How you can have a positive impact on the Deakin community
At Deakin, we pride ourselves on our values and celebrate diversity. Our culture is defined by safety, inclusion and respect. We want everyone to feel protected and supported, and to study in an environment that fosters academic and personal achievement.
Every member of the Deakin community has a role to play in living these values. This is even more important as we continue to meet the challenges of COVID-19, which has changed the way we live, study and connect.
Be responsible
We reject any inappropriate behaviour in our working, learning and residential environments. Our Student Code of Conduct and Rights and Responsibilities outline the expectations we have of each other, and explain core behaviours of cooperation, honesty and integrity.
One of your most important responsibilities is academic integrity. All commencing students are automatically enrolled in a compulsory unit on this topic (see the My Units tab of DeakinSync).
Be respectful
It’s our collective responsibility to address unacceptable attitudes and behaviours. We challenge views that condone violence, disrespect, power imbalances and inequity.
To support this aim, all commencing students are expected to complete the Respectful Behaviour module, which you’ll find in the units section of DeakinSync and on Cloud Deakin. The module fosters a respectful, safe and inclusive learning and working environment by examining issues such as human rights, gender equality, gender-based violence, respectful relationships and consent.
Be aware
Through education and leadership, we aspire to create a culture where students and staff can speak up and share their diverse experiences, ideas and perspectives.
To ensure everyone feels a strong sense of belonging, our Diversity and Inclusion programs seek to drive gender equity, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, cultural diversity, disability access and inclusion, and student access and participation.
Be safe
Your safety is one of our highest priorities. Our security team works tirelessly to keep all our spaces safe, even while campus access is restricted.
If you do visit campus, download the free SafeZone App, which will connect you directly with security services if you need first aid or help in an emergency, or would like to talk to someone in less urgent situations. You also need to know how to keep our campuses COVIDSafe.
As you study online, be vigilant about scams and cybersecurity, and learn how to stay safe online.
We’re also committed to preventing and addressing sexual harm. Contact Safer Community to report or make a disclosure of sexual harm (recent or historical, and either on- or off-campus); to report domestic family violence or problem behaviour; or to access support. All assistance is confidential.
Want to find out more about how to support someone who’s experienced disrespectful behaviour? Email [email protected] to access our online student training module or arrange a training session for your student group.
Be vocal
If you see any behaviour that doesn’t align with our values, policies and procedures, or is outside the Student Code of Conduct, speak up!
For urgent or immediate help with problem behaviour, or if someone is in imminent danger, contact Deakin Security or Victoria Police on Triple Zero (000).
The Student Conduct Team investigates allegations of poor student behaviour, conduct issues and policy breaches. If you see or experience poor online behaviour – from offensive or discriminatory language or actions to bullying or harassment – please report it.
Harassment and discrimination contact officers (HDCOs) are trained to assist students with issues of discrimination, harassment or bullying. A network of over 75 staff across every campus acts as HDCOs.
You can also be a positive force for change by learning how to become an active bystander. Our free training gives you tools for dealing with difficult situations – like a joke that makes you feel uncomfortable or constitutes sexual harassment – in a practical and positive way. Email [email protected] for information on upcoming training.
Be proud
We want you to enjoy your time here and be proud graduates at the end of your journey. Help us to keep Deakin a welcoming, respectful and progressive place now and in the future.
Enjoy Trimester 1 and happy studying!