Support for Jewish students

Page updated: 18 February 2026

Support with your studies and research

There are a range of ways that the University can support you with your assessments or other research requirements if you need additional assistance.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for support regarding assessments, including a short extension. In some cases, you may be eligible for Special consideration.

Special consideration provides a one-off adjustment to an assessment task and is applied close to or shortly after the assessment’s due date. Examples of circumstances where students seek Special consideration include in response to a short-term health condition, bereavement, hardship, trauma or as a victim of crime.

Please note that the Academic Registrar has approved the temporary use of a statutory declaration or a personalised letter from the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) that clearly states your name, as acceptable forms of documentation for confirming eligibility for Special consideration. 

For more information on the resources available via AUJS for Special consideration, please see the AUJS website.

You may also wish to consider applying for an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP), noting the criteria regarding official religious and cultural observances. For more information, see the Student Equity & Disability Services (SEDS) website.

For international student visa holders there are also a range of supports available to you, especially where you can demonstrate compassionate and compelling circumstances.

There are also a range of Academic Skills resources that can help you better manage your studies or research, including resources to improve your time management, or studying effectively.

Support with your graduate research – know your options regarding leave

For Graduate Researchers in particular, there are a range of different resources and supports available via the Graduate Research Hub. This includes a dedicated section on managing difficulties.

In some situations, you may need to take a leave of absence.

You can also seek support from your research supervisors, and a range of key contacts are also available to you.

Support on Campus

University Security provides a range of services to the University community, including a 24/7 control room which can be contacted by calling 834 46666 or 1800 246 066 (free call).

In a life-threatening emergency call 000, then call University Security on 834 46666.

All students and graduate researchers are strongly encouraged to download the SafeZone app, which can be used whenever you are at a University of Melbourne location, including regional and metropolitan campuses, affiliated hospitals, and residential colleges. When travelling for work or study, you can also use SafeZone to contact local emergency services.

The Safer Community Program is a free and confidential service for students and staff, and provides support and advice to members of the University of Melbourne community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.

Safer Community Program staff are specialists who are passionate about their work and driven to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Reporting antisemitism on campus

If you experience any inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, you are encouraged to contact the Safer Community Program.

If you choose to make a report to the University, staff from the Safer Community Program can support you to do so. They can also refer you to other specialist support services and help you to deal with any impact on your studies.

If you observe any offensive graffiti, stickers, or other vandalism, they can be reported via Safezone using the ‘vandalism’ reporting function.

If you wish to make a formal complaint about the actions of a staff member or student, please review the details available on the Student complaints and grievances website.

There are a range of circumstances where you may also wish to contact the National Student Ombudsman including where you are dissatisfied with how your complaint was handled by the University, if you believe a decision was made in error or that the University has acted unfairly, or if you can’t directly make a complaint to the University.

Faith based support

Students and staff from all faiths – or of no faith – are welcome to make contact with a chaplain for pastoral and spiritual care, support in difficult times, or when you just need someone to talk to.

Rabbi Boruch Broh is a member of the University Chaplaincy Team and is also a valued member of Chabad Youth.

Rabbi Boruch Broh can be contacted via: chaplains-team@unimelb.edu.au.

Counselling and Health Services

Our Counselling and Psychological Services staff are here to support you, with new client appointments made available each day. This free, confidential service is available for students and graduate researchers to access throughout the year.

The service includes individual appointments as well as a range of workshops, mental health training, and helpful resources.

If you have not previously used this service, please take a look at the what to expect page for a guide to how the service operates.

Mental health crisis support is also available, should you require same-day or urgent support from a mental health professional. Find out how to access crisis support during or after business hours.

The University Health Service is available to support you, with experienced medical doctors and nurses who have a deep knowledge of the medical and health issues most commonly faced by students and graduate researchers.

For international students, please ensure you bring your BUPA health insurance card (or equivalent, if you have insurance with another provider). Details on the fees you can expect, and how to claim many of these back from your health insurer are available on the fees page.

Financial support

The University offers a financial aid service, which includes a range of loans and grants for both students and graduate researchers. You may also be eligible for a one-off financial hardship grant.

Emergency Support Grants of up to $1,000 continue to be available.

Understanding your responsibilities and entitlements as a member of our university community

As members of the University’s community, you need to be familiar with the key principles underpinning the partnership between students and the University.

You are encouraged to read and reflect on your rights and responsibilities, your entitlements, and the commitments that the University has made to you as a member of our community.

The student rights and responsibilities web page was updated and communicated to all students in March 2025. It includes information on how to raise a concern or issue or submit a formal complaint or grievance.

The Student Charter reflects the values of the University of Melbourne. It sets out what students are responsible for and what they are entitled to expect. We are a scholarly community committed to the common enterprise of learning in an environment that respects diversity in all its forms, and to the principles of justice, equity and the pursuit of excellence.

You are encouraged to read and reflect on your responsibilities, your entitlements, and the commitments that the University has made to you as a member of our community.

Engaging with your community

There are a range of different student communities you are encouraged to connect with, including the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), the Graduate Student Association (GSA), and UMSU International (UMSU-I).

The Jewish Students Society, as an UMSU affiliated student club, is also a group that all Jewish students and graduate researchers are encouraged to connect with and join.

Communications from the University to all students

Below are messages sent to all students regarding expectations of behaviour and our policies in order of newest to oldest.

  • To all members of our university community,

    Yesterday was a profoundly tragic day for Australia.

    Today, we are grieving following the horrific events in Bondi. This was a devastating, senseless act of antisemitic violence. It targeted families and community members who were gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah together. Lives have been lost and many others have been seriously injured. We have also seen acts of immense courage from members of the community and emergency services that reflect the very best of our nation.

    Our thoughts are with all the victims, including those who were injured, their families and communities, and everyone touched by this tragedy. We stand with the Jewish community in Australia at this time of deep sorrow. We echo the words of the Prime Minister: “You have the right to worship, study, live and work in peace and safety and you enrich us as a nation.” This is true for everyone in our university community.

    As a university community, we stand firmly against antisemitism and terrorism in any form. Racism, hatred and violence have no place in our society or our nation. We reaffirm our commitment to a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all. As a diverse university community, we must come together and stand united in our continued efforts to eradicate hate.

    Many in our community will be feeling understandably distressed. Please continue to look out for one another and make use of the support services provided by the University. If you or someone you know needs help, please connect with our Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all students and staff, alongside our other student support services.

    As we move through the final weeks of the year, there are several activities, including our graduation ceremonies, that bring us together. During this difficult time, the strength of our university community lies in our respect, care and inclusivity. Coming together and staying connected as a community matters.

    Please take care of yourselves and of each other.

    Jane Hansen
    Chancellor    		Emma Johnston
    Vice-Chancellor

  • Dear students,

    Thank you to all our students, student representatives, clubs and societies, and staff members for creating an incredibly warm and welcoming start to the semester.

    A special thank you to everyone involved in helping our new students find likeminded peers and discover new experiences in Orientation and these early weeks. This includes those who ran and took part in the vibrant festivities ranging from Wominjeka, Holi, Ramadan Grand Iftar hosted by the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) and the Nowruz Persian New Year celebration hosted by the Graduate Student Associate (GSA). You can see what else is coming up through Discover UniMelb, UMSU Events and GSA Events.

    It was also wonderful to see so many students exploring opportunities through Employability Week and the Graduate Careers Fair. I encourage you to consider the upcoming Study Overseas Fair to meet with partner institutions, hear from returned exchange students and discuss your overseas study options.

    Next week is Respect at Uni Week, an initiative aimed at promoting a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion across all universities in Victoria, with a focus on the prevention of sexual harm. Throughout the week, there will be opportunity for you to participate in events and activities in person or online.

    Through my conversations with many students, it’s clear there is an ongoing commitment to create a campus environment where everyone can fully participate and feel safe to do so. The University is, and must remain, a welcoming place for all. To help make sure all students feel that they can participate safely and fully in university life, please read about our student rights and responsibilities so that you understand what is expected of you, and what you can expect of others in your time at Melbourne.

    We have support teams to help you through your time at university, so please reach out to seek advice or help on anything you’re unsure of.

    Emma Johnston
    Vice-Chancellor

  • Dear student,

    Our University community is uniquely diverse, and a place where everyone belongs. I’m writing to make sure you know what support is available to you, how to raise any concerns you might have, and the important role that you play in keeping our university a safe and welcoming place for all.

    Your personal experiences equip you to share valuable contributions and insights inside and outside the classroom. The University values respectful and lawful freedom of speech and debate, free of vilification, discrimination, intimidation, hatred or malice. In your interactions and activities as a student, remember that others have different experiences and perspectives, and all students have the right to learn from each other through respectful and open discussion.

    How the University protects and upholds your rights and responsibilities

    As a University of Melbourne student, your rights and responsibilities are outlined in our Student Charter, regulations and policies . Some of the University's expectations and rules include:

    University rules are periodically updated. While the University will work to make sure these responsibilities are clear to students and staff, you are also responsible for understanding and following the rules that apply to you.

    You will need to be able to present your student card at any time requested by staff or campus security while you are on our campuses, to verify your identity as a student.

    Find out more about the University’s expected standards of behaviour and ways to raise a concern or make a complaint on our student rights and responsibilities page.

    How to seek support or report a concern

    You can seek support in a number of ways:

    The Student Services team and I are here to help you through your student journey, and we want you to have a wonderful university experience.

    Thank you for playing your part to create a welcoming place for all, and I look forward to supporting you in 2025.

    Best wishes,

    Joanne Ligouris
    Academic Registrar

  • Dear students,

    Welcome to the 2025 Academic Year. We are delighted to see you all – those of you who are new students embarking on a new degree course or coming to university for the very first time, or those of you who are returning to continue your studies. It is wonderful for us all to come together again after the summer and we are excited about the academic year ahead for our university community.

    As we start the year, we hope that you will all embrace campus life and forge your path as a member of our university community. You are here to learn, but also to contribute your unique perspectives and experiences in an environment where we prioritise wellbeing, respect and understanding.

    You are encouraged to embrace the part you play in strengthening our societal values of critical thinking, respectful debate, freedom of speech and academic freedom as a University of Melbourne student, where every one of our students is welcome and belongs on our campuses and in our community.

    New Campus Canteen now open

    This week, the Campus Canteen on Grattan Street in our Parkville campus officially opened its doors offering $5 meals on weekdays. A second location is coming soon to Southbank. Last year, you told us that healthy, nutritious and affordable food is a priority. With thanks to input from many students around the University, both locations will serve lunch and dinner five days a week, with breakfast also available from 8am at Grattan Street.

    Coming up

    Wominjeka: 13 March

    Come and be welcomed to the University for 2025 by our Indigenous leaders and elders at Wominjeka, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung for welcome or ‘come, with purpose’.

    Employability, mentoring and personal development

    Undergraduate students are also encouraged to attend their academic advising and peer mentoring sessions to make valuable connections and talk about their goals and aspirations.

    Discover UniMelb

    See another side of campus life and meet new people at Discover UniMelb events, including Holi, our Volunteering and Experience Fair and our Study Overseas Fair.

    Taking care of yourself

    We encourage you to prioritise self-care during your studies, and we’re here to help you in doing that. Visit our Health and Wellbeing Digital Hub to explore events, workshops and resources to help you recharge and focus on what matters.

    Rights and responsibilities on campus

    The University upholds and protects your rights and responsibilities through our Student Charter, rules, regulations and policies. Find out more on our rights and responsibilities page to ensure you understand your role as a member of our university community.

    From 3 March 2025, a specific rule makes it clear that indoor protest on our campuses and protest that obstructs entry or exits of buildings, or that unreasonably disrupts University operations, is prohibited.

    Seeking assistance

    Support is never far away if you need help. If you have any concerns and need to seek assistance or raise an issue during your studies, you can contact the Safer Community Program for confidential advice and assistance. You may also wish to download the SafeZone app for easy access to University Security, first aid, emergency and wellbeing assistance and reporting graffiti or other inappropriate material.

    This year, the support we offer to all students will continue to improve. There will be opportunities for you to contribute throughout the year to ensure different perspectives inform our academic and campus experiences. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing the excitement of your learning and discovery as the year unfolds.

    Emma Johnston
    Vice-Chancellor

    Nicola Phillips
    Provost

  • To all members of our University community,

    I write to you in relation to activity on our Parkville campus today where a group of students are exercising their right to protest by setting up an encampment on the University’s South Lawn.

    As I wrote to you back in October, the conflict in Israel and Gaza has created great fear, distress and suffering. This affects both our Jewish and our Palestinian and Muslim communities, around the world and here on campus.

    The University of Melbourne is a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith community made up of more than 80,000 students and staff combined, where a wide range of views exists. All perspectives are welcome, but these must be expressed in a peaceful and respectful way, so that everyone can fully participate in university life.

    The University deplores and actively stands against all forms of racism, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

    Policies and conduct

    Respect for peaceful protest is core to the University’s values and such protest is protected by law and our policies. We have a duty to uphold the principles of academic freedom and free speech. Equally, everyone has the right to be safe and to feel welcome on campus. As an institution and as individual members of the university community, each of us has a duty to ensure that our students, staff, and those visiting our campus are not subjected to violence, threat or intimidation. At all times, the safety of our staff, students and visitors is paramount.

    The University does not support the exercise of freedom of speech when the speech undermines the capacity of individuals to participate fully in the University, is unlawful, prejudices the fulfilment by the University of its duty to foster the safety and wellbeing of staff and students, or unreasonably disrupts the activities or operations of the University.

    As communicated to all students in March, the University’s policies provide the framework for ensuring that the university operates fairly and in accordance with the law. Our policies also provide the basis for addressing actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community. The relevant policies are as follows:

    To be clear, behaviours we will not tolerate and that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:

    • Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
    • Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
    • Blocking access to buildings or activities
    • Causing damage to University property
    • Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
    • Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
    • Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
    • Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.

    Support and security on campus

    Senior representatives of the University are in direct communication with students on a range of matters related to the current activism on campus, including elected representatives of several official student organisations.

    Any member of our University community with concerns for their safety should contact our Safer Community program, or, for assistance with an immediate concern, University Security.

    To ensure the safety and security of all, including those participating in protest or activism, University Security follows established protocols to respond to disruptions and unscheduled activities on campus. In addition, in order to observe and maintain public order, Victoria Police may themselves choose independently of the University to attend campus at any time.

    Finally, I implore you to treat every individual in our university community with respect and consideration, regardless of any difference of opinion. The right to freedom of expression comes with the shared responsibility to uphold and acknowledge the rights of others.

    Duncan Maskell

  • I am writing to outline your rights and responsibilities as a member of our University community, specifically when it comes to protests, activism, raising complaints and every individual’s right to feel safe on campus. You have an important role to play in contributing to everybody’s sense of belonging and security.

    Many of our students and staff have strong ties to other communities, including those facing hardship, conflict, distress and significant suffering.

    Respectful disagreement, freedom of speech and our policies

    The University actively supports members of our student community to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to protest on issues that matter to them.

    Our University community is home to many different views and opinions, and you may strongly disagree with some of these. Open-minded inquiry, encountering challenging ideas and respectful disagreement are part of the fabric of the University.

    While we support your right to protest and express your ideas, please recognise that such rights and freedoms come with limitations. Our shared responsibility to respect the rights of others in the University and the broader community are outlined in our Student Charter.

    We have official policies that serve to protect protests and other forms of student activism on campus and during University-supported activities, as well as to prevent actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community.

    Examples of actions or behaviours that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:

    • Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
    • Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
    • Blocking access to buildings or activities
    • Causing damage to University property
    • Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
    • Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
    • Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
    • Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.

    Seek support and know where to find out more

    As noted above, while each of us has a right to freedom of speech, you are also able to raise concerns and seek support.

    Please feel free to seek support or to raise a concern by writing to me.  
    If you ever have concerns for your safety, please contact our Safer Community program.

    You may wish to explore the resources below:

    We will not tolerate any form of racism or violence on our campuses or within our communities.

    Thank you for playing your part to create a welcoming place for all.

    Joanne Ligouris
    Academic Registrar