Murdoch University Student Charter

Purpose of the Student Charter

This Charter sets out the standards of service which the University aims to provide you as a student.  The University is committed to aiming for the highest quality possible and this Charter is one way of outlining that commitment to you. The Charter aims to inform both you the student, and the University staff, of the reasonable expectations you may have of the services provided by Murdoch University, regardless of your location, and of the responsibilities which are placed on you as a student.  This information will help you to ensure that you make the most of the opportunities the University provides. If you believe that any service provided by the University is less than adequate the University provides you with avenues (detailed in related websites appended to this Charter) to offer constructive criticism to improve it. A strong student contribution is an important part of the University's general strategy for client focus and continuous improvement.

It is important to note that the Charter is not intended to be the source of enforceable obligations. Rather, the Charter acts as a ready reference to your expectations and obligations, and to assist you in understanding the environment in which you are participating. The expectations and obligations summarised in the Charter are sourced from provisions of the Murdoch University Act and the statutes, rules, policies and procedures made pursuant to the Act. The statements outlined within this Charter complement but should not be regarded as replacing, adding to or interpreting those sources.

The University’s Commitment
The University is committed to the ideals of excellence in performance and freedom of expression within the boundaries of academic scholarship. Achieving these ideals requires high standards of behaviour, diligence, perseverance and professionalism from both staff and students. Murdoch University is committed to providing students with an excellent post-secondary education and ensuring that all who study through the institution benefit as much as possible from the experience. This commitment is reflected in the provision of a broad range of educational opportunities at the tertiary level of study in a variety of modes; in teaching and supervision that reflects the aim for excellence; in the provision of modern, relevant and efficient facilities for on campus students; in the special attention paid to equity groups; and in the general care and attention to the interests of all students, both collectively and individually. Students can expect to be offered considerable support and assistance as they take responsibility for their progress through their studies.

The University endeavours to offer education of such a standard that, both nationally and internationally, each Murdoch University award will receive recognition at least equal to similar awards from other Australian tertiary institutions. Moreover, the University will endeavour to offer courses that will match the purposes for which they are intended, while satisfying the requirements of professional societies and other regulatory bodies. The purpose will be made explicit in clear statements of course aims, so that your reasonable expectations and needs can be met. Further, you can expect to complete the course in which you are enrolled in the format described in official University publications, providing you make satisfactory progress, and complete the course within the guidelines given by the University.

Potential Students’ Information and Access
As a potential student you will have reasonable access to current and accurate information about available University courses, application and admission procedures, the skills recognition policy (credit transfer and recognition of prior learning), and financial implications, prior to the enrolment period.

Students are selected for admission into Murdoch University by fair and open procedures with published criteria outlining right of entry for all levels of candidacy. The principles upon which selection decisions are made will be stated clearly on the Murdoch University, website and materials, the TISC guide and other materials, and those of other relevant providers, and will be adhered to by the University.

Provisions for Murdoch University Students
As a Murdoch University student you can expect to:

1. on commencement be provided with a suitable orientation to your course and the University, with where appropriate provision for students from Australia and for international students;
2. have access to accurate advice and assistance on matters relevant to your study including course and unit information, financial commitments associated with your study and an accurate University Calendar by commencement of the academic year or study period;
3. have accurate records of your personal details and study at the University kept confidential and secure in line with the University’s Privacy Policy;
4. study in an environment which is protected by relevant University policies that deal with harassment and discrimination as stipulated by relevant Australian State and Federal Anti-discrimination legislation. If alleged harassment or discrimination occurs then the procedures for resolution of these grievances, available on the University website, will be followed;
5. have your unit results determined and recorded accurately, and conveyed to you as soon as possible;
6. have your academic achievements recognised through graduation or other appropriate ceremonies;
7. have reasonable access to University facilities of an appropriate standard for all students;
8. be provided with academic learning materials in an appropriate format in a reasonable time, if you have requested this through the appropriate University Disability support facility;
9. be provided with appropriate support for your disability by the reasonable adjustment to facilities and services where necessary;
10. in areas where Murdoch University has control, be provided with a safe and secure campus, in both buildings and grounds, to ensure your safety;
11. be provided with equality of entitlements regardless of sex, ethnicity, race, religion, political belief, pregnancy, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender history, marital status, family responsibility, or background;
12. have your queries, concerns and complaints about your studies, facilities or services addressed fairly and efficiently, using the grievances procedures where appropriate;
13. have the opportunity to be members of a student organisation which represents students' interests and is involved in any matters that affect students; and
14. have reasonable access to a range of support and information services including: personal counselling; career counselling; study skills assistance; disabilities information and support; employer liaison; and accommodation advice.

Murdoch University Students' Responsibilities
As a Murdoch University student you are expected to:

1. make yourself aware of, and comply with, University rules, regulations and all other procedures pertaining to your rights and responsibilities;
2. participate actively and positively in the educational processes of the University and provide constructive feedback on the teaching and learning environment to help staff to improve the learning experience;
3. meet assessment and administrative deadlines;
4. submit your own honest work with appropriate referencing, being aware of your responsibilities regarding proper use of copyright material;
5. prepare adequately and attend lectures and other sessions as scheduled and required;
6. raise questions or concerns about any aspect of your study including learning support or any special accommodations required with the appropriate person in a respectful manner and within a reasonable time frame; and
7. treat staff and other students with respect and courtesy, being aware of their equality of entitlements regardless of sex, ethnicity, race, religion, political belief, pregnancy, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender history, marital status, family responsibility, or background.

Acknowledgments:
The documents "Generic Guidelines: Universities and their Responsibilities: Expectations and Responsibilities" (Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee 1994); Charles Darwin University Students Charter and Queensland University of Technology Students Charter were a source of ideas and some wording for the Murdoch University Student Charter.