The Australian National University (ANU) has commissioned an independent examination of its student residences to uncover any factors that might contribute to sexual assault and sexual harassment on campus.
The review is in response to a recommendation of the 2017 national report on sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities, Change the Course.
Vice-Chancellor at ANU, Brian Schmidt said the independent review would be guided by the advice of the expert panel which included Chief Police Officer of ACT Policing, Justine Saunders and retired Vice-Admiral Russell Crane, who had experience in responding to sexual misconduct in institutional settings.
“The review will explore the culture within individual residences — both ANU owned and managed and affiliated residences — and examine the role hazing, alcohol and other factors play in sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Professor Schmidt said.
“The consultants will also examine how student residences respond to reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment, including the adequacy of training of staff and students.”
He said the consultants had a track record of conducting reviews in a respectful and trauma-informed manner, and had an understanding of institutional restorative practices.
“ANU is focused on doing everything we can to ensure our campus is safe for our students, staff and community,” Professor Schmidt said.
“This review will help us develop a better understanding of what is occurring in our residences and provide us with recommendations to help us create lasting change to improve the safety of students living and studying at our university.”
The review is expected to take six months with the final report due at the end of November.
