Students: Code Of Conduct

The Ashmark Institute of Australia respects the dignity of every individual.  Accordingly, students coming to study at Ashmark Institute are required to behave with courtesy and respect towards all students and staff. 

Equality

Australia is a country that believes in ‘a fair go’, meaning we believe in equal opportunity for all. Everyone in Australia, whether you are female or male, a professional or a blue collar worker, or have some kind of disability, are entitled to the same rights, services, social status, opportunities, respect and courtesy.

In Australia, a person’s profession does not define their social ranking in the community. It is highly unacceptable to treat people in “non-professional” occupations as lesser people than those employed in a “professional job”. It is also highly unacceptable to treat someone as their personal servant if they have been paid for a service. For example, when a student pays for their education in Australia it does not entitle the student to treat employees of the educational institution poorly, nor does it give them the privilege to demand special treatment from the employees. Treating everyone with courtesy, respect and equality is a fundamental part of Australia’s social culture, and there are laws against discrimination based on someone’s:

• Race, colour, national or ethnic origin, nationality.

• Gender, lawful sexual activity, sexual preference, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, breastfeeding, status as a parent or carer.

• Religious or political belief or activity, industrial activity.

• Age, physical features, disability (past, present or imputed), medical condition/record.

• Personal association with someone identified by reference to any of the above.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is illegal and a violation of human rights under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcomed conduct of a sexual nature that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, which can occur in the form of physical, verbal and/or written advances. Sexual harassment does not have to be recurring to be against the law. For example, sexual assault and indecent exposure which may only occur once are classed as sexual harassment and are also a criminal offence.

Students need to be aware that behaviour that may be acceptable in their country could be classified as sexual harassment in Australia. At Ashmark Institute we advise our students to be familiar with the following list of behaviours that are classed as sexual harassment.

• Unwelcome touching, grabbing or other physical contact.

• Sexual gestures and body movement.

• Sexual or suggestive comments, anecdotes, jokes or taunts.

• Unwelcome requests for sex or sexual favours.

• Unwelcome comments about a person’s sex life or physical appearance.

• Unwelcome leering and ogling.

• Sexual propositions or continued requests for dates.

• Indecent assault or rape.

• Stalking.

• Sex based insults.

• Displaying rude or offensive material.

For more information visit the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission website at:

www.HumanRightsCommission.vic.gov.au/Home.asp

What to do if you are being discriminated or sexually harassed?

At Ashmark Institute, we provide trained staff for students with any discrimination or sexual harassment concerns or issues. We advise students who fall victim to discrimination or sexual harassment to keep a diary documenting the event(s), including the student’s action in preventing further discrimination or sexual harassment