UC Policies and Procedures

Student Handbook

This handbook should be read by all students, as it highlights the main College policies you are required to be aware of.

Read Student Handbook

Fitness to Return or Remain Policy

Students who are ‘at risk’, or who are reported as ‘at risk’ of harm to self or others are offered support at University College through this policy.

Read the Fitness to Return Policy

National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence

Building a Safe and Respectful Community: University College's Approach to Gender-Based Violence

At University College, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain central to everything that we do. As Head of College, I want to share our ongoing commitment to creating a residential environment where students and staff can study, work, and live free from gender-based violence. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and it continues to guide our policies, our practices, and the culture we work to foster every day.

Founded in 1937 as a women’s college, UC has always stood for respect, empowerment, and care for others. These foundations continue to guide our community today, and they shape our responsibility to ensure that everyone who calls UC home feels safe and supported.

We know from Australia’s national prevention framework ‘Change the Story’ that gender-based violence is driven by inequality- by disrespect, rigid gender stereotypes, and cultures that excuse or minimise harm. Residential colleges, like any close-knit environment of young adults, can face particular risks that may contribute to gender-based violence. Despite these risks, we also hold a powerful opportunity: we have the ability to actively engage our community in challenging the drivers of gender-based violence, to model equality and respect in daily interactions, and to help shape a generation of young people committed to a future free from violence.

Across Australia, residential colleges and universities are undertaking significant work (both individually and collaboratively) to strengthen their approach to safety and accountability under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. University College is committed to this process and to playing our part in driving meaningful change. As part of this commitment, we have developed a Whole-of-Organisation Prevention and Response Plan that outlines how we will strengthen safety, address risks, and prioritise respect across all areas of College life.

At UC, we strive to do this work with care and accountability. This includes setting clear expectations grounded in our values and upholding them consistently; embedding education on respect and consent throughout the year; equipping staff and students with the training needed to recognise, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence; strengthening our reporting pathways through secure and confidential systems that support safe disclosure; and working closely with intercollegiate partners, residents, and experts to ensure our approach aligns with national standards and best practice.

Our commitment is simple: University College will always work to provide an environment where every person is treated with dignity, where harmful attitudes are challenged, and where genuine respect is a daily practice. Thank you for your trust in our College. Together, we will keep building a community where everyone can thrive.

– Dr Jennifer McDonald, Head of College

Whole‑of‑Organisation Prevention and Response Plan

Whole‑of‑Organisation Assessment

Wider College Policies

While some of these policies apply to students, they are largely for the wider College cohort, including staff, visitors and contractors.

UC Policies and Procedures

Student Handbook

Fitness to Return or Remain Policy

National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence

Wider College Policies

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