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The University of Western Australia will ban alcohol-related advertising and sponsorship for orientation events and continue its suspension of off-campus Student Guild orientation camps following a two-month review.

A panel to conduct a review of orientation was established by UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson in June following allegations of improper behaviour at Student Guild camps.

Professor Johnson said the University and the Guild would build on the successful aspects of current orientation activities to give students a rich and positive introduction to university life.

"The orientation experience at Guild events for students starting in 2013 and onwards will be very different to those of the past. While it is important that students have fun while studying at the University, and can socialise with their fellow students, it is critical that these activities are undertaken safely and responsibly," Professor Johnson said.

The review found many positive aspects about the University's orientation activities, such as student mentoring and the risk management strategies of the residential colleges, but also expressed deep concern about off-campus orientation camps.

The panel found that many of the camps organised by the Guild were "high-risk" camps with no appropriate plans to manage the event or any risks, were in remote or unsafe venues without mobile phone communication, did not have appropriately trained leaders, served reduced price alcohol, and/or had activities inconsistent with University values.

The panel also deemed inappropriate the level of alcohol-related advertising and sponsorship at orientation events.

"I take these concerns seriously and have accepted the review's five recommendations," Professor Johnson said.

The review recommended:

1. That overarching responsibility for orientation sit with the incoming Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education);

2. That the Guild and University affiliated organisations do not accept sponsorship from alcohol industries for orientation events;

3. That licensed clubs and hotels not be invited to participate in the Guild O-Day Festival or any other orientation event;

4. That the current ban on high-risk camps set in place by the Vice-Chancellor is continued; and

5. That the Guild works in partnership with the University to set in place processes that ensure student-focussed, inclusive, well-planned, safely conducted orientation events compliant with University policies and the law.

A copy of the panel's report can be found here .

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716