Four students have been excluded from Otago University, and dozens faced punishments, over a series of concerning flat initiations

Initiations often involve a number of challenges for incoming flat mates, but the Otago Students' Association says last year's were a step up from usual - with some involving animal cruelty, including biting the legs off a live duck.

Proctor Dave Scott says an investigation revealed serious misconduct against 58 Otago students and three students from Te Pukenga.

While four were excluded from the university for a semester, seven withdrew themselves before facing discipline.

Punishment for those found in breach of the code of conduct, but not excluded, includes between 40 and 60 hours of community work, and final warnings.