Respect at the University

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

As a global university seeking to attract and retain the best students and employees as well as form collaborative partnerships with global institutions and businesses, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. We will continue to develop and enhance our services, policies and practices to ensure all members of the University community enjoy a safe, diverse and inclusive environment. We’re also continuing to develop and refine our polices, practices and staff training to eliminate unlawful discrimination.

Your rights and responsibilities

Whether you’re a student or member of staff, on campus or online, we’re all responsible for personal behaviour of the highest standard and have the right to expect the same from others.

Everyone’s right, everyone’s responsibility

We’re all part of a community working to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Our community embraces diversity, which means always treating everyone equitably, fairly, and with respect. At every opportunity, we’ll facilitate and celebrate diversity, and address under-representation across our student, staff and community groups.

You have the right to:

• Feel safe and supported
• Be valued for who you are
• Have political or religious views that are different to others.

You are responsible for:

• Treating everyone equitably and fairly
• Adhering to the Student Conduct Policy
• Understanding and modelling the Student Charter
• Knowing when no is the answer: respecting each others' boundaries and consent decisions.

Events, programs and support materials

• Student clubs and societies: One of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to get involved, meet new people, try new things, expand your social circle or connect with like-minded people at Uni.
• New Student Precinct: Re-imagining the student experience at Parkville with a new precinct where students can connect, study, innovate and unwind.
• Consent Matters online course: An online course covering our expectations of appropriate student conduct, tips on being an active bystander and where to find support services at the University. Accessed through the LMS.
• Respect and Diversity Week: Running in March every year we celebrate our commitment to a safe, inclusive, connected and respectful University community that embraces diversity.
• Midsumma Pride March: Parade, pride and party come together once a year in Melbourne's iconic march celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity.
• Safer Community Program: Promoting a respectful, inclusive, and connected campus community and offering the opportunity to seek support and advice about behaviours of concern
• Anonymous Register for Inappropriate Behaviour: Allows students, staff, alumni or visitors to record instances of inappropriate behaviour without making a formal report.
• UniSafe app: Quick access to the Safer Community Program, and information, resources and tools to enhance your safety.
• Student Equity and Disability Support: Providing services for students who need ongoing support with their studies.
• Melbourne Disability Institute: Promoting collaboration across the University to address the complex problems facing people with disabilities, their families and carers.
• Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): Our third RAP has been awarded the highest status – Elevate – demonstrating leadership in reconciliation. We aim to foster an environment of deep mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, through engaging with, and learning from, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.
• Respect Taskforce: Overseeing the University’s strategies to further improve our culture, policies and practices towards preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment.
• Melbourne Social Equity Institute: Bringing together researchers to address disadvantage across social life.
• Equity Innovation Grants: Funding to encourage initiatives focusing on low-SES student entry and retention, success and completion.