rewrite this title Brisbane university grants extensions for Indigenous students who may be affected by the Voice debate

Dear student

I am aware that the events of the last few weeks have been difficult for many of you.

Globally, those who have friends and family in areas affected by natural disasters or armed conflict, including Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza and Myanmar, will no doubt be upset and worried for them . Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Nationally, we have seen racist and abhorrent abuse directed at many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in the context of The Voice in recent weeks. Earlier this week we saw demonstrations of violent anti-Semitism on Australian streets.

Racism and threats of violence have no place in our country or on our campuses. I encourage you to contact Student Counseling and Wellbeing Services or the GUMURRII Student Success Unit if you need support. If you are experiencing racism at Griffith, we encourage you to report your concern, which can be done anonymously.

If at any time you are concerned about your safety on campus, please call Campus Safety on 1800 800 707. If you are in immediate danger or in an emergency situation, call the emergency services on 000 (triple zero ) or 112 from a mobile phone. .

Academic freedom remains a crucial issue and we recognize the right of staff and students to take various positions on controversial issues, but this does not extend to defamation.

The University is offering assessment extensions to students identified as First Peoples of Australia for certain assessment types due by 18 October 2023. Any assessment items due between these dates can be submitted at any time until at noon on October 19, 2023.

Which assessments are eligible for expansion?

Certain types of assessments are excluded from the expansion offer, as they would require detailed reorganization and could impact your progress if delayed. The following assessment categories are excluded:

• scheduled event assessments (such as presentations, performances, oral exams, timed exams, tests or quizzes, and scheduled lab or practicum assessments)

• group work activities

• workplace assessments.

Extensions are automatic for any other assessment item. If you are unsure whether your assessment falls into the excluded categories above, please seek advice from your course leader.

Do I need to tell anyone that I’m submitting my application late?

As a courtesy to your course teaching team, please inform your course leader that you will be submitting your course late. Your course instructor may extend the Canvas due date or ask you to submit your work directly to them.

For non-Indigenous students who have been affected by recent events, please use the usual processes to request an extension. We recognize that some sympathy and flexibility will be necessary at these times.

Professor Carolyn Evans

Vice Chancellor and President