About
‘Be a Better Human’ is an existing campaign that was created by Flinders University students in response to the . To date it has been licenced by a number of Australian Universities that are looking to address similar issues within their communities.
Here at UNSW we have gone a step further, including staff as well as students. A reason for that was in April 2019, the Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) engaged Hudson Global Resources to undertake the UNSW Respect! Survey. Over 4,500 students and staff shared their experiences in relation to harassment, bullying, discrimination, sexual misconduct and other related topics, which gave critical insights in to areas to address across our community.
The campaign
Arc and UNSW have partnered in an initiative called 'Be A Better Human' in order to help strengthen a respectful and inclusive culture. It’s called Be a Better Human, because it's not just about what we shouldn’t do; it's about self-improvement for everyone. And when we say ‘everyone’, we really do mean everyone. We’re encouraging everyone who is part of our community to take a moment and consider how we can ‘better’ our behaviour.
What you can expect
We want to encourage everyone to do more when it comes to understanding, preventing and responding to disrespectful behaviours so over the coming weeks and months Arc and UNSW will talk openly and honestly about key issues such as racism, discrimination, misconduct, bullying and harassment, as someone who has been affected, that persons friend and even as a bystander. We will be providing useful information and helpful tips on how to manage situations and seek support to address issues and positively change behaviours.
Get involved
We believe small things can make big differences. And, your stories can have lasting impacts on others to be better, kinder humans. If you have a personal story about your lived experience, we want to hear from you! Sharing your story with us will help identify important issues and encourage a more open and inclusive culture at UNSW. Share your story.
"Every member of the UNSW community can be a better human by contributing to an environment that is welcoming, where everyone feels valued and everyone feels that they belong." Professor Ian Jacobs, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNSW Sydney
"Central to UNSW’s deep commitment to having positive social impacts locally and globally is UNSW having an equitable and inclusive culture in which we treat everyone in our community with respect and all work towards being better humans." Professor Eileen Baldry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Criminology.
“I am proud to be at UNSW at a time when this tremendous effort is being made to encourage everyone to be a better human. I look forward to a time when no one at UNSW has to hesitate to put their hand up or give an opportunity to another for fear of going against any unspoken but popular biases, wherever they occur.” Professor Jerry Parwada, UNSW Business School
Pledge your support
Now is the time to take action! We are inviting all students and staff to join us in pledging their support, to be an active bystander and to come together to enact positive changes in our community. Are you in?
We would like to credit with the creation of Be A Better Human and making their research and content available to other universities as we all look to address culture and behaviours within our own communities.