Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU)

Book an appointment with the SMSU Quick Exit

The Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU) is committed to ensuring that the work and study environment for all employees, students and volunteers is safe, respectful and free from all forms of sexual violence, assault and misconduct.

The SMSU can provide support to survivors of sexual assault and harassment regardless of when or where the violence occurred. Students who are survivors of sexual assault, abuse or harassment can receive support from the SMSU for the duration of their studies at UQ. Staff can receive case management support from the SMSU and can receive counselling support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The SMSU can provide students with:

academic support (accessing extensions and special considerations);
advice on housing and financial support;
emotional support and counselling;
information about how to report experiences of sexual misconduct to the University and/or external organisations (e.g. police); and
guidance for people supporting a survivor of sexual misconduct.

What is the SMSU?

The University of Queensland's Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU) is a safe and supportive place for the UQ community to receive guidance around sexual assault and sexual harassment. The SMSU is committed to:

providing a supportive and safe place for the UQ community;
ensuring appropriate psychological and academic adjustments for survivors are made;
raising student awareness and engagement around sexual assault and sexual harassment;
delivering training and support to the UQ community;
developing strategic prevention techniques; and
liaising collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure best practice

How can I contact the SMSU?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SMSU Counsellors

Franc Hayes (he/him), Student Counsellor
My main professional interests include: anxiety, stress management, behaviour management, relationships, strengths and resilience building, Alcohol and other Drug addictions, PTSD, survivors of Sexual Abuse, LGBTI+, EAP, and social justice. My preferred style is based on CBT, Solution Focussed, NLP and Mindfulness. I have more than 20 years of client centred practice and experience of working with Asylum Seekers, youth, couples, LGBTI+, EAP and delivery of Psychology of Safety Workshops. I have been at UQ since early 2019.

Helen Nguyen (she/her), Student Counsellor, Psychologist, UQ Ally
I am a registered psychologist who support students with general counselling and trauma counselling in the Sexual Misconduct and Support Unit. I enjoy learning about people and appreciate being part of someone’s journey in healing and growth. I have an interest in anxiety, depression, relationships (all different kinds), trauma, self-worth, problematic habits, adjustments and cultural expectations. My counselling approaches includes CBT, ACT, DBT, Self-Compassion, Strengths-focused and a developing interest in Schema and IFS Therapy.

Away from work, I enjoy going to the beach, camping, exploring new venues and cuddling my fur children.

Melissa Glasscock (she/her), Student Counsellor
I have joined the UQ student counselling and Sexual Misconduct Support Unit this year. Previous to this role I have worked in the fields of mental health (in both hospitals and community), sexual assault and trauma counselling. My areas of interest are anxiety, depression, self-worth, stress management and trauma. I provide a non- judgemental environment where people can problem solve and deal with challenges. My preferred counselling style is strength based, ACT, mindfulness and trauma informed practice.

Privacy information

It’s important to note that if you access the SMSU Counselling service, some basic information will be collected as part of your appointment. Any personally identifiable information collected will remain confidential, and will be stored in line with the Student Services Privacy Policy.

You can speak to an SMSU Counsellor about an experience of sexual misconduct without making a formal report or complaint. The SMSU supports the right of victim-survivors to choose how they proceed with the support services available.

UQ uses de-identified data collected through reports of sexual misconduct to identify patterns in behaviour and tailor resources to make UQ a safer, more supportive space.

Find out more