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Campus Access and Order Rules

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Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The University of Wollongong (UOW) is committed to providing a safe, respectful and orderly environment for the UOW community, and expects all Entrants to behave responsibly and ethically. 

(2) The purpose of these Rules is to: 

  1. provide a framework for access to University Land and associated acceptable activities on or in University Land in accordance with UOW’s compliance and legal requirements;
  2. set the standards of behaviour expected of all Entrants; and
  3. direct Entrants to associated rules, standards, codes, policies, guidelines, procedures and other requirements which specify acceptable and unacceptable conduct, and the management of any alleged misconduct.
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Section 2 - Application and Scope

(3) These Rules apply to all University Land, whether or not controlled by the University or by a controlled entity of the University.

(4) There are some areas of University Land where additional controls and restrictions apply. Please refer to clause 36 for further guidance.

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Section 3 - Principles

(5) These Rules set out:

  1. the requirements of the University to maintain an environment that fosters its core principles and values, supports its activities and safeguards people and property; 
  2. approved practice and activities to maintain access and order on University Land;  
  3. standards of conduct expected of all Entrants; and  
  4. categories of Disorderly Conduct that undermine the good order of University Land.

(6) The University encourages community engagement, partnerships and enjoyment of the University environment. As such UOW welcomes all Entrants who have a legitimate reason to access University Land.

(7) The University is committed to Indigenous advancement, cultural safety and cultural continuance in relation to decision making processes which directly impact Indigenous staff, students, communities, Knowledges, and Country.

Conditions of Access and Entrant Responsibilities

(8) All Entrants who access University Land must comply with these Rules and other relevant University policies, procedures and guidelines, including but not limited to the:

  1. AntiRacism and Cultural Safety Policy;
  2. Child Protection Policy;
  3. Children in the Workplace and Study Environment Policy;
  4. SmokeFree University Policy;
  5. Student Conduct Rules;
  6. University Code of Conduct;
  7. Workplace Health and Safety Policy.

Eligibility for Access

(9)  The University welcomes all Entrants who have a legitimate reason to access University Land;

(10)  Any individual who, without a legitimate reason, enters onto University Land without the consent of the University or who remains on University Land after being requested by an Authorised Person to leave, may have their access to University Land revoked/or terminated by way of a Limitation of Access Notice. 

Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 (NSW)

(11) University Land is private property, and is subject to the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 (NSW)(ILP Act).

(12) Certain behaviours may be deemed unlawful under the ILP Act. In addition, UOW may revoke, terminate or limit an Entrant’s access to University Land, as outlined under Section 4. In such circumstances, an Entrant’s behaviour may be referred to the NSW Police.

Use of facilities on University Land

(13) Any Entrant who wishes to utilise facilities on University property must obtain the relevant approval to do so via the appropriate department, facility, business unit or authorised University associated business, in accordance with the relevant University policy document.

Traffic and Parking

(14) All Entrants are required to comply with the UOW Traffic and Parking Policy, which controls the entry of vehicles and their operations on University Land. 

Identification

(15) All Entrants must show their identification in response to any reasonable request from an Authorised Person.

Animals on University Land 

(16) Animals are not permitted inside campus buildings unless they are registered assistance animals or have been otherwise authorised by the Chief Operating Officer. Authorised Persons may take action to remove unauthorised animals from the Campus by whatever means are necessary. Dogs on the grounds of the Campus must in accordance with the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) be on a leash and under effective control at all times by a competent person. An Authorised Person may request the owner of any dog to comply with this provision or may request the owner and the dog to leave the Campus. Stray dogs not under control may be detained by an Authorised Person and handed to the Council Pound.    

Prohibited Weapons 

(17) Prohibited weapons and firearms, as defined in the Weapons Prohibition Act 1988 (NSW) and the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), are not permitted on University Land. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers and cash-in-transit security operators who are authorised to carry firearms. Cash-in-transit officers must follow the agreed risk assessment and associated standard operating procedures while on University Land and provide copies of their risk assessment and standard operating procedures for approval to University Security.

(18) There may be instances where prohibited weapons may be authorised for display or research purposes, only with the pre-approval and authorisation by the Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Operations. Such use must be in accordance with the Weapons Prohibition Act 1988 (NSW), the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) and associated regulations.  

Alcohol, Drugs and Substances 

(19) The possession or use of prohibited drugs or prohibited plants, or the possession of any item of equipment for use in the administration of a prohibited drug as described under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) and/or the possession of a prescribed restricted substance in contravention of the Poison and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW), is banned on all University Land. 

(20) Entrants must comply with the following relevant University policies and procedures when consuming alcohol on University Land:

  1. Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace Policy;
  2. Guidelines on the Use and Management of Alcohol at University Functions; and
  3. Student Conduct in Residences Policy. 

(21) Where alcohol consumption occurs outside permitted areas, Authorised Persons are empowered to request the Entrant to:  

  1. dispose of the alcohol or otherwise confiscate the alcohol, 
  2. leave University Land if posing a risk to other Entrants or property.  

Filming and Recording Devices 

(22) All behaviour must be in accordance with the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW):

  1. an Entrant is not permitted to install or use a listening device to overhear, record, monitor or listen to a private conversation on University Land unless all of the principal parties have consented (either expressly or impliedly) or unless it is lawfully permitted,  
  2. an Entrant is not permitted to install or use a filming device or any other device capable of recording images on University Land without the consent (either express or implied) of the University or unless it is lawfully permitted, 
  3. CCTV surveillance by the University is conducted in accordance with the University’s CCTV Surveillance Standard, IT Acceptable Use Policy and associated legislation; and
  4. all behaviour must be consistent with the IT Acceptable Use Policy, Sexual Harm Response Policy and the Social Media Policy.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft 

(23) Use of remotely piloted aircraft (e.g. drones) on or above University Land must be approved by the Associate Director, Security and must comply with the University’s policies such as the Workplace Health and Safety Policy, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations and associated legislation.

Wheeled Recreational Devices, Powered Recreational Devices and Powered Personal Devices

(24) Wheeled recreational devices and powered personal devices for the purposes of human transportation must be used in a safe manner in accordance with the Road Rules 2014 and the Traffic and Parking Policy.

(25) Powered recreational devices, including powered or remote-controlled toys must be operated in a safe manner, and their use ceased if requested to do so by an Authorised Person.

(26) Electric or gas-powered model cars are not permitted on University Land.

(27) For the avoidance of doubt, this subsection does not apply to the use of motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters (as defined by the Road Rules 2014 (NSW).

Personal Property 

(28) All Entrants acknowledge that entry upon University Land involves risk, including damage to property, physical harm and/or personal injury, and that they are responsible for their own safety and the security of any personal property brought onto University Land. 

(29) To the extent permitted by law, the University shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, injury and/or damage to any personal property brought onto University Land no matter how it is caused or sustained.

(30) Users are permitted to leave personal property in designated storage areas, indoor shared spaces or offices.

(31)  Users must not otherwise leave personal property unattended on University Land.

(32) Personal property left unattended will be regarded as lost property and will be removed by University Security.

(33) Information about the lost and found property process is available on the UOW Website.

Signage and Fixtures 

(34) The addition of, amendment to, or removal of any signage or fixture on University Land (whether permanent or temporary) is not permitted without the express approval of the relevant Delegated Authority.

Flora and Fauna

(35) The addition or removal of any flora or fauna into or from University Land is not permitted without the approval of the relevant Delegated Authority.

Additional Controls Over Certain Parts of University Land

(36) Certain areas of University Land are subject to additional controls and access restrictions. These may include, but are not limited to, office areas, laboratories, and retail spaces.

(37) Where such additional controls and/or access restrictions apply, these will be prominently signposted or otherwise clearly communicated to Entrants.

(38) Failure to abide by such additional controls and/or access restrictions will be deemed to be a breach of these Rules.

Camping on University Land

(39) Camping on University Land is strictly prohibited.

(40) For the purposes of these Rules, ‘Camping’ is defined as any overnight stay on University Land that is not expressly authorised by the University, whether or not in tents, campervans, or other similar structures.

Demonstrations on University Land

(41) University staff and students may conduct demonstrations in open places on University Land provided that:

  1. the demonstration complies with these Rules, the University’s policies, and all relevant laws and regulations;
  2. the demonstration does not unreasonably disrupt:
    1. the activities of the University, including teaching, research, assessments, exams, and other events;
    2. access to and from University Land, whether by road, footpath, or transport;
  3. the demonstration must not harass or intimidate other Entrants or hinder an Entrants ability to participate in normal activities on University Land.
  4. All Entrants involved in the demonstration must comply with the reasonable directions of the University.

Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW)

(42) Parts of University Land are deemed to be a public place for the purposes of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW) (SO Act).

(43) Certain behaviours may invoke the provisions of the SO Act. In such circumstances, an Entrant’s behaviour may be referred to the NSW Police.

Emergency Procedures and Workplace Health and Safety

(44) All Entrants are required to comply with the Workplace Health and Safety Policy, and all signposted and/or notified health and safety procedures, including in relation to emergency evacuation and egress, and any reasonable direction given by the University.

(45) Any activities on University Land that are deemed to be unsafe or hold the ability to become unsafe will be directed to cease. 

Heritage Act 1977 (NSW)

(46) The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) is applicable to certain parts of University Land, and certain behaviours by Entrants may invoke the provisions of this Act.

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Section 4 - Authority to take action

Authorised Persons

(47) An Authorised Person holds delegated authority to issue reasonable and lawful directions to Entrants, including to cease disorderly conduct, and to make requests on behalf of the University, as may be required, to control and administer access to and order on University Land, in accordance with these Rules and associated policies, procedures and guidelines.

(48) All Entrants are required to comply with any reasonable and lawful direction issued by an Authorised Person in accordance with these Rules. If an Entrant fails to comply with a reasonable and lawful direction by an Authorised Person and/or is engaging in Disorderly Conduct the Entrant’s access to University Land may be revoked, terminated or limited by way of a Limitation of Access Notice under the Disorderly Conduct and Limitation of Access Procedure.

(49) An Authorised Person may contact University Security staff for assistance if an Entrant refuses to comply with a request or direction.

(50) An Authorised Person may request the NSW Police Force to enter any part of University Land where they consider it is required for the immediate protection of persons and/or property.

(51) Officers of the Commonwealth or NSW Police may, in accordance with their authorities and powers, access University Land (without any prior notice) and take appropriate action.

Supervising Staff Member

(52) A Supervising Staff Member is authorised to maintain order and orderly conduct in a teaching or research function or activity, in accordance with section 4 of these Rules. 

(53) A Supervising Staff Member may contact University Security for assistance if a student or staff member refuses to comply with a request or direction. 

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Section 5 - Disorderly Conduct

(54) Entrants must not engage in disorderly conduct which includes:

  1. failure to comply with Bylaws, rules (including these Rules), orders, University Council resolutions or other lawful directions of the University;
  2. any conduct which impairs the reasonable freedom of other persons to pursue their studies, research, duties or lawful activities in the University or to participate in the life of the University;
  3. any conduct that threatens the health, safety or welfare of any individual;
  4. wilful failure to obey any reasonable direction of an Authorised Person or Supervising Staff Member; failure to furnish or provide appropriate identification on request by an Authorised Person;
  5. wilfully entering University Land which the person is forbidden by an Authorised Person, bylaw, rule, order or University Council resolution to enter;
  6. wilfully littering University Land or damaging, defacing, or wrongfully dealing with any property on University Land;
  7. any conduct that may be regarded as offensive or breaches local, state, or federal law;
  8. any other unreasonable conduct disrupting the normal activities of the University, including its events; any action that compromises the security or integrity of University facilities or systems; and/or
  9. failure to comply with emergency procedures or evacuation protocols.

(55) All Entrants are required to comply with the Disorderly Conduct and Limitation of Access Procedure.

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Section 6 - Roles and Responsibilities

(56) UOW Security are responsible for:

  1. Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with these Rules by monitoring activities and responding to security incidents;
  2. Assistance: Providing safety and security guidance to students, staff, and visitors;
  3. Response: Acting swiftly to address breaches, emergencies, or threats to campus safety; and
  4. Reporting: Accurately documenting and reporting incidents in line with University policies and legal requirements.

(57) Students are responsible for:

  1. Compliance: Adhering to these Rules, including carrying valid student identification;
  2. Respect: Interacting respectfully with UOW Security, staff, and peers to maintain a safe and orderly environment;and
  3. Awareness: Staying informed about safety protocols and report any suspicious activities to UOW Security.

(58) Staff are responsible for:

  1. Adherence: Following these Rules;
  2. Support: Collaborating with UOW Security by reporting safety concerns and cooperating during incidents or emergencies; and
  3. Role Model: Upholding campus safety standards and demonstrate respectful conduct as role models for students and visitors.

(59) Members of the Public are responsible for:

  1. Respect: Abiding by these Rules, respecting the rights of students, staff, and visitors;
  2. Cooperation: Following instructions from UOW Security and Authorised Personnel, particularly in emergencies or when asked to present identification; and
  3. Responsibility: Avoiding activities that disrupt University operations or compromise campus safety.
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Section 7 - Definitions

(60) In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:

Word/Term
Definition (with examples if required)
Affiliates
Includes people holding University of Wollongong Honorary Awards as conferred by the University Council, including the awards of Emeritus Professor, Honorary Doctor and University Fellow; people appointed in accordance with the University’s Appointment of Visiting and Honorary Academics Policy; and people engaged by the University as agency staff, contractors, volunteers and work experience students.
Authorised Persons
An individual who holds delegated authority to give directions and to make requests on behalf of UOW, as may be required, to control and administer access to and on University Land in accordance with these Rules and associated policies. Authorised Persons and their areas of responsibility are defined in the Delegations of Authority Policy.
Limitation of Access Notice
A written notice issued by an Authorised Person revoking an Entrant's privilege to access any or part of University Land for a specified period, following the Disorderly Conduct and Limitation of Access Procedure.
Controlled Entity
Those entities over which UOW has control, as defined in section 165A of the University of Wollongong Act 1989 (as amended) and section 1.2(1) of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018, and as otherwise defined in the Controlled Entity Policy.
Disorderly Conduct
 As set out in section 5.
Entrant
Any person who enters upon University Land, regardless of their status as Student, Staff, Affiliate, alumni, or member of the public.
Legitimate Reason
Use of University Land and/or Public Space for the purposes of UOW’s core functions, as set out in the University of Wollongong Act 1989 (NSW), including education, teaching, research, and provision of services to the community, or as otherwise approved in writing by the University under the relevant policy or procedure.
 
Public Space
A place that is open and accessible to the general public, including but not limited to retail facilities on campus. For the avoidance of doubt, student residences and workplace areas are not Public Spaces.
Private Conversation
Any words spoken by one person to another person or to other persons in circumstances that may reasonably be taken to indicate that any of those persons desires the words to be listened to only: 
by themselves, or 
by themselves and by some other person who has the consent, express or implied, of all of those persons to do so, but does not include a conversation made in any circumstances in which the parties to it ought reasonably to expect that it might be overheard by someone else. 
Staff
Any persons employed by the University, UOW Pulse, UOW Global Enterprises, and UOW College Australia on any basis, including conjoint appointments,  and employment on a continuing, permanent, fixed term, casual or cadet or traineeship basis. For the purposes of these Rules, Affiliates are also considered Staff.
Student
A person registered for a course at the University of Wollongong or UOW College Australia.
Supervising Staff Member
Any member of staff responsible for the provision of a service or activity on behalf of the University of Wollongong, UOW Global Enterprises, UOW College Australia, or UOW Pulse.
University Land
Includes any UOW campus, building or road in Australia which, the University of Wollongong (UOW) and /or its Controlled Entities (as applicable) owns or has a right of entry or occupancy (including by way of a lease or licence), together with any building or structure or space, whether in whole or part, which is occupied or used in connection with UOW activities in Australia.