Policies

The Universal Principle and Cultural Safety

The Universal Principle is about providing an environment that promotes and upholds the right to cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Cultural safety requires organisations to take meaningful action to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel welcome, safe, valued, included and respected.

Click on the image to read the Universal Principal and the 10 Child Safe Standards published by the Queensland Government.

Child-Friendly Policies

Click on the toggles to read the child-friendly versions of The Women’s College Policies.

Why this policy exists

To keep you safe and supported while living at College.

To make sure everyone knows what to do if something feels wrong.

1. Your rights:

  • You have the right to feel safe and respected.
  • You have the right to speak up if you feel unsafe.


2. What is harm?

  • Harm means anything that hurts you physically or emotionally.
  • It can include bullying, harassment, neglect, or abuse.
  • Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual.


3. What to do if you feel unsafe:

  • Tell someone you trust at College straight away.
  • You will not get in trouble for speaking up.
  • We will listen and help you.


4. Who to talk to:

  • Head of College & CEO: Florence Kearney
  • Deputy Head of College: Janet Stewart
  • Any trusted staff member.


5. Helpful contacts:

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Police: 000 (in an emergency)


Remember:

  • Your safety is our priority.
  • If something feels wrong, speak up – we are here to help.

The full versions of our policies are available for all residents and associate members on the Student Portal.
Parents of students under 18 who wish to read the full policy documents, please contact the College directly by emailing studentlife@womens.uq.edu.au.

What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

GBV means hurting someone because of their gender. This can include things like harassment, bullying, sexual assault, stalking, or controlling behaviour. It is never okay.

Our Commitment

The Women’s College wants every student to feel safe, respected, and included. We do not tolerate any form of gender-based violence.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to feel safe and respected.
  • You have the right to speak up if something feels wrong.


What You Can Do

  • Treat everyone with respect.
  • If you see or experience GBV, tell a trusted adult or use the reporting options.


How to Report or Get Help

  • Talk to the Head of College and CEO, Deputy Head of College, Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life or College Counsellor.
  • Use the anonymous reporting tool RESPECT X on the Student Portal.
  • You can also contact the National Student Ombudsman for help.


Support Available

We offer counselling, safety plans, academic support, and emergency help if needed. You are not alone—we are here to help.

Remember:

Gender-based violence is never acceptable. Together, we can create a safe and respectful community.

The full versions of our policies are available for all residents and associate members on the Student Portal.
Parents of students under 18 who wish to read the full policy documents, please contact the College directly by emailing studentlife@womens.uq.edu.au.

What is a grievance?

A grievance is when something feels unfair, unsafe, or makes you uncomfortable.

Why do we have this policy?

To make sure everyone feels safe, respected, and included.

Your rights:

  • You can speak up if something bothers you.
  • You should treat others with respect too.


Who can help?

  • Grievance Officers: Deputy Head of College, Dean of Students, Senior Resident Assistant,
  • Equity Resident Assistant.
  • Your supervisor or manager (if you have one).
  • If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and want cultural support (like an Elder, cultural liaison, or interpreter), the College will help make this happen. We will make sure the process is respectful and safe for your culture.


How to raise a grievance:

Start informal: Talk privately to the person involved.

  • If that does not work, ask a Grievance Officer for help.
  • You can bring a support person to any meeting.


Formal process (for serious issues):

  • Write down what happened.
  • An Investigator will talk to you, the other person, and any witnesses.
  • Everything is kept private.
  • The College will decide what happens next.


What happens after?

  • The complaint might be proven or not proven.
  • Actions could include an apology, counselling, training, or disciplinary steps.


Your safety matters:

  • You will not be punished for speaking up.
  • Making false complaints on purpose is not okay.


External help:

  • Human Rights Commission
  • Fair Work Ombudsman
  • Work Cover Queensland


Remember: Speak up if something feels wrong. We are here to help!

The full versions of our policies are available for all residents and associate members on the Student Portal.
Parents of students under 18 who wish to read the full policy documents, please contact the College directly by emailing studentlife@womens.uq.edu.au.

What is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct means any unwanted sexual behaviour without consent. This includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, grooming, and sexual exploitation. It can happen in person or online—and it is never okay.

Our Commitment

The Women’s College wants everyone to feel safe and respected. We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to feel safe.
  • You have the right to say no.
  • Consent must be clear, voluntary, and informed.
  • No one under 16 can legally give consent.

What You Can Do

  • Treat others with respect.
  • Speak up if something feels wrong.
  • Support friends who need help.


How to Report or Get Help

  • Talk to a trusted staff member (Head of College and CEO, Deputy Head of College, Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life), Resident Assistant, or Student Leader.
  • Contact a First Responder at the College.
  • Use the anonymous reporting tool RESPECT X on the Student Portal.
  • In emergencies, call 000 or UQ Security (07 3365 3333).


Support Available

We offer counselling, medical care, safety plans, and help with academic adjustments. You are not alone—we are here to help.

Remember:

Sexual misconduct is never acceptable. Together, we can create a safe and respectful Women’s College community.

 

The full versions of our policies are available for all residents and associate members on the Student Portal.
Parents of students under 18 who wish to read the full policy documents, please contact the College directly by emailing studentlife@womens.uq.edu.au.

What this is
When you live at or are connected to The Women’s College, you’re part of a community.

This means we all agree to behave in ways that keep our community safe, respectful, supportive and inclusive— both at College at University and in public.

Our Values
Respect • Community • Diversity • Integrity • Excellence • Empowerment

All students are expected to demonstrate these values.

Personal Behaviour Expectations
🔹 Be kind, respectful and inclusive
🔹 Keep yourself and others safe
🔹 Follow College rules and staff directions
🔹 Act responsibly when representing the College (on campus, online, events, sport etc.)
🔹 Respect people’s privacy and personal space
🔹 Care for College property and shared spaces
🔹 No illegal activities or behaviour that harms others
🔹 Check and respond to College communication in a timely fashion
🔹 Honour financial commitments to the College
🔹 Keep the College updated if something major changes (e.g., personal or academic)

Academic Expectations
🔹 Be enrolled full-time (4 subjects) unless approved otherwise
🔹 Keep a minimum GPA of 4.0 (pass average)
🔹 Be honest in all academic work (no cheating, plagiarism, etc.)
🔹 Let the College know if anything changes with your enrolment or academic standing
🔹 Submit grades when requested and attend academic support meetings if required
🔹 Use College and Uni resources legally and ethically

Unacceptable Behaviour (Examples)
❌ Bullying, hazing, harassment or discrimination (including online)
❌ Vandalism or theft
❌ Underage drinking or unapproved alcohol events
❌ Bringing the College into disrepute (behaviour, language, social media)
❌ Illegal drug use or supply
❌ Repeated non-compliance with College rules

📌 Important Reminder
Being at College is a privilege.

Your behaviour affects the safety, reputation and experience of everyone


The full versions of our policies are available for all residents and associate members on the Student Portal.
Parents of students under 18 who wish to read the full policy documents, please contact the College directly by emailing studentlife@womens.uq.edu.au.