ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp

June 29, 2018

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp moves to protect students’ safety

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp, police and council jointly respond to recent incidents involving international students

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp (UOW) has moved quickly and decisively to protect the safety and wellbeing of international students following recent incidents in the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp CBD.

The latest incidents follow several altercations in and thefts in ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp CBD since April that are causing concern among some international students. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, has directed a comprehensive response and sought to reassure concerned international students.

“The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp understands and shares the concerns of all our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students is the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s top priority.

“Any incident that affects the safety of any of our students is cause for concern, but particularly for international students who are experiencing a new culture far from their families and home countries.

“The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp and City of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp have a longstanding reputation for welcoming international students with open arms. We value the rich diversity international students bring to our learning environment, our research and community.

“We are doing everything we can to respond to these incidents in partnership with ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp City Council, local police and the wider community to support the safety and wellbeing of international students,” Professor Wellings said.

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp is assisting the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp Police with their investigations into recent incidents, as well as conferring with ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp City Council and local MPs to understand students’ concerns and develop strategies to help prevent further incidents and make ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp safer for international students.

Senior UOW staff met with concerned Chinese students this morning ahead of a specially convened meeting of managers from across the institution who have been directed to marshal the resources of the university and engage external stakeholders to address issues raised by students.

The Vice-Chancellor and members of the senior executive team are also liaising closely with embassy and consular officials, particularly the Chinese Consulate, to inform them of efforts to protect the safety of their citizens while studying in ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp.

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp has approximately 7000 international students studying onshore in Australia, with most studying at its two ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp campuses.