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Alleged misconduct and the Library - overview
Under Schedule 2 of the University of Queensland Statute No. 4 (Student Discipline and Misconduct) 1999, the Library may send a letter alleging misconduct if you have intentionally and wrongfully dealt with University property.
Examples of alleged misconduct within a library context would be:
- The non-return of very overdue Library material that is on loan to you
- Allegedly damaging Library property
- Allegedly removing Library material without authorisation
If the misconduct is proven, the University will impose a summary fine of $50.00 (0.66 of one penalty unit). (Please note, if you have received a letter of alleged misconduct, dated prior to 1 December 2006, then a summary fine of $75.00, or one penalty unit, will apply). If you do not pay the summary fine by the specified date, the University will take action as set out in Section 20 (4) of the Statute.
To see an example of a letter of alleged misconduct, for the non-return of library material, click here.
I have received a letter of alleged misconduct from the Library. What do I do now?
Please read the letter carefully. It will give you information about the process, including your rights and obligations and the consequences of not acting.
You may wish to accept the allegation of misconduct and pay the summary fine. Or, you may wish to show cause why the summary fine should not be imposed. If a summary fine has been imposed you may wish to appeal against it.
How does the summary fine relate to charges imposed under the Library Conditions of Use and the University Fee Rules?
The summary fine is separate from a replacement cost for each item and an administrative charge of $20.00 per item, imposed under the Library Conditions of Use and the University Fee Rules, respectively. If you wish to query a replacement cost or an administrative charge please contact the Library.
How do I pay a summary fine?
You may choose to accept the allegation of misconduct and pay the summary fine. If you choose to pay the summary fine, you must do so within 14 days of its imposition. This date is specified in the letter.
Payment options are listed below:
Pay online
Charges may be paid online via the Internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cards accepted are: MasterCard and Visa. To make a payment go to Check, renew loans ; pay online
In Person
Cash, EFTPOS, Credit Card or Money Order payments can be made in person at the Loan Enquiries Desk, Level 1, Social Sciences and Humanities Library, St Lucia Campus.
Payments can also be taken at the UQ Ipswich and UQ Gatton Campuses. Please contact the relevant branch to arrange the payment.
Pay by Telephone
Charges may be paid by phone, during Library opening hours. Cards accepted are: MasterCard and Visa. To make a payment, call (07) 3365 6629.
Mail
Make cheque or money order payable to The University of Queensland. Mail to: Loan Enquiries Desk, Level 1, Social Sciences and Humanities Library, St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072.
How do I show cause?
If you wish to show cause why a summary fine should not be imposed, you must contact the person sending the letter within 14 days from the date that the letter was sent. This will be either the University Librarian or an Executive Manager of the Library.
The letter will contain telephone and email contact details. Contact details are also available from the branch libraries web page.
In order to successfully show cause, and have the summary fine rescinded, you must convince the person named at the bottom of the letter that there is an explanation in respect to the alleged misconduct that would lead them not to impose the summary fine.
Please be aware that if you return the material on loan to you without contacting
the person named at the bottom of the letter to show cause, the summary fine will be imposed.
How do I appeal against a summary fine?
If you wish to appeal against the imposition of a summary fine for misconduct, you must give notice of appeal to the Secretary of the Disciplinary Board within 14 days of the imposition of the summary fine.
To lodge an appeal with the University Disciplinary Board, please contact:
Mr Anthony Zgrajewski
Secretary, University of Queensland Disciplinary Board
Telephone: 07 3365 3140
Email: a.zgrajewski@uq.edu.au
Please refer to "Part 3 - Appeals" of the University of Queensland Statute No. 4 for full details about how to lodge an appeal with the Disciplinary Board.
Please note, only appeals against the imposition of the summary fine for alleged misconduct should be directed to the University Disciplinary Board. If you wish to query charges imposed under the University Fee Rules or the Library Conditions of Use (such as replacement costs, overdue charges or administrative charges), please contact the Library.
What are the consequences if I do not act?
The letter that you receive will outline important dates in the process. There are consequences if you do not take appropriate action within the specified timeframe. These are listed below:
- Paying the summary fine: if you do not pay the summary fine within the specified period, nor successfully show cause why the summary fine should not be imposed, the University will take action as set out in Section 20 (4) of the Statute which states:
"If a fine is not paid within the time limit for its payment, the student must not be awarded a result in any assessment, or receive or be granted credit for any subject or course or receive any degree or other award of the University, as long as the fine remains unpaid."
- Showing cause: if you do not show cause to the person named at the bottom of the letter within 14 days from the date that the letter was sent then the summary fine will be imposed automatically.
- Appealing to the Disciplinary Board: if you wish to appeal against the summary fine for misconduct you must give notice of appeal to the Secretary of the Disciplinary Board within 14 days of the imposition of the summary fine .
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