What does this mean for my class scheduled on Wednesday? 

Almost all scheduled classes will move online and some, such as labs which cannot run online or be rescheduled, may be cancelled. It is possible that some classes will be cancelled if your lecturer or tutor takes industrial action, and it is up to individual academics to decide whether the class will be rescheduled. 

Please check Canvas and your student email regularly for the latest information from the University and your unit coordinators.

I have an assessment due on Wednesday. Is this impacted? 

Assessments that can be submitted online will not be impacted by the industrial action on Wednesday 2 September. If you’re undertaking an in-class assessment or exam on Wednesday, please check in with your unit of study coordinator. 

Can I access campus on Wednesday? 

While most classes will be moved online, our campuses will remain open and accessible on Wednesday 2 September. 

However, you may encounter picket lines near entrances to campus. A picket line is a common element of industrial action where staff members and other protestors gather outside workplaces to share information about why they’re taking industrial action. 

The NTEU has directed its membership to maintain a peaceful and orderly picket line that is focused on providing information and does not prevent people from entering campus. It is unlawful for staff members and protestors to prevent you from accessing campus spaces, but in the interests of safety, we encourage you not to attempt to force a path through a physical picket line.

Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful or threating is unacceptable and will not be tolerated on our campuses. We expect that all staff behave in a manner that is professional and consistent with the requirements of the Staff and Affiliates Code of Conduct 2021 and the Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy, and similarly, all students meet the standards set out in our Student Charter.

All students, staff and visitors are also required to adhere to our Campus Access Policy, which helps ensure a safe and welcoming University environment for all.

Where these expectations are not met, the University will not hesitate to take action, include disciplinary action where appropriate. 

Our Protective Service officers will have a presence at the picket lines to help ensure safety and support you in reporting in the unlikely event of an incident, but they will not physically assist anyone to cross a physical picket line.

Will in-person services and support be open on Wednesday? 

Some of our in-person services and support will operate for reduced hours on Wednesday 2 September.

The Student Centre on Level 3, Jane Foss Russell (JFR) Building will be open from 10 am to 2 pm to support students in-person. The Student Services Hub at Fisher Library will be closed on Wednesday. To access support, you can ask a question online or phone 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864). 

24/7 Learning Hubs, including The Quarter and Camden, as well as the Yarrabuni HDR Lounge, will remain open for the full day on Wednesday. Fisher Library and Law Library will also be open, but will only be staffed from 10 am to 2 pm. All other library locations will be closed on Wednesday. 

If you wish to connect with Student Wellbeing, you can email student.wellbeing@sydney.edu.au or phone +61 2 8627 8433. You can also access 24/7 support via the mental wellbeing support line by calling 1300 474 065 or by texting 0488 884 429. Visit our health and wellbeing page for services and resources to support your wellbeing.

I am required to be on campus on Wednesday to conduct essential activities. What does this mean for me? 

If you’re required to be on campus to conduct essential activities, such as feeding animals or maintaining equipment, you will be able to access campus to do so. Please check in with your unit of study coordinator or supervisor about accessing campus and continue to check Canvas and your student email regularly for the latest information.

I’m a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student. What does this mean for me? 

HDR students will be given guidance by your supervisor or your school. You may have difficulty accessing facilities you regularly use on campus for your research, such as the Library and laboratories. If your supervisor is participating in industrial action, meetings with them may move online or be cancelled and they may not respond to emails or phone calls that day. 

You should plan to conduct your research from home on Wednesday 2 September, if possible. 

I am not on Camperdown/Darlington campus. Does this affect me?

All of our campuses will be open and accessible on Wednesday 2 September. However, you should be aware that you may encounter picket lines near entrances to campus.

It is unlawful for staff members and protestors to prevent you from accessing campus spaces, but in the interests of safety, we encourage you not to attempt to force a path through a physical picket line.

Find out more about picket lines and our expectations of students and staff.

What should I do if I feel unsafe on campus? 

Your safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. If you’re feeling unsafe on campus or you’re concerned for the safety of others, call Protective Services using the SafeZone app by selecting the ‘Help’ button to call security.

You can also reach Protective Services on 1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457) or via the emergency help points across campus (search ‘Emergency Help Point’ on Campus Maps).  

Our Protective Services officers are available 24-hours a day to assist in an emergency, provide first aid and general assistance.  

Where can I access support? 

Student Wellbeing offers a range of confidential and free health, wellbeing, and personal supports. Complete our wellbeing form and a member of Student Wellbeing will call you to discuss your support needs. 

You can also access 24/7 and after-hours support by calling 1300 474 065 or texting 0488 884 429.

What is an Enterprise Agreement? 

Enterprise agreements govern the pay and conditions of employees at a particular organisation. 

The University of Sydney is currently in negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement with staff representatives from the NTEU and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). 

What is protected industrial action? 

Protected industrial action is a legal right under the Fair Work Act that allows employees to refuse to attend or perform work during negotiations for their enterprise agreement provided they have followed the legal process to do so. 

While the University respects the right of eligible staff to engage in protected industrial action, the University’s position in Enterprise Agreement negotiations will only change through constructive discussion and good faith bargaining. The University remains committed to reaching an agreement that maintains our overall sector-leading wages and conditions, and that will support our aspirations for transformational education, outstanding research, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.