Murdoch University has reported its vice chancellor, Professor Richard Higgott, to the Corruption and Crime Commission following an internal investigation.
The university senate voted unanimously on Friday to suspend Professor Higgott on full pay subject to further investigation.
The findings of the investigation have been referred to the CCC under section 28 of the Corruption and Crime Commission Act (2003).
Murdoch University chancellor David Flanagan said in a statement the decision to suspend Professor Higgott was regrettable but necessary as a result of the findings of the investigation and the university's policies.
"As a public authority Murdoch University has very clear duty under the CCC Act to report any matters which it suspects concern or may concern misconduct, which we have done," Mr Flanagan said.
"We have forwarded to the CCC the outcomes of the investigation and we will continue to fully cooperate with the CCC in relation to these matters.
"The senate has determined that it is in the best interests of the university that Professor Higgott be suspended pending further inquiries.
"Despite these events, Murdoch University is recognised internationally for its research, learning and teaching and we remain committed to realising this vision."
Mr Flanagan said that pro vice chancellor Professor Andrew Taggart would step in as interim vice chancellor.
In a statement issued Friday, the CCC said it had been "aware of a number of allegations relating to the Murdoch University vice chancellor and has been monitoring the university's inquiries".
"Yesterday [Thursday], the commission received a provisional report from the university. This included a number of new allegations.
"All of these matters are now being assessed by the commission."
