Your placement

Get fit for professional practice

Placements offer you the opportunity to practice the skills of your profession and gain practical experience in real-life health sector settings.

On placement, you will develop an understanding of the ways health professionals operate within a variety of contexts, as well as the ability to translate theoretical concepts into practice applications.

About your placement

Going on placement is a significant recognition of your developing professional skills. On this page you’ll find the guidelines and expectations for your on-placement behaviour and conduct. See below to find out what is expected of you, the university and your supervisors.

During placement you are expected to practice safely and appropriately under the guidance of your supervisors. If you experience interpersonal difficulties in your placement, Griffith offers you as students several forms of support and insurance.

Placements, as a component of a course or degree program, offer you the opportunity to practice the skills of your profession and gain practical experience in a real-life setting. By participating in placements you will develop:

a greater understanding of the ways in which professionals operate within a variety of contexts;
the ability to transfer knowledge between theoretical concepts and practice applications;
the skills to effectively facilitate independent learning;
an ability to plan, organise, and manage the work environment.

At a placement you should dress in appropriate attire, as per relevant School and/or facility dress codes/policies. Students inappropriately dressed for the placement may be requested to change or be removed from the placement.

Uniforms

Griffith student ID Badge is to be carried with you at all times or worn and visible at all times (if required by the School or facility).
Some Schools may provide name badges to be worn on placement.
Students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and School of Health Sciences and Social Work may be required to wear the School uniform at all times on placement. You can purchase the School uniform from the University/ Bookshop on your respective campus. Contact your School placement staff member for further information.
You should refer to and comply with any additional requirements specified in your School's Dress Code. Contact your Placement Officer for more details.

Footwear

Appropriate footwear is to be worn at all times and should be clean, neat and tidy. In patient/client care areas/laboratories all footwear must enclose the toes and be a non-slip sole to minimise injuries resulting from spills or dropped items. It is important that footwear is not cloth, multi-coloured, or open-toe.

General appearance

Hair should be clean, neat and tidy.
Garments should be clean, ironed, neat and tidy.
No bare midriffs.
No tracksuits or sporting garments. No slogans on clothing to be visible.
Nail polish or acrylic nails can be a source for infection and cross-infection and should not be worn when undertaking a clinical placement (for example a placement in a hospital or dental clinic). Chipping of nail polish can reduce effectiveness of hand washing, harbour bacteria and contaminate wounds.

Jewellery

Exercise judgement about wearing jewellery in keeping with maintaining a professional appearance and avoiding risk.
Any jewellery worn must not be able to damage a patient/client’s skin.
No offensive jewellery; nose, lip, eyebrow or tongue jewellery (even plain studs) are not generally acceptable to the public and may detract from a professional appearance.
No unnecessary jewellery; when undertaking a clinical placement (for example a placement in a hospital or dental clinic) avoid wearing dangling jewellery/loop earrings which may become caught while working.
Jewellery is a source for infection and interferes with procedures.

Placement at your workplace

A student may or may not be concurrently employed by the organisation in which the placement is undertaken.

Placements are distinct from an employed student acquiring competencies in their own workplace, the distinguishing feature being that a placement is a clearly defined component of a University course (in terms of competencies/practical activities/hours). Therefore, students will require School permission to undertake a placement in their workplace.

If you receive any form of payment, gratuity or reward for the placement undertaken University insurance does not extend to you.

Your responsibilities

All placement experience is mandatory. It is expected that you will attend 100% of your placement experience.
Be punctual to your placement.
Placement experience may involve working morning, afternoon or night shifts and/or weekend work in various facilities. You need to carefully plan your personal and family requirements to enable you to undertake these experiences.
All aspects of the placement, apart from organising it, are your own responsibility. This includes: arranging child-minding; organising transport to and from the placement; and also making plans to rearrange work shifts if necessary. (In certain Schools students may be involved in organising the placement).
Any costs associated with travel to and from placement, accommodation or other associated costs are your responsibility.

Absence from placement

It is expected that you will attend 100% of your placement experience.

Each school and program has its own placement absence policy - ask your Clinical Placements Officer for more information.

Requirements

At any time while on placement you may be asked to provide a valid Blue Card, National Police Certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police, evidence of immunisations and health tests and mandatory requirements as applicable to an organisation/facility.
Supervisors/facilities are encouraged to orientate you to the organisation in which you will undertake placement.
Where your performance is deemed incomplete because you have not completed the experiential time requirements of the placement, you should consult the course or program convenor/relevant school placement staff member.

Attendance and holidays

You are not required to attend placement at facilities for periods formally designated by the Government as a public holiday for the state of Queensland. In some instances alternative public holidays are designated for different geographical jurisdictions. For periods designated as public holidays:
- You will attend placement if you reside in a non-gazetted area but are scheduled to attend placement within a gazetted area. You will not have to attend the placement if the facility is within the jurisdiction designated as a public holiday.
- You may be required to undertake placement outside the published University trimester timetables.

Placement cancellation

Clinical placements often involve the provision of supervision and other support by healthcare organisations outside of the University. It is possible that as a result of unforeseen or unavoidable factors impacting a healthcare organisation a clinical placement that has been arranged may need to be cancelled or rescheduled, sometimes at late notice. The University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule clinical placements in such circumstances and will notify students of alternative placement arrangements as soon as possible.

Student financial support

If you are experiencing extreme financial difficulty which will adversely impact your placement, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

You can lodge a request for one-off financial support to help cover education-related expenses.

When completing the request, you will be asked to provide bank statements that demonstrate your financial position as well as other supporting documents. Please provide as much information as you can.

To submit a support request please visit Student financial support.

When a student is identified as conducting themselves in a manner inconsistent with the stated policies and/or codes they may be removed from a placement and the process outlined in the policy and/or code applicable to the type of misconduct will be initiated.

As a student of Griffith University, you are required to be aware of your personal responsibility to:

obey the law and reasonable instructions/policies of the facility with which you are undertaking placement
respect the security and confidentiality of any information which you may receive from the facility in the course of the practicum; and
maintain a professional standard of conduct befitting a student of Griffith University.

Conduct and behaviour

You are required to comply with the:

In addition, you should familiarise yourself with the

Health Practitioners (Professional Standards) Act 1999 sections: “Grounds for Disciplinary Action” and the definition of “Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct”
Code of Ethics and/or Professional Conduct relevant to your degree program

Confidentiality and privacy

By signing the Griffith University Student Undertaking you agree to maintain confidentiality and privacy during your placement.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is crucial to safe and ethical practice as a health or human service professional. Confidentiality refers to the protection of private information provided by an individual. Confidentiality involves treating identifiable and private information disclosed to you privately with the expectation that it will not be divulged except in ways that have been previously agreed upon. Everybody, regardless of situation, value or position, is entitled to confidentiality.

You must be sensitive and confidential at all times while on placement. Not only is the well being of patient/clients at stake but also your credibility and the facility in which you have been placed. Maintain confidentiality about:

what you hear and observe in the facility, including that about other workers and colleagues; and
written and electronic materials that you have access to including reports, files, emails and statements.

Observe the following practices:

Never disclose confidential patient/client information without the patient/client's consent to any person who is not authorised to receive it;
If you think the patient/client is at risk of harm to themselves or others notify your placement supervisor;
Use discretion and sensitivity when discussing patient/clients so that you cannot be overheard by other patient/clients, the general public or any other unauthorised person;
Never discuss patient/clients by name or other identifying features, with anyone not entitled to this information;
Never allow a patient/client or patient/client's friends and relatives to see facility records. Release of patient/client records is the prerogative of the facility. Your access to records is a privilege;
Never leave patient/client medical records unsecured (eg. left unattended where they may be read by an unauthorised person) and never remove patient/client medical records from the facility;
When using personal information in case study assignments or discussions, you must never use identifying information (instead use a false name and avoid detailing information that may identify the person).

There will be times when patient/client information will need to be transferred and discussed between workers, facilities and government departments. There are strict rules, procedures and ethics governing this process and you should familiarise yourselves with them at the onset of the placement.

Various facilities may require you to sign a confidentiality agreement or standards of confidentiality form at the commencement of your placement.

Privacy

Privacy is about people and refers to an individual’s right to control access to or information about themselves. This includes access to the individual’s personal information and to their body (e.g. their biological specimens).

You should become familiar with the following privacy policies:

Refer to the following policies prior to placement in a Queensland Health facility:

Refer to the following policy prior to placement in a NSW Health facility:

NSW Health Privacy Manual

Other organisations and facilities will have a privacy policy. It is your responsibility to enquire about and familiarise yourself with the privacy policy of the organisation/facility you are attending for placement.

The Information Privacy Act 2009 and Right to Information Act 2009 (Privacy Legislation) permits you and people in general to make applications to access documents held by Queensland Government agencies such as State Government departments, local government, public authorities, government owned corporations and subsidiaries of government owned corporations (Agency). Griffith University is an Agency. As most organisations offering a placement fit the above categories, it is important that you be aware that what you write in a document in such an organisation may be disclosed to people in general.

Patient/Client rights

It is a privilege and not a right for students to see patient/clients and participate in learning in a real work context and this privilege should not be abused.

You should at all times respect patient/clients’ rights and privacy. Patient/clients are not attending the health or human service facility for your benefit - they are at the facility to receive the best possible care for their problems/health problems.

Patient/Clients have the right to

Be treated as an individual (not as a case or condition)
Decide whether or not they wish to be assessed and/or treated by a student

Be given a choice to accept or decline treatment based on provision of sound information
Be involved in decisions about the management of their health problems
Be fully informed of the potential risks and benefits of any procedure that is deemed necessary or desirable during the provision of a health service
Be treated with respect and dignity
Be given privacy and their own personal space
Be treated without prejudice
Not have their personal information disclosed to any other person without the express permission of the patient/client concerned
Be cared for in a safe manner and environment

It is recommended students read the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights prior to placement.

Social media and clinical education

Social media is an accepted and near-ubiquitous part of modern culture. However, for those undergoing clinical education there are risks all students (and teachers) need to be aware of.

Social media is a form of publication. We have all come across news stories about people who have written inappropriate things on Facebook or a blog, however in the case of social media this will be permanent and more accessible than written communication from the past. Like email, social media posts also have the ability to be easily redistributed and reach people in all sorts of corners of the world, or your future profession, you may not have intended. An online breach of professional standards is the same as any other breach and you need to consider how this could affect your future profession, including your ability to register.

In order to minimise your risks online there are a few simple rules of thumb. Avoid discussing clinical experiences online. Once basic clinical and personal information has been shared around 4 or 5 students, confidentiality could be breached. Avoid discussing your clinical educator’s performance through social media. You should consider your relationship with your teacher a professional relationship, as once you complete your formal education that is exactly what it will be. Your reputation may already have been established.

Social media is a public conversation, you should write as if you are speaking in a crowded room.

Health and Safety Induction WIL Placement Module

As a student enrolled in Griffith Health we wish to ensure that your period of study with us is a safe and enjoyable one. As part of your studies you are required to complete the WIL Placements Health & Safety Induction module before you commence your formal placement learning activities. The Health and Safety Induction WIL Placement Module outlines placement expectations, appropriate work practice and common workplace hazards and risks you may encounter on placement.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Griffith has resources available to students to assist with feeling safe, stable and secure.

Feeling safe, stable and secure

Student mental health and wellbeing

The National Rural Health Student Network has a great resource for preparing your mental health wellbeing for placement.

Mental Health Guide - When the Cowpat Hits the Windmill

International Student Advisory

The International Student Advisory off personal support, advice and information on issues that can affect your life in Australia and studying at Griffith.

International Student Advisory

Accidents, incidents or injuries

Management of an accident, incident or injury

In the event of an accident, incident or injury you should, where able, initiate first aid treatment if required and/or report to a First Aid Officer who will initiate first aid treatment if required.

Reporting accidents, incidents or injuries

In the event of an accident, incident or injury you must report to:

a First Aid Officer who will initiate first aid treatment if required; and
your supervisor; and
follow one of the procedures below even if the injury seems minor (it may have the potential to develop later); and
if psychologically affected by a placement related event consult Student Services.

Procedure for on campus accidents, incidents or injuries

Ensure a report is registered in the GSafe safety management system.

Procedure for off campus accidents, incidents or injuries

Accidents, incidents or injuries that occur at a placement facility should be reported to your supervisor and procedures of the facility followed, including completion of any workplace health and safety forms.

In addition, a report should be registered in GSafe.

Claiming for accidents, incidents or injuries

Gallagher Broking Services handle all claims on behalf of the Insurer and the University. Students should lodge the claim and any supporting documentation directly with Gallagher Brokering Services preferably by sending a completed Student Personal Accident Claim Form via email to claims_GriffithUniversity@ajg.com or alternatively via Fax +61 2 9242 2079 or registered mail to Gallagher Broking Services Level 12, 201 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060, PO Box 6007, North Sydney NSW 2059.

Queries

For any queries on accidents, incidents, injuries and insurance email pfsinsurance@griffith.edu.au.

Infection control

Infection control is an important aspect of health care and it is essential that you develop good habits early in your training. It is your responsibility to adequately protect yourself and your patient/clients against infection.

A basic principle of infection control is that proper technique can minimise the spread of infection to both the patient/client and the provider. Prior to any clinical placement you should familiarise yourself with the following infection control procedures:

the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Communicable and Notifiable Diseases
the organisation/facility where you are attending placement Infection Control Procedures

Within health care facilities, Infection Control Programs aim to promote the use of strategies and procedures to prevent or minimise the spread of infection. Standard precautions form the basis for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare settings and include:

good hygiene practices, particularly hand washing;
immunisation;
adherence to the principles of asepsis (i.e. procedures to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination);
adherence to dress code;
personal protective equipment / clothing (PPE/C) where required;
appropriate handling and disposal of sharps; and
maintenance of a clean, safe environment.

Relevant guidelines, policies, forms

Risk management

It is important that you are aware of any hazards that could occur while on placement and minimise any potential incident from an identified hazard. Below are some common hazards that you might encounter, and ways to minimise the risk associated with the hazard.

Risk assessment: Placement practice in the Health Group

Students attending placement may be exposed to a myriad of clinical treatments and emotional events resulting in risk of incident, injury or distress.

This Risk Assessment and action plan outlines the risks and control measures to:

Allow Health Group students to undertake placement ensuring safety whilst optimising learning outcomes.
Ensure University staff and placement providers are aware of placement expectations and support services.

Placement Practice in the Health Group Risk Assessment

Student travel to and from placement

Consider transport and parking options prior to placement commencement. Things to consider:

accessibility,
safety to and from place of work,
parking close to placement site,
shift start and finish times,
security assistance.

There is a risk of traffic accidents when travelling to and from a placement. The University’s insurance cover does not extend to motor vehicles therefore it is recommended you insure your vehicle for any damages that may be caused to your and other vehicles or property.

Prescribed medications that affect motor and reactive skills of individuals (for example benzodiazepines, some antihistamines) can increase the risk of a traffic accident. If you are driving to a placement it is important that you practice safe driving. If you are on prescribed medications consult your doctor as to whether it is safe for you to drive.

Manual handling and ergonomics on placement

Poor manual handling could result in strains, sprains etc. Discuss all pre-existing conditions with the placement provider so work tasks can be reviewed and altered if necessary.

For information on how to safely use your computer view:

Griffith Health and Safety - Ergonomics and Manual Tasks

Psycho-social and psychological risk

All placement organisations must provide a workplace free of discrimination, harassment and bullying (including sexual harassment and assault).

If you believe that you are being bullied or harassed while on placement you should try to raise the issue with the person if possible, or speak to your supervisor and/or course convener.

If you are psychologically affected by a placement related event you can contact student services.

Infectious disease risk

Cross infection, the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another, or from one part of the body to another (such as touching a staph-infected hand to the eye) is one of the risks of the delivery of health care.

Non-participation in vaccination requirements increases your risk of contracting a disease through exposure to blood and body substances in the clinical setting.
There is risk of contracting a disease through handling and exposure to blood, body substances or infectious materials. The risk is increased if you have an open wound, such as a cut on the finger.
There is a risk of contracting an acute infectious disease, such as influenza, from exposure to infected individuals.
Handling of any object capable of inflicting penetrating injury (for example needles) while on placement has the potential to cause injury and infection.

These risks can be reduced by maintaining your health and immunity, maintaining your personal hygiene, undergoing vaccination and health tests.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Exposure to some workplace activities and substances may pose a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Managing those risks is a mutual responsibility between the School, placement site and person concerned. Existing safety procedures should be reviewed and consultation with a medical practitioner is highly recommended.

Students who are pregnant may be required to provide a medical clearance certificate to the School placement staff member covering all placement activities prior to the commencement of a placement. Consult your School clinical placement staff who will advise if a medical clearance certificate is required.

Some vaccinations are not recommended in pregnancy and pregnancy should be avoided for a specified time after some vaccinations. Those seeking to become pregnant or who are pregnant should discuss vaccination risks and contraindications with a medical practitioner.

If you have any concerns discuss with your local health and safety specialists - email safety@griffith.edu.au.

Clinical waste

Clinical waste is waste that has the potential to cause injury, infection or offence and may include items such as contaminated sharps, dressings heavily soiled with blood or body substances, microbiological or pathological waste and tissues.

Clinical waste should be disposed of in accordance with infection control procedures and relevant policies of a facility. If you are involved in the disposal of blood or body substances you must wear the appropriate PPE/C and minimise splashing or contamination to mucosa or skin.

Noise, chemicals, biological, physical hazards

Exposure to noise, hazardous substances, such as chemicals and biologicals: and physical hazards in the workplace can impact upon your health. It is important to be mindful of the potential risks. Upon arrival at the placement site talk to your supervisor about what procedures are in place to manage these risks.

Electrical hazards

If you see any electrical hazards or damaged electrical equipment report it immediately to your placement supervisor.

Placement personal safety tips

Griffith Health supports all students in endeavouring to ensure their personal security and safety.

Personal safety tips if you park off site:

If possible, vary route to and from placement site.
Check your surroundings before getting out of your car or going to your car.
Keep car doors locked and windows shut.
Stick to well-lit paths and areas.
Trust and act on your instincts. If it feels bad, it probably is. Stay away or walk away.
Walk with a sense of purpose, with your head held high.
Watch out for each other - walk with a group or be involved in a car pool.
Carry a charged mobile phone.
Call "000" if you feel threatened or unsafe.
Don't wear headphones or listen to music, so you're more aware of your surroundings.
Don't be distracted by your phone - texting, messaging or using apps.
Don't get angry. If someone makes a rude or vulgar remark, don't retaliate, walk to a safe, well-lit place and call for help if necessary.
Advise someone when you are leaving work and let them know what time you expect to be home.

Personal safety tips when dealing with confrontation outside work:

If possible, position a physical barrier between yourself and the other person.
Wait for or create an opportunity to remove yourself from the situation.
Seek assistance from people passing by.
Sound a personal safety alarm.
Call the Police "000".
Remain in an area where there are lots of people.

Please be aware of your own safety during the day and night hours.

If incidents occur, please inform your University placement officer, your work placement supervisor, and the police where required.

You will need to lodge an incident report to Griffith GSafe incident management system.

Your University placement officer can advise regarding this.

Insurance and public liability

For you to be eligible to be covered for University insurance whilst undertaking a placement you must be a student with an active enrolment status in accordance with the definition provided in the Admission Policy.

Unpaid placements that are a course requirement

A student who undertakes an approved unpaid placement in Australia or Overseas as a requirement of their course or degree program is covered by the University's Personal Accident, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurances whilst involved in approved placement activities. Any activity which is not part of the placement (for example sightseeing or shopping) is not covered by University insurance.

Public liability

You are indemnified for your legal liability in respect of third party claims for damages to property or injury to persons while undertaking approved unpaid placement. This cover does not extend to incidents involving motor vehicles.

Professional indemnity

The University holds professional indemnity insurance which covers you, when you act within the limits of your training, for legal liability arising out of a breach of professional duty by reason of any negligent act, error or omission committed or alleged to have been committed by you whilst engaged in an approved unpaid placement.

Medical malpractice

The University holds medical malpractice insurance which covers you against civil liability for compensation arising from any claim as a result of medical malpractice in the conduct of University activities if you are undertaking practical clinical experience as part of the academic accreditation (degree program) of the University, but only when prior to treatment the patient/client was informed that treatment is to be provided by a student who is under the direct supervision or express instruction of a qualified practitioner. You should always ensure you seek consent from the patient/client (or legal guardian) before commencing any care/procedure/intervention.

Personal property

Your personal property is not covered by the University’s Insurance at anytime. If you wish to arrange cover for personal items you must do so at your own expense.

Motor vehicle

If you use your private car(s) and/or motorcycles on off campus placements it is your responsibility to arrange insurance as the University insurance does not extend to motor vehicles. If you wish to arrange your own motor vehicle(s) and/or motorcycle(s) insurance you must do so at your own expense. If you are driving a vehicle owned by the placement facility insurance is the responsibility of the placement facility and not the University.

WorkCover

As you are not an employee of the University you are not covered under the University’s WorkCover arrangement. Students on placement as a requirement of their course are not considered to be workers/employees and therefore not entitled to wages or other entitlements (such as workers compensation). If you wish to arrange your own WorkCover/personal indemnity insurance you must do so at your own expense.

Read more about Griffith University Student Insurance.

Personal health and accidents

The University does not provide any medical insurance cover. If you wish to arrange private health cover, you must do so at your own expense. Australian students are covered under Medicare and international students must have health insurance as a condition of their entry to Australia.

In Australia

The Student Personal Accident insurance covers enrolled Griffith University students and provides 24-hour cover, 365 days a year for accidental death and capital benefits while undertaking approved unpaid placement in Australia.

Cover for medical expenses for accidents occurring in Australia is limited to non-Medicare expenses in areas where no Medicare benefit is payable (eg. Physiotherapy). No cover is provided for the Medicare Gap (ie. the difference between the medical fee and the amount recoverable from Medicare) as no insurer is permitted by government legislation to cover this aspect.

Overseas

Refer to the overseas placement pages for information about your public liability and insurance information.

Notification of accidents, incidents and injuries.

In addition, a report should be registered in GSafe.

Reporting and recording procedures for incidents, injuries, illness, hazards or near misses

Claiming for accidents, incidents or injuries

Paid placements

If you receive any form of payment, gratuity or reward for the placement undertaken University insurance does not extend to you.

Discrimination

The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 is the legislative framework to promote equality of opportunity for everyone by protecting them from unfair discrimination in certain areas of activity, including work, education and accommodation, and to protect them from sexual harassment. The Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, marital status, political belief or activity, pregnancy, trade union activity, breast-feeding, lawful sexual activity, age, race, impairment, or association with a person identified on the basis of any of the above.

The prohibition means that there can be no discrimination in respect of offering employment, the terms of employment, or in dismissal. For further information contact The Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission on (07) 3844 6099 or 1800 177 822 (Free call outside Brisbane Metropolitan area).

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment can be defined as any unwelcome sexual advance, an unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. The key word is unwelcome. The person who decides whether behaviour is unwelcome is the person on the receiving end. What constitutes sexual harassment to one person may be acceptable and inoffensive to another.

Sexual harassment is defined as a form of discrimination because usually, a person who is sexually harassed is the target of this behaviour because of their gender. Sexual harassment often occurs where the balance of power is unequal. Sexual harassment may involve a single incident or a series of incidents. Some examples include:

Physical contact (i.e. touching, brushing against someone, patting, pinching, etc.);
Verbal comments (i.e. innuendo, smutty jokes, suggestive comments about someone's appearance or body, persistently inviting someone out, calling them up, etc.);
Non-Verbal Action (i.e. leers, stares, displays of explicit sexual material, etc.).

Any of these behaviours may be regarded as unwelcome by certain people and therefore, as sexual harassment. It is important to note that sexually orientated behaviour that is welcome is not sexual harassment. It should be made clear however, that sexually orientated behaviour in any form within the workplace is quite inappropriate.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is an abuse of power. Sexual exploitation at work is demeaning and often frightening for the individual. Sexual harassment has the potential to create an unprofessional work environment, can negatively affect the self-esteem and confidence of the worker, and can seriously affect the person's health and his/her career.

In those situations where students or supervisors are victims of such unwanted behaviour it is important that action be taken. Discussion with the placement supervisor or course convenor may be helpful in deciding what further action can be taken. Griffith University has a Sexual Harassment Committee and students are encouraged to use this structure for advice. Alternatively, contact can be made with the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission on (07) 3844 6099 or 1800 177 822 (Free call outside Brisbane Metropolitan area)..

Workplace bullying/harassment

Workplace bullying, or harassment, includes behaviours that offend, degrade, intimidate or humiliate a worker. It does not necessarily occur in front of colleagues, co-workers, or clients.

Bullying may be identified as aggressive (i.e. yelling or screaming abuse) or subtle intimidation (i.e. inappropriate comments, "put downs", constant criticism, etc.). If the behaviour is unreasonable, offends, or harms a worker, then bullying exists and must be reported. As in sexual harassment, it is an abuse of power.

Further information is available from the course convenor or any officer of the Griffith University Equity Network. The Queensland Anti Discrimination Commission on (07) 3844 6099 or 1800 177 822 (Free call outside Brisbane Metropolitan area).

Students with a disability

The University is committed to increasing and enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities, as outlined in the Students with Disabilities Policy. In accordance with section 6.0, “Students with disabilities shall have access to all the University's academic courses, unless in the accreditation of a particular program the Academic Committee receives appropriate expert advice that the curriculum could not be adapted to provide students with particular disabilities the opportunity to meet the educational objectives of the course.”

Students with Disabilities Policy

Griffith University provides appropriate and reasonable support to students with disabilities, injuries or medical conditions. To reduce the impact of their disabilities, injuries or medical conditions on their studies, students are encouraged to contact Student Disability and Accessibility. In order to provide reasonable adjustments Student Disability and Accessibility require documentation outlining details of the specific disability, injury or health condition, and the potential functional implications of this condition in the tertiary education environment across all learning activities. These include, but are not limited to, those relating to: assessment, work-integrated learning/placement and other course-related activities.

If you would like assistance from Student Disability and Accessibility you can contact them to make an appointment either by phone, email, face to face or Skype. Early contact is best to assist you with any adjustments to your studies.

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.

FAQs

Support Hub contact

Phone

(07) 555 29480

Email

healthplacementsupport@griffith.edu.au

Addresses

Gold Coast: Health Sciences (G05) 3.46; Griffith University QLD 4222

Brisbane South (Nathan): Willett Centre (N53) 1.39; Griffith University QLD 4111

Logan: Academic 2 (LO8) 2.08; Griffith University QLD 4131

Office hours

Gold Coast: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Brisbane South (Nathan): 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday

Logan: 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday