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Campus Access Policy FAQs
In July 2024, the University introduced the Campus Access Policy 2024, which provides clearer information about expectations and requirements of conduct on campus. The policy balances the University’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom with our legislative obligations to protect the health and safety of our community.
The Campus Access Policy FAQs are designed to help University of Sydney students more clearly understand their rights and responsibilities around protest and activism on campus.
Why has the University introduced the Campus Access Policy?
We regularly review and update all our policies. The superseded Campus Access Rule was implemented in 2009 and was no longer fit for purpose. The Campus Access Policy 2024 was implemented to safeguard the wellbeing of our community, academic freedom and freedom of speech, and the effective operations of our University into the future.
Does this mean the University has to approve protests and demonstrations taking place on campus?
No, the new policy does not require the University to approve protests. The University remains committed to supporting freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the right to freedom of assembly. It simply requires demonstrators to give the University 72 hours’ notice to ensure we’ve got the right resources in place so that demonstrations can proceed in a way that’s safe for both protesters and other members of our community. Demonstrations are permitted on University of Sydney lands provided they comply with the Campus Access Policy and other relevant University policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
Am I allowed to put up posters on campus?
Yes, we welcome posters and similar materials, and we provide notice boards and other places for staff and students to put them up. There is no need to ask permission to put posters up in these designated areas, but if someone wants to put signage up elsewhere, we need to be able to ensure that it is safe and will not damage buildings and infrastructure. The Campus Access Policy’s provisions relating to posters and banners are nothing new. They reiterate University requirements that have been in place since the current Advertising on Campus Policy was first adopted in 1999, apparently without dispute.
Am I allowed to hand out flyers?
Yes, we welcome handing out flyers, pamphlets and similar materials, and there is no need to ask permission to do so.
Can I still set up a stall to promote my club or society, promote my event, or engage members of the University community in activism?
Yes. The University aims to foster a vibrant campus culture, and encourages our staff and students to promote their events and engage critically in discussions. To ensure any structures, including stalls, set up on campus are safe and will not cause damage we now require permission be sought.
What does this mean for protected industrial action and strikes on campus?
The Campus Access Policy does not limit the rights of staff to engage in lawful protected industrial action. If demonstrations are planned as part of lawful protected industrial action, we simply require 72 hours’ notice, and permission requested for megaphones so we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community while upholding rights to academic freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.
Does this mean the campus is now effectively closed after business hours?
No, activities and events outside core business hours, including overnight, are still permitted on University lands, provided they comply with the new policy.
What does this mean for external parties coming on campus?
The University aims to be a welcoming, safe, and inclusive place for all members of our community, including members of the public who come to campus for a range of reasons, whether to walk their dog at Cadigal Green, attend an event, or visit the Chau Chak Wing museum. We continue to welcome members of the public to our campuses. The right to organise a protest on University lands is, however, reserved for our staff and students.
How does this affect events on campus?
We aim to foster a vibrant campus life, rich with events for both our staff and students, and our broader community. Events will continue to take place as they always have, provided they comply with the Campus Access Policy and other relevant University policies, and applicable laws and regulations. Most organisers of events held on University lands already obtain approval or give notice well in excess of what is required under the Campus Access Policy.
What activities require approval?
The activities requiring notice, approval or are not permitted are specified in the policy. The approval requirements set out in the Campus Access Policy balance the rights of freedom of expression with our obligation to protect the physical and psychological safety of all members of our community.
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to any user of University of Sydney lands, including staff, affiliates, students, and visitors.
What measures are in place to ensure University security officers follow the policy?
We know there will be a period of adjustment following the introduction of the new Campus Access Policy, and we’re actively engaging with our security officers to ensure consistency in our approach.
When will the policy next be reviewed?
When the policy was implemented in July, we committed to running an additional review of the policy before the end of the year.
This consultation is now open, and we encourage staff and students to share their views. We want to know if the provisions of the policy are appropriate – are amendments or more guidance needed?
All feedback will need to be submitted before 30 November using the Campus Access Policy Feedback form. All submissions will be carefully considered, with a view to having any necessary amendments in place for Semester 1 2025.
How does the Campus Access Policy compare to NSW protest regulations?
The University has sought advice from the police on their approach to public assembly requirements, and they have confirmed that anyone can hold a protest or public assembly on public land in NSW without giving the police notice, however, crucially, they won’t be afforded the same protections as those who notify police of their intention and could be prosecuted under the summary offences act. Our police contacts say that most protest organisers submit these notifications (commonly known as ‘Form 1’s) as a matter of course to enable the necessary responses/resources should the need arise. This is how we are envisaging the Campus Access Policy will work in practice as well.
Last updated: 12 November 2024
