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Students walking through Waurn Ponds Campus

6 May 2022

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Dear Students,

** CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that the following information may be triggering. If you would like support, please contact the support services listed below. ** 

Our entire Deakin community is shocked and saddened by the death of Chen Cheng. We extend our deepest sympathies to Chen’s family and friends. 

Deakin academic Adam Brown has been charged with Chen’s murder and has been remanded in custody until September. 

On Wednesday night, I joined staff and students on our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds, Burwood and Warrnambool campuses for a candlelight vigil to remember Chen and all of the women and children in our community lost to family violence in the last year.

Our academic and professional support teams have been helping students and staff affected by this serious crime. On Tuesday, we suspended the relevant units so the course content could be revised. I extend my thanks to those involved in all aspects of this challenging work.

Everyone has the right to live, work and study in a safe and supportive environment. Deakin is steadfast in its commitment to oppose all forms of domestic and family violence and we will continue to improve our programs and support services.

Through these difficult days, it is important to remember that you are not alone; the Deakin community is there to support you and we can help each other. 

If you need help or wish to access either Deakin or external support services, I encourage you to do so. Like Deakin, these services take domestic and family violence very seriously and are ready to support you not only during this time, but anytime you need:

Support available external to Deakin: 

The wellbeing, safety and support of our community continues to be our priority.

Best wishes,
Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor



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