Behaviour and Codes
All members of the Lincoln University whānau are entitled to learn, study, work and participate in all aspects of university life in an environment of safety, inclusiveness, and respect.
We choose a culture of manaakitaka, where we lift the mana of all people by embracing and supporting each other as a diverse community.
There are many ways that Lincoln University, LUSA and students work together to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment. Examples are:
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group
A group of LU and LUSA representatives working together to raise awareness and recommend effective development and establishment of best practice initiatives across the university. - Respectfully Lincoln – Sexual Harm Prevention Programme
This is a compulsory education and leadership workshop for all new students focused on reducing sexual harm. The workshops are led by students and the programme was co-created by staff and students. - Student Charter
The Student Charter was jointly developed to establish a formal and enduring partnership between students, staff and the Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA). Students are encouraged to read it to know what to expect of the University and LUSA, and understand what is expected of them, as a student.
Read the Student Charter
Regulations, policies and procedures
We have regulations, policies and procedures that students are required to comply with as part of being enrolled at Lincoln University.
Upon enrolment, all students undertake to comply with Lincoln University regulations and policies. It is the responsibility of the University to publish these various compliance documents in an accessible manner. It is the responsibility of students to acquaint themselves with such compliance documents.
Lincoln University’s rules and regulations are published in the Academic Calendar.
When enrolling at Lincoln University all students submit a declaration to confirm their acknowledgement and understanding of terms and conditions. The Student Declaration and Terms and Conditions can be found in the Policies and Procedures Library.
Policies and Procedures Library
The Enrolment Terms and Conditions explain how student information will be managed and disclosed in accordance with the New Zealand Education and Training Act 2020 and Privacy Act 2020. The Student Declaration also requests that students comply with all student policies and procedures.
If you have questions about the Acts or the use of your personal information, you are welcome to contact the University Privacy Officer by emailing: privacy@lincoln.ac.nz
Here are some policy examples. Review the student policies and procedures contained in the Policies and Procedures Library for all student policies.
Policies and Procedures Library
Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and to providing students with resources and assistance to meet these standards. Academic dishonesty and poor academic practice are not tolerated under any circumstances.
Clean Air Policy
All areas of the Lincoln University campus are smoke-free, except four designated outdoor smoking and vaping spaces. This is in support of the government’s vision for a smoke-free New Zealand by 2025.
IT Acceptable Use Policy and IT Security Policy
Unacceptable use of IT resources includes behaviour such as annoying, harassing or defaming others, distributing spam or spreading malicious rumours. All users are responsible for protecting their passwords and access credentials from unauthorised use.
Prevention of Bullying, Harassment Discrimination Policy and Guidelines
Lincoln University does not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying or discrimination. We are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of members of our university community. The university expects all members of the university community to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times.
Sexual Harm Policy and Procedure
To confirm Lincoln University’s commitment to combating sexual harm in all forms within our community. Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful or threatening will not be tolerated and is unlawful.
Student Appeals Complaints Grievances Policy and Procedures
Students may confidently raise any concerns with the university which will ensure appeals, complaints and grievances are addressed and resolved in a fair, equitable, transparent, timely and confidential manner. The nature of an appeal, complaint or grievance may be academic, service delivery or personal.
Student Code of Conduct
Provides a set of principles to be adopted by students while undertaking their studies and conducting their relationships with fellow students, staff and the community.
Student Disciplinary Regulations
Lincoln University expects that students will act reasonably and respectfully towards one another and toward all members of the university community, tenants, contractors to and guests of the university. Every student must comply with Lincoln University Statutes, Regulations, Rules, Policies and Guidelines and with directions given to them.
Proctors
Lincoln has two proctors whose roles are to deal with all complaints relating to student behaviour and breaches of academic integrity.
What is a Proctor’s role?
The Proctor reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and is the primary reference point in the University for all complaints relating to student behaviour and student breaches of academic integrity, including complaints against students by staff and disputes between students. This is not only a role which reacts to incidents and complaints, there is also a proactive requirement to develop strategies to reduce these within the University.
Who can approach the Proctor?
Any person, whether a Lincoln student, staff member or member of the community, can approach the Proctor with any concern about the conduct of a Lincoln student or group of students. All approaches will be treated confidentially. The University cannot act on anonymous complaints.
Contact a Proctor
To report student misconduct or request information from a University Proctor, please email: proctor@lincoln.ac.nz Alternatively, you are welcome to contact either Proctor directly:
Behaviour
As a learning organisation we support continuous growth of our people and encourage collaboration and leadership in relation to manaakitaka. We ask our kaimahi (staff) and tauira (students) to show leadership by calling out unacceptable behaviours, adhering to relevant codes, reporting concerns, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and supporting friends and colleagues.
We expect all staff and students to act honestly, ethically and with integrity within our university community. We do not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, discrimination or academic dishonesty. Such behaviours will be addressed through disciplinary measures according to the Staff Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct and related policies, procedures and regulations.
Below are some types of behaviour that we do not tolerate at Lincoln University. This is just a small list of behaviours people may witness or experience.
Academic dishonesty
We require all staff and students to act honestly, ethically and with integrity within our university community. The academic integrity of staff and students safeguards the standard of the university’s qualifications, your qualification. Examples of academic dishonesty:
- Submitting work previously submitted to meet the requirements of another assessment for the same course or another course
- Submitting work that is not your own original work or that does not properly acknowledge the work of others
- Allowing other students to access your course work or accessing the course work of another student. Except where this is specifically required for group work.
Precise definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty and the responsibilities of staff, students and the university are provided in the Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure.
Students should also be aware of the Student Code of Conduct which outlines correct conduct in University assessment activities and the processes and penalties for misconduct.
Bullying means unreasonable behaviour, repeated over time, which can be reasonably expected to humiliate, exclude, undermine or otherwise have a detrimental effect on the recipient(s) and/or pose a risk to their health and safety even though it may not be unlawful.
Examples of bullying:
- Excluding someone from a peer group, giving someone the silent treatment, ignoring or isolating them
- Spreading rumours, persistently criticising or verbally abusing someone/s
- Ridicules, insults and sarcasm
- Physical attacks
- Attacking a person’s beliefs, attitude, lifestyle or appearance, gender references or accusations of being mentally disturbed
- Using obscene or offensive language, gestures or materials.
Harassment means any unwelcome comment, conduct or gesture that is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. It might be an isolated incident or repeated but it is so significant that it adversely affects someone's performance, contribution or work environment. It can include physical, psychological, degrading or threatening behaviour, abuse of power, isolation, discrimination, sexual harassment and racial harassment.
Examples of harassment:
- Making offensive comments or jokes about a person’s race
- Copying or making fun of the way a person speaks
- Deliberately mispronouncing or mocking people’s names
- Treating a person less favourably than another because of their gender, age, colour, religious or ethical belief, race, marital status, ethnic or national origin, family status, sexual orientation, employment status or disability.
- Sexual assault and rape
- Sexually offensive comments or smutty jokes
- Physical contact such as patting, pinching or touching
- Provocative posters with a sexual connotation
- Persistent and unwelcome social invitations
- Hints or promises of preferential treatment in exchange for sex.
View Sexual Harm Support and Reporting for guidance and contacts available to help you or someone else in relation to a sexual harm incident.
Precise definitions of what constitutes bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviours are provided in the Prevention of Bullying Harassment Discrimination Guidelines and the Prevention of Bullying Harassment Policy.
You may be supporting someone else or have experienced unacceptable behaviour yourself, here are the key steps to take:
- Support – if you have witnessed or experienced unacceptable behaviours, the priority is to ensure you and other affected people are safe and supported.
- Record – when relevant and if possible, record as much detail as you can about the incident including the time, date and location.
- Report – ensure the incident is reported to the appropriate authorities. This may be through the Police, Campus Security or internal reporting procedures. This may be through Campus Security, the Proctors, a Student Support service or by Raising a Concern.
Emergencies
If you are not safe, phone 111 for emergency services. If you have witnessed or experienced behaviour that is not a police matter but requires urgent action, contact Campus Security on 0800 545 388 (available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day). They will treat your matter with confidentiality, inform the appropriate university authorities and ensure you have the support you require.
Support
We understand that reporting unacceptable behaviours or bad experiences can make students feel vulnerable and worried about the consequences. We encourage you to ask for help from a friend, whānau or staff member as it always helps to have someone to talk to. The university has staff available to support you through this process to ensure your situation is treated confidentially, fairly and in a way that you feel comfortable.
The University has specialist staff available to support you when you have experience or witnessed unacceptable behaviours. They can help you by listening and providing guidance on what to do next. Your situation will be treated confidentially, fairly and in a way that you feel comfortable with. Here are people that can help:
- International student advisors
- Wellbeing advisors
- Proctors
- Te Manutaki, Māori and Pasifika student support
- Chaplaincy services
- LUSA advocacy and voice services
Remember, you are not alone. Our support advisors are here to talk to or link you to someone you feel more comfortable talking to – no questions asked.
Know the codes
The safety and wellbeing of tertiary learners is a shared responsibility between government, tertiary education providers, learners, whānau and the wider community. There are codes to support this.
Students and staff should know and respect the following codes to understand their role in a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Student Code of Conduct
Provides a set of principles to be adopted by students while undertaking your studies and conducting relationships with fellow students, staff and the community. It explains the responsibilities and conduct expected of students, and the disciplinary process. Read the Student Code of Conduct.
Staff Code of Conduct
Staff must follow a code which outlines their expected standard of behaviour. An example of the conduct we expect of staff is to treat students, members of the public and other staff members with respect, impartiality, courtesy and sensitivity. Students are encouraged to read the Staff Code of Conduct to understand what constitutes unacceptable staff behaviour.
Pastoral Care Code
The university has a responsibility to ensure that students are well informed, safe and properly cared for. The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 sets out the expectations that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners.
More information for tertiary students can be found on the NZQA website:
As part of meeting its obligations Lincoln University will publish attestation reports and the annual summary of complaints and critical incidents.
Complaints and Critical Incidents
2023 Complaints and Critical Incidents report for Lincoln University [PDF, 148 KB]
Attestation Reports
2023 Lincoln University Code Attestation report [PDF, 176 KB]
Student Charter
The Student Charter establishes a formal and enduring partnership between students, Lincoln University and the LU Students’ Association (LUSA). Lincoln University students, LUSA executive and staff jointly developed the charter. The Charter is not a binding contract, but students are encouraged to read it to know what to expect of the University and LUSA, and understand what is expected of you, as a student.
In a commitment to getting the best out of their student experience, Lincoln University students will:
- Take personal ownership of academic success by understanding the requirements for success, monitoring learning progress, knowing the academic pathways available and proactively seeking help, asking questions or raising concerns.
- Act responsibly as a proud member of the Lincoln University whānau (family) by being true to our values which are based on Manaakitaka — Looking After People, and behaving respectfully towards others regardless of ethnicity, spirituality or sexuality.
- Understand their responsibilities as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and other student regulations, policies and procedures.
- Engage with student representative organisations, such as the class representative system and LUSA or any association of students with a mandate to represent students.
- Be an active and engaged member of the student body by taking up opportunities to provide feedback to the University about their student experiences through surveys, interviews and other student voice mechanisms.
- Take advantage of opportunities provided at Lincoln University to help reach their full potential by being involved in aspects of student life aimed at developing personal skills which appeal to industry and future employers.
In its commitment to the student experience, the Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA) or any association of students will:
- Work alongside the University to put students at the centre of everything to stimulate the betterment of the student experience.
- Align decisions and actions with LUSA’s Strategic Plan, including its Mission: To represent and advocate for the interests and ambitions of all students at Lincoln University, and Values: Sustainability, Representation, Community, Diversity and Integrity.
- Endeavour to ensure fair and diverse student representation on all relevant University committees and working groups; contributing constructively to discussions, advocating for equality and acting in the best interests of all student cohorts.
- Aim at all times towards decisions reflective of the collective student voice through wide consultation and by offering a variety of feedback mechanisms for students to state their needs and have their say.
- Be there to provide confidential advice, service and support for students on academic, wellbeing, financial or social concerns; and facilitate connections and discussions with relevant University entities.
- Actively encourage a bicultural campus that enables the togetherness of students from all cultures and assists in growing cross-cultural friendships, connections and understanding.
- Ensure that student executives, student representatives and club leaders understand their roles and responsibilities and are supported through sufficient training and mentorship.
In its commitment to providing a distinctive student experience and putting students at the centre of everything, Lincoln University will:
- Maintain a high standard of education practices to ensure modern, relevant and globally competitive standards which support the delivery of quality teaching and enable students to reach their highest possible level of learning. In practice this means:
- Keeping programme and course information, including course outlines, learning resources and materials up-to-date and easily accessible through reliable online and mobile accessible tools; so that students can prepare before class, reiterate their learning after class and effectively plan their education career path.
- Ensuring mechanisms are in place for students to easily access and monitor their progress and receive constructive learning feedback in a timely manner at programme, course and assessment levels to assist continuous learning progression.
- Provide and promote opportunities for active participation within learning and extra-curricular contexts; support students to grow personally by encouraging open academic discussion and debate, improving their soft skills, providing work integrated learning opportunities and enhancing their employability.
- Provide a harmonious bicultural learning and research environment that is built on authentic social interactions and behaviours that respect and foster individual privacy and difference, including ethnicity, spirituality, sexuality and wellbeing.
- Acknowledge the global climate crisis and work alongside students on shared initiatives to support environmental sustainability as we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Ensure all student-relevant regulations, policies and procedures are kept up to date and published in a manner easily accessible by all students.
- Make available a variety of impartial and approachable points of contact and tools which allow all student cohorts to easily access consistent, high-quality standards of service to support and facilitate their health, safety, wellbeing and academic success.
- Maintain a high standard of pastoral care by adhering to relevant New Zealand codes of practice for the pastoral care of international and domestic tertiary students.
- Partner with LUSA to ensure inclusive and diverse student representation on the University’s committees and working groups responsible for making decisions affecting the student body.
- Take responsibility for putting mechanisms in place that endeavour to ensure the collective student voice is listened to, and for developing clear programmes and action plans focused on continuously enhancing the student experience.
Raise a concern
If you have a concern, complaint or grievance, there is a process to give students a voice.
Useful Links
Related documents
The LU Policy and Procedures Library contains all staff and student policies
View all policies