Appendix 4: College Leader Code of Practice

College Leaders are expected to observe the following Code of Practice.

It is expected that you will give priority to your role as a College Leader and your academic studies as a University of Otago student.
You may undertake other commitments or work (whether as an employee or otherwise) provided you do not compromise your responsibilities to the College, fellow College Leaders and Members.
You must abide by the rules and policies of the College as outlined in your Accommodation Agreement and the Members’ Handbook. The Handbook for St Margaret’s College Leaders is your reference and guideline regarding College operations, activities, and expectations.
At all times, you are expected to uphold the College’s underlying values of care, courtesy, consideration for others, and common sense.
Your communication and manner with Staff, Members and Guests should be professional, courteous, honest, fair, timely, and ethical.
Your use of social media on behalf of the College should be appropriate, professional, and respectful, and uphold the College's underlying values of care, courtesy, consideration for others, and common sense.
You should maintain a social balance with Members and not socialise excessively or repeatedly with any particular group or individual.
You may receive confidential information about the College, its Staff, and/or its Members. You must not use or disclose, nor permit to be used or disclosed, any such information except in the proper course of fulfilling your responsibilities of employment.
As a College Leader, you will interact with Members and may have access to information of a personal nature. You must be seen by Members as impartial and able to maintain a confidence. In certain situations, you will be required to discuss such confidential matters with the Head of College.
You must discuss with the Head of College anything that may affect the health or safety of a Member or the health and safety of others or yourself.
You must not purchase or supply alcohol to Members and you must not drink alcohol with Members except when alcohol is available at a formal College function, for example at pre- and post-dinner gatherings on Sundays or the Valedictory Celebration. Any personal consumption of alcohol must be responsibly moderated in keeping with your role as a College Leader and representative of the College.
As a representative of the College, you must exercise caution when making statements to others concerning any matter relating to the College or any of its Staff or Members. You must not make any statement to the media concerning such matters.
You must respect and not misuse the privileges given to you. College equipment and resources such as phones and photocopiers should not be used for personal matters.
You must not be alone with a Member in their room, or your room, behind a closed door without their explicit consent. You may find yourself at times dealing with sick or inebriated Members who may require assistance to their room/bed. You should ensure there is another responsible personal present in such instances.
1. You hold a position of responsibility and have a level of supervisory authority over Members. It is unacceptable to form a romantic relationship or be involved sexually with a Member. This risks taking advantage of the intrinsic trust, power and status differential implicit in the College Leader/Member relationship. It is potentially an abuse of authority and could be considered serious misconduct which will be investigated using procedures appropriate to the circumstances, and in accordance with the University’s Ethical Behaviour Policy.
It is not appropriate to form a romantic relationship or be involved sexually with a fellow College Leader.