Fries, cake and tea. What they teach us about respect and consent

OK, let us explain. Every year we ask you to complete our Respect@Fed - Our Communities online course.

It covers really important topics including equality, respectful behaviour and sexual consent.

And it uses and explains some concepts – FRIES, cake and tea – that will (hopefully) be easy to remember and then apply in real life.

This year, All students are required to complete the course by 31 March 2026. Yes, even if you did it last year.

Why do the course?

There are lots of reasons we ask you to do the course.

Firstly, it’s important everyone knows how to be a respectful member of our Federation community. Being respectful helps everyone feel accepted, comfortable and safe and helps create an inclusive campus where everyone feels valued.  

Australia also has laws against discrimination and harassment so it’s imperative you’re aware of those as well as the University’s own policies. We don’t tolerate discrimination in any form (written, verbal or actions) and take it seriously with appropriate penalties. If you’re found to have discriminated against a fellow student you could, for example, be removed from your course or Federation residence.

Finally, we want you to know what to do if you have experienced discrimination or harassment personally or have witnessed it. The course covers what help is available and who to contact.

When and how to do the course?

Complete the course via Moodle before 31 March 2026.

And ... you’ll find out how FRIES, cake and tea relate to respect, consent and equality.