Student Equity
Student Equity is one part of the larger Student Assist service that provides support and assistance to both internal and external students to ensure a smooth passage through study and into future employment. Specifically, Student Equity provides advice on issues relating to harassment, discrimination or vilification, including policy development and prevention strategies. Student Equity is also responsible for government reporting on student equity matters and co-ordination of available government student equity funding.
Equity Related Complaints
The University of New England takes the rights of staff and students seriously and is committed to eliminating discrimination and harassment in the University environment.
An equity-related complaint or grievance is when you believe you are being discriminated against or harassed in your study because of your sex, sexual preference, transgender status, race, colour, ethnic or entho-religious background, decent or national identity, marital status, disability or age.
Complaints that do not involve allegations of unlawful discrimination or harassment on one of the above mentioned grounds are not equity-related. These other complaints could include interpersonal conflict, unfair or differential treatment, or academic issues. There is a range of avenue for students to seek assistance with non-equity complaints including the Service Quality Unit.
Avenues for addressing equity-related complaints
Informally – the University’s Equal Opportunity Advisers (EOAs) are available for confidential discussion and can provide an explanation of options available to enquirers. If the complainant wishes, and the alleged offender agrees, an EOA can facilitate an informal discussion, or a mediation, between the parties.
Formally – a complaint can be lodged through the University’s Service Quality Unit. In such cases the complaint will be investigated and a response provide to the complainant.
Students also have the right to by-pass University procedures and go directly to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board or the federal Human Rights and Equity Opportunity Commission if they so wish.