What Happens When I Report to the University?
The University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community. In addition to providing advice and support, the University is able to investigate and take action in relation to reports of inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.
Report an Incident Flowchart
Statement of Rights
View the Statement of Rights.
FAQs
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Who can I talk to about potentially making a report if I am not sure?
You can talk to Student Conduct Advisors on 8313 1200, contact counselling support for confidential support or Education Welfare Officers at Student Care.
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What warrants being reported?
You can report inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour including, bullying, harassment, sexual assault and sexual harassment. Information on unacceptable behaviour can be found here. There are some limitations to what the University can act on. In some cases the University’s policy may not apply, even when a formal report has been made, and in such cases there are limits to what action the University can take. Student Conduct Advisors will discuss these situations with you and will refer you to appropriate support services.
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Can I report something that happened online or on social media?
Yes, students that have experience bullying, harassment or sexual harassment online or on social media by a member of the University community are encouraged to make a report. Student Conduct Advisors can provide advice and will act where possible, however the University does not have the power to remove online content or deactivate social media accounts.
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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. The Student Conduct Advisor will keep you informed as your report progresses.
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Is the Student Conduct Advisor a fellow student or staff member?
Student Conduct Advisors are professional staff members of the University.
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Who will support me if I decide to report to the police?
Student Conduct Advisors can advise you of the next steps should you choose to report to the police. Support can be provided by Counselling Support and Student Care.
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If the University investigation is suspended during a criminal investigation, what support is provided by the University?
The University can offer and refer to a range of support services based on your circumstances and needs. For example, Counselling Support and Student Care.
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Who will know that I have made a report?
Only people that need to know in order to investigate or progress the report, will have access to the information. For more information about privacy visit the Privacy Policy & Management Plan.
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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 Student Conduct Advisor will discuss this process with you before taking any action.
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Can I stop the process if I don’t want to pursue it?
In most cases yes, however if you, or a person affected by a report, are under 18 the University has certain mandatory legal reporting requirements.
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After the Student Conduct Advisor reviews the incident, are all three incident referral options always used, or a combination thereof?
The referral option will depend on the circumstance, and will not always include all three referral pathways.
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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 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?
In addition to the support provided by the Counselling Support and Education Welfare Officers in Student Care, 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, 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 Student Conduct Advisor 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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How do I make a report to the University?
You can make a report to the University here
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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.
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Will I have to meet with a committee or tribunal at some point in the reporting process?
No you will not have to meet with a committee or tribunal. You will meet with a Student Conduct Advisor.