Following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, ANU stands in solidarity with the Jewish community and all those affected. Support services are available for staff who may be impacted, and we encourage anyone needing support to reach out.

Following the changes implemented across the University last year and the Change Principles introduced earlier this year, People & Culture are undertaking post-implementation reviews to understand what’s working well and what can improve. The reviews will consider impacts on workloads, diversity and inclusion, casualisation and whether the original objectives of the changes have been achieved.

Staff are invited to share insights via a short survey. Feedback will help shape how changes and improvements are approached in the future.

Learn more: Post-implementation reviews – have your say

The Academic Portfolio’s change implementation continues to progress. Over the past week, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Portfolio Leadership have been preparing responses to staff feedback on the Implementation Plan and addressing questions from the recent community meeting. You can read all these updates and more in the latest newsletter here.

In the digital age, the challenges of protecting children have drastically levelled up.

Social media, gaming and emerging technologies, including AI, have transformed how kids learn, socialise and express themselves. As such, governments and industry globally are grappling with how to keep up.

“We’ve replaced a play-based childhood with a phone-based childhood,” says ANU researcher Associate Professor Faith Gordon.

Learn more: Why a social media ban is no silver bullet for child safety

AI is changing every aspect of modern life, and dating is no exception.

The role AI plays in our romantic encounters is evolving at a rapid pace. While dating apps have been part of the picture for some time, we’re now seeing AI play a much bigger part in every stage of our relationships, from helping to craft those witty first interactions to resolving arguments and even helping to process breakups.

ANU experts say while AI has the potential to play a positive, supporting role in our relationships, sinister uses like “chatfishing” – using AI to deceive others online – have also been popping up more frequently.

Learn more: AI has entered the chat

The Vice-Chancellor’s Education Awards ceremony was held in early December, celebrating outstanding contributions to teaching, learning support, and student experience across ANU. Staff and teams from diverse colleges were recognised for their innovation, collaboration, and impact on students, showcasing the University’s strong culture of educational excellence and commitment to quality.

Learn more: Vice-Chancellor’s Education Awards Ceremony

In 2026, ANU will bring back the School Manager Forums to provide an opportunity for School Managers to connect across Colleges, strengthen capability and foster cross-collaborations across campus. There will be four forums held throughout next year:

If you are a School Manager, you will receive an invitation to attend. Please save these dates in your diary.

ANU is announcing strengthened climate, nature and circular economy targets as part of the Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) 2026-2030, marking a significant step forward in the University’s journey to reach below zero emissions by 2040.

Key objectives highlighted in the plan include:

The plan also highlights the steps towards our mission to reach zero emissions.

Learn more: ANU launches new environmental action plan

On 25 August 2025 the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025 (the Bill) passed Parliament. Introducing a National Code was one of seven key actions of the Action Plan, Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education. The National Code promotes a whole of institution approach and will enhance the work the University has been doing since 2017 to:

The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence applies to all students and staff and spans a number of areas, including governance, safety and support, student accommodation and reporting.

DVCA Professor Joan Leach is leading the ANU effort to implement initiatives to ensure coordination and compliance. In addition, a steering group with representatives from key areas will be established to monitor progress and provide regular updates in On Campus.

The Respect@ANU webpage will also contain updates, including a copy of the University’s Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan which will be published in February.

For further information contact respect@anu.edu.au.

A reminder that you can now request IT help using ANUConnect.

The ANUConnect portal contains how-to guides and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as the ability to log any type of IT-related request. 

Important: The Service Desk team is moving away from email enquiries. From February 2026, all IT service requests should be submitted via ANUConnect at any time, or by calling the Service Desk during business hours. 

From Wednesday 17 December, staff and students will no longer be able to log in to Wattle unless they have been approved for continued access.

Staff are encouraged to download any important documents if they haven’t already.

Wattle now includes a Download Course Content feature that lets lecturers export their course, including pages and files under 50 MB, in one package.

More information is available in the Wattle Guide for Staff.

For further information or support, contact ITS Wattle Support via the ANU Service Desk.

Former ANU student Loong Wang understands how difficult it can be for students to stay at university when financial hardship puts their wellbeing and studies at risk. That’s why this holiday season he is matching every gift made to the ANU Student Urgent Relief Fund (SURF), up to $35,750.

Through SURF, ANU alumni, donors and friends provide timely financial support to students in need, helping cover essentials such as food, medical care and emergency transport when it is needed most.

ANU staff can join too. With donations being matched, this is the moment your generosity will have the greatest impact.

The ANU community plays a vital role in helping students navigate their lives. When hardship strikes, your support can be the difference that keeps a student on track.

 Learn more: Double your impact for ANU students in need

The ANU Gender Institute Prizes for Excellence in Gender and Sexuality Research are awarded annually to honour research that has made an important contribution to the fields of gender, feminist perspectives and/or sexuality by an ANU student.

The prizes are awarded under the following categories:

Applications close 16 February 2026.

Learn more: Applications open for 2025 Gender Institute Prizes

Last week a small grass fire on campus was quickly managed by ANU Security and ACT Fire and Rescue.

With warmer weather increasing fire activity, stay alert and prepared. Check conditions on campus and across the ACT using reliable sources such as the Hazards Near Me app (Android/iPhone).

If you see fire or smoke on campus, call 000 first, then notify ANU UniSafe on (02) 6125 2249.

Please remember that ANU is a smoke-free campus.

The Examinations and Graduations Office will be closing from Friday 19 December, 5pm. This will include phone, email and in-person services.

If you require urgent assistance, you can contact student@anu.edu.au during this period.

The Office will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

Following a competitive internal recruitment process, the University is pleased to announce the appointment of Bhavani Balakishnan, as Chief of Staff, Office of the Interim Vice-Chancellor. Bhavani will play a central role in advancing the University’s strategic priorities and providing operational advice on matters spanning strategy, productivity, risk and regulatory engagement.

ANU looks forward to working with Bhavani as she continues to serve our community with professionalism and commitment. 

Thank you to everyone who shared their festive pets with us. It's been a difficult year and we hope these furry, feathered and scaly companions help spread some joy. Here are our 2025 Santa Paws winners:

Congratulations to our winners! View the full gallery of Santa Paws photo submissions here. 

This year, our Hidden Gems series shone a light on some of the most unexpected, delightful and quietly iconic spaces across ANU. From secret gardens to unexpected wildlife hangouts and quirky collections, each gem revealed a different side of our campus. The side you only see if you slow down and look a little closer.

These discoveries reminded us that our campus is more than just buildings and pathways; it’s full of stories, surprises and magic hiding in plain sight. As we wrap up 2025, here’s to the gems we uncovered this year and to the next round of discoveries waiting in 2026.

As we head into a new year, we invite you to explore and share the hidden gems you think we should discover next.

Staying on campus over the shutdown period? Most cafes and eateries will be taking a well-earned break, but a few spots are keeping their doors open. Whether you’re craving a coffee, a quick lunch or a festive bite, these vendors have you covered over the holidays.

Need snacks for your Netflix binge sessions? Daily Market at Childers Street will be open and stocked with goodies to get you into the holiday spirit.

ANU Sport will also remain open (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day), so you can keep up your workouts and stay active over the holidays.

Hours can change over the holiday period, so be sure to check before you go.

There might be a few campus spots we missed (we really did try to catch them all) that are still open during shutdown.

This week we’re getting to know another member of the ANU community by engaging in three questions with Heather Lambert, Security Professional.

How did you come to be at ANU?

“I spent 16 years working at a remand centre here in Canberra, then took a year off and had a real “what now?” moment. A friend suggested security work, which made sense and after completing a course I was encouraged to apply at ANU in 2019. I moved around campus before coming to the Chancelry, where I’ve been for five years now. I’ve always loved Canberra after holidaying here growing up.”

What are you most passionate about in your work?

“I love customer service and meeting people from all walks of life. I especially love being a friendly and welcoming face in the Chancelry. Helping students when they’re stressed and pointing them to the right support has been really rewarding. I’ve made so many great connections in this role and being that first impression means a lot to me.”

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

“My favourite spot is the fountain on University Avenue. I arrive early in the mornings and the sound of the water always lifts my mood and reminds me of growing up near the beach in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. I’ve lived in Australia for 29 years now, but that connection still feels special.”

This series shines a light on people who make up the ANU community. Know someone with a great story to tell? Email the On Campus team at on.campus@anu.edu.au.

The holiday season can be a wonderful time to rest and recharge, but it can also bring challenges for many. Please remember, you are not alone. If you need mental health or wellbeing support during this period, help is available 24/7.

Explore Beyond Blue’s resources on managing festive stress here.

ACT-based support services (available 24/7)

All ANU staff members have access to the Employee Assistance Program through two providers:

ACT Access Mental Health – Provides emergency mental health support 24/7. Call 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065.

Find a full list of external crisis support in the ACT.

National support services (available 24/7)

On campus support in early 2026

Counselling support for staff will resume in early January:

If you’re unsure who to reach out to, email staffrespect@anu.edu.au for guidance and connection.

The ANU Health and Wellbeing sharepoint also has important information about looking after yourself this holiday season.

This week’s picture comes from Alida Gyory, Senior Consultant, Organisational Development, who captured this tranquil courtyard view through the iconic circular window at the China in the World Centre.

“There is a lovely garden, with a circular open window (red of course, for good luck and prosperity) that frames the garden, giving a real-life image of the current season,” said Alida.

Got a photo to share? Send in your picture using this form and include a short description.

ANU Security – (02) 6125 2249 

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ANU Security.

Media hotline – (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the media hotline during business hours or email media@anu.edu.au for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our Experts Guide.

Help is available if you need it. The University has a range of information and services that can be accessed by managers and staff.

Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek counselling support through the Employee Assistance Program.

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to this guide developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.