Having a Voice on Campus

The University values input and feedback from students with disabilities as a means for more effectively tailoring services, resources and policy to meet their needs. Students with disabilities studying at regional campuses are also able to access the following mechanisms. There are several ways that students can have their voice heard:

• Disability Liaison Unit
• Student Forums
• University Committees
• Student Union Welfare Officer / UMPA (University of Melbourne Post Graduate Association) Education Officers
• Other Methods

Disability Liaison Unit

Staff from the DLU network across the University, working with committees, service areas (e.g. libraries, student administration, Property & Campus Services), and faculties. At any time students are able to notify DLU staff of issues that are important to them and provide feedback on services – including the DLU. The DLU can raise issues without identifying individual students. By raising issues with the DLU, the DLU is also then able to more effectively track trends and plan for increased or improved services.

Contact the DLU

Students with Disabilities Forum

A student forum is held each semester. The forum is usually facilitated by a student with a disability, and issues are recorded by another student with a disability. Student forums provide an opportunity to anonymously raise issues in an informal discussion. In the past such forums have raised issues that have effected improvements in physical access, staff training, University systems and service areas. The forums also provide the opportunity to engage with other students with disabilities. The DLU publicise this forum around the Parkville campus and on the DLU home page several weeks in advance.

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University Committees

The Student Equity and Diversity Committee is the primary University Committee that monitors and advises on policy matters relating to student access, equity and diversity. For information on membership and terms of reference please click here.

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Student Union Welfare Officer/ UMPA (University of Melbourne Post Graduate Association Inc.) Education Officers

The Student Union and UMPA have officer bearers who are able to champion disability issues as part of their role on University Committees. For the current year's information and an outline of roles and contact details, go to the Student Union website and go to the representation section on the UMPA website.

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Other Methods

The methods above outline established ways to raise issues related to seeking services to accommodate your disability. Of course you may choose to raise these issues directly with relevant staff or services. Additionally many faculties have clubs and/ or committees where students can raise general issues.

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