- Posted on 2 Mar 2026
A message from the Vice-Chancellor to the UTS community about the events in Iran and the Middle East.
Many of you will be aware of the outbreak of armed hostilities Involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The situation is highly volatile, and the Australian Government has issued upgraded travel advice for Iran and the broader region. You can find the latest information at www.smartraveller.gov.au.
These events are deeply distressing, particularly the loss of civilian life, and our thoughts, and those of the entire UTS community, are with everyone affected, especially our staff and students who have personal, family or professional connections to Iran or impacted areas of the region.
If you need support at any time, please reach out through the channels below. Your safety and wellbeing, and that of our partners and community, is our highest priority.
Please also be mindful of your colleagues and classmates who may be experiencing worry, grief or distress. This is a time for solemnity and care for each other.
If you are teaching this session, and are contacted by students affected by these events, as always, please provide them with appropriate accommodations and support according to their circumstances.
Thank you for supporting each other during this difficult time.
Support available
Students
If you feel your studies may be impacted, please contact your subject coordinator who will be able to provide special accommodations and support according to your circumstances.
The UTS Counselling Service has counsellors available for domestic and international students. Please phone 02 9514 1177 to make an appointment or email Student.Services@uts.edu.au . Please let receptionists know if you are requesting an urgent appointment. UTS also encourages other members of our community who have been affected to contact the UTS Counselling Service for a free and confidential discussion.
The UTS Counselling Service can also make referrals to STARTTS, who provide culturally relevant psychological treatment and support to help people and communities who have been affected by trauma.
The UTS Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is available to support staff and students. For enquiries or further support, please contact the UTS Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Coordinator.
Staff
Staff seeking support or who need to adjust their work arrangements should speak to their supervisor, or their People Unit contact.
Staff can also connect with our confidential employee assistance program, TELUS Health (1300 361 008) and Yamurrah for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues. The service can also be used by immediate family members and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.