We handle complaints in different ways, depending on the nature of your concern. You'll need to submit your complaint with written details of your issue, including details of the person(s) involved.
We treat all complaints confidentially. If you're not comfortable disclosing your identity, you can choose to remain anonymous when filling out the form, although we may be limited on what action we're able to take without this information.
Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful or threatening, including bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harm or gender-based violence, whether online or offline, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the University.
Everyone has a responsibility to ensure University lands are a welcoming place for all, and we expect staff and students to model respectful behaviour.
If you experience or witness behaviour that falls short of this expectation the University is here to provide you with support and advice. You can report your concerns confidentially and access resources to guide you through the process.
Bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed toward a person, or group of people, that creates a risk to health and safety. Examples of bullying include verbal abuse or threats, unjustified criticism or complaints, spreading rumours or physical abuse.
Unlawful harassment occurs when a person, or group of people, is intimidated, insulted or humiliated because of one or more characteristics. Examples include telling jokes about a particular racial group, or making derogatory comments or taunts about someone’s race or religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Under law, discrimination occurs when a person, or group of people, is treated less favourably than another person or group because of one or more characteristics, or where there is an unreasonable rule or requirement that disadvantages a particular group.
If you experience or witness unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, on campus, off-campus or online, you can access confidential guidance and support.
If you choose to report an incident to the University, you have the option to either make a disclosure or a complaint. The primary way to do this is through the online form, or by contacting the Safer Communities Office directly. The Safer Communities Office can provide you with information about making a report if you are unsure what to do.
If you report an incident, it will not affect your academic record or visa in any way.
Everyone has the right to freely express their ideas and opinions, but if any such expression goes against the law or our policies, we can step in to support you.
Wrongdoing is conduct by staff or affiliates that involves corruption, maladministration, privacy contraventions, misuse of government information or significant waste of public funds.
Modern slavery laws aim to prevent exploitation of people through force, coercion, or deception, and include practices like forced labour and human trafficking.
The University prioritises the safety of all children and young people in our community, and we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse in any form.
If you have concerns about a child or young person's safety or wellbeing in relation to the University, report it.
Academic or administrative matters include credit, enrolment and academic progression.
Before making a complaint about an administrative matter, we encourage you to try to resolve it using the resources available.
If, after taking these steps, you feel your enquiry was not handled or resolved appropriately, you can make a complaint about the service you have received from the University.
Academic integrity means students engage in their education honestly and authentically, acknowledging others' contributions and avoiding misconduct or unfair advantage.
If you suspect a breach of integrity, report it.
If you experience situations that don't uphold our high standards in teaching, research, operations and clinical care, you can make a report directly to the specialist unit below.
Integrity in research means we conduct our work ethically, accurately and transparently, with respect for participants and data throughout the process.
Human ethics in study and research focuses on ensuring the protection, dignity, and rights of individuals involved, adhering to principles of consent, fairness, and integrity.
Respecting animal welfare means treating animals humanely and only using them when necessary, under strict ethical guidelines.
Concerns about a health clinic, healthcare services or providers at the University of Sydney include any aspect of care that falls short of expected standards.
Intellectual property includes ideas, inventions, and written works created by individuals. We strive to protect and manage these rights fairly to benefit all parties involved, but if you have a concern report it.
The Privacy Policy sets out the rights and responsibilities of the University, its staff, students and affiliates in relation to privacy and personal information.
For concerns on campus that impact your safety or wellbeing, from maintenance to security risks, make a report. If the situation is urgent call Campus Security on +61 2 9351 3333.
SafeZone is a free safety app for all students and staff and part of our commitment to keeping our community safe. It connects you quickly with Protective Services and emergency teams and sends important safety notifications.
Scams can target students in many ways, including fake recruitment or job offers, rental listings, phishing emails, or requests for unusual payments and personal information.
If you suspect a scam or have been affected, report it promptly. You can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or visit Cyber.gov.au, and seek University support where needed.
If you're not sure whether to proceed with a complaint and how to move forward, reach out to the Student Affairs Unit (SAU). Depending on the nature of your concern, you may still be advised to proceed with a complaint.
You need to make your complaint in writing. If you have difficulty, reach out to the Student Affairs Unit – we can’t help you decide what to say in your complaint, but we can help you record your complaint in writing. For example, you may dictate your complaint or provide us with an audio or video file in English or Auslan detailing the complaint, and we can have it transcribed for you.
If you don't see your concern on the list, our team can make sure it's directed to the right place for a response.
Section 8 of the Student Charter sets out the personal and academic conduct expected of students. You can also find codes of conduct outlining professional and personal behaviour of staff and affiliates and the expectations of researchers.
The Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy has information about the University’s stance on preventing bullying, harassment and discrimination.
The Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Procedures has details of how the University will handle complaints by or about staff, workers or affiliates.
To view all policies and procedures, go to the University Policy Register.
