Universities Australia, representing Australia’s 39 universities, has released its commissioned Good Practice Guidelines for Enhancing Student Safety, providing a safety good practice frameword for students and staff, both on and off university campuses.

 

Professor Margaret Gardner, Universities Australia's Lead Vice-Chancellor (International) said the guidelines demonstrate that Australia's universities take student and staff safety very seriously.

 

“Past incidents involving international students, particularly from India, gave focus to student safety issues in May/June 2009 and continue to do so. Universities Australia has been taking a leading and active role in addressing these issues," she said.

 

The Guidelines are augmented by a progress report on implementation of the Universities Australia Ten Point Action Plan for Student Safety. Universities Australia is also contributing to various government inquiries, reviews and workshops relating to student safety issues and will soon release the results of its related survey of international students focussed on availability and quality of accommodation, access to transport concessions, and employment practices.

 

Professor Gardner said, "These Guidelines are one key aspect of a multi-pronged approach to the issue. Documenting good practice and experience specifically seeks to enhance the student experience and student safety of international students in Australian universities. The Guidelines also demonstrate good practice in ensuring the safety for all students and staff, both domestic and international, whether at an Australian university or at another education institution.

 

"Universities Australia fully acknowledges the necessity to reach beyond campuses and work in partnership with different education providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, employers and others in the community to better ensure that all students have a safe and suitable learning environment during the whole of their period of studies.”

 

The development of the Universities Australian Good Practice Guidelines for Enhancing Student Safety was funded by the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations through Australian Education International.

 

The Guidelines and the updated status report against the Universities Australia Ten Point Action Plan for Student Safety may be accessed at www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/studentsafety