A Campus Life staff training initiative has been recognised by Universities Australia in its Good Practice Guide for protecting university students from sexual harm.

The guide Primary Prevention of Sexual Harm in the University Sector highlights Macquarie among the universities actively working to reduce sexual harm and gender-based violence on their campuses, and in the community more broadly.

Twenty UBar employees – including casual bar staff – undertook a training program with FullStop Australia in February this year to gain accreditation as a Good Night Out venue. Good Night Out is a program supporting venues, pubs, bars, clubs and festivals to better understand, respond to and ultimately prevent, sexual harassment and assault in their spaces.

In addition to receiving training in various aspects of sexual harassment and assault, Ubar’s practices and policies were also reviewed by Full Stop Australia to ensure best practice.

Pete Boyle, CEO of U@MQ/Campus Life, says the training had an immediate impact.

“Our UBar staff reported that their knowledge significantly improved after the training, and they felt much more confident about responding to incidents of sexual assault and harassment,” he says. “With accreditation signage now in place at UBar, we are also able to provide patrons with a visible channel for support and reporting, should any incidents arise.

“The training is just one of many actions we are taking at Campus Life, and the University more broadly, to make Macquarie a safe place for our students and staff. As an active member of the Sexual Safety and Wellbeing Committee-RNA, Campus Life is continually monitoring areas of concern and putting proactive measures in place to address emerging issues. This includes working with our accommodation partners to provide robust safety and support for students living on campus.”

All Macquarie staff are encouraged to complete the Safer Communities iLearn module, which explains the expectations of our community, the characteristics of respectful relationships, and the support options and resources available for Macquarie students.