1. Purpose and Scope
Wesley College is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful and enriching residential environment in which students flourish academically, socially and personally. This Code of Conduct outlines the behavioural expectations of all students and complements the Wesley College Student Contract, all Wesley College policies, and the obligations of residents as students at The University of Sydney.
This Code of Conduct applies whenever students:
- Reside on College premises
- Participate in or represent the College at events (on or off campus)
- Engage in public, social or digital conduct connected to College life.
In addition to the specifics laid out within this Code of Conduct, Wesley College students must always comply with NSW State Law, Australian Commonwealth (Federal) Law, and University of Sydney policies, procedures and guidelines.
2. Standards of Behaviour
The College’s values — Community, The Individual, Achievement, and Inclusiveness — are the foundation of all behavioural expectations of Wesley College residents, who are expected to actively model:
- Respect and support for others
- Integrity and personal accountability
- Commitment to learning and personal growth
- Inclusion and appreciation of diversity
- Conduct that enhances student wellbeing and community cohesion.
Wesley College is an adult living and learning community that prioritises safety, wellbeing and mutual respect. All residents are expected to conduct themselves in ways that contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safe community culture.
Residents must:
- Treat all members of the community — including fellow residents, staff, and guests — with courtesy, empathy, fairness and respect
- Behave in ways that protect the safety, security, privacy and wellbeing of others
- Foster a community free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, vilification and intimidation, whether in person, online or through indirect behaviours such as gossip or exclusion
- Actively support gender equity, diversity and inclusion, and demonstrate respect for diversity of gender, sexuality, culture, background, faith, disability and thought
- Contribute to an environment where all students feel safe, valued and able to participate fully in College life
- Honour personal boundaries
- Refrain from behaviour that demeans, marginalises or abuses power over others, or risks damage to the reputation of the College or the University
- Demonstrate self-respect and ethical decision-making
- Negotiate conflict with empathy and a sense of calm
- Ensure that their guests comply with all College policies and expectations
- Take reasonable steps as an active bystander to support the safety and dignity of other residents.
Wesley College maintains zero tolerance for hazing, harassment, discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, general violence, and any other conduct that compromises individual safety or community trust.
3. Relevant Policies
All residents must read, accept and act in accordance with the following College policies:
- Academic Progress Policy
- Alcohol Policy
- Discipline Policy
- Harassment and Discrimination Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Sexual Misconduct Policy (under review).
4. Upholding the Code of Conduct
Any actions inconsistent with the Standards of Behaviour outlined above will be addressed inaccordance with the Discipline Policy.
Residents are encouraged to report (formally or informally) concerning or unsafe behavioursusing any of the College’s reporting pathways, including:
- Direct communication with staff (in-person or electronically)
- Completion of a report through RespectX (the College’s online reporting platform)
- Speaking with a Community Leader
- The University of Sydney’s support services
- Reporting to the NSW Police (for breaches of the law only).
The College is committed to handling all reports of behaviour in breach of this Code of Conduct with confidentiality, sensitivity, procedural fairness and trauma-informed practice. Further information on reporting options is presented within the Student Handbook.
5. Commitment
Acceptance of a place at Wesley College constitutes agreement to this Code of Conduct.
By joining the WesleyCollege community, residents commit to being active contributors to a cultureof respect, safety, inclusion and accountability. Every resident plays a rolein upholding the values and standards that define Wesley.
Policy Review
This Code ofConduct is to be reviewed annually by the Wesley College Council (next reviewend of 2026).