You may be aware of a protest currently taking place in Kambri. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we want to assure our community that measures are in place to maintain safety on our campus. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and ANU Security have been in communication with a spokesperson for the protesters, in particular about safety for our community, and will continue discussions in the coming days. 

Additionally, the University is providing 24-hour security resources in the Kambri precinct. If any students are feeling distressed, our Student Safety and Wellbeing team are available to provide wellbeing support Monday - Friday between 9am - 4pm

ANU has a long tradition of fostering respectful debate and student political engagement. Our university policies guarantee academic freedom and free speech, allowing all students and staff to express their views in accordance with Australian law. We do not condone any speech that is discriminatory or violates Australian law or our code of conduct. Necessary disciplinary action may be taken if our codes are breached.

ANU has been actively encouraging all members of the University to be respectful when expressing views on the current conflict.

The University offers a wide range of support for any member of the ANU community affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Please reach out if you need support.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email On.Campus@anu.edu.au.

Photo: Tangyao Zhang

Trained psychologists encounter people from a range of backgrounds — often in challenging or sensitive circumstances. But this reality has not always been reflected in the way institutions are teaching the next generation of practitioners and researchers.   

Dr Junwen Chen and Dr Olivia Evans, have created Culture and Psychology, an undergraduate course that addresses the colonial baggage that comes with practicing psychology in Australia.  

Within the class, students learn about cross-cultural and Indigenous issues in psychology, including in the context of working with First Nations Australians. 

Read more 

Monday 12 February – Friday 24 May 

Assembly is an exhibition of eight Hong Kong born artists from different generations of the diaspora. The collection explores the act of making sense of layers and fragments, of memories and stories, told or untold amid the current wave of migration. Featured events include a panel discussion with curator Dr Olivier Krischer and artists John Young and Nikki Lam this Saturday 4 May, and a curator floor talk by Dr Krischer on Tuesday 7 May.  

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Thursday 2 May, 4-5.30pm 

In the mid-nineteenth century Ye Minchen was one of the senior Chinese officials in the empire. In January 1858, when the British and French stormed Guangzhou, he was captured and shortly thereafter sent to Calcutta. This seminar hosted by the Australian Centre on China in the World is an examination of surviving materials to trace Ye’s life after his capture and the circumstances of his death, about which there has been some dispute. 

Register now 

Thursday 2 May, 5.30-7pm 

The ANU Indonesia Institute invites you to a thought-provoking lecture from one of Indonesia's most prominent contemporary writers, Leila Salikha Chudori as she reflects on the political nature of history writing in Indonesia under authoritarianism. She will explore how Indonesia’s youngest generations have found ‘truth’ through historical fiction. 

Register now 

Saturday 4 May, 11am-2pm  

Explore the visual language of plants at different scales through observation of form, pattern, colour and shape in a free drawing workshop. This drop-in workshop is open to all. Microscopes, paper and drawing materials will be available for you to use. This event is funded by ArtsACT and hosted by the ANU School of Art & Design.   

Register now 

People and Culture (P&C) are proud to launch the staff Health and Wellbeing SharePoint site, a dedicated platform designed to support the physical, mental and emotional wellness of all staff at ANU. It serves as a central hub where you can access valuable resources, engage with relevant content, and connect with fellow colleagues who share a commitment to well-being.  

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the building renaming initiative. Currently, only five out of 150 buildings across campus are named after female leaders. Our community has the opportunity to help change this by nominating inspiring women who have made exceptional contributions to the university. 

Nominations close in June. For more information, including criteria and how to nominate, visit the ANU building renaming initiative. Selected names will be celebrated, starting later this year and continuing into 2025.

ANU recruit has been updated, thanks to the Division of Shared Services. The next time you log in to ANU recruit you will find a more user-friendly Job Card design, as well as updated approval workflows, making it easier for you to select the right approval. A feedback form is available to staff, to further enhance our HR systems.  

Read more 

Planned leave is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, offering rest and rejuvenation that can enhance productivity and creativity. It's also an opportunity for personal development and quality time with friends and family, helping to prevent burnout and exhaustion from prolonged working without a break.

As we navigate our busy lives, it’s essential to recognise the importance of taking time off. Taking leave isn’t just about escaping the daily grind; it significantly impacts our overall health and wellbeing.

Why should you make the most of your leave?

Stress reduction and burnout prevention:

- Regular breaks from work help decrease stress levels and prevent burnout.

- Taking time off allows you to recharge, reset, and return with renewed energy.

Boosted mood and happiness:

- Longer periods of leave (one to two consecutive weeks) allow you to properly disconnect from work and lead to improved happiness and wellbeing.

- Disconnecting from work allows you to focus on personal interests, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Enhanced productivity and performance:

- Contrary to what some believe, taking leave doesn’t hinder productivity—it enhances it.

- Returning to work after a break increases creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall performance.

Reduced sick leave and improved mental health:

- Regular time off positively impacts mental health, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduces the likelihood of sick leave.

Remember that your wellbeing matters. Whether you choose to explore new destinations or simply enjoy a staycation, prioritise your planned leave. Please take the time to discuss your leave plans without supervisor to ensure that both your personal needs and any work responsibilities are managed effectively. Your mind, body, and colleagues will thank you.

Do you have an article or event for On Campus? We'd love to hear from you.   

Please submit content by Monday the week before an On Campus edition using our online form. For example, if you wish to include content for the Tuesday 14 May edition, please submit content by Monday 6 May.    

Questions? Please contact the On Campus team at on.campus@anu.edu.au.