FAQs
Frequently asked questions about reporting to the University.
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What warrants being reported?
You can report inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour including, bullying, harassment, sexual assault and sexual harassment. For more information see what can I make a report about?
The University wants to know about any behaviour of concern. Once you make a report, the Integrity Unit will contact you to ensure they understand your concerns and to discuss with you the next steps. The Integrity Unit will be able to provide further advice about whether the conduct identified may contravene a University policy, and if so, what action can be taken.
Complaints regarding Student Elections must be directed to the Returning Officer at the Adelaide University Union – 8313 5401 or returningofficer@adelaide.edu.au.
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Can I report something that happened online or on social media?
Yes, members of the University community that have experienced bullying, harassment or sexual harassment online or on social media by a member of the University community are encouraged to make a report. The Integrity Unit provide advice on options to take action, both within the University and externally.
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How long will the process take?
All reports will be dealt with as promptly as possible but timeframes vary depending on the circumstances. You will be kept informed as your report progresses.
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Who will support me if I decide to report to the police?
The Integrity Unit can advise you of the next steps should you choose to report to the police.
Support for students can be provided by Counselling Support and Student Care.
The Integrity Unit will ensure staff and other members of the University community wishing to report to police have appropriate support.
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Who will know that I have made a report?
Initially reports made online or directly to the Integrity Unit will be known only to the Integrity Unit and other internal areas that need to be involved in managing the concern. Records of reports are kept in a secure system. If you have concerns about particular areas or individuals being made aware of your report, you can discuss these concerns with the Integrity Unit.
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Will the alleged offender know that I have made a report?
In most cases, the University will need to inform the alleged offender that a report has been made against them in order to act on your complaint. In some cases this may involve revealing your identity. The Integrity Unit will discuss this process with you before taking any action.
Where a matter is reported as a disclosure, the alleged offender will not usually be informed of the matter (unless there is a serious risk to safety that requires the University to act, in which case the Integrity Unit will let you know before the action is taken).
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Can I stop the process if I don’t want to pursue it?
In most cases yes - you can choose to stop or suspend a process if you’re not ready for the matter to proceed at that time. However in some circumstances, the University may be required to act – for example if you, or a person affected by a report, were under 18 at the time of the incident the University has certain mandatory legal reporting requirements or if the University is concerned about an ongoing serious risk to safety.
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I am an International Student. Will making a report affect my visa?
No. Reporting an incident will not affect your visa.
You can discuss any concerns in confidence, with the Integrity Unit, an International Student Advisor at International Student Support and University Counsellors in Counselling Support.
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I am a PhD student and I am concerned with how my report will affect my relationship with my supervisor(s)/research/career. What should I do?
The Integrity Unit can discuss with you your specific circumstances and what options may be available. You can also reach out to your Postgraduate Coordinator or the Dean of Graduate Studies to discuss your concerns in confidence.
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I am on a work placement/internship and need to make a report against the host organisation. What should I do?
Students on work placement or internship can access further support by talking to their Placement Coordinator or Course Coordinator, the Integrity Unit, University Counsellors in Counselling Support and Education Welfare Officers at Student Care.
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What if the person making the report is not satisfied with the outcome?
The Integrity Unit is your first point of contact if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your report.
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Where do I direct a complaint regarding student elections?
Complaints regarding Student Elections must be directed to the Returning Officer at the Adelaide University Union – 8313 5401 or returningofficer@adelaide.edu.au.
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Will I have to meet with the person whose behaviour forms the basis for my complaint?
No, you will not have to meet with the person whose behaviour has been problematic, unless you choose to do so as part of a resolution process.
This type of process is only undertaken where both parties consent to do so and where it appears to be appropriate having regard to the nature of the concerns raised.
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Will I have to meet with a committee or tribunal at some point in the reporting process?
The Integrity Unit will advise you who you are likely to need to meet with, depending on what process the matter is addressed under, but this does not usually involve meeting with a committee or tribunal.
Every effort is made to minimise the number of people involved in the process and the number of times an individual needs to recount their story.