UQ staff available to discuss student concerns

UQ Student Services staff are available to assist any students who wish to discuss concerns arising from news reports about Emmanuel College.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright said the reports concerned a publication produced by students at Emmanuel College, an independent residential college under the auspices of the Presbyterian and Uniting churches.

“We will be discussing our concerns about this matter with the college,” she said.

“The University deplores the comments printed in the publication, regardless of their origin. Such comments are totally unacceptable and are in direct contradiction to UQ’s response to this year’s Australian Human Rights Commission Respect. Now. Always. survey and report.

“UQ’s work with students and other partners has included providing consent and respectful relationships training to the student executives of the 10 independent residential colleges.

“The University has also offered the colleges’ governing bodies access to services and training to deal with matters surrounding unacceptable behaviour,” Professor Wright said.

She said other UQ initiatives had included:

• The introduction of a comprehensive Sexual Misconduct Policy and procedures covering students, staff and the UQ community
• working with the UQ Students’ Union to develop education and awareness campaigns to focus on prevention and appropriate responses to disclosure
• launching an online training module to educate UQ students and staff on consent, sexual assault and sexual harassment 
• establishing a Sexual Misconduct Support Unit – a specialist-trained unit where staff and students can access support, advice and counselling 
• establishing a First Responder Network to facilitate the disclosure of sexual assault and sexual harassment, and provide a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.

Any students who wish to speak to Student Services can call 3365 1704.

Media: communications@uq.edu.au, 3365 1120.