Important update – Protest activity on campus

Some members of the RMIT community are exercising their right to protest and have started an encampment in Alumni Courtyard on City campus.

Last updated: 11am Monday 6 May 2024

As you may be aware, some members of the RMIT community are exercising their right to protest and have started an encampment today in Alumni Courtyard on the City Campus. During the day they may also gather on Bowen Street adjacent to Building 1.

RMIT University campuses have always been places of debate and informed discourse. We support the exercise of freedom of speech that is lawful and free from any form of discrimination, racism or behaviour that could put the safety and wellbeing of our community at risk.

We are proud of our rich and diverse multi-cultural and multi-faith RMIT community. We are deeply committed to protecting the right of every member of our community to learn, interact and participate fully in university life, with a clear sense that they are welcome, they are safe and they belong.

Policies and conduct

All RMIT students and staff are subject to behavioural expectations and conduct requirements in accordance with the University’s core values and policies. 

The safety of our community is vital. We all have a duty to ensure our students, staff, and campus visitors are not subjected to violence, threats, harassment or intimidation. Our policies provide the basis for addressing actions or behaviour that adversely impact other members of our community. The relevant policies include:

Behaviours that breach our policies will not be tolerated, including but not limited to:

Causing disruption to our teaching, learning and research activities.
Preventing others from participating in their legitimate teaching, learning and research activities.
Blocking access to buildings, doorways or pathways or preventing access to other RMIT activities.
Causing damage to University property, or the property of other people.
Undertaking activities which present a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing.
Engaging in disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour.
Vilifying an individual or a group of people (e.g. on the basis of race or religion).

Support and security on campus

RMIT will stay in direct communication with students, official student groups and others who are involved in this activity to ensure the safety of our campus and community during this time.

If you need support at any stage, please access any of the following RMIT services:

Campus Security – immediate safety concerns or assistance on campus (+61 3 9925 3895 or in an emergency dial 000). Download the Safe Zone app – it connects you instantly to Campus Security, First Aid, or Emergency support if you need it.
SafetyNow – report safety incidents or concerns. Your username is your student email address (e.g. s1234567@student.rmit.edu.au). Remember to select yes to report a confidential incident.
Safer Community – support for those personally experiencing unwanted, uncomfortable or threatening behaviour.
Short-term professional counselling – provided by RMIT to currently enrolled students.
Student welfare advisors – support and advice regarding personal and academic concerns.
Please speak with your Program or Course co-ordinator or HDR supervisor if you have any concerns about your studies.

RMIT is committed to ensuring our students and staff can exercise their freedom of speech, however such actions must not disrupt or threaten the safety of our community.

Please treat each other with respect – during this period and always.

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Important update – Protest activity on campus