will only be taken against residents who do not reasonably respond to the requests of the Duty person or who have received repeated noise complaints.

Generally, action will be taken after the third strike/complaint against a student or group of students and the severity of the action will escalate for any further strikes/complaints.

The Dean of Students will monitor noise complaints throughout the year and implement disciplinary action which may include fines, community service and/or formal warnings. Serious and continuous noise issues may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.

Minor disciplinary matters

Less serious matters include but are not limited to infringements of the Alcohol Policy, noise, laundry, cleaning or common area infringements. The purpose of these procedures is to provide a clear and transparent process that is:

Fair to all parties involved

Consistent and timely

Ensures procedural fairness

To the extent possible or necessary, confidential

Prevent victimisation of any parties involved with a complaint if relevant.

Typically, the Dean of Students will manage all minor disciplinary matters by hosting a disciplinary hearing with the offending students and the College Disciplinary Committe, comprising of a member of the Student Club Exec and and SRA, and may:

Examine the evidence and interview

interested parties

Impose a range of penalties, including:

A reprimand

A fine

A restriction involving the denial of the right to use specified College facilities or to participate in specified activities, functions or privileges, such as not being permitted to consume alcohol for a prescribed period of time.

Community service whereby a student will be required to spend a designated amount of time working on a task to be determined by the College.

Probation pursuant to which a student will be required to abide by all College guidelines and policies as well as any other requirements deemed necessary for a designated period of time. The commission of a further serious breach while on probation will usually result in suspension or expulsion.

Recommend that the student is not readmitted to the college for the following year.

Recommend that a committee comprised of the Dean of Students, Principal and the Student Club President be convened to discuss the matter and determine an appropriate outcome. Require the immediate exclusion of a resident from The College, during which time appropriate advice may be sought.

Appeals of minor disciplinary matters

For minor disciplinary matters managed by the Dean of Students, a student may appeal to the Principal.

If a student decides to appeal, they must do so in writing within 5 business days. The Principal will review the matter within 10 business days and make a determination that is final. It should be noted that the outcome of an appeal may be that a more significant penalty is determined appropriate.

Serious disciplinary matters

Serious breaches of discipline, including these guidelines and any applicable policies, may be investigated by the Dean of Students but will typically be referred to the Principal with a recommendation for a determination. A matter is considered serious where:

There is reason to believe that there is a significant risk to the College and its staff or students;

A criminal offence may have been committed;

There are a number of allegations of a similar nature received against a respondent;

The possible penalty for the conduct, if proven, is suspension or expulsion.

Suspension involves separation from the College residence and from all functions and activities of the College for a designated period. No refund of fees will apply.

Expulsion from college results in membership of the College being terminated. No refund of fees will be made.

Examples of serious misconduct include but are not limited to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, theft, violence of any kind, assaults, bullying, harassment and vilification. The outcome of a serious disciplinary matter may also include determinations possible for minor disciplinary matters above.

The Dean of Students or Principal will follow the same process as for investigating minor disciplinary matters though may consult third parties or require referral to separate appropriate policy or procedures (for example the SAFE policy).

Final decision

Any decision made by the Principal is final and there are no further internal avenues of appeal. Students may however, wish to contact external bodies such as:

Independent Commission against Corruption

VIC Ombudsman

VIC Police

National Student Ombudsman

Intercollegiate discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying policy and procedures

The Residential Colleges and Halls of Residence of the University of Melbourne are committed to the principle of equity in education, employment, community living, and welfare and respect for current and prospective students and staff of the Colleges, and will continue to develop equal opportunity and equity practices and programs compatible with their overall goals and responsibilities. The Colleges are equally committed to providing a safe and resectful environment that is free from risks to health and safety.

These commitments are consistent with the principles of justice and the pursuit of excellence, and conform to the spirit and intent of equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and occupational health and safety legislation.

The Colleges operate in a local, national and international context in which some groups do not enjoy human rights equally with others. The Colleges have specific legal obligations to create an educational and employment environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying.

The Colleges aim to ensure that their structures and practices are free from any unlawful discrimination (both direct and indirect).

However, anti-discrimination law recognises that treating people equally does not necessarily mean treating people exactly the same.

Accordingly, there may be circumstances (e.g. in relation to certain equity groups) where a College will adopt policies or take special measures that lawfully discriminate between groups of individuals. Special measures are temporary measures for the benefit of a particular group to enable them to enjoy their human rights equally with others. An example of a special measures program within a College is the provision of specialist services to assist all Indigenous students. In relation to special measures, the Colleges aim to develop programs, policies and resources in education and employment which redress, where appropriate, the effects of past discriminatory practices within the community, including the Colleges’ communities, and to take positive steps to overcome inequality of opportunity.

Where necessary, the Colleges must make reasonable adjustments to requirements, conditions or practices for individuals with relevant attributes so that they may enjoy equal opportunity.

St Hilda’s College takes seriously its commitment to these principles and, as such, is a signatory to the intercollegiate SAFE policy that specifically addresses the following: discrimination and discriminatory harassment sexual harassment bullying

Please note that the full details of the SAFE Policy and Procedures can be obtained on The Quad.

Part of this policy is the appointment of specially trained contact points for any staff or student wishing to report an incident of serious misconduct. These contact points will provide information on options available for all staff and students and their identity will be communicated broadly at the start of each year.

Social media policy

Definition

Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Social media may include but is not limited to: social networking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn) photo and video sites (Instagram, Flickr, YouTube) micro blogging (Twitter) forums and discussion groups (Whirlpool, Google groups) podcasting email and instant messaging

Rights and responsibilities

Students and community members are expected to show respect to others, including visitors, members of the public and other members of the College. Students are also expected to respect and behave in a way that maintains and promotes the good name and reputation of the College.

When using social media, students are expected to ensure that they: Recognize that communicating over the Internet brings anonymity and associated risks, and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others.

Respect the rights and confidentiality of others.

Students using social media are also expected to ensure that they DO NOT: bully, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten others impersonate or falsely represent another person make defamatory comments post content that is hateful, pornographic or incites violence against others harm the reputation and good standing of College or those within its community engage in any other criminal behaviour

A breach of this policy may also involve a breach of other College policies (e.g. SAFE), and should be read in conjunction with them.

Any breach of this policy will be considered by the Principal or the Dean of Students, and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as per the disciplinary process.

Any report of cyber bullying or other misuse of technology will be fully investigated and the College will attempt to mediate any disputes but a matter may be referred to the police when the College is obligated to do so. In such cases, community members may be subject to a criminal investigation by the Police over which the College will have no control.

Intercollegiate code of conduct

Mutual respect, support and friendship are among the finest traditions of the residential Colleges affiliated with the University of Melbourne. The following principles operate within the spirit of cooperation and respect which exists between Colleges and intends to foster healthy intercollegiate relations at individual and collective levels.

Behaviour towards members of another College is unacceptable if it contravenes the law, regulations of the University of Melbourne and/or if it is reasonably perceived as offensive by those towards whom it is directed. College members and College clubs have an obligation to refrain from unacceptable behaviour.

The areas detailed are not intended to be a comprehensive list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, rather a guide to illustrate standards deemed acceptable.

Alcohol and drunkenness

If any team has visibly drunk spectators from their college, the team will automatically be disqualified from playing that sport further that year. No alcohol is allowed at any intercollegiate sporting event.

Sporting competition

It is considered unacceptable to verbally or physically abuse or incite others through chants, derogatory comments, physical actions or other such behaviours which in any way denigrate the prowess or character of any other

competitor or College.

Social interaction

Colleges and collegians should strive for positive interaction on any social level between Colleges, maintaining respect and civility at all times. Mutual respect and understanding for other people’s enjoyment must always be kept in mind.

Individual freedom

Individuals have the right to express any beliefs or opinions in any manner without fear of discrimination or any form of harassment, so long as in doing so they are not discriminatory or a cause of harassment.

Artistic endeavours

Colleges’ or individual collegians’ artistic achievements such as theatre productions, musical performances or art displays must be appreciated without prejudice.

Theft

Respect for Colleges’ and collegians’ property must be demonstrated at all times. Theft involves the removal, destruction or damage of anything on or within any College boundaries or on a collegian’s person on or off College grounds.

Advertising

Procedures for advertising or speaking within other Colleges are as follows and must be strictly observed. Official approval by both the head of the “host” College’s students’ club and head of College must be obtained prior to any form of advertising or speaking within that College.

College Mascots/Pets All animals on College grounds are entitled to the utmost respect and courtesy. They must not be used in any way, shape or form in pranks or to antagonise other Colleges.

PRINCIPLES FOR SETTLING DISPUTES

Should apparently unacceptable behaviour occur, the following principles exist as guidelines to restore healthy relations between College clubs.

1. Providing the affected individual or group can identify the College of the committing individual(s) and if they consider an act to be unacceptable, the recommended course of action is to report the act to their own Student’s Club Executive.

2. Once notified, that Student Club Executive, providing they are satisfied the complaint is genuine, is obliged to contact the executive of the identified offender’s Student Club.

3. If the identified offender’s executive is

convinced an act of unacceptable behaviour was committed, it is that club’s responsibility to discipline its member(s) with an appropriate and available sanction.

4. The resulting action (or inaction) should be communicated to the complaining student’s executive.

5. Should the complaining student(s) or their executive be dissatisfied with the action, they may take the matter up with their own College Head, or any other appropriate body in the circumstance.

6. Where the standards of acceptable behaviour between two Colleges differ, it is their responsibility to overcome the problem by producing a mutually acceptable outcome, possibly with the involvement of a mutually agreed upon third party.

While none of the above excludes the involvement of law enforcement processes, it is hoped most matters can be resolved internally to the satisfaction of the parties and to the credit of the Colleges.

While this document has been formulated with intercollegiate relations in mind, the same principles and responsibilities exist and must be adhered to when dealing with members of the general public or University population.

College clubs have the responsibility of ensuring all, especially first year, residents are aware of, and abide by, these principles.

Other relevant policies

All students are expected to adhere to all additional policies outlined and implemented by the college. Policies can be found on the college intranet. This includes but is not limited to:

Computer facilities acceptable use policy

Fire regulations

Gym regulations

Sexual harm policy

Discrimination, bullying and victimisation policy

Fitness to remain or return policy

Photography and filming policy

Refund policy

Privacy policy

Appendix A - alcohol and drug policy

1. Alcohol

The College has a policy of actively encouraging and promoting moderation in and a responsible attitude towards the use of alcohol by its members. The College expects all members of its community to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and encourages the adoption of a mature attitude towards the use of alcohol – one that is consistent with an atmosphere of civility and respect for one another.

Students will be held responsible for their own behaviour, even if acting under the influence of alcohol. Residents who prefer not to drink will be supported and the College and Student Club events and activities will reflect this. The College will be responsive to the needs of students and staff with alcohol relatedproblems and will employ appropriate support and referral mechanisms.

2. Guidelines

2.1 Permission for alcohol to be served at Student Club Turns

For all official Student Club activities, where alcohol is to be consumed, the written permission of the Principal is required before the club may bring or consume alcohol within the College or at any club function held outside the College.

For a turn, application for approval must be received fourteen days prior to the function. The Student Club may not promote an official function whose primary purpose is to raise money through the sale of alcohol.

2.2 Availability of alcohol

All College members, upon entering the College, will be made aware of their legal responsibilities with regard to the purchase and consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol must not be provided to anyone who appears to be intoxicated. If such a person becomes abusive, College disciplinary procedures will apply. An RA, SRA, Associate Dean, Dean of Students, or Principal may be called to assist. Where the person is a guest of the College, and is abusive or disorderly, they shall be asked to leave the College and the resident responsible for the guest may face disciplinary action. Security personnel will assist if this occurs at a College function. If necessary, the person will be warned against returning to the function under the threat of possible police intervention.

The amount of alcohol available at a function should be calculated based upon the past experience of reasonable amounts at similar functions and the number of people anticipated to be present. This should comply with the liquor licence held by the college. The Principal shall be advised as to the quantities ordered.

Where mixed alcohol is provided, an indication of the number of standard drinks available to residents (per serve for example) should be clear.

Alcohol may be consumed only in the area designated for the function. The liquor licence also has clear restrictions on where alcohol can be served and the boundaries of this licence must be complied with. The licence also requires that service of alcohol stops at 11pm.

Attractive, high quality non-alcoholic drinks must also be available and must be displayed as prominently as alcoholic ones. If drinks are being sold, non-alcoholic ones should be offered at a competitive price. If regular beer is to be made available, then in addition, a low alcohol option should be made available.

At any event at which alcohol beverages are served, the Student Club must provide nonalcoholic beverages and food of sufficient quality and amount. No privately obtained alcoholic beverages may be brought into turns.

An official Student Club function must not include any activity that encourages the excessive consumption of alcohol.

No events or gatherings involving alcohol will be held in the College during SWOTVAC or examination periods.

2.3 Bar servers

The College will hire and control experienced

bar servers in consultation with the President of the Student Club.

2.4 Advertising

All advertising material which publicises any event where alcohol will be served must be submitted to the Principal for approval. Advertisements for functions must not overemphasise the availability of alcohol, refer to the amount of alcohol available, or encourage in any way the excessive consumption of alcohol. In advertising, equal reference must be made to the availability of nonalcoholic drinks.

Sexist or demeaning advertising is strictly forbidden.

Advertising material, from outside agencies, such as hotels and social clubs, which does not meet the above guidelines, shall not be permitted to be displayed in the College. Permission to display external agent advertising material must be gained from the Principal or Chief Financial Officer.

2.5 Security

A security service must be employed at all official Student Club turns where alcohol is to be served. The College will hire and control the security personnel in consultation with the President of the Student Club. No security staff, so employed, will be permitted to consume alcohol or to join in the social activities of the function.

2.6 Standard of conduct

At all functions an appropriate standard of conduct must be maintained; the safety of College members and their guests together with the integrity of College property must be maintained at all times; littering must be minimised; noise restrictions applying to indoor/outdoor functions must be observed as per the heads of College guidelines for turns.

Normal community standards relating to behaviour and adherence to the law are as applicable within the College as elsewhere. Residents must not be cajoled or subjected to any unreasonable pressure to drink. Any behaviour that causes discomfort or harm to individuals, property or the reputation of the College or University is unacceptable. This includes any form of harassment and behaviour that interferes with the reasonable expectation of an environment conducive to study and to sleep or that disregards the appropriate responsibilities and strategies for conducting events and functions.

Drinking must not interfere with the interests and welfare of others, damage property or bring the reputation of the College or the University into disrepute.

Residents who repeatedly cause disturbances while under the influence of alcohol will face disciplinary action and may be removed from the College.

The Resident Staff in the College are authorised to secure compliance with the requirements of this Alcohol Policy and, if necessary, discontinue any event involving the consumption of alcohol.

Residents who attend off campus functions and events organised and promoted by the General Committee and breach the limits outlined in this policy may face penalties, including nonadmission to other College events, community service, a fine or, if a serious breach has taken place, exclusion from the College.

Costs of cleaning and repairs or replacement of damaged property will be borne by those who are directly responsible for the mess or damage. If these people cannot be identified the GC will be charged.

2.7 Guests at Turns and other college functions

Guests and visitors will not be permitted at College turns. Students will be informed clearly If guests are permitted at other functions and they must be approved by the college prior.

3. Drugs

If a student is found to be in possession of, manufacturing, selling, or distributing illicit drugs in the College their Residential Agreement will be terminated and the relevant University and legal authorities may be informed. If a student is found to be misusing legal substances including stimulants, prescription medications and inhalants in a way that negatively impacts them, or the College community they may also be subject to penalty including termination of their residential agreement.

19 27 College Crescent

Parkville, Victoria 3052 Australia

Tel +61 3 9248 8400

Email: [email protected] www.hildas.unimelb.edu.au