Reporting unwanted behaviour on campus

At Macquarie we all have the right to work, study and live in an environment where we feel safe and treated with respect.

Understanding unwanted or inappropriate behaviour

Macquarie University is a large and diverse community, with people who have different expectations and experiences, and this can result in not all interactions being ideal.

These situations can often be resolved directly, and respectfully, so we remind you that students, staff and visitors need to treat each other with courtesy and consideration.

Some situations may mean speaking directly to the person who is not behaving appropriately, and sometimes it may require the university to take steps to remind them.

The information below will help you understand how to address the issue, and where the University can take action.

The University can only take action regarding events that are related to the university environment, and activities related to your studies (this includes all university-related activities).

You may be referred to external organisations if events happened outside the University environment and activities.

Emergency support

If you require immediate help or medical attention, contact:

  • On-campus:  +61 (2) 9850 9999 (Security)
  • Off-campus:  000 (Emergency Services)
  • After hours support and assistance: 1800 CARE MQ (1800 2273 67)

What you can do to address inappropriate behaviour

Behaviour considered unwanted or inappropriate for one person, may not be for another. It is important that wherever possible, you communicate that behaviour you have experienced or witnessed is unacceptable.

Behaviour you may wish to stop includes:

  • Unwanted messages from another student
  • Unwanted or unpleasant comments at university or in a learning environment, including placements, field trips, or student group events
  • A student or staff member strongly disagrees with your opinion, and personally insults or belittles you for your opinion. University should be part of broadening our minds, but differing opinions should be dealt with respectfully.
  • A student or staff member gives you negative feedback of an unnecessary or unwarranted nature, or in a personal or insulting manner. Feedback should form part of a constructive and considerate conversation, to help us learn and grow.

Actions you can take include:

  • Letting them know you feel uncomfortable about their behaviour and explain why the behaviour affected you
  • You can also ask somebody you trust, such as another student or Macquarie staff, to help you discuss with the person
  • Blocking that person from your social media accounts (if new accounts are being created by the person, this may be a serious behaviour)

Serious forms of inappropriate or unwanted behaviour

The forms of unwanted or inappropriate behaviour mentioned above are problematic, but can be addressed more easily.

Other behaviours that may threaten your mental and physical wellbeing, are more serious. These behaviours should be reported to the University so we can take action and support you.

These behaviours include:

Advice

If you feel that your safety is threatened, or the other person’s behaviour is significantly affecting your study, you can submit a report or discuss this confidentially with staff at Student Wellbeing:

How we can help

Our staff can confidentially discuss the situation with you and help to identify options for responding.  For example:

  • Staff could request a meeting to discuss the behaviour with the person.
  • Staff could assist you to make a complaint about student misconduct, refer you to legal advice, or help you report to NSW Police.

Inappropriate behaviour reporting

You can contact staff and seek our support by making an inappropriate or unwanted behaviour report. We encourage you to report, particularly in the case of serious behaviours.

Submit an inappropriate or unwanted behaviour report