Scarfies' behaviour 'going downhill'

There are growing concerns about unruly student behaviour and the possibility of personal attacks on staff, according to a report prepared for the University of Otago.

The report highlighted the anti-social behaviour prevalent in the North Dunedin haunt of students, and the "high level" of concern by staff and others about it.

The Otago Daily Times said the university admitted there was no magic cure for the anti-social student behaviour and had not recommended the introduction of tougher discipline.

However, the university would take up some of the recommendations in the report, which it discussed yesterday behind closed doors ahead of its public release.

University vice-chancellor David Skegg said the council had unanimously endorsed recommendations in the report designed to address unruly behaviour.

The report recommended the development of a code of conduct on the standards of behaviour expected of all students, which would see the university extend its role in policing student behaviour beyond the campus.

Professor Skegg said he hoped the code might be in place before the end of the year.

The report said there was a widespread belief the university had to take action following a rise in vandalism, fires, broken bottles and late night noise.

Among staff concerns noted in the report were the risk of confrontation, personal attack and property damage posed by inebriated students.

Included as possibilities for improving the situation were the introduction of security cameras, a campus watch patrol, and discussions with liquor outlets about selling alcohol in plastic bottles.

- NZPA