About this consultation:

GSA is conducting an in-person consultation with graduate students to gain ingisht into their perspectives on the University's recent protest rule changes. In line with our current support for students' right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, this consultation will assist GSA to respond to the new rules, specifically.

The consultation will be held in the Gryphon Gallery in the 1888 building and catering will be provided for all attendees during the consultation.

The consultation will involve a whole group discussion, as well as smaller group discussion where all attendees will be asked questions and invited to express their views. While GSA is also currently conducting a suvey on this issue, the consultation will allow for greater in-depth discussion. You can also complete the survey using this link: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_9LhlHoIkltREpGS

The consultation will be a respectful and safe environment, where all attendees will be invited to share their perspectives. Any data reported to the University as a result of the consultation will be anonymised.

Background:

Protest rule changes

On the 3rd of March 2025, the University of Melbourne introduced new University rules under the Vice-Chancellor Regulation relating to the use of the University's premises and facilities during a protest (including a demonstration, rally, sit-in, occupation and individual forms of action). The University has outlined that this rule change is "intended to balance the rights of all members of the University community."

The protest rule changes include:

Protests may only be held outdoors.
Protests must not be held inside, or obstruct entry into, or exit from, any building used for University activities.
The University will act in the interests of all persons engaging in University activities or using University premises. Protests or other protest activity must not:

unreasonably undermine the capacity of individuals to participate fully in the University;
prejudice the fulfilment by the University of its duty to foster the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors; or
unreasonably disrupt activities or operations of the University or result in damage to University property.

More information on the rule changes can be found here: Vice-Chancellor Rules

For more information, please visit:
Vice-Chancellor Regulation
The University of Melbourne Freedom of Speech Policy
GSA Statement on student's right to peacefully protest

GSA 2025 UoM Protest Rule Changes Consultation