Student Safety, Rights & Responsibilities

Anti-Ragging at UWA India

At UWA India, we're committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

Ragging has no place in our community. We take a zero-tolerance approach to ragging, bullying, harassment and any behaviour that undermines another person's wellbeing, dignity or sense of belonging.

Whether you're a new student, a senior student, a staff member or a visitor, we all share responsibility for creating a respectful campus culture.

If you experience, witness or become aware of ragging, we encourage you to speak up. Support is available, and all reports are taken seriously.

What is ragging

Under UGC regulations, ragging includes any behaviour that causes physical or psychological harm, fear, embarrassment, humiliation or distress to another student.

Ragging can happen in person, online, on campus, off campus, in student accommodation, during social activities, or through digital communication.

Examples of ragging include:

• Pressuring someone to perform acts they're uncomfortable with
• Verbal abuse, teasing or public humiliation
• Threatening, intimidating or isolating another student
• Forcing someone to spend money or provide services
• Taking personal belongings or demanding favours
• Physical assault or harmful practical jokes
• Making someone complete academic work on another person's behalf
• Coercing someone into consuming alcohol, drugs or unwanted substances
• Discriminating against someone based on their background, identity or personal characteristics

Even if a behaviour is described as a "tradition", "prank" or "rite of passage", it may still be considered ragging.

Your right to a safe university experience

Every student at UWA India has the right to:

• Learn in a safe and respectful environment
• Participate in campus life free from harassment, intimidation or fear
• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Access support when concerns arise
• Report incidents without fear of retaliation
• Be free from discrimination based on age, race, religion, caste, language, gender, disability, sexual orientation or cultural background

Anti-Ragging Undertaking: all students must complete the mandatory Anti-Ragging Undertaking through the UGC Anti-Ragging portal and provide their registration number to UWA India, at the time of admission and annually thereafter.ndertaking through the UGC Anti-Ragging portal and provide of their registration number to UWA India at the time of admission.

Recognising the signs of ragging

Ragging isn't always obvious. It can range from overt acts of intimidation to more subtle forms of pressure or exclusion.

Signs may include:

• Being forced to follow arbitrary rules set by other students
• Being pressured to dress, act or speak in a particular way
• Public humiliation, ridicule or verbal abuse
• Threats, coercion or intimidation
• Being excluded from social or academic activities
• Demands for money, gifts or favours
• Pressure to disclose personal information
• Being forced to participate in activities against your wishes
• Feeling unsafe, anxious or fearful around particular individuals or groups

If something makes you uncomfortable or feels wrong, trust your instincts and seek support.

Who may be at greater risk?

Students who are new to university life can be particularly vulnerable to ragging, including:

• First-year students
• Students relocating from another city or country
• Students living away from home for the first time
• Students who are unfamiliar with local systems or campus culture

Some students may hesitate to report concerns because they're worried about social exclusion, damaging relationships or missing opportunities. At UWA India, no student should feel pressured to tolerate inappropriate behaviour in order to fit in.

Support available

If you have experienced or witnessed ragging, support is available.

UWA India can help students access:

• Student wellbeing support
• Advice on reporting options
• Academic support and adjustments where appropriate
• Safety planning and practical assistance
• Referral to specialist services

Our priority is helping students feel safe, supported and able to continue their studies.

Reporting ragging

If you experience, witness or suspect ragging, please report it as soon as possible.

Reports can be made by students, staff, parents, guardians or members of the wider community.

Reporting options include:

UWA India

• Report through the UWA India student grievance process.
• Speak with a Student Experience Team member
• Visit the Student Experience support desk in-person for assistance

National Anti-Ragging Services

• Anti-Ragging Helpline: 1800 180 5522
• Email: helpline@antiragging.in
• Anti-Ragging Portal: https://www.antiragging.in/

Where possible, reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

What happens when a report is made?

All reports of ragging are assessed and addressed in accordance with UWA India policies and applicable regulations.

The University will take appropriate action to:

• Protect student safety and wellbeing
• Investigate concerns fairly and promptly
• Provide support to affected students
• Apply disciplinary measures where required

Consequences of ragging

Ragging is prohibited under UWA India policy and may also constitute a criminal offence under Indian law.

Students found responsible for ragging may face disciplinary action, including:

• Formal warnings
• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Loss of scholarships or academic privileges
• Referral to relevant external authorities

The seriousness of the response will reflect the nature and severity of the behaviour.

Related Policies and Resources

• UWA India Anti-Ragging & Bullying Policy
• UGC Guidelines for Curbing the Menace of Ragging
• National Anti-Ragging Monitoring Agency Centre for Youth
• Mandatory Anti-Ragging Undertaking

Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Harassment and
Respectful Relationships

At UWA India, everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and supported.

We are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where students can participate fully in university life without fear of harassment, discrimination, violence or intimidation. Gender-based violence and sexual harassment are not tolerated at UWA India.

If you experience, witness or are affected by inappropriate behaviour, support and reporting options are available.

What is gender-based violence and sexual harassment?

Gender-based violence and sexual harassment can take many forms, both in person and online. Examples include:

• Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes or advances
• Unwanted physical contact
• Requests for sexual favours
• Sharing explicit images or content without consent
• Repeated unwanted messages or online harassment
• Stalking or persistent unwanted attention
• Taking photos or videos of someone without their consent in situations where privacy is expected
• Sexual assault, coercion or any form of non-consensual sexual activity

These behaviours can happen between students, staff, contractors, visitors or members of the broader university community.

Understanding consent

Consent means freely and voluntarily agreeing to participate in an activity.

Consent must be:

• Clearly communicated
• Ongoing throughout an interaction
• Given without pressure, intimidation or coercion
• Able to be withdrawn at any time

Silence or a lack of resistance does not mean consent. A person cannot give consent if they are unconscious, asleep or significantly affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Respecting consent is an important part of maintaining a safe and respectful community.

Building a safe and respectful community

Creating a safe campus is everyone's responsibility.

As members of the UWA India community, we all play a role in fostering an environment where people feel respected, included and supported. We encourage students to:

• Respect personal boundaries and consent
• Treat others with dignity and respect
• Challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours when it is safe to do so
• Support friends and peers who may need help
• Contribute to a culture of inclusion, equality and belonging

Through education, awareness and collective action, we can help create a campus where everyone feels welcome and safe.

Recognising concerning behaviour

Sometimes inappropriate behaviour can be difficult to identify, particularly where power differences exist.

Examples may include:

• Pressure linked to grades, assessments, internships, employment opportunities or references
• Behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or intimidated
• Persistent contact after you have indicated it is unwanted
• Pressure to participate in activities you do not want to engage in
• Disrespect for personal boundaries, either online or in person
• Misuse of a position of authority to influence or pressure another person

If something does not feel right, support is available.

Your right to feel safe

As a UWA India student, you have the right to:

• Learn and participate in university life in a safe and respectful environment
• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Access support services if you experience or witness concerning behaviour
• Report incidents without fear of victimisation or retaliation
• Receive fair, confidential and respectful handling of complaints

Where appropriate, supportive arrangements may be made to help you continue your studies while a matter is being addressed.

If you witness concerning behaviour

You do not need to be directly affected by an incident to seek advice or support.

If you witness behaviour that concerns you, or if a friend, classmate or colleague experiences gender-based violence or sexual harassment, you can:

• Check in with the person and listen without judgement
• Encourage them to access support services
• Help them understand available reporting options
• Seek advice yourself if you are unsure how to respond

Support is available for students both directly and indirectly affected by gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

Reporting an incident

If you experience, witness or become aware of gender-based violence or sexual harassment, we encourage you to seek support and report your concerns.

Reporting options may include:

Student Wellbeing Support

You can speak confidentially with a member of the Student Wellbeing team to discuss your options and access support.

You do not need to make a formal complaint to receive assistance.

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) manages formal complaints of sexual harassment in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Campus Security

If you are concerned about your immediate safety, contact campus security or emergency services.

External Reporting

You may choose to report a matter directly to police or other relevant authorities.

Under Indian law, a Zero FIR may be lodged at any police station regardless of where an incident occurred, allowing a report to be registered and transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction if required.

Support available

Students affected by gender-based violence or sexual harassment can access:

• Counselling and wellbeing support
• Information about reporting options and processes
• Academic support and adjustments, where appropriate
• Assistance accessing medical services
• Referrals to external specialist services and legal support
• Assistance connecting with legal support and advice services

Support can be accessed regardless of whether you choose to make a formal complaint.

Our Commitment

UWA India takes reports of gender-based violence and sexual harassment seriously.

When concerns are raised, the University will respond fairly, sensitively and in accordance with relevant laws, policies and procedures. We are committed to providing clear reporting pathways, appropriate support and a respectful process for all parties involved.

Behaviour that breaches university policies may result in disciplinary action.

Related Policies and Resources

• UWA India Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment Statutory Guidelines
• Chapter V (Offences Against Women and Children) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
• National Women’s Helpline: call 181 or 112 (for immediate assistance from police, ambulance, or fire services)
• Local emergency services and police contacts

Labour Rights Awareness

At UWA India, we want students to have safe, positive and rewarding work experiences. Whether you're undertaking an internship, participating in a work-integrated learning opportunity, or working part-time while studying, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

This page provides information about labour rights, common warning signs of unfair employment practices, and where to seek support if you have concerns about your workplace experience.

Understanding Labour Rights

Students may engage in a range of work opportunities during their studies, including internships, placements, apprenticeships and part-time employment. While these experiences can help you build valuable skills and industry connections, employers should provide a safe, respectful and lawful working environment.

As a student worker or intern, you should:

• Be treated fairly and respectfully
• Receive any agreed wages, salary or stipend payments on time
• Work in a safe environment
• Be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying
• Have access to information about your role, responsibilities and working arrangements
• Be able to raise concerns without fear of unfair treatment

What Does Workplace Exploitation Look Like?

Workplace exploitation can occur when an employer takes unfair advantage of workers or fails to meet legal or ethical employment standards.

Examples may include:

• Unpaid or underpaid work that does not align with agreed arrangements
• Delayed or withheld wages or stipends
• Excessive working hours that interfere with your studies
• Requests to hand over original identity documents, certificates or passports
• Demands for payment in exchange for a job or internship opportunity
• Unsafe working conditions
• Harassment, discrimination or other inappropriate workplace behaviour

Warning Signs to Watch For

Before accepting a job, internship or placement opportunity, consider possible warning signs such as:

• You have not been provided with a written offer or agreement
• Your duties and learning objectives have not been clearly explained
• Payment arrangements are not transparent
• There is no designated supervisor or mentor
• Workplace health and safety requirements have not been discussed
• You are being asked to pay fees to secure a position
• You are being asked to provide original personal documents

If something does not seem right, seek advice before accepting the opportunity.

If You Have Concerns

If you experience difficulties in a workplace, internship or placement setting, it is important to seek support early.

Depending on the situation, you may wish to:

• Discuss your concerns with your supervisor or workplace contact
• Speak with the UWA India Careers and Industry Engagement Team. 
• Contact Student Support services
• Seek advice through relevant government labour and employment resources
• Access formal complaint or grievance processes where appropriate

All concerns will be treated respectfully and in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.

How UWA India Can Support You

UWA India is committed to supporting students throughout their studies and career development.

Support may include:

• Career advice and guidance
• Assistance with internship and placement-related concerns
• Information about workplace rights and responsibilities
• Referral to appropriate support services
• Guidance on available complaint and reporting pathways

Related Policies, Legislation and Resources

For information and external employment resources, please refer to:

Government of India Labour and Employment Resources

• Ministry of Labour and Employment Labour Codes:
  • Code on Wages, 2019
  • Industrial Relations Code, 2020
  • Code on Social Security, 2020
  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020‍
• Apprentices Act, 1961‍
• National Career Service (NCS)
• National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)‍

External Support and Reporting Resources

If you need advice about your workplace rights, apprenticeship arrangements or employment concerns, you may be able to access support through the following services:

National Career Service (NCS)

The National Career Service is an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment that provides career guidance, employment services, apprenticeships, internships and job-related information for students and graduates.

Website: https://www.ncs.gov.in/

Helpline: 1514

Labour and Employment Information

The Ministry of Labour and Employment provides information on workplace rights, labour laws, apprenticeships and employment services through its official website.

Website: https://labour.gov.in/

UWA India Student Complaints and Grievances

If a workplace, internship or placement issue affects your studies, wellbeing or university experience, you may be able to access support through UWA India's student complaints and grievance processes.

Details of the relevant reporting pathways, contact points and grievance mechanisms will be published as they become available.