EOI – University Discipline Committee

The Office of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director, Campus Leadership, is seeking expressions of interest for male members of staff, both professional and academic, to be on the staff panel for the University Discipline Committees. The staff panel currently has insufficient representation of male staff members.

The role of the discipline committee is to consider allegations of student misconduct that may warrant a serious penalty, including sexual misconduct allegations. Student sexual misconduct matters often involve highly sensitive information which can be upsetting or triggering. Staff who are considering whether to submit an expression of interest are encouraged to bear this in mind and think carefully about whether they are comfortable to be involved in matters of this nature.

The committees are made up of three members, a campus dean as chair, one student and one staff member (selected from the panel). Discipline committee meetings are held during normal university operating hours.

Commitment: Discipline committees are rare and historically have been held no more than five times per year. Noting that there will be a panel of staff to draw upon, a staff member will be called upon infrequently. The role is for a one-year term until the end of 2025.

Responsibilities: Staff will be selected by the Academic Registrar to join a discipline committee to consider a student misconduct matter. Where appropriate, staff will be briefed before hearing a specific matter. Staff will be expected to review information relating to the alleged student misconduct and attend the meeting to hear further information regarding the matter including the student point of view. The committee will determine whether misconduct has occurred and if so, apply a penalty based on the policy and the context of the matter.

You will need to have the following attributes:

1.  Integrity and confidentiality: A strong commitment to upholding ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring transparency throughout the proceedings.
2. Decision-making and judgment: The ability to make fair, well-reasoned, and impartial decisions based on the information presented and in accordance with the established policies and procedures.
3. Empathy: The skill to consider multiple perspectives and show empathy towards individuals involved.

Successful staff will be required to undertake specialist training from the Safeguarding and Student Safety team or an external organisation working in the area of sexual harm in order to consider matters relating to sexual harm.

How to apply: Please email melinda.phillipson@acu.edu.au to express your interest and include a brief statement addressing your interest and suitability. Closing date: 5pm, 5 February 2025.