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Charter

Principles & Purpose  | Charter

This Charter sets out the key principles for independent student advocacy at the University of New England.

Aims & Objectives.
All students at the University of New England have rights and responsibilities in regard to the quality of their education and how they treat and are treated by the University and other students. This Charter is to ensure that the students’ views and needs can be heard, respected and acted on.

Scope.
Advocacy & Welfare will ensure the independent provision of information, advocacy and referral services for all students enrolled at UNE across a range of academic, procedural and administrative issues. These include, but are not limited to, issues relating to equity, discrimination, harassment, grievances, complaints, disputes, exclusion, discipline, misconduct, supervision and unsatisfactory progress. Our advocates are not counsellors, lawyers, accountants or real estate agents yet will refer students to these specialist services if required. This charter does not restrain a party from complying with any legal obligations that they have.

This Charter sets out the key principles for independent student advocacy at the University of New England.

Our Vision.
We envision a university community where students are empowered to negotiate academic and administrative issues, supported by independent and expert advice. We aim to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the University’s policies and procedures.

 

Our Purpose.
We aim to help address the inherent power imbalance between students and the University by providing expert, independent advice to students on their rights and obligations in the context of their education. We also use this casework to identify and address systemic problems to manifest meaningful change.

Charter

We provide

  • Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on how to approach your problem in the context of the University’s policies, procedures, and regulatory framework.
  • Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice across a range of academic, procedural and administrative issues, including but not limited to, issues relating to equity, discrimination, harassment, grievances, complaints, disputes, exclusion, discipline, misconduct, supervision and unsatisfactory progress.
  • Resources to help you self-advocate and negotiate more positive outcomes.
  • Information and resources to help you to make informed decisions.
  • Referrals to other services where necessary.

We need you to

  • Work with us in good faith.
  • Be patient and understand that we can be very busy at times.
  • Treat us and our team with courtesy, respect and consideration.
  • Be professional in your communication and interactions with us.
  • Provide us with honest, accurate and complete information in a timely manner.
  • Comply with the Advocacy and Welfare policies and procedures
  • Understand that you are responsible for all your verbal and written communications to the University and associated services. This includes any communications that Advocates have helped you with.

Understand that

  • If we hold a serious concern for your welfare or the welfare of others, we may need to disclose this and other relevant information to the relevant authority without your consent.
  • We cannot act in your place.
  • We have no coercive powers and cannot compel the University to act in a particular way.
  • We must be honest and realistic in our advice to you, and about the level of assistance we can provide.
  • You do not have to take our advice on a matter, however, if you choose not to we may be unable to assist you.
  • If we cannot meet the level of service you expect, or a relationship of trust and confidence cannot be established, then we may cease to assist you.

You can expect to

  • Be treated with courtesy, respect, and consideration.
  • Receive clear information and advice in a timely manner.
  • Receive information and resources so you can make informed choices and act in your own best interests.

Information and confidentiality

We operate under a strict confidentiality policy and handle all of your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW).  We will not divulge any of your information without your consent unless we are legally obligated to do so

Making a complaint

Understanding that while Advocacy & Welfare will do our best to help you with your matter, if you are dissatisfied with the service you are receiving from Advocacy & Welfare:
  • Let the Advocate handling your case know and try to work the problem out with them.
  • You can request another Advocate take over your case, however that may not be possible due to current Advocate caseloads and Conflict of Interest restrictions.
  • If you are unable to do this, you can:
    • Contact the UNE Life Student Experience Manager on tcourt3@une.edu.au or,
    • Submit a complaint to the Student Grievance Unit via the the online Complaints Form or,
    • Submit a complaint via Grapevine.
  • You can also submit general feedback (positive and negative) via UNE Life’s Feedback form:  https://www.unelife.com.au/feedback/

UNE Life Student HQ
Northern Ring Road
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND NSW 2351

  (02) 6773 3116

  advocacy@une.edu.au