Help shape VU's anti-racism definitions guideline

Thursday 15 October 2026, 10–11am

70-104 Ballarat Rd, Footscray, VIC 3011, AU
View map below

Free

Victoria University is developing an Anti-Racism Definitions Guideline and we want to hear from students. Attend a facilitated listening session or completing an anonymous feedback form to contribute.

The Guideline will help establish a shared understanding of racism and related concepts across VU. Your feedback will help ensure the Guideline reflects the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of our student community. The Guideline will help establish a shared understanding of concepts including:

Racism
Anti-racism
Racial discrimination
Racial harassment
Racial vilification
Systemic racism
Antisemitism
Islamophobia
Intersectionality

A shared understanding helps ensure consistency in education, prevention, reporting and decision-making across the University and will contribute to a more inclusive, culturally safe and respectful environment for students and staff.

How you can participate

You have the option of attending a facilitated listening session or completing an anonymous feedback form (to be made available soon).

Students who participate in a consultation session will receive a gift card in recognition of their time and contributions.

1-hour consultation session: $35 gift card
Anonymous online survey only: No compensation

Attend a listening session

Join a facilitated discussion where you can share feedback on the draft Guideline and discuss how racism may be experienced and understood within a university environment.

Student consultation sessions:

Student Consultative Group Session: online, 15 October, 10–11am
VUSU & VUPA Student Representatives Session: online & in-person, 15 October, 3–4pm
Open Student Consultation Session: online, 19 October, 12noon–1pm
Muslim Students Consultation Session: online & in-person, 20 October, 3–4pm
Moondani Balluk / First Nations Students Consultation Session: online & in-person, 21 October, 10–11am
Open Student Consultation Session: Footscray Park, 21 October, 1–2pm
Open Student Consultation Session: online, 22 October, 11am–12noon
International Students Consultation Session: online & in-person, 22 October, 1–2pm
Jewish Community Consultation Session: online & in-person, 22 October, 3–4pm

Find out more

If you have questions about the consultation process, participation options, accessibility requirements, compensation or available support services, please contact us:

Email: cwo@vu.edu.au

: All students are welcome to participate.
We are particularly keen to hear from:
International students
Students from culturally and racially marginalised communities
Refugee and migrant-background students
Muslim students
Jewish students
First Nations students
Students with lived experience of racism or exclusion.
We are working closely with student representatives and key communities to ensure the consultation is inclusive, culturally safe and accessible.
: We know that students have different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.
The consultation is designed to:
understand how students recognise and experience racism in a university setting
test whether the proposed definitions are clear and meaningful
identify perspectives or experiences that may be missing from the draft Guideline
inform future education, communication and implementation activities
ensure student voices are reflected in the final Guideline.
You do not need to have experienced racism to participate, and you are not expected to share personal experiences.
: We're committed to creating a respectful and inclusive consultation process.
Safe
We recognise discussions about racism may be sensitive or distressing and will take steps to support participants.
Choice-driven
You can choose how you participate, what you share and whether you participate at all.
Inclusive and intersectional
We recognise that experiences of racism differ across communities and may intersect with other forms of discrimination and exclusion.
Respectful dialogue
We welcome diverse viewpoints and ask all participants to engage respectfully. Discriminatory, threatening or harmful behaviour will not be accepted.
: We understand that conversations about racism can be personal, sensitive and sometimes distressing.
Students can:
Choose not to answer questions
Take a break during a session
Leave a session at any time
Access wellbeing and support services if needed.
Support services
Emergency and crisis contacts
Counselling Services
Safer Community
Student Welfare
Accessibility Services
Share a concern
: Do I need to have experienced racism to participate?
No. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their background or experiences.
Do I have to share personal experiences?
No. Participation is voluntary and you are not expected to disclose personal experiences.
Can I provide feedback anonymously?
Yes. You can complete the online feedback form anonymously.
Will I be compensated for my time?
If you take part in a consultation session you will receive a $35 gift card to thank you for your time and feedback. Gift cards are not provided for completing the anonymous feedback form.
How will my feedback be used?
Feedback will be considered alongside other consultation findings and used to help refine the draft Guideline. Findings will be reported thematically and individual comments will not be attributed.
What happens after the consultation?
Feedback will be analysed and used to inform revisions to the Guideline before it progresses through VU's governance processes
Still have questions?
If you can't find the information you're looking for on this webpage, please contact cwo@vu.edu.au.

How you can participate

Attend a listening session

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