The James Cook University Medical Students’ Association (JCUMSA) exists to serve and represent medical students enrolled at James Cook University. It is paramount that the JCUMSA ensures a safe environment for all members at all of our events. This document is intended to make JCUMSA members aware of their responsibilities at JCUMSA events and understand the repercussions if they ignore their responsibilities. These responsibilities also apply to members when attending JCUMSA Events. When signing up as a Member of the JCUMSA, individuals agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

This document was approved, in principle, by the JCUMSA Executive on [Date TBA] with the implementation occurring for all future memberships.

COVID-19

JCUMSA event attendees have responsibilities as members of the public to follow government guidelines for behaviour in response to COVID-19. JCUMSA members, as medical students, have additional responsibilities to ensure the safety of patients that they encounter whilst on placement. As an association we have implemented some JCUMSA guidelines for our members and all JCUMSA event attendees to follow whilst attending our events, and some consequences for those who deliberately ignore these guidelines.

When purchasing a ticket, event attendees will be required to tick to confirm they have read and agreed to these guidelines. For non-ticketed events these guidelines will be written in the Facebook event description. By clicking “going” on the event or by attending the event, our attendees agree to comply with these restrictions.

A: JCUMSA event attendees will follow all current Australian and Queensland government recommendations. This includes but is not limited to

1. social distancing of at least 1.5 metres at all times
2. non attendance at events whilst suffering from flu like symptoms
3. no use of communal re-usable equipment

B: attendees of JCUMSA events who intentionally fail to comply with current Australian and Queensland government recommendations will receive two warnings. These warnings will be provided by the Executive of the JCUMSA and the Convenors of the event at suggestion from security staff. Should a third warning be required, the attendee will face the following consequences:

1. eviction from the event
2. requirement to contact the JCUMSA to confirm knowledge of the restrictions before attendance of another JCUMSA event
3. if found to be refusing to follow guidelines at a second event, the attendee will be evicted from the event and will be banned from all future JCUMSA events indefinitely.

These guidelines will be revised as the COVID situation evolves in Queensland and are subject to change as necessary.

Alcohol

Alcohol is served at many JCUMSA events for the enjoyment of our Members. JCUMSA promotes responsible consumption of alcohol at all of our events. This includes only serving alcohol to members over 18 years of age. Where possible, discounted ‘Non-Alcohol’ tickets to events are available for members who are under 18 or choose not to drink alcohol.

Members are encouraged to drink responsibly and know their own limits regarding alcohol consumption. Drinking to intoxication is dangerous for your health and can put yourself at an increased risk of physical harm.

While drinking alcohol, you remain responsible for your own actions and, should they contravene the details of this document, JCUMSA reserves the right to refuse entry to subsequent events.

Illicit Substances

JCUMSA has zero tolerance for illicit substances at any of its events.

Any Members found to be in possession or under the influence of illicit substances at any JCUMSA events may, at the discretion of the JCUMSA Executive, be evicted from the event and may be prohibited from attending future events.

Behaviour Management Guidelines

The following policy is written to communicate the expected behaviour from all attendees at events run by the JCU Medical Student Association (JCUMSA). This includes events both on and off-campus in Townsville, Cairns and Mackay by JCUMSA or JCUMSA’s subsidiary groups (JCUMSA MINT, ObGyn & InPsych).

The behaviour management guidelines can be found here. It also includes a disciplinary matrix for offences committed by ticket-holding patrons attending JCUMSA events. This has been created and will be implemented by the executive committee on a case-by-case basis. 

Behaviour Expectations

JCUMSA has zero tolerance for behaviour that:

• Is against the law;
• Places others in danger; and,
• Reflects poorly on other medical students or generally tarnishes the reputation of medical students studying at James Cook University

Examples of such behaviour include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal abuse and verbal harassment;
• Physical abuse and physical assault;
• Sexual harassment and sexual assault;
• Theft;
• Damage to property, and;
• Cyberbullying

Members of JCUMSA are responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable by the JCUMSA Executive. The JCUMSA cannot, and will not, protect Members from persecution by the Police or other law enforcement agency should they break the law.

Should a Member of JCUMSA be found to have stolen goods or damaged property, they will be requested to pay for damages and/or return/replace any stolen items.

The JCUMSA Executive reserves the right to evict any Member that contravenes the details of this document from any event and prohibit entry into subsequent JCUMSA events.

Consequences

The below matrix is to be used by the JCUMSA Executive and event organisers to determine the consequences of behaviour incidents at JCUMSA events. Attendees are given access to events only if they have agreed to uphold the code of conduct. Should any individual be in breach of this code, the JCUMSA reserves the right to impose penalties based on the below matrix. In the event of illegal behaviour the JCUMSA reserves the right to contact the police for further management of the issue if required.