Health, wellbeing and safety
The Sydney College of Divinity and the SCD Graduate Research School (GRS) is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its students and staff. We want to encourage among our community better mental and physical health and promote a safe and respectful environment.
Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officer for the GRS is the Academic Registrar Ms Awo KwaKwa who can be contacted on [email protected] for information, concerns and questions regarding health, safety and wellbeing. The Officer can also be contacted on weekdays at the Sydney College of Divinity office on 02 9889 1969.
The Student Support Officer can assist with
- security and safety concerns
- health services information
- counselling / chaplaincy services information
- legal services information
- harassment / inappropriate behavior reporting
- hazard and critical incident reporting
- health and safety policies and procedures
Personal health, wellbeing and safety
Students are to be informed and aware of their responsibilities.
Students must:
- take reasonable care of and cooperate with actions taken to protect the health and safety of both themselves and others
- follow safe work practices
- seek information from the Student Support Officer about new or unfamiliar tasks
- report all health and safety concerns, incidents and hazards to the Student Support Officer
- follow safety plans and procedures, including emergency evacuation procedures
- know what to do
- in an emergency
- when an incident occurs
- if you see a hazard or risk
Health and Wellbeing
At Sydney College of Divinity, we want to encourage students to be proactive about their wellbeing by having a holistic approach. Studies have shown that different areas of health are closely related. For example, physical activity levels and sporting involvement have been shown to improve mental health.
Students should be familiar with details on computer comfort like how to set up your workstation and do some stretch exercises. Walking, exercising, participating in sports and any other activity that promotes a more active lifestyle is beneficial to overall wellbeing.
A healthy and balanced diet is also vital in promoting good health. To know more about the amount and kinds of foods that we can eat for health and wellbeing visit https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
Health services
For all medical emergencies, call 000.
The General Practitioner (GP) can be contacted for general health matters. A GP will refer you to a specialist if specialised treatment is required.
If you need to see a doctor after hours but not in an emergency, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 74 25.
In case of injury medical assistance should always be sought at the earliest. For serious accidents and emergency medical situations call 000 for an ambulance. All public hospitals have emergency departments which operate 24 hours.
Wellbeing services
Study can often be stressful especially when we are juggling personal and work commitments with study. Financial stress, health issues and family pressures can be overwhelming. Candidates can contact the Research Director or the Registrar who may be able to address some of the stress and improve student wellbeing. Candidates experiencing extended academic or personal difficulties should discuss their situation promptly with their supervisor and the Research Director in order to establish the most effective way for them to proceed to eventual completion.
Safety
Personal and work safety are important to us. We provide an environment that is safe, respectful and non-discriminatory. Sydney College of Divinity has emergency management in place, including emergency evacuation plans, first aid provisions and trained staff.
Sydney College of Divinity OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) procedures, safe work practices and guidelines are framed in line with the NSW Safework requirements.
Reporting
If you notice something unsafe or experience inappropriate behaviour, we want you to report it at the earliest to either your supervisor, Research Director or Registrar. You can also directly report it to the Dean of SCD.
Sexual assault / harassment reporting
Report any concerning behaviour to the Student Support Officer or any member of staff, as soon as possible. All matters will be treated confidentially. If you believe the behaviour is criminal, report it directly to the police.
Hazard and critical incident reporting
A hazard is defined as something that has the potential to harm the health, safety and wellbeing of people. If you see a hazard, report it immediately to the Student Support Officer, supervisor or relevant staff member.
Any critical incident must be reported to the Research Director via the Registrar, who is the Student Support Officer.
Sydney College of Divinity Health and Safety Booklet
Download the Booklet for general information.
Resources
Listed below are some of the services made available to all by the Australian government and non-profit organisations.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Their practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times – and the information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.
Healthdirect provides free and easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice.
Sport Australia contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians and making communities stronger through sport and physical activity.