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27 August 2026

Dear students,  

Next Wednesday 2 September, some University of Sydney National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) members will take protected industrial action as part of their campaign relating to a new Enterprise Agreement.  

As part of this planned industrial action, some staff members will stop working and may engage in picket lines on the University campus. Your safety and wellbeing is our highest priority and we have measures in place to ensure you are protected.  

I am writing to you to inform you of changes to your classes and campus access and share support available to you. 

Almost all scheduled classes will move online and some, such as labs which cannot run online or be rescheduled, may be cancelled. It is possible that some classes will be cancelled if your lecturer or tutor takes industrial action, and it is up to individual academics to decide whether the class will be rescheduled. 

Assessments that can be submitted online will not be impacted by the industrial action on Wednesday 2 September. If you’re undertaking an in-person assessment or exam on Wednesday, please check in with your Unit of Study Coordinator. 

Please check Canvas and your student email regularly for the latest information from the University and your Unit of Study Coordinator. 

While most classes will be moved online, our campuses remain open and accessible on Wednesday 2 September. 

However, you may encounter picket lines near entrances to campus. A picket line is a common element of industrial action where staff members and other protestors gather outside workplaces to share information about why they’re taking industrial action. 

The NTEU has directed its membership to maintain a peaceful and orderly picket line that is focused on providing information and does not prevent people from entering campus. It is unlawful for staff members and protestors to prevent you from accessing campus spaces, but in the interest of safety, we encourage you not to attempt to force a path through a physical picket line. 

Protective Services Officers will have a presence at the picket lines to help ensure safety and support you in reporting in the unlikely event of an incident, but they will not physically assist anyone to cross a physical picket line.  

Student Wellbeing offers a range of confidential and free health, wellbeing, and personal supports. Complete our wellbeing form and a member of Student Wellbeing will call you to discuss your support needs.  

You can also access 24/7 and after-hours support by calling 1300 474 065 or texting 0488 884 429. 

If you’re feeling unsafe on campus or you’re concerned for the safety of others, call Protective Services using the SafeZone app by selecting the ‘Help’ button to call security. 

You can also reach Protective Services on 1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457) or via the emergency help points across campus (search ‘Emergency Help Point’ on Campus Maps).   

Our Protective Services Officers are available 24-hours a day to assist in an emergency and provide first aid and general assistance. 

For more information about impacts on other services, please read our article about planned industrial action on Wednesday 2 September.  

Please continue to check Canvas and your student email inbox and refer to the latest advice from the University or your Unit of Study Coordinator. 

Kind regards,  
Joanne  

Professor Joanne Wright 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) 

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