Charles Sturt University, a leading Australian institution, is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment. In partnership with Dentsu, the university launched the Subject Zero campaign, an innovative initiative aimed at preventing sexual harassment and misconduct. Through mandatory educational modules and a rebranded "Zero Week," the program empowers students with the knowledge and tools to recognize, report, and call out harassment. With over 56,000 students engaging in the campaign, Subject Zero sets a new benchmark for addressing critical social issues in higher education.
Subject Zero
The Challenge
Charles Sturt University aimed to address the alarming statistic that 1 in 5 Australian university students experience sexual harassment or assault. With over 45,000 students spread across six campuses, they needed to create awareness of their zero-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct with a modest budget under USD $15,000.
The Solution
Collaborating with academics, Charles Sturt University launched Subject Zero, an innovative initiative that integrated sexual harassment prevention into academic coursework. This program featured five critical lessons focusing on reporting misconduct, seeking confidential counseling, promoting campus safety, understanding consent, and encouraging students to call out harassment. To raise immediate awareness, Orientation Week was rebranded as “Zero Week,” where messaging extended beyond traditional classroom settings to target at-risk areas such as dorms, corridors, and social spaces. The university also aimed to make Subject Zero a mandatory, accredited course for residential students by 2022.
The Results
Subject Zero became the most-enrolled course at Charles Sturt, with over 56,000 online attendances—surpassing the university’s student population. The program effectively engaged both male and female students, with the lessons on reporting misconduct and obtaining consent being the most accessed. Additionally, the university experienced a 21% increase in daily site visits. The success of Subject Zero has sparked a broader community impact, and Charles Sturt has begun trials to make the course compulsory.
The Subject Zero initiative exemplified how integrating important social issues into a university’s curriculum can drive behavioral change and awareness at a large scale. By rethinking traditional engagement approaches and harnessing academic resources, Charles Sturt University tackled a critical issue with lasting impact.
Innovating to Impact
Through Subject Zero, Charles Sturt University transformed its stance on sexual misconduct into actionable educational content. By embedding zero-tolerance lessons into daily campus life and ensuring widespread reach through rebranding and digital tools, the program set a new standard for universities looking to tackle social issues within academic frameworks. The trial towards making the course a mandatory requirement marks a significant step in pioneering institutional accountability and cultural change.
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