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27 February 2024

Help us keep Deakin a safe, inclusive and respectful environment by following these values

Being a Deakin student is about more than just getting a degree. We’re a community that celebrates diversity, and promotes a culture of safety, inclusion and respect. Everyone should feel protected and supported, and study in an environment that fosters academic and personal achievement.

While you’re here, we ask you to help us make these values a reality. Here’s how you can do it.

Study honestly
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Our core behaviours are cooperation, honesty and integrity. The Student Code of Conduct and Rights and Responsibilities explain these expectations, which apply both to individual students and the University as a whole.

The foundation of your study should be academic integrity, and all commencing students are automatically enrolled in a compulsory unit on this topic. You’ll find it in the units section of DeakinSync.
Actively contribute to our positive culture
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It’s our collective responsibility to challenge views that condone violence, disrespect, power imbalances and inequity.

To help foster a respectful, safe and inclusive learning environment, we encourage you to complete the Respect at Deakin module, a short online unit that discusses some important issues you may encounter now and in the future. You can find it at any time in DeakinSync under ‘Course sites and useful extras'. Got a question or some feedback? Just email [email protected].

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.
Celebrate diversity
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We want Deakin to be a place 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, Equity and Inclusion programs seek to drive gender equity, respectful behaviours, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, cultural diversity, disability access and inclusion, and student access and participation.
Look after yourself and each other
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Your safety is one of our highest priorities. Before you visit campus, download the free SafeZone App, which will connect you directly to Deakin Security if you need first aid or help in an emergency, or would like to talk to someone in less urgent situations.

Be vigilant about online abuse, cyberbullying, 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 (no matter when or where it happened); to report family violence or problem behaviour; or to access support. All assistance is confidential (unless required by law).
Speak up
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If you see any behaviour that doesn’t align with our values, policies and procedures, or is outside the Student Code of Conduct, call it out if it is safe to do so.

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).

If you see or experience poor behaviour, either in person or online – from offensive or discriminatory language or actions to bullying or harassment – please report it to the Student Conduct Team. They investigate allegations of poor student behaviour, conduct issues and policy breaches.

Harassment and discrimination contact officers are trained to help students with issues of discrimination, harassment or bullying.
Be proud
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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, both now and in the future.


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