Get involved and make a difference

Every student and staff member is part of the University of Melbourne's diversity. You can play an active role in shaping campus life by improving your own awareness and understanding of diversity issues and participating in some of the many events and groups that celebrate and promote our cultural diversity. Although the suggestions here are split into students and staff, the two are not always exclusive - so check both areas to see if there's something that grabs your attention!

• Students
• Staff

Students

• Come along to some of the many events on campus - ranging from festivals, exhibitions and music performaces to academic lectures and seminars. See our events calendar for more information.
• Organise your own event. If you are organising a student event as part of a student club, check our practical guide to Culturally Inclusive Social Events to make sure the event welcomes all students.
• Join your student association, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) or the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA): attend events, help organise activities, join a group, write for the student publications, go to council meetings. You can also become a member at Melbourne University Sport.
• Become a student representative and have a say about how the university runs: on your department's staff-student liaison committee, as a council member or office bearer with your student association, or as a student representative on University committees. Contact UMSU or UMPA for more information, or speak to someone in your department office if you're interested in staff-student liaison groups.
• Join a club or society. There are clubs to cover just about any interest including ethno-cultural, political, spiritual, recreational and musical interests, as well as many faculty or department-based clubs.
• Join a collective or student group. The Student Union's collectives include Arts, Environment, Farrago (Media), Overseas Students (MUOSS), Queer, Welfare, and Womyn's. The Postgraduate Association also has a range of information and programs for specific groups including international, women, queer, parents, mature age, and postgraduates with disabilities.
• Use the student spaces on campus: Union House on the Parkville campus has a Womyn's Room, queer space, mature age lounge and international students lounge (in the MUOSS office). UMPA has a range of study and social spaces for postgraduate students, in the Graduate Centre. If you're at another campus, check with your local student association for information about student space. Indigenous students can use the Centre for Indigenous Education facilities, including a common room, study space, library and tutorial rooms.
• Take up a new sport. At Melbourne University Sport you can join one of over 40 clubs, do a short course, take group fitness classes and meet students of different backgrounds and abilities.
• Study a language. Depending on your course, you can do this as part of your degree, take evening classes, or take up an intensive summer course. See the School of Languages or the Asia Institute.
• Meet students from other countries and help them settle in to university life through programs arranged through International Student Services.
• Go on overseas exchange. One of the best ways to learn about another country and culture is to live there: learn more about opportunities on the Exchange and Melbourne Abroad website.
• Be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a student. The Student Expectations and Responsibility Policy sets out what you can expect from the University, from other students, and your role in the University community.
• Get involved in the Student Ambassador Leadership Program. SALP offers opportunities to develop leadership, communication and organisational skills, work in teams with other students, do some volunteer work and be an active part of the University and local communities.
• Visit one of the many museums and galleries on campus. The University has large and diverse collections of many different cultures.
• Give us your feedback! If you have ideas or suggestions for ways things could be improved in terms of how we recognise cultural diversity, or if you see any problems on campus, please contact us to see how we can help.

top of page

Staff

• Come along to some of the many events on campus - ranging from festivals, exhibitions and music performaces to academic lectures and seminars. See our events calendar for more information.
• Visit one of the many museums and galleries on campus. The University has large and diverse collections of many different cultures.
• Study a language. Staff can take evening classes or an intensive summer course through the School of Languages or the Asia Institute.
• Be aware of the policies governing areas encompassing cultural diversity and related areas.
• Learn more about cross-cultural awareness and inclusive teaching and processes.
• Add to your skills and attend training in cultural issues.
• Join staff-student consultative committees to learn more about student experiences - check with your department.
• Go along to meetings or events of the Intercultural Working Party.
• Give us your feedback! If you have ideas or suggestions for ways things could be improved in terms of how we recognise cultural diversity, or if you see any problems on campus, please contact us to see how we can help.