Health, welfare & counselling

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Chaplaincy

The University caters for the emotional and spiritual needs of students through the provision of chaplaincy services. The chaplaincy centres are ecumenical and, although the chaplains represent the major Christian denominations, they are also available to people of other religions. The chaplains are available at any time and are happy to discuss matters of a spiritual, religious, ethical or personal nature.

A chapel is available at the Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses for quiet prayer, worship services and prayer meetings. The centre has a room with tea and coffee making facilities. At Gardens Point, there is also a Muslim Mosque in rooms adjacent to the main chaplaincy rooms.

At Carseldine campus, the chaplain conducts weekly visits and ecumenical services as well as periodic Catholic Mass.

Chaplaincy Service locations:

• Carseldine Room
  C310
• Gardens Point
  Old Government House (near entrance to the Library
  and U Block)
• Kelvin Grove
  Room A131 (ground floor near the Library)

You can also contact the chaplain on 07 3138 2700, mobile: 041 464 2700 or email: bj.clarke@qut.edu.au.

Equity programs and services

QUT strives to support cultural and social diversity in our student body by providing a learning environment which:

• promotes the principles of equity and social justice
• is inclusive and supportive of people from all backgrounds
• is free from discrimination and harassment.

QUT provides a range of support programs to help remove barriers to success faced by some students including:

• students from low income backgrounds: admission, orientation and support services through the
  Q-Step Program. Phone: 07 3138 3731. Also the Equity Section provides information on a range of financial support measures aimed at low-income students including Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, Equity scholarships and bursaries. Information on faculty-based scholarships and prizes is also available, as well as other financial support measures across the university. Phone 07 3138 5601 for more information on financial support measures or go to the Equity Section web site.
• Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students: admission, orientation and support services coordinated by the Oodgeroo Unit. Look out for details on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pre-orientation activities in the Orientation Program. Phone: 07 3138 3610
• people from non-English speaking backgrounds: language and learning skills support provided by International Student Services.
• people with disabilities: assistance and support coordinated, or negotiated, by the Disability Officer. Refer to the Enrolment Guide and contact the Equity Section for a copy of the Guide for Students with Disabilities.

The Equity Section also has information on the following:

• inclusive learning experiences and services: whether we mean to or not, the language we use can sometimes demean or exclude people. The booklet Working with Diversity: A guide to inclusive language and presentation provides examples of inclusive and non-discriminatory language. It is a valuable guide for all communication, including assignments and presentations.
• discrimination and harassment: QUT will not tolerate unfair treatment on the basis of characteristics such as sex, cultural identity, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation. The University has specific policies and procedures regarding sexual and gender-based harassment, and racial discrimination and harassment. These policies are included in the Student Rules section of the QUT Handbook online. If at any time during your study at QUT you experience discrimination or harassment, you should report it - even if you do not want to make a formal complaint. QUT has trained discrimination contact officers to provide you with information and confidential advice on your options (the list of discrimination contact officers is available from the Equity Section).

For contact details or more information about equity

Health and safety

Staff and students have the responsibility to perform their work and study in as safe a manner as practicable so as not to endanger themselves or others. In particular, staff and students should adhere to the policy guidelines as set out in the Manual of Policies and Procedures.

Others who visit or work within the University are expected to conduct their activities with the same regard for health and safety as is required of staff and students.

Students and staff should also be aware of QUT's policies on:

• Health and safety responsibilities for QUT students
• smoking – QUT has a strict policy on smoking that will be enforced.
• children of students on campus – students bringing children on campus are expected to familiarise themselves with obligations outlined in the Children on campus guidelines. Note that the policy does not apply to situations where a child is brought on campus for the purpose of attending a registered child care facility, the Early Childhood Development Unit, clinics and approved programs such as vacation care. Further information on children of staff and children of students is also available.
• first aid and emergencies – QUT has a responsibility to provide staff and students access to first aid facilities in the event of first aid and medical emergencies. Information on first aid and first aid training is also available.
• unauthorised animals on campus – Permission to have animals on campus is covered under the Site policy. Registered Guide Dogs will receive approval on all campuses.
• QUT policy on communicable/infectious diseases. More information on how to limit the spread of communicable diseases is also available.
• safe computer use – information on how to sit and use a computer in a safe manner is available.
• Genetically Modified Organisms – activities involving Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) must be undertaken in accordance with the Gene Technology Act (Cwth, 2000). Activities involving Biosafety materials must be undertaken with regard to relevant University Policy. The purpose of the legislation and University Policy in these areas is to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by the activity. QUT is accredited to conduct these activities.

For more information on Health and Safety at QUT