Health and Safety

The School of Arts is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all staff, students, contractors, service providers and visitors in its environment. All employees, staff and students play an important role in shaping a teaching and learning environment that is ethical and safe, caring, productive and accountable.

Importantly, we are guided by a number of policies of the University, their legislation, standards, and requirements. This includes the general Code of Conduct for staff and students.

We all arrive at the institution with different experiences, values and body politics. You may have been exposed to forms of racism, gender based violence, exclusion, social stigma and discrimination based on gender identification, health, sexual orientation, nationality and beliefs. It is vital that you know your rights and freedoms as students which are directed by University policies and aim to protect you against victimisation, bullying and forms of harm or transgressions. We draw you attention in particular to the antidiscrimation and sexual harassment policies. A breach of conduct is serious. Please read up on how/ where to report transgressions, as well as understand matters of confidentiality. This applies to all of us.

Your mental and physical health are a priority and we ask that you take care of each other and responsibility for yourselves, as well as for the spaces you occupy and relationships you generate, reaching out for support from peers, staff or counsellors where necessary.

Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC)

The Campus Health & Wellness Centre (CHWC) offers a wide variety of health services to Wits students and staff members. The services are convenient, accessible, caring and cost-effective. Lower ground floor, The Matrix Building, East Campus

tel. 011 717 9111 / 9113

Mental health enquiries: 0766093924 Campus Health - Wits University

Wits Student Crisis Line

Support for students experiencing emotional and psychological distress. The toll free line is managed by professionals and is available 24/7/365.

Call 0800 111 331

Useful Contact information for After Hours Support

Life-Line (24 hours) 011 728 1347 or 0861 322 322 South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) SADAG Helpline - 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312 SADAG Suicide Crisis Line 800 567 567 or SMS 31393 Akeso psychiatric response unit (24 Hour) 0861 435 78

Counselling Careers and Development Unit (CCDU)

The CCDU provides a welcoming and safe space to students, to enhance their well-being and contribute to their academic success. They offer career development through career counselling/ education, psychometric career assessments and personal development workshops. The CCDU also offers confidential individual psychotherapy/counselling, groups for psychoeducation and support, stress management, self-esteem and mindfulness.

CCDU Building, Braamfontein Campus West, Wits University Closest entrance: Gate 9, enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein. tel: 011 717 9140 / 32 | email: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za

CCDU eDUCAtion CAMPUS:

M14 Ground Floor, Marang Block, Education Campus, Parktown,

tel: 011 717 9268 |email: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za

Both offices are open Monday-Friday 08h00-16h30 Counselling and Careers Development Unit - Wits University

Gender equity office (Geo)

The Gender Equity Office deals with all aspects of gender based harm, e.g. Sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape; Sexism / unfair discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. 20th Floor, University Corner, cnr Jorissen Street and Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein (the building above the Wits Art Museum) Open from 08h00 to 16h30 from Monday to Friday

011 717 9790

Contact Us - Wits University

Disability Rights Unit (DRU)

The Disability Rights Unit (DRU) is able to assist students with visual, physical, hearing, learning, psychological, speech, chronic illnesses & painful conditions, seizure disorders and students with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken limbs) who may request services for the period during which they are disabled. Room 1151, First Floor Solomon Mahlangu House, East Wing Closest campus entrance on Jorissen Street

011 717 9154

Disability Rights Unit - Wits University

Student Councils

Wits School of Arts Student Council

We encourage student representatives to contact the chair of WSOA Student Council, nomvuyo Buthelezi (2172296@students.wits.ac.za) to engage on any student-led initiatives, events or actions, or issues you need to raise.

The Protection Services Division is responsible for the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, the preservation of peace and the protection of students, staff and University property.

Security officers patrol the entire campus 24 hours a day. Services offered by Wits Protection Services include a 24-hour escort service (on campus) for all students and staff, especially those working late in libraries or computer labs. If you require an escort, dial one of the numbers listed below and supply the following information: • Your name • Your current location and intended destination • A call back number in case we need to notify you that your escort has been delayed

All hours and in case of emergency and to escort students on campus at night:

East Campus: (011) 717 4444 / 6666 Health Sciences Campus: (011) 717 2222 / 2232 Education Campus: (011) 717 3340 Business School: (011) 717 3589

Safety on campus - Wits University

Kudu Cards

Access to campus facilities is controlled by the use of student and staff identity cards.

Please report lost/stolen Kudu Cards to Protection Services IMMEDIATELY. This is to prevent unauthorised use of your card. You should have your card with you at all times and present it to Protection Services or Library personnel if you are asked. Other officers of the University may require your card as identification in labs, examination venues and sports facilities. You may not refuse to identify yourself.

Abuse or misuse of your Kudu Card may lead to disciplinary action or immediate card confiscation.

What constitutes misuse of your card?

• Allowing any other person to gain access to, or out of, any facility • Being in possession of more than one Kudu Card • Allowing another person to make use of your card for any purpose, other than to obtain your details for official university purposes • Failing to store the card in a manner that will prevent it from being damaged (every card is issued with a Card

Holder for this purpose) • Failure to report any financial or fraudulent irregularities.