Handbook 2009

Equity

Equal Opportunity and Social Justice

Murdoch University is committed to equal opportunity and social justice principles, policy and practice through embedding social justice into academic business, maintaining an environment free from discrimination and supporting the diverse needs of students and staff.

Murdoch provides a range of services to ensure a welcoming environment that supports equality of opportunity in access for prospective students and in the support services provided to students.

The Equal Opportunity and Social Justice area located in the Teaching and Learning Centre advises the University of its responsibilities and strategic considerations in relation to equal opportunity and social justice and supports the integration of these into academic learning environment. Students and staff requiring information on the University’s equal opportunity and social justice initiatives, resources and customised diversity and Intercultural awareness training should contact the Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Manager

Telephone: (08) 9360 2639

or visit the Equal Opportunity and Social Justice web site at

http://www.tlc.murdoch.edu.au/eosj

Discrimination

The learning environment supports cultural diversity by providing services responsive to individual needs.

Murdoch rejects inappropriate distinctions on the grounds of race (colour, ethnicity, national origin, nationality or descent), sex, pregnancy, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender history, family responsibility, family status, political conviction, religious belief, disability or medical condition. The elimination of all forms of direct and indirect discrimination is fully endorsed by the Senate, the Vice Chancellor, and all members of University management. Sexual harassment and racial harassment are prohibited in all aspects of University life.

Students and staff requiring information on the University’s equal opportunity policies, procedures for handling equity complaints or other policies pertaining to harassment and discrimination should visit the Office of Human Resources web site:

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/hr2/eeo/eeo_home.html

If you experience discrimination or harassment, staff who can advise you are listed on the Office of Human Resources web site above. Alternatively, contact:

Students: Telephone (08) 9360 6084

Staff: Telephone the Office of Human Resources (08) 9360 7230

Students who have other grievances or appeals should visit the Students Appeals web site:

http://www.oss.murdoch.edu.au/grievances/equal.html

Students and staff with disabilities

The University welcomes applications from people with a disability or medical condition and is committed to increasing and enhancing opportunities for access to higher education and graduate employment.

Enquiries concerning employment should be directed to Human Resources:

Telephone (08) 9360 2430

hr_recep@murdoch.edu.au

Students can access Information and support by contacting the Disability Liaison Officer who is available to provide students with support and assistance and can be contacted on:

Telephone (08) 9360 6152

equity@murdoch.edu.au

Services and facilities available at the University include accessible parking bays, library assistance, alternative examination and test arrangements, access to specialised study equipment, assistive technology, lecture notes and liaising with staff. Further information about the disability support program is available in different formats on request.

Equity Access and Diversity

Murdoch University supports a number of programs that ensure access to tertiary study and support for people from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

For information on the two school access programs Tertiary Options Project and Access Southwest, contact Equity, Access and Diversity on

Telephone (08) 9360 6084

equity@murdoch.edu.au

http://equityaccess.murdoch.edu.au

For specific information about the OnTrack program, contact the Prospective Students’ and Admissions Centre:

Telephone 1300 MURDOCH

Telephone 1300 6873624

admissions@murdoch.edu.au

Equity, Access and Diversity staff offer social support and information to equity entry students, with particular emphasis on their transition into the tertiary environment. A sessional service is provided to students at the University’s Peel and Rockingham campuses.

The Equity, Access and Diversity office also encourages the recognition of and support for students from diverse backgrounds to ensure a positive engagement with university life.

Equity, Access and Diversity

Murdoch campus: Social Sciences Building, Bush Court, Room 1.6

Peel and Rockingham campuses: call (08) 9360 6084 for appointments