Community Update

High winds – Stay safe on Campus

Friday 31 May 2024

High winds and heavy rains are predicted on our campuses this weekend. As our campuses are in a bushland setting, high winds can cause a risk to people and vehicles due to falling debris.

Due to the high risk, encampment occupants have also been provided with this advice and have confirmed that the site will not be occupied for the duration of the weather event.

IFS will survey any areas that may have been impacted, which may result in temporary closure of some parking and recreational spaces on both campuses.

We ask that you:

  • Be mindful of your surroundings: Keep an eye out for fallen trees or branches when walking through campus.
  • Secure loose items: If you have any personal belongings or work items that are kept outside, please make sure they are securely fastened.
  • Parking precautions: Try to avoid parking your vehicle under trees.

To report a hazard, please contact IFS on (02) 4921 6500.

Update from Professor Kent Anderson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Wednesday 29 May 2024

We extended an invitation to meet with relevant student groups who have been active in the discussions about the conflict in Gaza. We met with some of them today to listen to their concerns.

One group declined the meeting invitation; however, we remain willing and open to rescheduling the meeting.

Update from Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky

Tuesday 21 May 2024

I returned to campus yesterday following international work travel and wanted to connect with you about the protests on campus. I’m pleased they have been and continue to be peaceful and I thank Professor Zee Upton for keeping everyone informed as Acting Vice Chancellor last week.

The devastating situation that continues to unfold in the Middle East is deeply distressing. It is a situation that will no doubt affect us all differently. I extend my sympathies to everyone impacted and encourage you to reach out for support if you need it.

I know that, like many students and staff, the students protesting do feel strongly about issues related to the conflict. We will be continuing to engage with their representatives this week.

The right to protest

Since the protest encampment on our campus began last Monday, we have been focused on the safety and wellbeing of our community and ensuring our University activities can continue uninterrupted.

The University has an obligation to provide a safe workplace for our staff and a safe learning environment for our students. The safety and wellbeing of our University community is our highest priority.

The protests have been peaceful and we are not expecting a safety risk to eventuate. Everyone should continue to come to campus to study and to work as usual.

Our expectations 

As has been previously advised, our University will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or harassment. Our campus community must be able to conduct its business safely, even during times of protest. Of course, if you do feel unsafe or threatened in any way, please contact our Security team on (02) 4921 5888.

Again, let me reiterate that we are pleased that University operations, including teaching and learning, have not been impacted by the peaceful protests. But I also want to be clear about expectations.

The below are examples of what would be deemed unacceptable conduct that would require us to take action:

  • entering buildings without authorisation
  • disrupting lectures or classes, or preventing others from learning
  • preventing free movement around campus
  • harassing or intimidating staff and students and visitors who may hold a different view or who do not wish to engage in protest or debate
  • damaging or misusing University property
  • disrupting staff from being able to carry out their workplace responsibilities
  • creating a serious safety risk or refusing reasonable requests to control safety risks

Support

As previously communicated the University has a range of supports available for people who need it. To keep up-to-date with information, please continue to visit the Community Update page on our website and reach out if you need help.

At times like this, it’s important for our University community to remain a safe and respectful space, and for all of us to support each other. I am also in active discussions about ways that we can support respectful debate and dialogue – a role that universities have always, and must always, protect.

Best wishes,
Alex

Professor Alex Zelinsky
Vice-Chancellor and President

Remain safe and aware on campus while protest activities continue

Thursday 16 May 2024

“We are aware of increased activity which will occur around Auchmuty Courtyard in the middle of the day tomorrow, Friday 17 May.

The safety and wellbeing of our University community is always our highest priority, so this is a timely reminder to be aware of activity on campus and remain safe. Please be assured that our Campus Security team is liaising closely with the protest group to ensure they can safely continue to exercise their right to protest. The protest has been peaceful and we don’t expect a safety risk to eventuate. However, if you do feel unsafe or threatened in any way, please contact our Security team on (02) 4921 5888.

The devastating situation unfolding in relation to the Middle East conflict will no doubt affect us all differently. Please see the Support, Safety and Wellbeing section below for support services available. At times like this, it’s important for our University community to remain a safe and respectful space, and for all of us to support each other.”

University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer, David Toll

Encampment at Callaghan Campus about Middle East conflict

Monday 13 May 2024

"We’re aware that a group is exercising its right to protest and started an encampment this morning, Monday 13 May, on the Shortland side of our Callaghan Campus.

Our University’s priority is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our students, staff and visitors and to uphold the principles of free speech.

We’re proud of the diversity of our University community and as a leading University for equity, we know that at the heart of all we do is fairness and respect.

Our campus community must be able to conduct normal operations safely, even during times of protest. We are pleased that University operations, including teaching and learning, have not been impacted by the peaceful protests."

University of Newcastle Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Zee Upton

Support, Safety and Wellbeing
  • The relevant University of Newcastle teams are working together to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all in our community.
  • We will remain in close contact with our student leaders, and with staff, to ensure safety and security on campus and, importantly, to meet the academic and pastoral needs of our staff and students at this time.
  • The University has a range of supports available for students through our Student Wellbeing team. Information available here.
  • If you are a student feeling impacted by the Middle East conflict or our encampment, our Counselling and Psychological Services team can help. View the CAPS Appointment Request Form
  • The University of Newcastle also has services to support our staff – including the Employee Assistance Program which can be accessed on 02 4926 5005.
  • Staff or students can report concerning, threatening and inappropriate behaviour to our Campus Security (02) 4921 5888. Useful information is also provided on our University website: Security, Safety and Help on Campus
The right to protest
  • As an education institution, we champion freedom of thought and expression. We respect the many and varied views of our staff, students and community.
  • The right to protest is a central part of a functioning democracy. As an Australian university, we are a part of this structure given our role in facilitating learning, knowledge and debate.
  • Our University will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or harassment.
  • Our University will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or harassment.
Freedom of speech

Code for the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom

  • The University of Newcastle has a strong and enduring commitment to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech. Our Code of Conduct and Staff Code of Conduct promotes academic freedom through the expectation of inclusive and open behaviours across our University.
  • University of Newcastle students can protest regarding matters and issues that are important to them, providing it is within the limits of freedom of expression in law and in the University’s regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Our University will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or harassment.
  • Our University will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or harassment.