Handbook 2008

Policies and Guidelines

Many policies and guidelines are referenced in detail in other parts of this Handbook. Some other important documents are specifically referred to below.

Murdoch has a comprehensive online index of policy resources. There is also a Student Policies Index as a subset of the Murdoch Policies Index.

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/index/policies/

Also refer to University Legislation.

Privacy

The privacy of personal information is important to Murdoch University. As a state university, Murdoch is not subject to the Federal Government’s Privacy Act. To safeguard students’ information, a Privacy Policy exists.

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/policies/privacy.html

Ethics and Conduct

The University’s Code of Ethics is a public statement of the ethical principles, values and behaviours expected of members of Murdoch University. It flows from the University’s Strategic Plan:

There will be a sense of community in which individuals value fairness, integrity, tolerance, respect and feel that they have an obligation to others as well as to themselves.

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/vco/secretariat/admin/codes/ethics.html

The University’s Code of Conduct sets out standards of conduct and integrity that are consistent with the ethical values and behaviours specified in the Code of Ethics. It is intended to guide members of the University to identify and resolve issues of ethical conduct that may arise. It is designed to assist members of the University in their dealings with each other, the University and the wider community.

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/vco/secretariat/admin/codes/ethics.html#conduct

Conscientious Objection in Teaching and Assessment

The University recognises that some students may have a conscientious belief that is in conflict with teaching and/or assessment practices in units in which they enrol. The University endeavours to make reasonable accommodations to meet such beliefs.

The onus is on the student to take the initiative in identifying a conscientious difficulty with a teaching or assessment practice and to draw this to the attention of the University.

The complete Guidelines on Conscientious Objection in Teaching and Assessment can be found at

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/vco/secretariat/admin/gdelines/consciobj.html

Information Technology

Standards and Guidelines exist for all users of University computing and network facilities. Students should familiarise themselves with these. Topics include appropriate and reasonable use of facilities, appropriate use of electronic mail, guidelines on passwords, information privacy.

http://wwwits2.murdoch.edu.au/security/sg_users.html

Bulk Email

Bulk email is a powerful way of reaching targeted members of the Murdoch community quickly and accurately. However, excessive use of this capability can lead to an email glut, and a perception by users that they are subject to spam or junk email. This policy addresses Murdoch’s need to provide convenient, effective, institutional communications via email.

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/policies/bulk_email.html