Your Rights and Our Responsabilities
The University of Newcastle is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can fully participate in their studies. On this page, you’ll find key resources and policies that outline your rights, the supports available, and our responsibilities as a university.
Content on this page:
Understanding Your Rights
If you’re unsure about your rights or feel they haven’t been upheld, we’re here to help. You can seek advice from:
- AccessAbility
- Student Advocacy
- Australian Human Rights Commission: Visit the Commission’s education and disability page
University's Responsibilities
You have the right to equal access to education under Australian law. If you would like to learn more, visit the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 for clear guidance on how your rights are protected.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) is a federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their disability in areas such as education and employment. This includes both direct and indirect discrimination, and applies to current, past, and future disabilities.
Read a summary of the DDA
Disability Standards for Education (2005)
These standards clarify the obligations of education providers and the rights of students with disability. They ensure students can access and participate in education on the same basis as other students.
Learn more about the Disability Standards for Education
The University of Newcastle is committed to being a leading advocate and driving force for excellence and equity in higher education. This Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2025 demonstrates this commitment, striving to ensure that all students and staff with disability have the best opportunities to succeed.
Supporting our students with disability also includes understanding the Inherent Requirements of a program.
Meeting the inherent requirements is essential to ensure you complete your program successfully.
The University of Newcastle is committed to making Reasonable Adjustments to teaching, learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in and complete their program of study.
Supporting Students with Disability Policy
Campus Access Policy – For information on bringing animals on campus.
Disclosure and Confidentiality
Disclosing a disability or health condition is a personal decision.
Students who choose to register with AccessAbility are required to provide relevant medical documentation and will participate in a discussion about how their condition impacts their studies.
Registration is entirely voluntary, and students are not obligated to disclose their disability to anyone at the University. AccessAbility staff can provide guidance on whether disclosure may be beneficial and in which contexts it may support access to appropriate adjustments or services.
The University of Newcastle is subject to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and at times thePrivacy Act 1988 (Cth). The personal and health information provided will be used by the University in accordance with the University’s Privacy Management Plan.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.