Complaints and appeals

UQ does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any manner, including (but not limited to):

• treating a person or group unfavourably because of their background or certain characteristics
• making comments about a person or community's appearance, lifestyle, identity or culture
• making, displaying or distributing explicit and offensive content
• yelling, screaming, or displaying intimidating behaviour.

If you notice or experience any such behaviours, you can:

• talk to one of UQ's Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers
• reach out to the Student Union (for students)
• speak with HR Client Services (for staff)
• make a complaint.

Read about discrimination, harassment or bullying.

UQ holds the integrity of its research in the highest regard, and has a zero tolerance policy for unethical research conduct. 

Research misconduct can look like:

• carrying out unethical research
• fabrication, falsification or plagiarism of data, method, and/or results
• undeclared conflict of interest, or a misuse of research resources.

UQ prides itself on having an honest, ethical and conscientious research culture. If you suspect research misconduct or unethical research reporting, you can: 

• talk to a research integrity advisor
• refer the matter to the head of the relevant organisational unit
• make a complaint.

 Read more about research misconduct.

At UQ we take pride in the vigour of our academic work, and uphold academic integrity as one of our core values. 

Academic misconduct includes (but is not limited to) issues such as:

• contract cheating, plagiarism, falsifying data
• altering or falsifying documents, data and/or evidence
• use of AI in assessment without permission.

You can report suspected misconduct to:

• your course coordinator
• the Head of School
• the Executive Dean of your faculty
• the Dean of the Graduate School
• a relevant senior academic.

You can also report academic misconduct online directly.

If you have been accused of misconduct

If an allegation of misconduct has been made against you, UQ Union and Student Services can help with understanding your rights and with navigating the disciplinary process.

The Student Academic Administrative Appeals Committee (SAAAC) handles all appeals related to academic misconduct. Read about the academic appeals process before you submit an appeal.

We aim to make UQ campuses a safe and respectful space for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Any kind of sexual harassment or assault is not tolerated.

Sexual misconduct can take a variety of forms, including:

• any unwelcome or non-consensual sexual behaviour
• unwanted comments, invitations and sexual advances and requests
• abuse, coercion, manipulation, physical, psychological or financial violence
• stalking, stealthing, drink spiking or technology-facilitated abuse.

Read more about sexual misconduct, harassment and assault.

If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault or harassment (or domestic and family violence), you can:

• reach out to a First Responder for immediate assistance
• contact UQ's Sexual Misconduct Support Unit for advice
• speak with Human Resources, or access the Employee Assistance Program (staff only)
• make a formal complaint about an incident.

For all other complaints, including general misbehaviour and administrative issues, refer to the links below:

• Administration issues: Complaints regarding fees, admissions and scholarships.
• Fitness to practise: Concerns about conduct, compliance and health during a placement.
• Workplace health and safety: Issues about staff working conditions and risks. 
• Staff misconduct: Grievances regarding the behaviour of UQ staff (academic, professional or research).
• Student misconduct: Complaints about a student or group of students' behaviour.