Dear staff,
This week, UQ will be joining universities across the country to host Respect at Uni Week from 18 to 22 March. This important campaign aims to raise awareness of sexual and gender-based violence, and we have a program of workshops and events throughout the week for staff and students.
I want to take the opportunity to reiterate the University’s ongoing commitment to encouraging a safe and respectful environment for staff and students.
As part of this commitment, this year we introduced mandatory UQ Respect training for students and Appropriate Workplace Behaviours training for staff to improve prevention, understanding of consent, and our response to, and support for victims and survivors.
More than 99% of our undergraduate students and 93% of staff have completed these training modules. If you have not yet completed the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour training in Workday I would encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
We have also enhanced our SafeZone app to include new wellbeing and support features. The app is easily downloaded and enables staff and students to make emergency calls, including to UQ security, report incidents and access a range of support directly from their phone.
The University strongly supports the Education Ministers’ Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education. The UQ Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct, Prevention and Response, which I chair, will ensure that our UQ Action Plan aligns with the principles and actions outlined in the Government’s plan.
I want to assure you that preventing and responding to sexual misconduct that impacts on our community will continue to be one of my priorities in 2024 and beyond.
Best wishes
Debbie
