On Campus

Student Edition

Tuesday 17 March

All the important campus news, events and opportunities for ANU students.

Two students smiling and walking through a busy ANU campus market, with stalls and other students in the background.

Image: Semester 1 is in full swing on campus. Photo: Jack Ellis/ANU.

The rundown – information you need at a glance

  • All students are invited to join the upcoming Student Community meeting on Friday 20 March, in Kambri from 12–1.30pm. Register here.
  • ANU will conduct a planned internet outage from Tuesday 24 March, 9pm to Wednesday 25 March, 1am. For any issues after the outage, contact the ANU Service Desk on +61 2 612 54321 during business hours or log a ticket via ANUConnect.
  • Important: Semester 1 census date is Tuesday 31 March.
  • The ANU Open Day is on Saturday 28 March and the campus will be much busier than usual.
  • Find out what’s happening in Canberra in March, including the Hot Air Balloon Spectacular. Check it out.
  • ANU shuttle bus timetable will change from Monday 23 March. The first bus will now be at 7.50am, with the last stop at 7.45pm. Further changes are expected from 20 April.

Bulletin

Students chatting with organisation representatives at an ANU fair, with stalls and displays set up inside a busy campus venue.

Photo: Tim Rendall/ANU. 

ANU+ Volunteer Fair

Wednesday 18 March, 10–11am and 11am–12pm

Students are invited to the ANU+ Volunteer Fair at The Gallery in the Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre. Register for either session via Career Central to meet NGOs, explore volunteering opportunities and learn how to get involved with the ANU+ Award. Students who connect with participating organisations on the day will receive a free ANU hat.

Register here button linking to ANU+ Volunteer Fair.
Graphic promoting Respect@ANU Week, 23–27 March 2026, with ANU branding.

Graphic: ANU.

Respect@Uni Week

Join the Inclusive and Respectful Communities Team at events throughout the week to learn and take part in conversations about how we embed respect in our community.

Monday 23 March, 10am–12pm: Understanding gender-based violence and responding to disclosures

Tuesday 24 March, 1–3pm: LGBTIQA+ Allyship

Wednesday 25 March, 11.30am–1.30pm: Pop-up stall on University Avenue – What do you reckon?

Respect@Uni Week is an opportunity for the ANU community to engage, connect and reflect on how we build a respectful campus together.

Split image of ANU campus showing a historic black-and-white view alongside a modern colour view, with “est. 1946” anniversary emblem centred.

Graphic: ANU.

ANU 80th Anniversary Trivia launches this week

To celebrate our 80th birthday in August this year, we’re launching a weekly quiz testing your knowledge of the University’s history, milestones and community. 

From March to August, a new trivia question will be released each week. Submit your answer via the trivia form. The first person to submit the correct answer will win a small prize, and you can also see how you rank on the monthly leaderboard. 

This week’s question:

In what year was The Australian National University established? 

The monthly leaderboard will be published in On Campus at the end of April.

Take quiz button linking to ANU 80th Anniversary Trivia launches this week

Resetting or changing your password is about to get easier

Forgot your password before a deadline? We’ve all been there.

From April 2026, you will be able to reset or change your University ID password without needing to contact the ANU IT Service Desk.

The new self-service password management process will use a multi-factor authenticator app to verify your identity. For the best experience and full support, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Learn more button linking to Resetting or changing your password is about to get easier.

Use ANUConnect portal for IT support

With the launch of the ANUConnect portal, staff and students now have an improved way to access IT support and submit issues. ANUConnect provides faster support, clearer request tracking, improved security and privacy, and access to self service guides.

To support this transition, ANUConnect training resources are now available and include how to create a ticket.

Visist ANU Connect button linking to Use ANUConnect portal for IT support.

Changes to the Extenuating Circumstances Applications (ECA) Processes

The University has updated its ECA process to improve fairness, accessibility and clarity for students seeking assessment adjustments due to unexpected circumstances.

For more information refer to the ECA webpage and for questions, contact examinations.officer@anu.edu.au.

A diverse group of students walking together along University Avenue in Kambri, representing multicultural community and inclusion.

Photo: ANU.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)

This week marks both the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) and Harmony Week in Australia. While Harmony Week invites us to celebrate our multicultural communities, it is also an opportunity to reflect on racism, inequity and the systems that allow discrimination to persist.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released updated IDERD resources highlighting the importance of recognising systemic racism and strengthening anti‑racism efforts.

ANU remains committed to building a safe and respectful community for all.

Learn more at the University’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2026 webpage.

What do you value about Australia's forests?

Fenner PhD scholar Ming Hui Choy is asking this question in her research.

Australian undergraduate students are invited to participate in a discussion group in March or April, with the option to attend a workshop in May. Participants will receive $25 for their time.

Register here button linking to What do you value about Australia's forests.
Close up shot of a radio microphone representing communicating in a media landscape.

Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU.

ABC Radio National Media Residency Program

ABC Radio National’s TOP 5 – ABC Media Residency Program is now open for applications. The program offers 15 early career researchers the opportunity to spend two weeks working with ABC journalists and producers to develop skills in communicating their research to broader audiences.

Residencies are available across three streams: Humanities, Arts and Science and are tailored to each successful applicant across ABC Audio, TV and digital platforms.

Apply now button linking to ABC Radio National launches this year’s ABC TOP 5 media residencies.
Dr Matilda House-Williams OAM seated with three colleagues at a celebratory gathering, smiling together indoors with artworks displayed on the wall behind them.

Image: Dr Matilda House-Williams OAM with Paul Girrawah House, Professor Peter Yu and Professor Anne Martin AM. Photo: First Nations Portfolio.

Celebrating a lifetime of service – Dr Matilda House-Williams OAM

On Wednesday 11 March, the First Nations Portfolio and Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre hosted a morning tea to celebrate Dr Matilda House-Williams OAM.

The event honoured this highly respected and much-loved member of the ANU community following her latest accolade: the Medal of the Order of Australia, awarded in January 2026 for service to the Indigenous communities of the Canberra region.

Portrait of Dr Claire Hansen standing outdoors on the ANU campus.

Photo: Tangyao Zhang.

ANU English scholar and educator receives national teaching award

Dr Claire Hansen, Senior Lecturer in English at ANU, has received a national Australian Awards for University Teaching honour from Universities Australia. The award recognises outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership and enhance the student learning experience.

Dr Hansen is recognised for her innovative teaching approach, which encourages creativity, curiosity and meaningful engagement with literary studies.

Read more button linking to English scholar and educator Dr Claire Hansen receives national teaching award from Universities Australia.
Graphic reading “How people experience and think about telehealth consultations” next to two people watching a doctor on a laptop, with question mark icons.

Photo: QuEST.

Participants needed: Telehealth research

The QuEST team are inviting people aged 18–44 to participate in a simulated telehealth consultation. The simulation will take approximately 30 minutes at the Acton campus, followed by a questionnaire a few days later.

No prior experience is required and participants will receive a $50 Prezzee gift voucher.

For more information email QuEST.SMP@anu.edu.au.

Register here button linking Participants needed: Telehealth research
Person waving an Iraqi flag amid smoke during a street protest in the Middle East.

Photo: NYT.

Democracy Sausage: Insider view

Hosted by Professor Mark Kenny, this episode of Democracy Sausage explores the international response to the conflict in the Middle East and what the crisis means for global politics and diplomacy.

Career diplomat Andrew Goledzinowski joins Mark for a lively discussion.

Listen now button linking to Democracy Sausage: Insider view.

What's on

Graphic reading “Neurodiversity Celebration Week” alongside a lightbulb icon with a multicoloured brain design.

Photo: Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week started this week and is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the strengths, talents and contributions of neurodivergent people in our community.

Staff can explore a range of resources including:

  • Neurodiversity Toolkit.
  • Inclusive and Respectful Communities Neuroaffirming Practices workshop.
  • The Neurodiversity Inclusion Module.
  • Flexible work arrangement options.

Together we can learn more about neurodiversity and build a more inclusive and supportive community at ANU.

ANU Myanmar Research Centre Dialogue Series

Tuesday 17 March and Tuesday 24 March, 5.30–6.30pm

The ANU Myanmar Research Centre Dialogue Series brings together scholars to present and discuss current research on Myanmar. Open to researchers from any discipline, each session features a presentation followed by discussion, creating a space to share ideas, explore new perspectives and engage with the latest scholarship on Myanmar.

Register here button linking to ANU Myanmar Research Centre Dialogue Series.anmar’s higher education.

Daoism as a New Religious Movement

Thursday 19 March, 5–7pm

Professor Terry Kleeman will deliver the 86th George E. Morrison lecture in Ethnology at ANU. His lecture, Daoism as a New Religious Movement, explores the origins of organised Daoism and the communities that shaped the religion in early China.

Register here button linking to Daoism as a New Religious Movement.

a Butterfly: book launch and author talk

Thursday 26 March, 4.30pm–6pm

Join us for an afternoon celebrating a Butterfly, the latest work by Dr Sean Perera, Sub-Dean, ANU Graduate Studies. Featuring a conversation with the author about the book’s themes and inspirations, followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Register here button linking to Book launch: a Butterfly.

Mathematics in Art

Thursday 26 March 2026, 5.30pm – Friday 8 May 2026, 5pm

Mathematics in Art is an exhibition of works across a range of media inspired by mathematical concepts, created by staff, students and alumni of the ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute. The exhibition is on display in the Hanna Neumann Building.

Register here button linking to Mathematics in Art.

Meet the Author

Register to hear Stephanie Alexander discuss the 30th Anniversary Edition of her book

Meet the author - Stephanie Alexander

Wednesday 25 March, 6 –7pm

Register here button linking to Meet the Author – Stephanie Alexander.
Register to hear Patricia O'Brien discuss her book

Meet the author - Patricia. A. O'Brien

Wednesday 1 April, 6 –7pm

Register here button linking to Meet the Author – Patricia. A. O'Brien.
Promotional banner for the ANU events page

Council news

Council appointments

University Council members eligible to vote have unanimously approved the appointment of current Council member Dr Larry Marshall as Pro-Chancellor and Ms Karen Iles as external Chair of the Council’s Safety and Wellbeing Committee. Both appointments take effect immediately.

ANU Council minutes available from November 2025

Minutes from the November 2025 ANU Council meeting are now available on our website. Publishing the minutes supports transparency and gives staff and students greater insight into the University’s governance and decision-making.

Read minutes button linking to ANU Council minutes available from November 2025.

Before you go

Man on bike riding on campus.

Photo: ANU Green.

National Ride2School Day

Did you ride your bike to school? National Ride2School Day is this Friday, the perfect excuse to get back on your bike and ride to ANU.

With many bike paths across Canberra and end of trip facilities across campus, cycling is a simple way to get some fresh air, boost your mood and start the day feeling energised.

Whether you choose to ride your bike or not, check out the University’s Carbon Smart Commuting webpage for tips and local information to help make your commute more sustainable.

Regent honeyeater perched on a tree branch, showing its distinctive black and yellow markings.

Photo: Murray Chambers.

Scientists rescue lost song of the critically endangered regent honeyeater

Scientists from ANU and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia have successfully restored the lost traditional song of one of Australia’s most endangered birds, offering new hope for the survival of the critically endangered regent honeyeater. 

The new study reveals how targeted “song tutoring” at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo has revived a disappearing cultural trait vital to the species’ survival. 

Listen here button linking to Scientists rescue lost song of the critically endangered regent honeyeater.
Andrew Coulter sitting at a desk in an office at the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre.

Photo: Bryant Evans/ANU.

Three questions: Andrew Coulter, Scholarship Manager

How did you come to be at ANU?  

I never really knew what I wanted to do. I worked in a few different jobs outside ANU before stumbling across a role in the Prizes and Scholarships Office. Twenty years and a few different roles later, I’m still at ANU working at the Tjabal Centre and managing scholarships.

What are you most passionate about in your work? 

I enjoy supporting students as they navigate their way through university. It’s not just about paying scholarships – it’s answering questions, talking through challenges, hearing about their little wins, or simply being available when they need someone to listen. I also love learning about Indigenous culture and history from the staff and students in the Tjabal Centre.

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

Of course I love the Tjabal Centre. The people, the vibe, the culture (and the food) make it a great place to be and work. Outside the Centre, I also enjoy the little space between the stepping stones and South Oval. It’s a beautiful shady spot in spring and summer.

Silhouette of Telstra Tower on Black Mountain against dramatic orange clouds at dusk.

Photo: Tim Fardell.

Scene on our campus: Orange Clouds

This week’s picture comes from Tim Fardell, Project Coordinator from Campus Environment, who captured Canberra’s iconic Telstra tower.

“I took this photo in 2016 when I was a Security Guard, living in Weston Creek. I was totally unaware that 10 years later I’d be living in a different unit with the exact same viewpoint.”

Got a photo you’re proud of? Send in your picture using this form and include a short description about why your snap is special to you.

 

Do you need support?

Help is available if you need it. The University has a range of information and services that can be accessed by managers and staff.

Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek counselling support through the Employee Assistance Program.

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to this guide developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.

 

The Australian National University, Canberra

ANU is a smoke-free campus, with all smoking products prohibited under the University’s Smoke-Free Policy.

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

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