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Following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵstands in solidarity with the Jewish community and all those affected. Support services are available for students who may be impacted, and we encourage anyone needing support to reach out.

In the digital age, the challenges of protecting children have drastically levelled up.

Social media, gaming and emerging technologies, including AI, have transformed how kids learn, socialise and express themselves. As such, governments and industry globally are grappling with how to keep up.

“We’ve replaced a play-based childhood with a phone-based childhood,” says ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵresearcher Associate Professor Faith Gordon.

AI is changing every aspect of modern life, and dating is no exception.

The role AI plays in our romantic encounters is evolving at a rapid pace. While dating apps have been part of the picture for some time, we’re now seeing AI play a much bigger part in every stage of our relationships, from helping to craft those witty first interactions to resolving arguments and even helping to process breakups. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵexperts say while AI has the potential to play a positive, supporting role in our relationships, sinister uses like “chatfishing” – using AI to deceive others online – have also been popping up more frequently.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵis announcing strengthened climate, nature and circular economy targets as part of the Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) 2026-2030, marking a significant step forward in the University’s journey to reach below zero emissions by 2040.

The plan also highlights the steps towards our mission to reach zero emissions.

On 25 August 2025 the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025 (the Bill) passed Parliament. Introducing a National Code was one of seven key actions of the . The National Code promotes a whole of institution approach and will enhance the work the University has been doing since 2017 to:

The  applies to all students and staff and spans a number of areas, including governance, safety and support, student accommodation and reporting.

DVCA Professor Joan Leach is leading the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵeffort to implement initiatives to ensure coordination and compliance. In addition, a steering group with representatives from key areas will be established to monitor progress and provide regular updates in On Campus.

The Respect@ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵwebpage will also contain updates, including a copy of the University’s Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan which will be published in February.

For further information contact respect@anu.edu.au.

A reminder that you can now request IT help using . 

The ANUConnect portal contains how-to guides and answers to commonly asked questions, as well as the ability to log any type of IT-related request.  

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Call the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵService Desk: +61 2 6125 4321 

Important: The Service Desk team is moving away from email enquiries. From February 2026, all IT service requests should be submitted via ANUConnect at any time, or by calling the Service Desk during business hours.  

Today is your final day to access Wattle course sites before the system moves to restricted access and we completely transition to Canvas.

Please download any files you need from Wattle by the end of today, as access will close tomorrow. For instructions, see the Online access for courses webpage.

If you are among the small number of students who require extended Wattle access due to specific circumstances, you will have been contacted with alternative arrangements.

Got a question or need support? Please raise a ticket via the .

Former ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵstudent Loong Wang understands how difficult it can be for students to stay at university when financial hardship puts their wellbeing and studies at risk. That’s why this holiday season he is matching every gift made to the , up to $35,750.

Through SURF, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵalumni, donors and friends provide timely financial support to students in need, helping cover essentials such as food, medical care and emergency transport when it is needed most.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵstaff can join too. With donations being matched, this is the moment your generosity will have the greatest impact.

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵcommunity plays a vital role in helping students navigate their lives. When hardship strikes, your support can be the difference that keeps a student on track.

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵGender Institute Prizes for Excellence in Gender and Sexuality Research are awarded annually to honour research that has made an important contribution to the fields of gender, feminist perspectives and/or sexuality by an ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵstudent.

The prizes are awarded under the following categories:

Applications close 16 February 2026.

Last week a small grass fire on campus was quickly managed by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵSecurity and ACT Fire and Rescue.

With warmer weather increasing fire activity, stay alert and prepared. Check conditions on campus and across the ACT using reliable sources such as the Hazards Near Me app (/).

If you see fire or smoke on campus, call 000 first, then notify ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵUniSafe on (02) 6125 2249.

Please remember that ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵis a smoke-free campus.

The Examinations and Graduations Office will be closing from Friday 19 December, 5pm. This will include phone, email and in-person services.

If you require urgent assistance, you can contact student@anu.edu.au during this period.

The Office will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

Thank you to everyone who shared their festive pets with us. It's been a difficult year and we hope these furry, feathered and scaly companions help spread some joy. Here are our 2025 Santa Paws winners:

Congratulations to our winners! View the  

This year, our Hidden Gems series shone a light on some of the most unexpected, delightful and quietly iconic spaces across ANU. From secret gardens to unexpected wildlife hangouts and quirky collections, each gem revealed a different side of our campus. The side you only see if you slow down and look a little closer.

These discoveries reminded us that our campus is more than just buildings and pathways; it’s full of stories, surprises and magic hiding in plain sight. As we wrap up 2025, here’s to the gems we uncovered this year and to the next round of discoveries waiting in 2026.

As we head into a new year, we invite you to explore and share the hidden gems you think we should discover next.

Staying on campus over the shutdown period? Most cafes and eateries will be taking a well-earned break, but a few spots are keeping their doors open. Whether you’re craving a coffee, a quick lunch or a festive bite, these vendors have you covered over the holidays.

Need snacks for your Netflix binge sessions? Daily Market at Childers Street will be open and stocked with goodies to get you into the holiday spirit.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵSport will also remain open (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day), so you can keep up your workouts and stay active over the holidays.

Hours can change over the holiday period, so be sure to check before you go.

There might be a few campus spots we missed (we really did try to catch them all) that are still open during shutdown.

This week we’re getting to know another member of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵcommunity by engaging in three questions with Heather Lambert, Security Professional.

How did you come to be at ANU?

“I spent 16 years working at a remand centre here in Canberra, then took a year off and had a real “what now?” moment. A friend suggested security work, which made sense and after completing a course I was encouraged to apply at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵin 2019. I moved around campus before coming to the Chancelry, where I’ve been for five years now. I’ve always loved Canberra after holidaying here growing up.”

What are you most passionate about in your work?

“I love customer service and meeting people from all walks of life. I especially love being a friendly and welcoming face in the Chancelry. Helping students when they’re stressed and pointing them to the right support has been really rewarding. I’ve made so many great connections in this role and being that first impression means a lot to me.”

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

“My favourite spot is the fountain on University Avenue. I arrive early in the mornings and the sound of the water always lifts my mood and reminds me of growing up near the beach in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. I’ve lived in Australia for 29 years now, but that connection still feels special.”

This series shines a light on people who make up the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵcommunity. Know someone with a great story to tell? Email the On Campus team at on.campus@anu.edu.au.

The holiday period can be difficult for some members of our community. Although the Student Safety and Wellbeing office will be closed during the University shutdown (25 December to 2 January), support is still available.

You can contact the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵWellbeing and Support Line on 1300 050 327 or text 0488 884 170 (available 24/7) or visit Urgent support for details of other support services.

If you need emergency assistance (police, ambulance or fire), call 000. If you are on campus and able to, please also contact ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵUniSafe on 6125 2249. 

There are several free and confidential community services that can provide support, including:

Please remember you are not alone.

Learn more: Student support during these holidays

This week’s picture comes from Alida Gyory, Senior Consultant, Organisational Development, who captured this tranquil courtyard view through the iconic circular window at the China in the World Centre.

“There is a lovely garden, with a circular open window (red of course, for good luck and prosperity) that frames the garden, giving a real-life image of the current season,” said Alida.

Got a photo to share? and include a short description

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or university-related issue, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵencourages you to seek support through the Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵSecurity at (02) 6125 2249