The Australian National University’s consent and respectful relationships program has won a major global award.
The Rights, Relationship and Respect program won gold in the Nurturing Values and Ethics category in the 2023 QS Quacquarelli Symonds Reimagine Education Awards, presented in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last week.
The 2023 QS Quacquarelli Symonds Reimagine Education Awards received more than 1,200 submissions across 17 categories – a record number – and were judged by a panel of 55 global experts.
The award recognises the program’s commitment and innovative approach to fostering an understanding of and commitment to healthy and respectful relationships among all ANU students.
The Rights, Relationships and Respect at ANU online module is considered essential training for all new ANU students.
The core module introduces students to core concepts related to sexual consent and respectful relationships, as well as important information about ANU and support services.
All new students and students living in ANU student accommodation must also attend face-to-face training sessions as part of the program.
ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Grady Venville said the award highlighted the University’s ongoing work and “significant progress” in fostering healthy relationships across the campus community, as well as broader society.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and there is no place in our society for sexual violence,” Professor Venville said. “At ANU, we have been working hard to stop this unacceptable behaviour.
“Consent education is a cornerstone of that work – it is through education that we know we can change attitudes, change behaviours and change our society for the better.”
The ANU Rights, Relationships and Respect program built on the University’s Student Safety and Wellbeing Plan, launched in 2022.
“As part of our Student Safety and Wellbeing Plan, ANU sought to redevelop its primary prevention program through a partnership with OpenLearning Limited,” Professor Venville said.
“Through the leadership of our experts, we developed an online, face-to-face and peer-led program of activities that engages students to reflect and act on the drivers of violence.
“The program was developed to align with the unique cultural and academic environment of ANU and the progressive legal landscape of the Australian Capital Territory, which stands as a global model for consent legislation…
“ANU has been following or creating best practices in this area for some time. We are a leader in the higher education sector and a leader in Australia.
“I am proud of the ANU team who have built and delivered this internationally recognised education program, in collaboration with experts and our students.
“And I thank the advocates and survivors who have partnered with us on this important work as well as our ongoing efforts to prevent sexual violence in our society more broadly.
“ANU is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our community on our physical campuses as well as online.
“We know this program – and our other vital work in this important space – is making a difference for the better.”
