Behaviour around College

All Newnham students are responsible for following both the College’s and the University’s Rules of Behaviour. The College rules are intended to support all members of the College Community so that we can live and work harmoniously together. The University’s rules cover student behaviour more widely outside of the College, and additionally cover academic misconduct.

The Rules of Behaviour state, among other things, that students must not:

engage or attempt to engage in physical misconduct, sexual misconduct or abusive behaviour

damage or misappropriate property

endanger the health and safety of anyone

forge, falsify or improperly use information to gain or attempt to gain a personal advantage

engage in violent or anti-social behaviour

behave abusively.

Not knowing or forgetting about the rules or their consequences is not a justification for not following them.

Newnham’s Governing Body has agreed (May 2021) that the College’s Freedom of Speech statement should be understood as being aligned with that of the University, updated December 2020: https://www.governanceandcompliance.admin.cam.ac.uk/governance-and-strategy/university-statement-freedom-speech

During the pandemic the College has had an additional set of rules for students to follow around Covid-19. Should separate rules be needed again they will be listed.

The College occasionally has to impose fines as shown below:   

For taking food or unsealed drinks into the Computer Rooms (Sidgwick Study Room or the Library IT suite)  

• First offence – a warning  
• Second offence – £5 fine  
• Third offence – £10 fine  
• Fourth offence – deactivation of card for a month so that during that period it will no longer open the Computer Room doors.   

For taking unauthorised persons into the Sidgwick Study Room / Library  

• First offence – a warning  
• Second offence – £10 fine  
• Third offence – £15 fine  
• Fourth offence – deactivation of card for a month, see above.  

Misuse of firefighting equipment, fire detection heads, break glasses, fire evacuation chairs and propping open fire doors  

• Up to £250, possible disciplinary and/or criminal prosecution.  

Misuse of University Card or Keys  

• £50 fine for misuse of your University Card or Key, for example, giving your card or key to someone to use to gain late night access, or to purchase food in the Buttery, or to give another individual access to the secure Pigeonhole room; or leaving keys or card for a friend to gain access to your room.  
• If you need to borrow a spare key or card to gain access to your room, you will be asked to return this immediately. Failure to return the Porters’ spare key or card after signing it out will incur a fine, the amount of which will be notified to you depending on the cost to the College to replace the specific key(s)/card you have.  

Late completion of mandatory forms  

• Reminder issued – £3 per day fine to £25 maximum.  

Noise should never be at the level which disturbs other residents, and particularly not at night.

Please be considerate at night, and do not run baths, showers, washing machines or do washing up at unreasonable hours, i.e. between around 11pm and 7am.

Regulations to minimise noise in College

A gathering of more than six people is considered to be a party. Should you wish to hold a gathering of more than six people you need to email the Conference Office Team conference@newn.cam.ac.uk so that the details can be recorded onto the conference diary (KX) and the name and contact information of the “Responsible Person” (hosting the party) is clear, should there be any complaints. No gatherings of six or more people are allowed during the Easter Term (the undergraduate examination period).

Those enjoying the gardens should be aware of not disturbing those working in the College buildings.

During the Easter Term a limited number of social events planned by the JCR Committee and MCR Committee will be held, but strict adherence to the noise regulations will apply.

Bar and party room rules

For guidance and policies on academic matters, welfare and safeguarding, please go to the Student procedures and guidance page.