Reporting inappropriate behaviour to the University

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At Adelaide University, our values guide who we are, what we stand for and how we act together. 

You can report gender-based violence, sexual harm, fraud, corruption, racism and discrimination concerns to the Integrity Unit.  

If you’re unsure about making a report - or want to talk to someone about the process - you can contact the Integrity Unit for advice. A team member can meet with you in person, online or via phone. 

You can choose to remain anonymous; however, this may limit the actions the University can take.  

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Learn more about inappropriate behaviours and how to report

Students are encouraged to report any instances of gender-based violence or sexual harm to the Integrity Unit (IU), including: 

  • Physical violence (assault, intimate partner violence) 
  • Sexual violence (assault, harassment, non-consensual image sharing) 
  • Emotional and psychological abuse (stalking, intimidation, coercive control) 
  • Economic abuse (restricting access to money, education, or employment). 

We recognise it can be very challenging to raise these types of concerns. Our team is trained in how to provide a person-centred and trauma informed response to these issues. We’ll work with you to explain your options and ensure you are supported.  

Discussions are confidential, unless our team is obliged by law to disclose your information, in which case they will inform you. If your information needs to be shared with the University - to enable your report to be actioned - the team will discuss that with you in advance.  

What is fraud? 

Fraud is: 

  • dishonestly obtaining (or attempting to obtain) a benefit or advantage for any person (yourself or another) 
  • dishonestly causing (or attempting to cause) detriment to the University. 

What is corruption? 

Corruption is:  

  • the misuse of one’s position in the University for personal or private advantage - and may include bribery, fraud, nepotism, extortion or dishonesty.  
  • conspiring to aid, induce or conceal these offences 
  • improper action taken to further the purported interests of an organisation. 

What is maladministration? 

Maladministration is: 

  • conduct that results in the irregular/unauthorised use of public money 
  • the substantial mismanagement of public resources. 

What is bribery? 

Bribery is:  

  • offering, promising, giving, asking, or accepting money (or something else of worth) to influence a person's actions related to their job duties  
  • This includes bribery of foreign officials. 

All members of the University community can help prevent fraud and corruption by speaking up. 

As Public Officers, staff has a responsibility to report any matter of suspected corruption in South Australian Public Administration to the Office for Public Integrity. 

Who else can I report my concerns to? 

Alternatively, you can report your concerns about suspected corruption to the Integrity Unit: 

You can also make a report via the online form, where your report can be anonymous if you choose.

At University, if you see or experience behaviour that could be considered discrimination, harassment, racism and/or inappropriate - please report your concerns to the Integrity Unit. 

What is racism? 

Racism is when people are treated unfairly because of their race. It is shaped by systems, policies, actions, and attitudes that create unequal opportunities and outcomes. 

Racism is more than personal prejudice or bias. It occurs when these beliefs are supported by power—at an individual or institutional level—allowing people to discriminate against, exclude, or limit the rights of others. 

What is discrimination? 

Discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than others because they have a particular characteristic or belong to a particular group. This may include: 

  • Ableism 
  • Antisemitism 
  • Homophobia 
  • Islamophobia 
  • Transphobia.     

Discrimination and harassment can happen to anyone. An individual may be singled out due to their age, political belief/activity, parental or career status, physical features, disability, race, gender identity, religious belief or activity, industrial activity, sex/sexuality, marital status, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or spousal identity. 

Adelaide University supports freedom of speech, so it’s important to know that harassment, discrimination and racism constitute unacceptable behaviour - and may be considered misconduct. 

What is foreign interference? 

Harassment, intimidation, bullying or doxing (when someone publicly shares another’s private information online without their permission) could be considered foreign interference, if there’s a likelihood it’s being carried out by, or on behalf of, a foreign actor. You are encouraged to raise these issues with the University. 

About the Integrity Unit

The Integrity Unit is a team trained in providing a person-centred and trauma-informed response to reports of inappropriate behaviour. Our staff will work with you to explain your options and ensure you are supported throughout any process. 

Our Team can undertake risk assessments, safety planning and make referrals to support you. Additionally, where the matter involves the conduct of a university community member, the Integrity Unit may undertake investigations and disciplinary processes. 

 You can report an incident or concern, or seek advice from the University’s Integrity Unit:  

After you make a report, a member of the Integrity Unit will contact you within two business days. 

If you make a report via the Anonymous Report Centre, note down the report key and case number shown when you submit your report. This will enable you to log back in through the Reporting Centre to receive updates or send further information to the Integrity Unit. 

No. Reporting an incident will not affect your international student visa. You can discuss any concerns in confidence with:   

External contacts  

If your concern involves an issue of immediate physical safety on campus, call 000 to connect with SES (Police, Fire, Ambulance).   

SA Police (SAPOL)   

If your concern involves possible criminal conduct, you should consider reporting the matter to SA Police (SAPOL). You’re encouraged to report the matter to the University also and let us know that it is also being dealt with by SAPOL.   

Office for Public Integrity   

The Office for Public Integrity (OPI) receives complaints and reports about corruption, misconduct and maladministration in South Australia's public administration.   

Equal Opportunity SA   

Equal Opportunity SA may also help to resolve discrimination, sexual harassment or victimisation complaints.