Section D - Discipline
Contents
6.21 Disciplinary Action - House Committee
The Principal has overall responsibility for maintaining discipline and good order in the College, but some disciplinary matters are delegated by the Principal to be dealt with by the House Committee, which is elected by and from your fellow residents.
Composition
Chaired by: JCR Vice-President (ex-officio)
1 Resident Fellow – nominated by Resident Fellows
2 JCRC Members – elected by ballot of JCR
2 JCR Members – elected by ballot of JCR
Quorum: 5 Members Election and nomination must be completed within a period of thirty-five days from the beginning of the academic year.
Matters for referral
1. Damage to JCR or College property.
2. Unacceptable behaviour by residents or affiliates (eg. excessive noise).
3. Violating regulations as promulgated by the College and JCR, both for resident and non-resident members.
4. Unacceptable behaviour by residents from other Colleges.
Referred by: Any member of the College.
Method
Upon receipt of a complaint lodged directly to the Chairperson of the House Committee, the Chairperson must advise the Principal (or, in her absence, whoever is responsible) that a complaint has been lodged. Major items of discipline will not fall within the jurisdiction of the House Committee, but will be handled directly by the Principal. The Principal will consult with the College President, Resident Fellow/s, and the Chairperson of the House Committee prior to any action being taken (ie. in cases of personal assault, criminal offences, major abuse, damage or attempted damage to property of major proportion, any involvement of staff, etc.).
The complaint must be lodged in writing and must clearly set out the details of the complaint made including: incident, names of people allegedly involved, time and place of incident, and what attempts to deal with the incident directly had been made (ie. personal approach, Resident Fellow involvement, etc.).
The complaint must be lodged as soon as possible following the incident.
The Chairperson must arrange a suitable time for the Committee to meet (within one working day of the receipt of a complaint) and must call the person or persons involved in the incident to state their case before the Committee. The Committee is empowered to call for supporting evidence if they feel it is necessary.
Powers
The House Committee will be empowered to fine up to $55.00 (GST incl) per person or to lay down such ‘punishment’ as it sees fit - i.e. College Duty. It may also recommend the matter back to the Principal with explanation as to why it is unable to come to a decision, if this is the case.
Fines
Any fines levied must be advised to the Principal and Executive Assistant and must be invoiced through the official invoicing system of the College.
Conclusion of a House Committee Matter
The Chairperson must advise the Principal in writing immediately following the conclusion of the House Committee sitting. The advice must outline the decision of the House Committee and what action is recommended. A copy of this letter should also be given to the individual concerned. Following this advice, the Principal will arrange to meet with the individual (or individuals) in the presence of the Chairperson of the House Committee and re-affirm the decision of the House Committee. At the same meeting the matter of how the fine is to be paid will be discussed with the individual. If College Duty is set down, suitable times will be agreed for such an undertaking and it will be made clear at the time that failure to carry out such a requirement will mean an automatic fine of $165.00 (GST incl) plus restoration for any damage.
Appeal
Appeals against the decision of the House Committee must be directed, in writing, to the College Principal.
Exam Period Procedures
1. During the period of Curfew and Examinations the process by which complaints made to the Chair of the House Committee will be dealt with by the following method:
1a. If the matter is of a nature which can be dealt with quickly the chair will invite one other member of the House Committee to sit and hear the matter within the shortest possible time frame - and not more than 48 hours following the receival of the complaint.
1b. The Sub Committee of the House Committee will take such action that is considered appropriate. This will be advised to the party or parties concerned in the hearing and will be accepted as binding under the same rules as though the matter had been heard by the full House Committee.
2. Should the party or parties wish to appeal they may do so within 24 hours of being notified of the penalty and may ask that the appeal be heard by a full sitting of the House Committee.
2a. In the event that this occurs the Chair will deal with the matter opening a full new hearing and will conduct the meeting as though the matter is heard from the beginning.
2b. The Chair has the power to call a meeting at his/her discretion and the party/parties will abide by the time frame providing that the conditions are reasonable.
2c. The Chair must call a meeting as soon as possible and may seek the advice of the Principal on this matter as part of the procedure.
3. The Committee has the same powers as set down in the Handbook and may set a penalty or may hand the matter over to the Principal to deal with.
4. The normal process of appeal may be followed thereafter.
5. These conditions must be placed on the notice board advising the College by way of notification that conditions as set down have been varied, modified and/or enhanced and must be signed by the Principal.