Sexual violence is prevalent on university campuses globally. In this article, we report a qualitative insider research study examining practices for addressing sexual violence at four universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We collected, analysed, and synthesised descriptive information about the practices at each institution. We found unique institutional approaches that nonetheless share some commonalities, yieldingseveral themes that are central to practice. In reflecting on our findings, we conclude with an outline of critical considerations and a call to action for future efforts to address campus-based sexual violence, particularly as this field remains underdeveloped across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

In recent years there has been an increase in awareness and calls to action to reduce sexual assault and harassment on university campuses in Australia. This has stemmed from The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2017 report Change the Course: National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities. One response from the University of Newcastle was to adopt an evidence based accredited workshop program called Sex, Safety and Respect. The program was developed by the specialist violence prevention service the Full Stop Foundation. The University commissioned the Foundation to train around 20 professional and academic staff to deliver tailored workshops to students. The workshops seek to address cultural narratives and behaviours that can contribute to sexual violence and offer students an interactive and reflective experience that builds on content delivered in the University’s compulsory online consent module. The rollout of the workshops is currently in the early implementation phase and has been supported through engagement with key stakeholders across the University with the aim of creating allies and making this a University-wide approach to effect positive cultural change. In this paper we provide an overview of the implementation process, challenges and successes encountered. Preliminary feedback from staff and students about their experience of the workshops and our plans for expanding the program’s reach are also reviewed.

The University of Newcastle offers a tertiary preparation program that enables mature aged students to gain access to higher education. One of the largest intakes is into the pre-nursing program. This paper will share the findings of a 2-year study of tertiary preparation students undertaking group work within their pre-nursing program. For many mature-aged students returning to study, it requires the development and transition of their identity from that of an adult role to that of a student role. The aim of this study was to examine how group work can help support mature aged students in their transition to a student identity. The premise was to enable students to develop skills for success in their undergraduate nursing studies, whilst fostering social connection and a sense of belonging in the university. We identified an essential aspect of nursing as being able to work collaboratively with other nurses and within allied health teams. Keeping this in mind, we developed and delivered an approach that introduced group work in Week 3 of the students' program to enable them to effectively integrate curricula and co-curricular learning experiences. Using an online assessment tool called SPARK, students were each asked to self-reflect upon their individual role and their role within the group according to specific criteria that promoted positive group work behaviours and fostered social connection. It was hoped that by providing students with resources and evaluation tools they would develop group work and self reflection skills to succeed in their studies and future profession.

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The University of Newcastle offers a tertiary preparation program that enables mature aged students to gain access to higher education. One of the largest intakes is into the pre-nursing program. This paper will share the findings of a 2-year study of tertiary preparation students undertaking group work within their pre-nursing program. For many mature-aged students returning to study, it requires the development and transition of their identity from that of an adult role to that of a student role. The aim of this study was to examine how group work can help support mature aged students in their transition to a student identity. The premise was to enable students to develop skills for success in their undergraduatenursing studies, whilst fostering social connection and a sense of belonging in the university. We identified an essential aspect of nursing as being able to work collaboratively with other nurses and within allied health teams. Keeping this in mind, we developed and delivered an approach that introduced group work in Week 3 of the students' program to enable them to effectively integrate curricula and co-curricular learning experiences. Using an online assessment tool called SPARK, students were each asked to self-reflect upon their individual role and their role within the group according to specific criteria that promoted positive group work behaviours and fostered social connection. It was hoped that by providing students with resources and evaluation tools they would develop group work and self-reflection skills to succeed in their studies and future profession.