Our Policies and the SDGs

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing:

Smoke-free Campus

In 2018, CQUniversity proudly became a smoke-free campus across our entire footprint. Read more in our Smoking, Alcohol and other Drugs in the Workplace Policy.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 4 Quality Education:

Access to Educational Resources

Our students benefit from access to educations resources such as computers, the library, online courses, lecturers and other learning resources jas follows:

• Library (Free Access):  Our students, alumni, the general public, and students from other universities can borrow from CQUniversity libraries as per our Library guidelines.
• Computers (Free Access): Students from other universities are able to access our wireless network (eduroam) from CQUniversity facilities as per our eduroam guidelines. Visitors to CQUniversity may be able to use computer facilities at CQUniversity as a “visitor” in accordance with our Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure (refer Clause 3.2).
• Online Courses (Free Access): the general public can access our Bachelor of Laws course material via iTunes U.
• Courses (Fees apply): our courses are available for community members and the general public to study. We offer professional development courses that can be studied without needing to apply and enrol in a full degree (an award course). We also offer a range of short courses for the general public and community to follow a personal interest or passion. Like our Professional Development Courses, our short courses do not require you to be enrolled in a degree.  We also provide single non-award study opportunities that enable those note interested in studying a full degree to study a single unit without having to enrol in the degree.
• Courses (Fully subsidised): Our vocational education and training short courses are open for enrolment all year. Many courses are fully subsidised for eligible applicants

Equity Policy

CQUniversity's Equity Policy ensures that we take all necessary steps to create a safe, fair, equitable and inclusive learning and work environment. It ensures that no matter your ethnicity, religion, disability or gender you have access to activities, programs and opportunities provided and delivered by CQUniversity. This policy also guides us as we take a positive role in informing and educating students and staff of their rights and responsibilities in fostering a learning community that values equality. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation in any form.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 5 Gender Equality:

Gender Discrimination

At CQUniversity, we do not accept any form of discrimination, this is outlined in our Workplace Harassment, Workplace Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination Policy and Procedure, our Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure and our Code of Conduct.

Maternity and Paternity Policies

Our Parental Leave Policy and Procedure outlines the maternity and paternity leave policies available to CQUniversity staff.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth:

Workplace Harassment, Workplace Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination Policy and Procedure &Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure

At CQUniversity, we do not accept any form of discrimination, this is outlined in our Workplace Harassment, Workplace Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination Policy and Procedure, our Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure and our Code of Conduct.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities:

Admission to CQUniversity Coursework Courses Policy and Procedure

This policy and procedure is a non-discriminatory policy designed to meet the University’s admissions requirements, academic policies, quality assurance standards, accreditation requirements and relevant administrative systems.

Recruitment and Selection Procedure

This procedure ensures a consistent, timely and merit-based recruitment and selection process is used to attract quality employees to CQUniversity. Special measures are taken to recruit staff and faculty from underrepresented groups (refer to Clause 3.6 and 3.7 of this Procedure).

Workplace Harassment, Workplace Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination Policy and Procedure &Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure

At CQUniversity, we do not accept any form of discrimination, this is outlined in our Workplace Harassment, Workplace Bullying and Unlawful Discrimination Policy and Procedure, our Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure and our Code of Conduct.

Disability Support Procedure - Students

Our Disability Support Procedure - Students Procedure informs and assists CQUniversity students with disabilities on how to access specialised support services, assistive technologies, equipment and other reasonable adjustments.

Disability Support Procedure - Employees

Our Disability Support Procedure - Employees Procedure informs and assists CQUniversity employees with disabilities on how to access specialised support services, assistive technologies, equipment and other reasonable adjustments, to ensure equitable access to employment opportunities, training, promotion, services and facilities.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 14: Life Below Water:

Code of Conduct for Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

CQUniversity has an ongoing commitment to improving practices and standards in all activities undertaken in the Marine Park to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. This document establishes the minimum requirements for the proper conduct of research within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This Code of Conduct is also supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Operating Procedure.

Contractor Occupational Health and Safety Management Procedure

The Contractor Occupational Health and Safety Management Procedure outlines the determinants all individuals must take to minimise environmental harm associated with all activities they undertake including the potential pollution actions may incur (Refer Clause 3.8).

Procurement Policy

Outlined in the Procurement Policy is CQUniversity's commitment to protecting the environment and doing business with ethical and sustainably responsible suppliers during all stages of the procurement process. Referring to Clause 4.6 under the Sustainable, Social and Indigenous-focused procurement, the policy outlines the key environmental issues which need to be considered including waste management, water use and impacts on natural habitats.

Sustainability Framework

CQUniversity's Sustainability Framework outlines the short and long term goals to achieve our Sustainability Goals. These are broken into nine elements with the following elements relating to SDG 14: Life Below Water.

• Research (Page 7)
• Waste (Page 8)
• Water (Page 11)
• Biodiversity (Page 14)

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 15: Life on Land:

Handling and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods Procedure

CQUniversity's Handling and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods Procedure outlines the hazardous material handling requirements for all people bringing hazardous materials onto CQUniversity campuses.

Contractor Occupational Health and Safety Management Procedure

The Contractor Occupational Health and Safety Management Procedure outlines the determinants all individuals must take to minimise environmental harm associated with all activities they undertake including the potential pollution actions may incur (Refer Clause 3.8).

Engaging and Communicating with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or First Nations People Protocol

The Engaging and Communicating with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or First Nations People Protocol outlines the engagement practises to be followed with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or First Nations People and the acknowledgment and engagement required to work on cultural land.

Research Involving Humans and or Animals for Ethical Clearance Policy and Procedure

The Research Involving Humans and or Animals for Ethical Clearance Policy and Procedure outlines the requirements of staff and students when working with animals for research purposes. All projects involving animal subjects shall be conducted in conformity with the NHMRC’s Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. This code of conduct also includes information on alien species management.

Procurement Policy

Outlined in the Procurement Policy is CQUniversity's commitment to protecting the environment and doing business with ethical and sustainably responsible suppliers during all stages of the procurement process. Referring to Clause 4.6 under the Sustainable, Social and Indigenous-focused procurement, the policy outlines the key environmental issues which need to be considered including waste management, water use and impacts on natural habitats.

Sustainability Framework

CQUniversity's Sustainability Framework outlines the short and long term goals to achieve our Sustainability Goals. These are broken into nine elements with the following elements relating to SDG 15: Life On Land.

• Research (Page 7)
• Waste (Page 8)
• Water (Page 11)
• Biodiversity (Page 14)
• The Sustainability Framework outlines CQUniversity's plans to reduce plastic waste and stop single-use plastics.

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institution:

Election of Members to Council Policy and Procedure

This policy and procedure outlines who is eligible to be elected as a member of the Council, and describes the process for conducting elections to the Council. It ensures that as a body we have elected representation from students, faculty and staff on our highest governing body.

Student Representative Council

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) aims to unite the student body with fairness, respect and constructive progress, and directly contribute to enhancing the student experience. The Student Representative Council Terms of Reference outlines the key details of the council.

Region Engagement Committee Terms of Reference

CQUniversity's Region Engagement Committees helps us to identify external local stakeholders, build and strengthen relationships with our local communities, and link CQUniversity to local issues. Region Engagement Committees have been formed across CQUniversity's campus locations.

CQUniversity's 9 Associate Vice-Presidents are situated across our local campuses and play an active role in leading the engagement with local external stakeholders.

Policies related to principles and commitments on organised crime, corruption and bribery

CQUniversity has internal policies and procedures that address the ethical behaviour of our staff.  This helps encourage a culture that does not support organised crime, corruption, or bribery.

Our Audit Risk and Finance Committee monitors corporate behaviour on several variables including ethics. Refer to the Audit Risk and Finance Committee Terms of Reference, in particular, clause 2.41.

CQUniversity also has an explicit Code of Conduct as well as abiding by the Queensland Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 which also has an established Code of Conduct. Our Code of Conduct details the values and principles that guide behaviour. This includes integrity and impartiality in addition to accountability and transparency. Our Code of Conduct is further supported by the Central Queensland University Enterprise Agreement 2017, which details the process for dealing with misconduct (refer to Clause 27).

CQUniversity has a Gifts and Benefits Policy and Procedure that explicitly details the giving and receiving of gifts for staff.

Academic Freedom

Intellectual and academic freedom is essential to CQUniversity's culture and the University's employee rights are recognised and protected as detailed in the Central Queensland University Enterprise Agreement 2017 ( refer Clause 43, page 69).

Open and Inclusive Conversations

At CQUniversity, we encourage and support participation in the discussion of new ideas, innovative and critical thinking, and open and inclusive conversations around community and societal challenges and solutions and provide a safe space for this to occur. Our values support us as we create and offer safe spaces for our communities, government and non-government stakeholders to come together and discuss challenges safely and respectfully. Our value of inclusiveness explicitly states "We embrace and celebrate diversity and strive to improve access and participation. We promote respect, honesty and unity with safe and inclusive environments. We work together to create positive and tangible change with our communities.".

Explore the CQUniversity policies that align with SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals:

Sustainability Policy

This Policy outlines the requirements of the executive, managers, employees and students in meeting the environmental sustainability objectives of the University. The Policy sets a clear turning point about the image it is portraying and various benchmarks the University is set for its teachers, students, employees, service providers and stakeholders about the sustainability of its activities.

Sustainability Framework

Sustainability at CQUniversity is holistic through interconnecting elements to signify that one’s actions are connected to the larger picture and we are guided by our Sustainability Framework. Our sustainable development is focused on balancing social, economic and environmental needs and will be implemented through:

• engaging and empowering our employees, students and the community on sustainability issues
• establishing University-wide targets to reduce energy, water, solid waste and pollutants
• fulfilling our commitment to sustainable building designs and facilities
• developing sustainable campuses, and incorporating sustainability topics for teaching and research as interrelated components in all fields offered at our university.