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Current Students

Student advocacy

Student Advocacy provides free, confidential and independent support to CDU students.

Student Advocacy liaises with other areas of the University to help you get positive outcomes for challenges you might be experiencing.

When should I go to Student Advocacy?

If you have an issue or concern that you are unsure how to deal with or cannot resolve yourself, you can contact Student Advocacy.

Student Advocacy will

  • Provide advice and information about student-related policies and procedures, and clarify official correspondence from the University
  • Assist you in providing impartial advice and realistic timeframes when lodging an academic appeal
  • Support you to request special exams, removal of penalty or submitting a complaint
  • Suggest how to structure your statements and advise you about content
  • Contact a CDU staff member on your behalf to gather additional information or determine possible options to resolve a student concern
  • Provide independent and confidential referral to internal and external support services where appropriate, and
  • Accompany you to meetings or hearings with CDU staff as a support person.

Student Advocacy will not

  • Provide support outside the scope of advocacy (e.g. legal advice or counselling)
  • Write or submit a student's request for special exams, removal of penalty or complaint submission
  • Contact a CDU staff member on your behalf without your permission.

Your obligations

  • Contact Student Advocacy as soon as you have concerns, respond to emails in a reasonable timeframe and attend scheduled meetings, or reschedule if required
  • Make an appointment for a free CDU counselling session if you have any concerns about your emotional wellbeing. If you need immediate assistance for emotional or mental distress,the CDU Wellbeing Support Line is available 24/7. Tel: 1300 933 393 or SMS: 0488 884 144
  • Provide relevant information and supporting evidence as soon as possible
  • Work in partnership with CDU staff by conducting yourself with professionalism and respect. 

Please refer to the Advocacy Charter (PDF, 99.76 KB).

How to contact us

You should complete the online enquiry form to request advice from Student Advocacy. When you submit the form, please ensure you provide as much information as possible so that we can provide you with detailed advice.

Submit an online enquiry

At times, the Advocacy Officer may need to speak with you. In that case, you will receive an email with a suggested time for when they will call you.

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