Australian varsities come up with 10-point plan

With the attacks on Indian students in Australia showing no signs of abating, with the latest victim being a 23-year-old student who was
beaten up on Sunday, the universities in Australia have come up with a 10-point plan. Universities Australia, the industry peak body representing the university sector, has come up with a plan for student safety based on the recommendations by the deputy and pro vice-chancellors from Australian universities.

The organisation had held a meeting in Canberra on June 4 and 5, during which they met members of the diplomatic community of Canberra, Australian government officials and others, including Indian high commissioner Sujatha Singh. The plan released by the organisation on Tuesday focuses on strong law enforcement and necessary complementary actions.

"The meeting affirmed the importance of international integration through education. It unreservedly condemned the deplorable attacks that have been reported involving international students studying in Australia," said Glenn Withers, the chief executive of Universities Australia, in the release.

The 10-point plan includes providing pro-active and preventive approaches to assure student safety and collaborating with the local law enforcement authorities to increase levels of security. It also mentions that there needs to be improved cultural awareness. The increased visibility of police and security officers in locations where international students study, work, travel and live is a must,'' the plan reads.

The TOI got in touch with a few Australian universities to enquire if they were planning any measures with regards to the safety of Indian students. The media and communications co-ordinator of the University of Wollongong (UOW), Kate McIlwain, replied through e-mail: "Our faculties and our student central area have been put on high alert to look out for any international students who wish to raise any concerns about their welfare." UOW, which has over 1,100 Indian students enrolled with them, has also sent out an e-mail to all its students assuring them of their support.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) through a statement from its vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner sought to reassure the Indian students of their importance to the university. "International students bring diversity and fresh perspectives to the university and this is highly valued. The RMIT also has an International Student Information and Support (ISIS) department that acts as a central point of contact for international students throughout their studies at the RMIT," she said. The RMIT also has around 1,100 Indian students currently.

Meanwhile, Withers also called for close co-operation between all education providers, the government, state authorities, foreign governments and their diplomatic representatives and other partners, to find solutions to the problems faced by the international students. "To implement this plan, the university sector is ready to work with national and state or territory authorities and other stakeholders such as other education providers, community representatives and those who employ student workers," he added.

Meanwhile, Indian student Anoop Nair said that, while the safety of the Indian students is mainly the concern of the Australian government, the universities' help can go a long way. "They can meet the Indian students regularly and keep tabs on their safety, while also asking the local students to support us in areas like transport, etc. They should also provide a helpline where the student can call if he/she is in trouble after which the university should contact the police directly."

The Monash University, that has about 700 Indian enrolments, on the other hand, conducts lectures by the Australian police officials, who advise the students on safety within the community. In an e-mail to its students, the vice-chancellor of the university, Richard Larkins says, "We seek to create a safe environment at all of our campuses. the University Security is available on every campus for immediate response to threatening situations."

Some universities also pointed out the necessity for Indian students to adopt safety measures themselves. "We are advising students to not flash any expensive gadgets like iPods or laptops in public. We have also advised them on the benefits of living on campus. Additionally, if they find it difficult or uncomfortable to talk to a non-Indian, we have appointed some Indians to advise the students on their problems," said Vidyananda Sagaram, the country co-ordinator of La Trobe University.