The University's Smoke-Free Policy prohibits the use of all smoking products (tobacco, herbal or personal vaporiser product) on all ANU campuses, including residences, buildings, properties, grounds and study and workspaces.   

There is a range of support services available to assist in reducing or quitting smoking. You can also access counselling services through ANU, visit the ANU Medical Centre or talk to your own health care practitioner for support.   

Read more: ANU is a smoke-free campus

The first cohort of the William Ah Ket Leadership Program. Photo: ANU Centre for Asian Australian Leadership.

The first cohort of the William Ah Ket Leadership Program has successfully concluded after a transformative week of leadership development. Hosted by the ANU Centre for Asian Australian Leadership and supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the program empowers emerging Chinese Australian leaders with the skills to drive meaningful change. 

Read more: Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership

Last week, I got to spend time in the newly forming ANU College of Systems and Society at a happy event, celebrating our Kim Jackson scholars in the School of Engineering with alumna, Kim Jackson herself. It was an excellent moment to acknowledge our amazing students, faculty, staff and alum, and to dream a little bit about the future we are all making together. Very cool.

Yesterday morning, I returned to the College again to see my extraordinary colleagues and friends in the School of Cybernetics, the school I helped co-found in 2020. I wish it had been a happier visit because I am so proud of them and their work and the culture they have built and continue to nurture there. Over the weekend, the four-month negative media campaign attacking our university turned to the ANU College of Systems and Society, naming individual staff. The hurt and harm these types of articles cause to individuals is distressing, as is the harm it causes to reputation which can impact attracting further talent, investment and funding streams. ANU is being portrayed as a place that isn’t what I know it to be, or what its purpose is as the national university and I also want to thank and acknowledge the colleagues and students who continue to support ANU.

In these moments it can be hard to know what to say or do or how to respond - but how we turn up matters

Read more: VC message North Stars

Waters is researching dramatic female voices for her PhD at ANU. Photo: Creswick Collective

The performing arts has always been an industry that worships youth, especially in women, but for a certain kind of opera singer, career success can be decades in the making. 

Dramatic female voices, female singers with a vocal range darker and heavier than sopranos do not truly come into their power as vocalists until their late thirties or early forties. ANU opera singer Katrina Waters is moving this challenge to centre stage. 

Read more: Loud, large and unladylike, the difficulties of having a dramatic female voice 

Wednesday 26 March, 6-9.30pm

In the desert future of 2033, water is scarce, and anarchic hero Tank Girl (Lori Petty) must save the world from the tyranny of the Water and Power Corporation with the help of friends. Tank Girl uses animation, live-action, animatronics, CGI and more to bring to life the ’90s British indie comic created by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett. 
 
Join us for a lively discussion on the many facets of interpreting this cult classic, including a focus on the power and role of sand and sandscapes in the film. 

Register now: Tank girl screening 

Wednesday 26 March, 6-8pm 

Why is finance so important? How do stock markets work and what do they really do? Most importantly, what might finance be and what could we expect from it? Join us for a public lecture by Professor Philip Roscoe, RSSS Visiting Fellow in Sociology, on his book How to Build a Stock Exchange: The Past, Present and Future of Finance (2023). 

Register now: How to build a stock exchange 

Friday 4 April, 9am–2pm 

The inaugural Myanmar Policy Forum will explore new research on Myanmar’s armed resistance and rebel governance, shedding light on the country’s escalating political and humanitarian crisis. Experts will examine the implications for regional stability and discuss how the international community can respond to one of the world’s most volatile conflicts. 

Register now: Myanmar Policy Forum 2025 

Wi-Fi coverage refers to the area where a wireless signal is available and reliable. Think of it as an invisible bubble surrounding an access point.  

Achieving optimal coverage requires strategic placement of access points, taking into account physical barriers such as walls, floors, appliances, and reflective surfaces like mirrors and metal, which can impact signal performance.  

At ANU, we’re actively working to enhance Wi-Fi coverage across our campuses. Our goal is to provide you with a seamless connection, empowering you to collaborate and stay connected from your device—anywhere, anytime.  

Learn more about our efforts to improve Wi-Fi coverage at ANU. 

Following the Australian government guidance, ANU does not recommend using Kaspersky products due to identified national security risks. These concerns include potential privacy threats, excessive data collection, and the risk of unauthorised access. ANU-managed and BYO devices have Microsoft Defender already installed. 

For recommended next steps and to learn about alternative antivirus options and government guidance click here

Have you ever stumbled across a suspicious email and wondered what to do? In this helpful guide written by the Information Security Office you will learn how to respond to receiving a phishing email and what to do if you have clicked on a suspicious link.  

Learn more: Phishing reporting guidelines 

Both the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) and the Australian Government’s Harmony Week take place this week. While Harmony Week celebrates diversity, it is also an opportunity to engage in respectful conversations about racism to drive awareness and change. ANU is committed to fostering a respectful environment and is a proud signatory of the Human Rights Commission’s "Racism. It Stops With Me" campaign.

Need support? The University encourages you to seek support through the ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm. You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options. To report behaviours that breach ANU codes of conduct, use the Harmful Behaviour Disclosure Tool.

Earth Hour is more than just switching off the lights, it’s a powerful reminder that every choice we make impacts the planet. On Saturday 22 March at 8.30pm, millions around the world will switch off in solidarity for the environment.  

Real change happens in the choices we make every day. That’s why ANU Green has put together a sustainability guide with practical ways to reduce your impact at ANU. From smarter energy use to sustainable commuting, small actions add up. Get started today because every choice matters.  

Learn more: Earth Hour 2025, switch off to make a difference 

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are national awards that aim to raise the profile of science and science engagement by celebrating outstanding achievements. Entries have opened for 2025, with 20 prizes on offer across the categories of Research and Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement and School Science.  

Applications close Monday 14 April, 7pm.  

Learn more: 2025 Eureka Prize 

ANU is proud to support the COMPAS program (Checking On Mental health, Providing Alternatives to Suicide) as it expands nationwide to reduce suicide risk among students. COMPAS uses an advanced algorithm within an online survey to identify those needing support. Learn more about COMPAS and our partners on the COMPAS website.

We invite undergraduate students to take a 20–40 minute survey this semester to help improve early detection and support.

Learn more: Take the COMPAS survey

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or University-related issue, ANU encourages you to seek support through the Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.