Navigating university life can be challenging. If you see or experience unacceptable behaviour at UNSW, we want to hear about it. Whatever the issue, big or small, we'd like to hear about it and there are ways you can safely speak up and get support.
Want to speak up? You've got our support
We want your university experience at UNSW to be a time of learning and growth, not stress and frustration.
If you want to speak up about something you've seen or experienced that doesn't feel right at UNSW, the University is here to support you. There are multiple ways that you can raise a concern or complaint with UNSW:
- Speak to someone about your issue: for example, the person it involves (if you feel comfortable doing so) or your course convenor.
- Speak with a staff member who can help you navigate your issue or complaint, such as the Grievance Officer in your School.
- Speak up about your issue by raising a complaint if you haven't been able to resolve your issue.
If you disagree with UNSW's approach or response to a complaint you make internally, you also have the option of asking for a review within the University. For example, some complaints will be covered by an internal review process under the relevant policy framework.
What is the National Student Ombudsman?
If you feel unhappy with the way a complaint is managed by UNSW, you can consider raising a complaint with the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) or the New South Wales Ombudsman.
The NSO is a new independent and impartial body established by the Australian Parliament to handle complaints from higher education students.
How might the new National Student Ombudsman be able to help you?
Depending on the circumstances, the NSO can assist with complaints related to a wide range of issues. For example, the NSO might be able to assist with complaints about the way that UNSW has responded to issues, including:
- Student safety and welfare: If you face problems related to harassment, including gender-based violence, or any safety concerns, the NSO can step in to ensure your complaints are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
- Course administration: Issues such as inaccurate information, delays in course administration or problems with course delivery can be brought to the NSO.
- Teaching and facilities: If there are concerns about the quality of teaching, availability of resources or adequacy of facilities, the NSO can investigate and recommend improvements.
- Disciplinary processes: If you feel that disciplinary actions taken against you were unfair or not handled properly, the NSO can review these processes.
- Support for students with disabilities: The NSO ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities or those experiencing special circumstances.
Find more information about the NSO