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Campus culture

The University is committed to an inclusive culture that values different life experiences and perspectives and prioritises the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. 

Key to this is building social cohesion, actively addressing racism, and strengthening how we engage respectfully across difference.

We are deeply committed to fostering a campus culture grounded in respect, safety, and wellbeing. We want our campuses to be vibrant and inclusive, a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Campus Culture and Leadership 

Campus culture initiatives

Dialogues Across Difference speaker series and podcast

Our dedicated campus culture speaker series, developed in partnership with students and staff, explores the big topics that are often hard to talk about. Get involved and help enhance understanding, respect and cohesion in our community. Find out more about the speaker series.

Antiracism commitment

Consultation on our 'Antiracism Commitment' with staff, students and government representatives is underway. The Antiracism Commitment will be a statement in relation to racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Asian racism formed in consultation with these communities.

As part of this work, The University Senate endorsed the Universities Australia (UA) definition of antisemitism in February 2025.

The University participated in the Australian Human Rights Commission Racism@uni survey in September 2025 and the outcomes of that survey will also inform our Antiracism Commitment.

Campus Culture and Leadership Consultation Group

Cultivating a cohesive, vibrant and inclusive campus culture is best done together. Our consultation group brings together students and staff who are interested in sharing their perspectives, listening to others, and contributing to initiatives that address racism and enhance campus culture at UQ. Register your interest for the consultation group.

UQ refugee and humanitarian initiatives

The UQ Refugee and Humanitarian Scholarship was established in 2021 and is funded by UQ. This Scholarship offers students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher education in any desired discipline at the University.

Since 2024, we have doubled the number of refugee scholarships.

The University is also an ongoing member of the global Scholars at Risk network. We have pledged to take part in Scholars at Risk’s 25th anniversary activities during 2025–26 under the theme 'Truth Matters', reaffirming our commitment to the core values of higher education. We have doubled financial support to the Scholars at Risk Network.

Sensitive research statement

Our annual Sensitive Research Statement outlines our approach to conducting sensitive research and the rigorous processes and regulations, at both government and university levels, that ensures our research is conducted responsibly, ethically and with integrity. Read the Sensitive Research Statement.

Freedom of speech

The University is committed to upholding the principles of free speech and academic freedom and balancing these principles with the need for campuses to remain respectful and inclusive places – where all members of our community are safe to engage in their studies, research, work or other activities.

Relevant policies and procedures

Complaints and grievances

UQ has a robust and confidential complaints reporting and management process. Details of this process and associated policies can be found on our website under complaints and appeals.

Safety and wellbeing in our community

At UQ, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our staff, students, and wider community is central to how we pursue knowledge and strive for excellence. We’re committed to preventing harm wherever possible. 

Student safety and wellbeing services

Safety and wellbeing support is always available for UQ students, including urgent support and welfare checks.

Support for staff

A range of support is available to UQ Staff (log in required)

Events

Overhead view of a group discussion
Events

Speaker series

Our Dialogues Across Difference series, which strengthens understanding and respect, will continue in semester 1 2026.

News

Brett Robinson
News

Creating change: UQ announces 2025 UQ Alumni Award winners

Alumni making a positive impact in fields including philanthropy, new media and global sport have been recognised in The University of Queensland’s 2025 Alumni Awards.
23 October 2025
Jess Hill
News

Brisbane woman runs 50km for 50 days to break barriers for para-athletes

Dr Jessica Hill is taking on the 50x50x50 Challenge to support UQ's ParaSTART, a performance-based sports training program for people with high support needs.
31 October 2025
Poche centre staff
News

UQ’s Poche Centre celebrates a decade of work to help close the gap in Indigenous health

The University of Queensland Poche Centre for Indigenous Health has grown to become one of the leading Indigenous research centres in Australia after opening a decade ago with a modest staff of 3.
10 September 2025

Contact us

You are welcome to contact the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Campus Culture and Leadership by emailing pvcccl@uq.edu.au.