UTS Rules apply to all students, staff, contractors and visitors to the university.
Rules at UTS
Rules form part of the regulatory framework at UTS. UTS has the following rules:
Rules are implemented together with the Delegations and are supported by Policies and procedures.
Student Rules and Student Conduct Rules
The Student Rules cover mandatory requirements for teaching, learning and research. They also cover student responsibilities, coursework and research requirements and all processes from admissions through to exams, assessments and graduations. The Student Rules also include details of processes for academic misconduct and appeals.
The Student Conduct Rules cover mandatory requirements for the general conduct and behaviour of students and how UTS manages breaches of these requirements, including penalties.
General Rules
The General Rules cover requirements for Council membership, the roles and responsibilities of Academic Board and faculty boards, and the university’s election processes.
Changes to UTS Rules
Rule changes can be approved at any time during the year. Notifications of rule changes are posted on the Official noticeboard. Changes to UTS Rules are documented in the table of changes (PDF).
From 20 July 2026 there begins a period of transition as the Student Rules are reviewed and evolved. During this time:
- general conduct requirements, and relevant penalties for breaches of these requirements, are outlined in the Student Conduct Rules
- academic conduct requirements are outlined in section 16 of the Student Rules
- student misconduct and appeals is managed in line with section 16 and Schedules 3 to 5 of the Student Rules.
Frequently asked questions about the changes to the Student Rules
Why are we changing the Student Rules?
We’re changing the Student Rules to separate the rules that deal with academic misconduct (currently section 16) and behavioural (general) misconduct (the new Student Conduct Rules).
This was recommended as part of an external review and will also support the university’s mandatory compliance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025.
How will the Student Rules change?
From 20 July 2026, the new Student Conduct Rules – a subset of the Student Rules – will come into effect. These new conduct rules will clearly outline what behaviour (general conduct) is expected of students and what may happen if those expectations aren’t met.
Under the new conduct rules a broader range of outcomes can be applied to address complex behavioural matters, gender-based violence cases and interpersonal disputes. These may include requirements to undertake counselling, participate in educational programs, or refrain from contacting particular students or staff members.
For now, academic misconduct processes will continue to be managed under section 16 of the Student Rules.
Further work on the rules will occur for implementation in early 2027.
Changes snapshot
| Current state | July 2026 |
|---|---|
| UTS Rules structure | |
| Coverage | |
Student Rules cover:
| Student Rules continue to cover (unchanged):
Student Conduct Rules will cover:
|
What are the major changes in the new Student Conduct Rules?
| What’s changed | Impact |
|---|---|
| Separation of student conduct into 2 distinct categories: general conduct (now in effect) and academic integrity (to come into effect in early 2027) | Focuses on what students should do. Takes an educative approach where possible. Removes conflation between academic breaches and behavioural breaches. Consolidates requirements. |
| New conditional participation rule (replacing the temporary exclusion rule), with risk-based triggers | Allows earlier intervention; conditions must be reasonable, proportionate, time-limited and justified. |
| Students may receive a recommendation to access support from a UTS support service instead of, or in addition to, receiving a penalty | Supports gender-based violence case management and complex behavioural interventions. |
How may you be impacted?
You will not be impacted by the changes, unless you breach the new conduct rules (that is, you engage in misconduct). Then you may face a penalty under the new Student Conduct Rules.
What is the conditional participation rule?
The Student Conduct Rules include a new rule on conditional participation. Conditional participation replaces temporary exclusion and gives UTS a broader, more proportionate set of options to manage safety and wellbeing risks while, where possible, allowing students to continue participating in university activities subject to appropriate conditions. This may include restrictions on campus access and activities, or, where necessary, exclusion from specific activities or locations.
If your behaviour disrupts university activities, puts the health, safety or wellbeing of others at risk, or negatively impacts the UTS community, conditions may be placed on your attendance or participation at UTS.
If this rule is applied to you, you will be notified with the conditions, reasons, how to reply and a timeline for review.
How were the new Student Conduct Rules developed?
The new Student Conduct Rules were developed through extensive consultation with student representatives and key stakeholders across UTS. Together, we reviewed the existing rules to make them simpler, clearer and easier to understand, while ensuring they align with new legislation, including the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. These changes also reflect feedback from students, who told us they want information presented in plain language. As a result, we've made the rules more accessible and easier to navigate.
Where do I go if I need more information?
To find out more contact Student Misconduct and Appeals at misconductandappeals@uts.edu.au
You may also access UTS support services for wellbeing and related assistance and seek independent advice and advocacy from the UTS Students’ Association.