When faced with decisions that adversely affect your studies or when an allegation of misconduct has been brought against you, you have the right to be supported and heard.
Available support options are listed on this page.
Student Advocacy
The Bond University Student Association (BUSA) provides independent advocacy services to students by way of advice, information, support, and assistance on a wide range of topics, issues and decisions that may adversely affect students. BUSA representatives have extensive knowledge of Bond University Policies as well as relevant legislation that drives decision-making.
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Student Advocates will
- uphold impartiality and independence from the University’s decision makers
- have a duty of confidentiality towards the student
- provide services free of charge
- be guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and natural justice
- act in the overall best interests of the student regarding the University’s policies and procedures
- have a right to information from the University necessary to enable them to perform their function
- make sure that the University and the student are both aware of relevant information and issues affecting a matter
- be free of any interests that conflict with their role as outlined above
- bear witness to any meetings, interviews, or hearings and what is discussed.
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Student Advocacy can assist with
- Academic Misconduct
- General Misconduct
- Academic standing, progression and exclusion
- Assessment adjustments
- Assessment results
- Complaint resolution
- Student Appeals
Support Person
When meeting with University representatives, in the absence of a Student Advocate, students are able to bring a support person to a meeting, interview, or hearing.
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A support person may
- provide practical and emotional support to a student
- aid a student who has language difficulties or a disability
- act as a witness to the proceedings to safeguard against unfair practices
- take notes
- clarify process
- request a pause in proceedings to provide support to the student or allow for a break
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A support person may not
- speak or advocate on a student’s behalf
- unreasonably interfere during an interview, meeting, or hearing
- without seeking the prior consent of all the parties, record (video or audio) the interview, meeting, or hearing
- be acting as legal counsel or solicitor
The University reserves the right to exclude a support person from an interview, meeting or hearing where unreasonable conduct is displayed.
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Advance notice of a support person
The name of a support person must be advised prior to the commencement of the interview, meeting, or hearing. This is important to:
- identify if a conflict exists
- ensure the support person is accommodated
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Confidentiality
What is said in interviews, meetings and hearings must remain confidential. If a support person is unable to agree to and maintain confidentiality about what is discussed they should not participate.
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Who can provide support?
A support person may be any person, not acting as legal counsel or solicitor. In the case of allegations of misconduct, a support person cannot be a person who was involved in or associated with the alleged misconduct.
Representation
In resolving issues, the University encourages students to represent themselves and engage directly with the University to be able to determine an outcome.
Students may seek support and independent advice and Advocacy services but may not be represented by another person.
Independent Professional Advice
Students may also seek independent professional advice in preparation for an interview, meeting or hearing or in reviewing of decision and appeal documentation.