The Australian National University condemns antisemitism in the strongest possible terms, as we again reiterated at last week’s Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (Antisemitism at Australian universities inquiry). 

All claims of racism, including antisemitism, are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Read the University’s full statement on antisemitism. 

Find the Vice-Chancellor's opening statement from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and a link to the full appearance on the Parliamentary Engagement website. 

At ANU, we are deeply committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse environment where all staff and students feel welcomed and respected. We believe that diversity enriches our work and learning experiences, promotes personal growth and helps to create a vibrant campus culture. Our commitment extends to ensuring equitable opportunities for all ANU students and staff, and to acknowledging and celebrating the differences in culture, religion and personal identity. The University strives to create spaces where open dialogue, mutual respect and understanding can thrive, enabling everyone to contribute to the diversity of our academic community.  

Awareness of different cultural and religious events helps the University to better support the diverse needs of our community. The Department of Home Affairs maintains an inclusive calendar of significant dates observed by the various communities in Australia. This calendar is a useful reference for ensuring that significant holidays and observances are respected and accommodated in your local area.

Sustainable energy innovator Professor Andrew Blakers is one of 24 members of the ANU community that have been appointed to the Order of Australia. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

The achievements of the ANU community are shing bright – a solar pioneer, an ACT supreme court judge, a historian and a cultural consultant are among the hundreds of distinguished Australians appointed to the Order of Australia today. 24 of which, are members of the ANU community.  

Read more: Australia Day Honours

As of 1 January 2025, ANU has achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity across all campuses, a significant step in our commitment to sustainability. This milestone reflects efforts to source energy from wind, solar and other renewable projects to power ANU campuses in NSW and the NT. These programs complement the solar generation on the Acton campus and the ACT Government's programs to create a 100 per cent renewably powered Canberra.  

Learn more about how ANU is supporting a clean energy future. 

Monday 10 February, 9.30-11am 

Kick things off at ANU Orientation Week 2025 with the opening event for new students, the ANU Commencement Address. Hear from inspiring speakers about their university experience and learn how to get the most out of your time at ANU.  

The 2025 keynote will be delivered by ANU alumna and TV presenter Lee Constable, who was also a guest contributor to War on Waste Season 3 (ABC). The event will also feature an address from ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Genevieve Bell, and Mr Paul Girrawah House, local Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian will be delivering the Welcome to Country. 

Registration is mandatory to attend this event.   

Register now: 2025 Commencement Address 

Monday 10 February, 7-8pm 

Renowned photographer and social justice advocate Juno Gemes will be in conversation with the Hon. Linda Burney, moderated by Professor Ann McGrath, as they discuss Juno’s powerful new book Until Justice Comes: Fifty Years of The Movement for Indigenous Rights. 

This landmark publication brings together over 220 photographs that chronicle the history of Australia’s First Nations struggle for justice and self-determination over the past fifty years. From intimate community moments to political activism, Juno’s photographic archive highlights key milestones including the Redfern Revolution, land rights campaigns and the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. 

Register now: Meet the Author – Juno Gemes 

Tuesday 18 February, 6-7pm

Arnold Dix will be in a conversation with journalist Alex Sloan on his new book The Promise. How an everyday hero made the impossible possible. 
 
In rural Victoria, Arnold Dix is known to locals as a farmer and a part-time truck driver. But his name reached global recognition when he played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 Indian workers trapped after a tunnel collapse in the Himalayas. In vivid detail, Arnold recounts the unlikely rescue that transformed him into a global hero. He reflects on the extraordinary challenges he faced, culminating in his unwavering promise: `41 men are coming home alive.’ 

Register now: Meet the author – Arnold Dix 

The ANU Canberra Pick-up Service is a free transfer provided to new students commencing their studies in their first semester at ANU arriving in Canberra. This service is available for both new international students and domestic students. You’ll be greeted by ANU staff who will provide you with a taxi voucher to get to your destination on or off campus. 

The ANU pick-up service operates from Friday 7 February - Sunday 9 February, 9.30am - 3pm.  

Please note that you need to be a new student in 2025 to register for this service. 

Register now: ANU pick-up service

In January 2020 more than 160 building were damaged by hailstorms. Since then, the University undergone multiple stages of construction to repair buildings across campus.  

We thank the University community for your patience as you have lived and worked alongside multi-year restorations. We look forward to our campus architecture being revived to its original state. 

The University is situated in a bustling urban environment. Whether you're walking, driving, or cycling, it's important for everyone to prioritise roadway safety. The ANU Services webpage now includes key safety tips when navigating campus while driving, walking, cycling or e-scootering, as well as information on what to do in instances of bike theft, slips, trips and falls, and reporting transport hazards.  

Learn more: Pedestrian and transportation safety on campus

And finally... today we bid farewell to our colleague, Abby Sykes who has been an integral part of the On Campus newsletters for the past two years. While we're sad to see you go, we’re excited for the adventures that await you as you return to the United States. Wishing you all the best for this next chapter! Please excuse this breach of the ANU style guide.

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or University-related issue, the University encourages you to seek support through the ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.