Student Behavioural Risk Policy

1. Purpose

To minimise and manage the risk of harm to other students and staff as a result of the enrolment of students with a history of violent/unreasonable behaviour, (resulting in real or potential physical and/or psychological harm).

2. Scope

This policy applies to students seeking to enrol or currently enrolled in a CIT program and should be considered alongside the Admission and Enrolment Policy.

The intent of the policy is to pre-empt and lessen the likelihood of the occurrence of critical incidents where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a future student has a history of violence (physical and/or psychological) or a propensity for violence. Concluding that reasonable grounds exist should not be based simply on hearsay that causes concern. Such information should be treated confidentially and referred to the Behavioural Risk Assessment Team, members of which may seek clarification from the student in an interview where the student has a support person present if desired. This policy may also apply to students who are already enrolled, who are found to have a history of violence or a propensity for violence, but who have not displayed such behaviour at CIT.

The Student Conduct Policy will apply to currently enrolled students who behave violently whilst on campus, however the risk assessment process in this policy may be utilised for management and recommendations of students with unreasonable or violent behaviours that may lead to physical or psychological harm.

The Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy, which is both a staff and student policy, covers CIT’s legal obligation to ensure a safe and healthy environment at CIT that is free from violence as well as from bullying and harassment.

3. Principles

3.1 CIT is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff on all campuses, conducive to effective learning and working.

3.2 Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a history of or propensity for violent and/or unreasonable behaviour, this risk will be assessed by CIT in order to minimise the risk of unsafe behaviour towards students and staff.

3.3 This policy will apply to those applying to study at CIT, and those already enrolled in a CIT program, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a history of or propensity for violent or unreasonable behaviour. Behaviour, which occurs on CIT campuses, is covered in the Student Conduct Policy, however, this may involve the risk assessment process/procedures as outlined in this policy.

3.4 Prospective students and enrolled students will be treated with fairness and respect throughout this process. Any actions by CIT will take into account the student’s right to privacy as per the CIT Privacy Policy and respect of human rights as per the Human Rights Act 2004. The student’s written consent will be sought regarding information from other agencies.  They will be kept informed of the process being undertaken and be given the right to respond. Private information will only be shared with CIT staff when there is a need to inform in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act (2011).

3.5 All reasonable opportunities to accommodate a student with a verified history of violent and/or unreasonable behaviour or serious concerns for potential violent/unreasonable behaviour will be explored by the CIT Behavioural Risk Team. Strategies to manage the risk will be considered and implemented as necessary.  Only in extreme circumstances (where the risk of potential physical or psychological harm is considered high), will a recommendation be made to exclude a person from enrolment or continued study.

4. Documentation

Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT)

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)

CIT Student Policies available on website:

Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy

Student Conduct Policy

Admission and Enrolment Policy

Privacy Policy – Territory Privacy Principles

Student Behavioural Risk Assessment Procedure

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

For more information about this policy, contact the Senior Manager, Student Support.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.