A positive and respectful culture on Res

Deakin Residential Services (Deakin Res) provides a home to thousands of students across Deakin’s campuses in a safe, secure and supported environment. Residents have access to modern state of the art facilities, a variety of accommodation options to cater for individual needs, a diverse calendar of events and activities, and importantly, 24-7 customer service and security. A broad range of programs and initiatives are in place to support student transition to university life, foster a sense of community, and provide for the health, wellbeing and safety of those students who call Deakin home. In the current climate, a proactive approach to ensuring that a positive and respectful culture is nurtured within the Deakin community has never been more important. 

First and foremost, Deakin Res' RESPECT values guide community expectations and standards amongst the on-campus residential cohort. First crafted in 2016 using a ‘students as partners’ approach, the Deakin Res team worked closely with residents, student leaders, staff and university stakeholders to develop the values, an acronym forming the word ‘respect’ – Responsive, Encouraging, Safe, Proactive, Enjoyable, Connected and Tolerant.  

A wealth of evidence shows that the values are well embedded into the residential community, and the culture of RESPECT continues to grow, evolve, and improve over time. Vincent Wilson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deakin Res, notes, 

DRS’ award-winning resident induction also plays a key role in introducing new students to life on residence, whilst fostering a strong sense of belonging. Required to be completed pre-arrival, the induction includes interactive information covering consent, bystander intervention, drugs and alcohol, safety and security whilst introducing key members of the residential staffing team.   

Deakin Res staff are frequently the first point of call for students reporting an incident or concern, providing crucial support and referral to university services including Safer Community, Counselling and Security where appropriate. Vincent notes “unlike many student accommodation providers, Deakin Res does not rely on on-call staff after-hours, and instead offers genuine round-the-clock staffing on-site every day of the year.”  

A team of volunteer student leaders provide further support, living amongst the community at a ratio of approximately one leader per thirty students. They provide transitional support, role model RESPECT values, recognise and refer student safety, welfare and behavioural concerns to staff and support the planning, facilitation and promotion of a diverse range of activities and events. They’re comprehensively trained in Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, Bystander Intervention, Respectful Relationships, and drug and alcohol education.   

Deakin Res plans to continue to look for ways to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety, as well as the overall residential experience of Deakin students. Vincent highlights,