Submitting a complaint of racism or discrimination
The ANU community is inclusive, open and respectful. We are committed to creating a learning and working community that is free from racial discrimination, harassment, and vilification. We do not tolerate or accept any form of racism or bigotry.
This page contains information on how students can submit a complaint of racism or discrimination, and how to access the support available both at ANU and through community services. If you experience or witness such behaviour on campus or in the community, we want you to know how to make these behaviours known to ANU, whom you can talk to, and how you can be supported.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services using the number 000, or 112 if you do not have reliable mobile network access.
How can I submit a complaint of racism or discrimination?
Student Grievance and Complaint Resolution:
The Dean of Students offers confidential, impartial advice. The Dean of Students can help you decide if you wish to make a complaint, or if your concerns can be resolved in a different way. Other ways to resolve concerns might include having the Dean of Students act as a neutral intermediary between you and an academic or administrative area of ANU.
Talking to the Dean of Students does not lock you in to making a formal, identifiable complaints if you decide not to.
You can contact the Dean of Students at the linked webpage. Appointment times are available between 10am - 12pm and 1.30pm -3.30pm Monday to Friday.
Submit a report of student misconduct to the Office of the Registrar:
The Office of the Registrar has responsibility for the delivery of services including student appeals, grievance, misconduct and discipline resolutions. More information, including what classified as misconduct, information for complainants and respondents, as well as a guideline for making a report of student misconduct (guide only) can be found on the relevant linked webpages.
You can report incidents of student misconduct to the Office of the Registrar by emailing reports@anu.edu.au.
Talking to the Office of the Registrar does not lock you in to making a formal, identifiable complaint if you decide not to.
Report an incident of racism or discrimination (externally):
If you wish to formally report an incident you can also do so directly to the Australian Federal Police or to the Australian Human Rights Commission for investigation and action.
Who can I talk to about making a complaint?
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students offers confidential, impartial advice. The Dean of Students can help you decide if you wish to make a complaint, or if your concerns can be resolved in a different way. Other ways to resolve concerns might include having the Dean of Students act as a neutral intermediary between you and an academic or administrative area of ANU.
Talking to the Dean of Students does not lock you in to making a formal, identifiable complaint if you decide not to.
You can contact the Dean of Students at the linked webpage. Appointment times are available between 10am - 12pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
The ANU Students Association (ANUSA)
ANUSA and the ANUSA Legal Service can assist you to understand and navigate both ANU internal and external complaints processes. You can learn more about this service on the ANUSA website.
Talking to ANUSA does not lock you in to making a formal, identifiable complaint if you decide not to.
What support is available to me, regardless if I decide to make a complaint?
Connect with a Case Manager at the Student Safety and Wellbeing team
Case Managers have backgrounds in health, social work, counselling and human services. They work from person-centred and trauma-informed practice frameworks. This means that you will be treated with dignity and respect and will receive a transparent and confidential service that will empower you to make choices and connect with others.
To connect with a Case Manager or Nurse Practitioner you can email student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au, phone 6125 2211, or visit the Health and Wellbeing Centre Level 3 Building 156 Joplin Lane, Kambri Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm.
ANU Counselling
ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the ANU community.
ANU Counselling is a free, confidential and non-diagnostic service available to all currently enrolled ANU students located in Australia. Students currently located overseas are encouraged to make contact, as they can advise about alternative support options. No referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan from a General Practitioner is required to register and attend appointments.
ANU Counselling has a range of helpful resources in addition to our counselling services. These include our Mental Health Resources, Group Programs, Talking Tips and Mindfulness course.
ANU Counselling is open each day of the year excluding weekends, public holidays and the University Christmas shutdown period.
To make an appointment, please phone on 02 6125 2211, option 1 for counselling or email counselling.centre@anu.edu.au.
ANU Medical Centre
The ANU Medical Centre provides on-campus health services. The ANU Medical Centre health and wellness clinic is located on levels 2 and 3 of Health and Wellbeing Centre (Building 156) in Kambri, and is open 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Services are free for students.
Interpreter Services are available if required, please let the team know when you make an appointment and this will be organised for you (TIS National Ph 13 14 50). To assist with cultural appropriate care, please advise your GP of your cultural background.
ANUSA BIPOC Department
The ANUSA BIPOC Department is an autonomous and non-political group that provides a community of support and solidarity for all people of colour at the ANU.
The BIPOC Department can be contacted at sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au.
The Australian National University is a proud signatory of the Australian Human Rights Commission Racism. It Stops With Me. campaign.
Racism. It Stops With Me is a national campaign that provides tools and resources to help people and organisations learn about racism and take action to create change.
To learn more about the campaign, and to access further resources and information, please visit the Racism. It Stops With Me webpage.