June 29, 2018

University moves to protect students’ safety

University, police and council jointly respond to recent incidents involving international students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has moved quickly and decisively to protect the safety and wellbeing of international students following recent incidents in the Wollongong CBD.

The latest incidents follow several altercations in and thefts in Wollongong CBD since April that are causing concern among some international students. University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, has directed a comprehensive response and sought to reassure concerned international students.

“The University understands and shares the concerns of all our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students is the University’s top priority.

“Any incident that affects the safety of any of our students is cause for concern, but particularly for international students who are experiencing a new culture far from their families and home countries.

“The University and City of Wollongong have a longstanding reputation for welcoming international students with open arms. We value the rich diversity international students bring to our learning environment, our research and community.

“We are doing everything we can to respond to these incidents in partnership with Wollongong City Council, local police and the wider community to support the safety and wellbeing of international students,” Professor Wellings said.

The University is assisting the Wollongong Police with their investigations into recent incidents, as well as conferring with Wollongong City Council and local MPs to understand students’ concerns and develop strategies to help prevent further incidents and make Wollongong safer for international students.

Senior UOW staff met with concerned Chinese students this morning ahead of a specially convened meeting of managers from across the institution who have been directed to marshal the resources of the university and engage external stakeholders to address issues raised by students.

The Vice-Chancellor and members of the senior executive team are also liaising closely with embassy and consular officials, particularly the Chinese Consulate, to inform them of efforts to protect the safety of their citizens while studying in Wollongong.

The University of Wollongong has approximately 7000 international students studying onshore in Australia, with most studying at its two Wollongong campuses.