STUDENT RIGHTS
student
Rights
IN 2017
2016 was a fantastic year for student rights . Our advocacy and welfare programs continued to expand and reach even more students than previous years .
Our QG wingman represented 139 creative industry students in what was a record HECS refund for overcharged fees , as well as saw to over 1,300 advocacy cases including student misconduct , special considerations and reviewing of grades across all faculties .
2016 saw advancements in QG welfare programs including increasing funding to our foodbank services , providing exam support stalls to supply free stationery , and increasing engagement with our free law services in conjunction with McInnes Wilson Lawyers . We know that our Student Rghts portfolio has a solid foundation for 2017 and I have no doubt that we will continue to make progress and expand , delivering for all students .
Why are misconduct meetings occurring ?
We are proud that as the Student Rights portfolio continues to expand , we are seeing increasing numbers of students who are accessing our free wingman service , whereby students are represented by an experienced Guild officer during university proceedings . Since 2011 , student advocacy cases have been continually increasing . However , these cases are becoming increasingly concerning at the same time . It has become almost impossible to ignore the fact that students are penalising their grades because they simply don ’ t know how to apply for an extension , provide medical certificates or access QUT counselling services .
What can you do to avoid misconduct ?
It is too often that students are being summoned to appear in front of a misconduct committee . These can be for any number of things such as plagiarism , bringing prohibited materials into exams , the list goes on .
One week before the meeting , members of the committee review case material as preparation for the meeting . Sometimes the student shows up to defend themselves , other times with a letter . These cases become eerily similar after a while as students are often found to be uninformed about QUT ’ s academic policies , the process itself , and the QUT services they could have taken to get an extension or learn about QUT assessment policy .
Unfortunately , students often find themselves facing charges of plagiarism because they genuinely could not complete the assignment independently within the timeframe given due to stress , anxiety , medical conditions or even legal issues . These few tips are simple yet effective , coming to university at first can be scary , knowing where to go for help before misconduct accusation is the key .
Medical Certificate : Be proactive . We see many students submitting forged medical
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