In one development, University of Otago vice-chancellor David Skegg has warned students, by email, they risk the value of their degrees being "trashed" by students who misbehave.
In a second letter to "The Occupants: Castle Street", the university proctor, on the eve of an anticipated street party, has warned that people found committing offences "could be placing their future at the university in jeopardy".
And in a countermove, the Otago University Students Association has vowed to go to court over several students who have been "removed" from the university because of their conduct.
In a welcome-back letter to students, Prof Skegg devotes much attention to the importance of good behaviour.
Prof Skegg noted the university's academic staff continued to do outstanding research, several new research centres had been established and researchers had been "very successful" in attracting funding support.
"Despite all these achievements, it is sad to note that the aspect of Otago that has received the most media attention this year, both nationally and around the world, was the disgraceful behaviour surrounding the toga parade in February."
Car and shop windows were smashed and Dunedin's main street was left littered with eggs, rubbish and vomit after the 2000-strong toga parade.
Prof Skegg said it took many years for a university to build a reputation.
"I am sure that Otago students, like the more than 75,000 Otago alumni living throughout New Zealand and around the globe, do not want to see the reputation of their degrees trashed by a very small minority of students."
The letter went on to apologise to "the majority" of students who "did not need" to receive the letter because they had "no inclination" towards antisocial behaviour.
Prof Skegg said during the year, six students had been "removed" from the university.
"In virtually every case there are individual circumstances that make me feel considerable sympathy for the student involved.
"Excessive alcohol consumption is usually an underlying factor and, almost invariably, the students [along with their families] feel deep regret for what has occurred."
Prof Skegg reminded students they were bound by the university's code of student conduct.
He also said it had been noted with satisfaction that in the two years since its introduction "there has been a steep decline in anti-social incidents in north Dunedin".
The proctor's letter advised Castle St students that police had said they would have staff in the area for the street party and "they intend to strictly enforce the law".
"Your co-operation is requested in ensuring that everyone attending the street party has a good time but . . . are also aware that they are responsible for the consequences of their own actions."
Last night, OUSA president Edwin Darlow issued a statement saying the association had decided to seek a judicial review over the university's decision to "exclude" several students.
It considers Prof Skegg "acted unlawfully" in applying the code of conduct to student conduct outside the university's jurisdiction.
It also considered the appeals board acted unlawfully and that "in any event" the penalty imposed was disproportionate to the offences committed.
The association has always opposed the code of conduct on the grounds that the disciplinary measures were too harsh.
Mr Darlow said the association did not condone the conduct during the toga parade but it wanted to ensure members were treated fairly.
"As such, OUSA feels it necessary to seek a judicial review in order to ensure that the university's code of conduct is not applied in a manner that is unfair to our members."
