These guidelines have been developed to assist students in resolving a grievance related to harassment or discrimination that could be regarded as 'lower level' in nature. The guidelines may not be suitable in situations where there is a complaint about behaviour of a serious nature.
These guidelines do NOT comprise official University Policy or detail a sequential procedure. Where a discrepancy exists between these guidelines and the official policy, the policy takes precedence. University policies are located in the Handbook of University Policies and Procedures (HUPP).
For details of the official policy and procedures, you should check out the University's Discrimination and Harassment policy:
The Management of Sexual Harassment Grievances policy as well as the Student Grievance Resolution procedure.
Some actions such as sexual assault, rape, and stalking are criminal offences and as such may best be handled by reporting them to the police.
Contact Officers
You might like to talk to a Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO) to help you decide how best to deal with the issue. DHCOs are specially trained staff and students of the University who can provide you with more information about the grievance procedures. They will listen to your concerns non-judgementally, explain how the University's procedures work and discuss various options you can consider for dealing with your particular concerns. DHCOs are available on all campuses - see the current list of their names and contact details.
First steps in resolving a grievance
Dealing with problems quickly and directly is usually the most effective way to stop the behaviour. Where appropriate, you may firstly try to resolve the grievance directly with the person/persons involved. This may involve talking with them or writing them a letter. Let them know that their behaviour is upsetting/offending you and ask them to stop immediately. See hints on how to go about these approaches.
Further options
If you have tried talking or writing to the person concerned, and are not happy with the outcome, consider talking to a DHCO to discuss further options that may be available to assist resolve your grievance. This might include taking the matter further 'up the line' in a more formal way. (See the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure for details).
Other avenues for seeking assistance include through the UQ Student Union or from counsellors in Student Services.
Confidentiality
Regardless of the action you decide to take to resolve the matter, it is advisable to retain confidentiality about the matter and only discuss it with people who need to know. You may find you need to confide in a trusted close friend or a family member and if so, ask them to keep your concerns confidential. This is important, because it will protect you from accusations of defaming or slandering another person.
Record Keeping
You might consider keeping a secure record of: the dates of when and where the incident/incidents which have upset you have occurred, a brief summary of how you felt, and a list of any actions you have taken to resolve the matter. These records may be useful at a later date if you decide you need to lodge a formal complaint.
Victimisation
If you do decide to take action to resolve a complaint, it is important you know that ALL people with a legitimate involvement in the grievance process (including the person you're complaining about, or witnesses) are protected by University policy from being victimised. Victimisation may also be unlawful.
External agencies
You may choose to lodge a complaint with the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland or with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.