Legislative Requirements

The University, its staff and its students have a legal obligation to abide by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth).

Students and researchers have access to fair dealing provisions under the legislation, and should be aware of the opportunities and the obligations.

Teachers access a range of resources under a range of licences including the Australian Catholic University’s, statutory licences which allow for the copying and communication of text, images, print music and television for teaching purposes. Teachers should be aware of the obligations under the licences, and students should be aware that this material is not to be copied and passed onto others.

Copyright information and guidelines are available on the University website: Copyright.

Legislative provisions in all states and territories require students undertaking certain practical work in those jurisdictions to be subject to a criminal record check. This will involve checks of the names and birth dates of students enrolled in certain practical work units in the areas of health, education, social science, social work and youth work, and checks regarding any criminal record.

Those students who are not willing to have such a check made should not enrol in the units concerned. Failure to enrol in the particular unit or failure to satisfy the criminal record check, leading to inability to complete the unit, may prevent a student from completing the requirements for an award.

The University accepts no responsibility for any outcomes in this matter.

Legislative provisions in all states and territories prevent certain persons, for example, persons convicted of offences causing harm to children or others from applying for, undertaking, or remaining in child-related employment. This includes circumstances where students who, in the course of their studies, engage in activities which involve direct contact with children, that is, persons under 18 years of age.

Students who are required to undertake activities which involve direct contact with children may be required to obtain a Working with Children Check depending on the relevant state or territory legislation. Failure to satisfy this requirement in relation to practical, industry or clinical placements which are compulsory course requirements will prevent the student from completing the requirements for an award.

The University accepts no responsibility for any outcomes in this matter.

The University has a Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedures; it is available via the web. Visit Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults: Policy and Procedures. The Policy and Procedures set out ACU’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults.

The University is committed to equipping all students with knowledge and skills necessary to assist in the prevention of child harm, abuse and exploitation, particularly students who will enter child-related occupations. In accordance with the Policy, every ACU undergraduate student is required to complete an online module about working with children, young people and vulnerable adults regardless of whether they have direct contact with children and/or vulnerable adults during their studies.

The University has a Policy on Discrimination and Harassment; it is available via the web. Visit Discrimination and Harassment.

Students are covered by the Policy while on campus or engaged in University-related activity. Students who are unsure of what constitutes unlawful discrimination and harassment or who wish to discuss a concern should consult the Student Advocacy Service. To book an appointment, visit www.studentportal.acu.edu.au/advocacy.

The University provides procedures by which students can have a complaint of discrimination and harassment addressed in a sensitive, fair, timely and confidential manner. Information on the University’s complaints management process is available via the web. Visit Complaints and Feedback.

The University has a zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment. The University expects all staff and students to behave in a manner that is respectful, inclusive and fair at all times when engaging in University-related conduct.

The Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedure are available on the web. Visit Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedure. The Policy and Procedure apply to any disclosure and/or complaint of sexual misconduct perpetrated by or against students where there is a connection to University-related conduct. Allegations against a Staff Member is managed in accordance with the Misconduct and Serious Misconduct Policy and Staff Sexual Misconduct Policy.

All student sexual misconduct will be managed as a code green incident in accordance with the Critical Incident Management Policy. In an emergency, staff and students must contact Emergency Services (000) and report the situation to the ACU National Security Centre on 1300 729 452 or use the SafeZone app.

The Office of Student Success, in consultation with the relevant faculty/department, may offer ongoing support to any individual involved in and impacted by an alleged sexual misconduct, such as support or counselling from an appropriate health practitioner or any academic support where the allegation adversely impacts on a student’s studies.

Any student who requires assistance in understanding the Policy and Procedure should contact the Director, Office of Student Success at oss@acu.edu.au.