Vice-Chancellor Rules

While most of the rules that govern staff and student conduct at the University of Melbourne are published under their respective Policy, under the Vice-Chancellor Regulation, the Vice-Chancellor of the University may set terms and conditions (Rules) for using University premises and facilities, and for participating in University activities.

Such rules can be made directly under relevant sections of the Vice-Chancellor Regulation, and are separate to University policies and their supporting processes.

Please find below details of Rules that have been created under the Vice-Chancellor Regulation, which do not currently sit under a corresponding University Policy.

Vice-Chancellor Regulation (sections 5, 15)

The University of Melbourne (University) is committed to being a place where the thoughtful exchange of divergent views may occur in a civil and peaceful manner, and which respects the right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to assembly to engage in peaceful protest.

However, protest can interfere with the rights of others to freedom of expression and can be intimidatory or harassing to others. University premises must not be used for protest that is not peaceful, for protest in a manner that jeopardises the safety and security of persons using University premises, or for protest that unreasonably interferes with core University activities. This Rule is intended to balance the rights of all members of the University community.

Direction relating to protests

  1. Protests may only be held outdoors.
  2. Protests must not be held inside, or obstruct entry into, or exit from, any building used for University activities.
  3. The University will act in the interests of all persons engaging in University activities or using University premises. Protests or other protest activity must not:
    1. unreasonably undermine the capacity of individuals to participate fully in the University;
    2. prejudice the fulfilment by the University of its duty to foster the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors; or
    3. unreasonably disrupt activities or operations of the University or result in damage to University property.

For the purposes of this direction:

  • 'protest' includes a demonstration, rally, sit-in, occupation and other like forms of public assembly but does not include protected industrial action; and
  • 'other protest activity' also includes individual forms of action.

To University students:

A failure to comply with this direction:

  • may result in participants being asked to leave the University premises or any part of the University premises or cease participation in a University activity.
  • may result in an Immediate Order being issued to minimise a range of serious risks including to the health and safety of others and risk of material disruption of University activities.
    This may result in (amongst other things):
    • an inability to attend classes or examinations
    • restrictions on access to University property and facilities
  • may constitute student general misconduct under the Student Conduct Policy and may result in (amongst other things):
    • Sanctions on enrolment
    • Suspension or termination of enrolment

To University staff:

A failure to comply with this direction may be a failure to follow a lawful direction given by the employer which may constitute misconduct and possibly serious misconduct.

Effective Date: 3 March 2025

Authorised by Professor Emma Johnston
Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne

Vice-Chancellor Regulation (section 15)

The University of Melbourne (University) respects and supports the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. However, the safety and security of students and staff using University premises must come first.

University grounds may not be used for:

  • protest that is not peaceful; or
  • protest by members of the public who are not students or staff members.

Until further notice, any person, other than a University student or staff member, who engages or intends to engage in any protest activities is directed not to enter, access or otherwise be present in, University grounds.

Any person who contravenes this direction will be trespassing on University grounds and may be referred to Victoria Police.

Effective Date: 16 May 2024

Authorised by Duncan Maskell
Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne