Monash University is committed to promoting equal opportunity in education in recognition of the principles of equity and justice and in conformity with the spirit and intent of equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation.
As an educator, Monash University accepts that it has a responsibility to eliminate unjustifiable direct or indirect discrimination from its structures and practices.
Monash University has adopted a policy of equal opportunity in education, based on State and Federal laws which forbid discrimination on the grounds of:
The Equal Opportunity Unit also maintains an office on the Caulfield campus. The office (room A110 in building A) serves as a resource centre for staff members visiting the Caulfield campus, but is not staffed on a regular basis. Staff from the unit also visit the Peninsula campus from time to time.
At Gippsland, the equal opportunity officer is Mrs Christine Body, room 2E116 - the Boardwalk building beyond the library. Telephone 9902 6273.
At Parkville, the equal opportunity contact person is Ms Margaret Duncan, ground floor, Scott building. Telephone 9903 9000.
Berwick students in need of assistance should contact the Equal Opportunity Unit at Clayton.
The university supports government policy commitments to removing barriers to the full participation of disadvantaged groups in higher education, and will take positive steps through its Equity Plan to promote representative participation and increased access of disadvantaged groups in its student population. Educational disadvantages may be linked to a number of factors including sex, race or ethnic origin, age, social or economic circumstance, residence in a rural or isolated area or disability. The Equal Opportunity Unit monitors the progress of disadvantaged groups and recommends appropriate strategies for future developments. Contact the student equity officer, Ms Margaret Heagney, Equal Opportunity Unit, Gallery building, level 1, room 110. Telephone 9905 5991.
Racial discrimination may occur when you are treated unfairly on the basis of your nationality, country of birth, ancestry, skin colour or ethnic origin. Racial discrimination is unlawful. If you believe you have been treated unfairly because of your race, phone, write or drop in to see the people at the Equal Opportunity Commission, third floor, 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Telephone 9281 7111 or 1800 134 142; TTY 9281 7110; fax 9281 7171; or through the Internet on http://www.vicnet.net.au.You have the right to make a complaint.
If you believe you have been subject to racial discrimination at Monash University, you may wish to speak to Dr Margaret James, the equal opportunity manager, or Ms Denise Bett, the equal opportunity officer. They are available to advise students on all matters relating to discrimination under the Monash University Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedures. The Equal Opportunity Unit is located in the Gallery building, level 1, room 110.
The adviser/conciliator will help you to deal with the matter yourself or assist you to use the university's internal procedures. You may also consult the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Monash University has a commitment to providing equal opportunity for students with disabilities or chronic or temporary medical conditions. The Monash University Disability Support (MUDS) program provides a variety of services, facilities and activities to promote access and equity for people with disabilities, and to enable full and independent participation in university life.
Staff in the Disability Liaison Office, and the disability officer (Gippsland campus), are available to assist all prospective and enrolled students with information, advice and support. They can arrange for early assessment of requirements and provide detailed information about appropriate services, equipment and facilities. These include peer notetakers, personal care attendants, laboratory assistants, counselling and advice, alternative examination arrangements, FM hearing equipment, Braille equipment, TTY telephones, modified accommodation and wheelchair recharging stations. Early contact is advised so that plans can be made in advance of arrival on campus. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
The Green guide, a detailed resource guide, and campus-specific access guides for students with disabilities, are available from the Disability Liaison Office, the disability officer (Gippsland), Union desks or community services offices on all campuses.
For more information or for an appointment on any of the metropolitan campuses please contact the Disability Liaison Office, telephone 9905 5704. Staff from this office visit all campuses regularly and are available once a week at Berwick, Caulfield and Peninsula. The office is located on the first floor of the Gallery building, Clayton campus. Distance education and Gippsland campus students can contact the disability officer within Community Services on 9902 6794 or (051) 22 6425. The officer is located in the Distance Education building.
Monash University has established discrimination and harassment grievance procedures in recognition of its commitment to equal opportunity in education and employment and its obligations under State and Commonwealth equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation. The university is committed to providing an environment where students and staff are able to work and study effectively, without fear of discrimination and harassment.
These procedures, which are governed by the principles of procedural fairness, may be used to resolve complaints of sexual harassment and of direct and indirect discrimination and harassment on the basis of the grounds recognised in the university's equal opportunity policy:
Sexual and other forms of harassment may occur among peers or co-workers, and in subordinate-supervisor, supervisor-subordinate or staff-student, student-staff, student-student situations.
Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance or unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, in circumstances in which a reasonable person would anticipate that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Sexual harassment may occur as a single incident or a series of incidents and may include:
Discriminatory harassment is behaviour or acts directed against individuals or groups which are experienced as distressing, insulting, demeaning, humiliating or intimidating. Examples of harassment include intrusive or inappropriate questions or comments about a person's private life, unwanted written, telephone or electronic messages, promises or threats relating to a person's status in the workplace or as a student, physical violence or the threat of physical violence.
The university's specially appointed advisers are available to assist staff and students. All inquiries are in confidence. No action will be taken without your knowledge or consent. For further information about the location of an adviser on your campus please contact the Equal Opportunity Unit. Telephone 9905 4084.
The adviser will help you to deal with the matter yourself or assist you to use the university's internal procedures, or you may wish to consult the Equal Opportunity Commission, third floor, 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Telephone 9281 7111 or 1800 134 142; TTY 9281 7110; fax 9281 7171; or through the Internet on http://www.vic net.net.au
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