Online behaviour and safety
If you experience disrespectful or abusive online behaviour, you can seek support and report it.
Before you do something online, ask yourself ‘Would I do or say the same thing in person?’ If the answer is "No", then don't do it online, either.
Online environments
Online environments at Macquarie include:
- online lectures and tutorials
- discussions on email and iLearn
- chat and social media channels
- online co-curricular programs such as mentoring and Peer Assisted Learning
- online student group events and informal study groups.
Good online behaviour
- Treat others with respect.
- Don’t act in a way that stops others from participating in uni.
- Don't act in a way that stops others from enjoying their uni experience.
- Be mindful of the safety and wellbeing of others – physically and mentally.
- Do not damage the University’s reputation.
Ask permission before filming and posting online
Did you know that you can’t just post teaching materials online?
Did you know that you can’t just post a recording online?
COVID-19 has meant we have all had to adjust to a new way of learning online.
Just like studying in a classroom, there are things you can do, and things you can’t! It’s important to consider how your actions show respect for others and build trust with each other. If you want to record or film a meeting, activity, event, or discussion, both online and on campus, you always need to ensure you do this with the consent of all participants involved. This allows participants to maintain their confidentiality should they wish to - i.e. by muting their audio and/or turning off their camera.
- Students cannot use any online teaching materials for any purpose other than their own studies.
- Students cannot copy or disclose elsewhere, teaching materials or the content of dialogues or discussions that you see or participate in as a result of your access to iLearn and other University platforms.
If you do so, you may be in breach of University policy and/or copyright and other laws. Policies at the University provide guidance about how our students and staff are expected to behave while at Macquarie University.
Not sure what that means?
If you’re not sure what appropriate use of recording is, then please take some time to familiarise yourself with the recently updated Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy Misuse Schedule. It provides some examples of activities that constitute misuse of IT Resources. 'Misuse’ includes but is not limited to:
- (j) use which constitutes unauthorised recording, publishing, or communication of University lectures, tutorials, meetings or conversations;
Please also remember that anything you post online can affect your digital reputation which could in turn impact any future career decisions you make. It may surprise you to learn that many companies use social media activity as part of a background check when screening potential employees. They may routinely look at their applicants’ public online activity.
Extra resources
- The eSafety Commission also has many great resources about how to stay safe online, and what to do if you experience problems. Read about Consent for sharing photos and videos.
- If you have concerns about someone’s behaviour or conduct, please refer it to your course convenor in the first instance and if you have any other privacy related questions or concerns please contact privacyofficer@mq.edu.au
Tips for effective online communication
Ask respectfully
Word your comments clearly, and don’t overwhelm your reader with lots of information.
View a sample email of how to communicate respectfully with your tutor or lecturer.
Read in context and don't respond instantly
When you read a forum post or an email reply that seems offensive or upsetting, don’t react immediately. Take a moment to think about the issue and get perspective. Respond when you’re feeling calmer.
Write carefully
Understand that physical cues are missing when we communicate online, which makes it difficult to express humour, irony, sarcasm, disagreement or frustration. Use language thoughtfully in online communication, and take care to write responsibly and clearly to try to avoid miscommunication.
Listen actively in online classes
Show respect for your classmates by asking questions and offering responses, as if you were in a face-to-face classroom.
Manage conflict well
Not everyone will agree all the time - disagreement is normal. Don’t escalate conflict online. You can show your communications skills during online disagreements by:
- Explaining your position clearly.
- Taking responsibility for your actions.
- Being prepared to compromise with others.
If you’re involved in disagreement online, think about whether you should move to a private setting if it’s safe to do so. Continuing in a public space, such as chat or online group can make the situation worse. Move to one-on-one communications such as email, or private chat.
Further tips and information
The eSafety Commission has many great resources about how to stay safe online, and what to do if you experience problems. Read about how to manage situations when someone is creating drama, trolling, or sharing photos.
Contact us
If you experience disrespectful or abusive online behaviour, you can get support and report it.
Support for students
Student Wellbeing
T: +61 (2) 9850 7497 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm)
T: 1800 227 367 (24/7)
E: wellbeing@mq.edu.au
Lifeline
T: 13 11 14
W: www.lifeline.org.au
MensLine
T: 1300 789 978 (phone and online support and counselling 24/7)
W: mensline.org.au
QLife
T: 1800 184 527 (LGBTQIA+ phone and web chat support, 3pm – midnight)
W: qlife.org.au
Support for staff
Report to the university
You can report, with contact details or anonymously, and we’ll discuss support and further response options.
Report externally
You can report online abuse to the eSafety Commissioner. Read more about the eSafety Commissioner and how they can help.
Key policies
Be familiar with relevant codes and policies at Policy Central.
You have agreed to follow the following policies and should understand the consequences of your behaviour: