Respect at Deakin Res

Deakin Residential Services (DRS) provides a home to thousands of students across Deakin’s campuses in a safe, secure and supported environment. Residents and staff share the responsibility of building and maintaining a healthy and happy community, and all experiences are guided by DRS’ RESPECT values. 

Burwood resident, Braedon Waddell and Waurn Ponds resident, Eadie Garth-Lindsay, shared with us the programs, services and facilities that help them feel safe and welcomed living on campus at Deakin.  

Braedon is in his fourth year of studying a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws double-degree. He originally chose to live on campus because of the practicality of living close to the University and the opportunity to form stronger connections, both social and academic.  

Now undertaking the role of a volunteer Residential Leader (RL), Braedon highlights that he strives to play an active role in emphasising DRS’ RESPECT values by promoting and facilitating a diverse and inclusive range of events and by role-modelling appropriate and respectful behaviours, both within and beyond the residential precinct.  

Braedon notes that one of the most important features of living on campus has also been DRS’ 24/7 Reception. He says,  

Waurn Ponds resident, Eadie, is in her third year of studying Civil Engineering. She initially chose to live on campus for convenience but highlights that she has continued to return year on year because of the culture and close community. “I always run into current or former residents when I’m out and about in Geelong because there are so many opportunities to be able to meet and genuinely connect with people.”  

Like Braedon, Eadie says that DRS’ 24/7 Reception offers great peace of mind. The staff are always a “…friendly face and so helpful. They make you feel at ease and know what to do, especially in tough situations. When you go to pick up parcels or pay your rent they’re always up for a chat. Sometimes when I walk past, I don’t have a reason to stop in but I do so anyway just to say hello.”

The physical security of the residential precinct is also important to Eadie. “There are lights all through the carparks, down the pedestrian boulevard and in every college. You feel safe walking around at night as you can see exactly where you are going and who is around. Even if you do feel unsafe for whatever reason at any time of the day you can call security and they will escort you to wherever you are going.” 

For Eadie, the regular event schedule for residents also helps to make students feel welcome and included. “They’re designed with the intent of bringing people together so you can meet people from across the whole campus. When you are walking around res or even the uni campus you continually bump into people and deep down you feel a sense of belonging because you’re a part of the res community. You’re also always greeted by a Campus Life staff member and the Residential Leaders when you initially scan into an event. I always walk into the event buzzing because the staff remember your name.” 

As for living the RESPECT values, Eadie highlights that it’s as easy as being a decent person. She says,

You can read more about DRS’ RESPECT Values in the articles linked below.