Category Archives: Behaviour and Responsibilities

Behaviour and Responsibilities

Tupuānuku incident

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Kia ora koutou, 

Over the weekend, you may have seen media reports about an incident at Tupuānuku hall of residence early last Thursday morning.  

I wanted to take the opportunity to reassure you that Tupuānuku and the UC campus are safe.  

We can confirm that a student in distress was detained by Police on Ilam Road following an incident at Tupuānuku in the early hours of Thursday, 19 October. No-one was harmed and Police have confirmed no guns were involved or found on site.    

As publicly discussing this matter affects an individual’s rights, and as this is an ongoing Police matter, we are unable to share any further information.  

Your wellbeing and safety is important at UC and we are taking this matter very seriously. UniLodge, which manages Tupuānuku, has been supporting those directly affected by Thursday’s incident.  

UC offers numerous student support services including: 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like any support.  

We realise the week before exams begin can be a stressful time and students who feel their assessment performance has been affected can apply for Special Consideration here. 

Ngā mihi, 

Paul O’Flaherty  
Kaihautū Matua Pūmanawa Tangata | Executive Director of People, Culture and Campus Life 

Behaviour and Responsibilities, Study@UC

What is academic integrity and what does it mean for you during exams?

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One of the ways to be successful ākonga at UC is through academic integrity: acting honestly, ethically, fairly and respecting others. It’s important to take charge and avoid making mistakes, especially during exams and end of term assessments. Find out what you need to do (and avoid doing) here: 

Cheating
Breaking the rules for assignments or exams is treated very seriously and can result in expulsion. It’s important to know what you can bring to exams, how they will run and whether or not you can use equipment such as calculators, which may need to be authorised by UC before use. Read up on the key information around examination instructions here>

If you’ve accidentally taken revision notes or other unauthorised material into the exam room, hand them to the supervisor immediately.

Avoid:

  • Looking at other candidates’ answers
  • Talking or communicating in any way with other candidates

These are both classed as cheating and could result in expulsion. 

Plagiarism
When you’re asked to use examples in your assessments, it can be hard to know how to avoid plagiarism. Simply put, plagiarism is copying materials from another source (whether it’s a quote or data) without a clear acknowledgement of the original source.

It’s important to reference properly as all assignments are checked through UC’s anti-plagiarism software, Turnitin, which highlights when students have copied other authors’ work without citation.

Top tips:

When we work together to act honestly, ethically and respect each other and our work, we get the most out of our studies. You can learn more about academic integrity here>

Good luck with your exams! 

Behaviour and Responsibilities, Our Community, The Community

Kia Mataara | Think First: Party Safety

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Celebrating the end of semester? Got a party planned after exams? There are a few things you can do to look after yourself and everyone around you.

Be sure to have a ‘Good One’ by registering your party on the Good One Party Register

Hosting a party can be a bit overwhelming. Having the Police on board means they can give you a call, provide advice, help you plan and check in on the night to ensure that everyone is safe and having a good time. Find out more about how it works here.

Benefits of registering with Good One

  • Party knowing you are safe.
  • Police will get rid of any unwanted guests to keep the good times rolling.
  • Easy chats with Police as they know what’s up.

Consider your community
Be a good neighbour and don’t drop your empty bottles, put them in the bin and consider the level of noise.

Secure your things and lock up your flat
As students head away after exams there can be an increase in burglaries. Keep your valuable items hidden away (or take them with you), and double check you’ve locked your flat if you’re heading out.

Did you know there’s a permanent Alcohol Ban in Riccarton Ilam
This alcohol ban is in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A breach of the ban is an offence, and the Police will issue an infringement notice (which means an instant fine of up to $250). 

Read more>

Understand sexual consent
A person consents to sexual activity if they do it actively (enthusiastically!), freely, voluntarily, and consciously without being pressured into it. Learn more about sexual consent here>

If something has just happened on campus to you or someone you know:

  1. Get to a safe place if you are able.
  2. Call UC Security on 0800 823 637 or through one of the Help Towers (with blue lights) stationed around the campus. UC Security will take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and access to support. UC Security are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  3. If you don’t feel comfortable calling UC Security, consider calling someone you know and trust or the Police (dial 111) so that they can help you make the next step.

Find more information here>

Good luck for exams, enjoy your break and if you are celebrating the end of semester take care and look after your mates.