La Trobe University

The university was established in 1964 following the assent of the La Trobe University Act by Victorian Parliament on 9 December 1964. The passing of the Act of Victorian Parliament to establish La Trobe University followed earlier University Acts to establish the University of Melbourne (1853) and Monash University (1958).{{cite book |author=John S. Gregory |year=1989 |chapter=Qui cherche, trouve: an overview of the first twenty-five years |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=3–18 |hdl=1959.9/201707}}{{Rp|3}} The Minister of Education at the time and the appointed planning council were "unanimous in their enthusiasm that the new institution should be innovative in its approach",Marshall, A.S.(1979), 'La Trobe University: The Vision and the Reality', Centre for Comparative and International Education: School of Education: La Trobe University. La Trobe University Library, Bundoora (Victoria), p.1. and the university adopted an academic structure based on schools of studies (rather than on faculties) and a collegiate format, where a large number of students lived on campus. At this time, Flinders University and Macquarie University were also establishing a schools-based system.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Many prominent Victorians were involved in La Trobe's establishment process, and there was a strong belief that it was important to increase research and learning in Victoria. One of the major individuals involved was Davis McCaughey, who later became Governor of Victoria. The university was named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, the first Governor of Victoria, and the university motto, 'whoever seeks shall find', is adapted from Charles La Trobe's family motto.{{rp|3}} The La Trobe University Coat of Arms incorporates the scallop shells from the La Trobe family bearings, the Australian wedge-tailed eagle to represent Australia, and sprigs of heath to represent Victoria.[https://www.latrobe.edu.au/about/history "Our History, La Trobe University"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720235445/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/about/history |date=20 July 2014 }}. La Trobe University. Retrieved 17 June 2009.

The origins of La Trobe can be traced back to the post-World War II era when÷ there emerged a global recognition of the need to increase facilities for higher education.{{#tag:ref|'In Britain, the Robbins Committee reported in 1963 on the need for the expansion of tertiary education in that country. During the 1950s in the United States, President Dwight D. Eisenhower moved with great speed in establishing a grand plan to vastly expand facilities for higher education including many new universities.'{{cite book |author=J. R. Archibald Glenn |year=1989 |chapter=The Planning Phase |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=21–29}}{{rp|21}}|group=Note}} In 1957 the prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies, established a special committee to report on the future of Australian universities, inviting Sir Keith Murray, chairman of the University Grants Committee of Great Britain, to chair it. The Murray Committee, in a far-reaching report submitted in September 1957, recommend a major expansion of university facilities in Australia and changes in administration and financing.{{rp|21}}

As a direct consequence of the key recommendations of the Murray report, the federal government established the Australian Universities Commission (AUC) in 1959, appointing Sir Leslie Martin as its chair.{{rp|21}} Menzies appointed Martin to chair a special committee in 1961 to report to the AUC on the rapidly increasing demands for higher education in Australia.{{rp|21}} In August 1963 it released its second report, which recognised the urgency of Victoria's situation, stating that "the resources of Melbourne and Monash Universities are not likely to meet the long-term demands for university education beyond 1966. The Commission therefore is willing to support in the 1964–1966 triennium the extension of university facilities in the Melbourne metropolitan area."{{rp|21–22}} Following the recommendations the federal government passed the Universities Assistance Bill in October 1963, providing a grant for a "third" university for recurrent expenditure in 1965 of $106,000 and $210,000 in 1966. The first capital grant was for 1966 and amounted to $1,000,000. These grants were to be matched by equivalent state grants.{{rp|21–22}}

In April 1964, Sir Archibald Glenn was invited by the Victorian premier, Sir Henry Bolte, to chair a "Third University Committee".{{rp|23}} In addition to Glenn, 13 other members were announced on 21 May 1964. The committee, therefore, consisted of:{{cite book |year=1989 |chapter=Appendix A |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=189–190 |hdl=1959.9/201803}}

• Sir Archibald Glenn, chairman and managing director, ICI Australia Ltd, Chairman
• F. H. Brookes, assistant director of education in Victoria
• Sir John Buchan, architect and chairman of Buchan, Laird & Buchan
• Sir Michael Chamberlin, deputy chancellor of Monash University
• Sir Thomas Cherry, president of the Australian Academy of Science 1961-65
• Kathleen Fitzpatrick, formerly associate professor of history at University of Melbourne
• J. A. Hepburn, chief planner at the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works
• Ethleen King, president of the Free Kindergarten Union and former president of the National Council of Women
• Phillip Law, director of the Antarctic Division, Department of External Affairs
• C. E. Newman, solicitor, Numurkah, Victoria
• J. D. Norgard, general manager (operations), BHP
• W. C. Radford, director of the Australian Council for Educational Research
• R. Selby Smith, professor of education at Monash University and principal of Scotch College, Melbourne, 1953–64
• Russel G. French, secretary of the committee

The terms of reference of the committee were to advise the government on all matters concerning the establishment of a third Victorian university. This consisted of "the selection of the site, the preparation of a detailed development program, planning and calling tenders for buildings, the formulating of an administrative structure, the appointment of an Academic Planning Board and the recruitment of key staff." It was planned that La Trobe would enrol students, if possible, in March 1967.{{rp|23}}

The first meeting of the committee occurred on 2 June 1964 in the rooms of the Historical Society of Victoria on Victoria Street. From there, they acted promptly in seeking out a suitable metropolitan location, inspecting 27 sites from a list of 57 possibilities.{{#tag:ref|"A number of these prospects were the result of submissions by local councils and other interested groups"{{rp|23}}|group=Note}}

The main constraints facing all options were area – "adequate for a full and balanced university"; cost – preferably Crown owned land, as private land would require large compensation payments; and locality – somewhere reasonably close to the demographic centre of Melbourne (calculated to be in the Camberwell area) and to public transport.{{rp|5}}

A subcommittee, headed by Phillip Law, quickly recognised that "somewhere on the eastern side of Melbourne stands out as the right location", however, Monash was already growing in the southeastern suburbs so an alternative area was sought.{{rp|5}} An early list of possibilities read:

Outer – Bundoora, Lilydale.

Inner – Burnley Horticultural College, Wattle Park, Caulfield Racecourse, Kew Mental Asylum{{rp|6}}

Selection of an inner site was unlikely, as they were mostly "either inadequate or unattainable, especially the racecourse", however, the Kew site was a real possibility.{{rp|6}}

The "ultimate choice" was unanimously agreed upon by the end of July, resulting in the farm attached to the Mont Park Asylum. Cunningham Dax, head of the Mental Health Authority, was "most co-operative", although he raised concerns that the loss of the farm would be serious for the hospital. An alternative site for the farm was procured a little further out on Plenty Road, resolving the issue.{{rp|23}}

While it was an interesting interpretation of a "local name", La Trobe, proposed by Fitzpatrick,Davies, Susan (1995). "Kathleen Fitzpatrick: Sculptor with Words". In Macintyre, Stuart; Thomas, Julian. The Discovery of Australian History: 1890–1939. Carlton South: Melbourne University Press. pp. 158–173. {{ISBN|0-522-84699-8}}. was agreed unanimously upon by the planning committee after some alternatives, such as Deakin, were "thoughtfully put aside".{{#tag:ref|"[P]robably the most distinguished name among Victorians born in Victoria".{{rp|6}}|group=Note}} Victorian State Parliamentarians, however, were far from unanimous when they came to debate the La Trobe University Bill.{{#tag:ref|"'redolent of the Folies Bergère and prurient Parisian life' complained one who, perhaps more seriously, proposed 'Churchill' as an alternative."|group=Note}}

Sir Archibald Glenn, chairman of the committee, provided a concise summary as to why La Trobe was chosen:

"Lieutenant-Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe has great historic significance for Victoria and his name is recognised internationally. La Trobe was not a university man...{{#tag:ref|'La Trobe enrolled at Magdalene College at Cambridge but it is doubtful whether he ever attended a lecture'.C J La Trobe Society, '[http://www.latrobesociety.org.au/LaTrobe2.html Early Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107131709/http://www.latrobesociety.org.au/LaTrobe2.html |date=7 January 2015 }}', The C J La Trobe Society [website], accessed 7 January 2015.|group=Note}} but he appears to have had almost every quality, one would desire in one. He had a lively interest in every aspect of life of the community, the will to work for the good of other men, and a sense of responsibility towards prosperity."{{rp|24}}

The Victorian Minister for Education, Sir John Bloomfield, upon presenting the enabling bill to the Victorian parliament, reflected on the influence of Charles La Trobe in the foundation of the University of Melbourne over 100 years before, concluding "my most satisfying reflection at this moment is that my father's father sought for gold in our hills, and he knew this city in the days of the man whom, at the behest of others, I am now trying to acknowledge. If Providence and this Parliament will it, my son's son may be taught in his aura and tradition."{{cite book |author=Roy Simpson |year=1989 |chapter=The Master Plan |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=39–49 |hdl=1959.9/201726}}{{rp|39–40}}

Although La Trobe, like his father, used "La Trobe" and "Latrobe" interchangeably,See Reilly, Diane and Armstrong, Helen, '[http://www.latrobesociety.org.au/LaTrobeana/LaTrobeanaV12n3.pdf#Page=16 The Latrobe/La Trobe Family Name] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121154106/http://www.latrobesociety.org.au/LaTrobeana/LaTrobeanaV12n3.pdf#Page=16 |date=21 January 2015 }}', La Trobeana, 12/3 (2013), 31-32, accessed 15 January 2015. the committee selected the spelling that was predominantly used by his side of the family.

Following the passing of the La Trobe University Act, the interim council was established in December 1964. Aside from Sir Michael Chamberlin and Kathleen Fitzpatrick, who indicated they were unavailable, all members of the Third University Committee were appointed to the interim council, with Sir Archibald Glenn remaining as chairman. Additional members of the interim council were:

• Keith Aickin, barrister
• Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, Nobel Prize for Medicine 1960, Professor of Experimental Medicine and Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, president of the Australian Academy of Science 1965-69
• J. Andrews, Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne,{{#tag:ref|Appointed to Interim Council in May 1965|group=Note}}
• Bernard Callinan, consulting engineer and commissioner of the SEC.
• Michael Clarke, representing Northern Province, Victorian Legislative Council
• John Galbally, barrister, representing Melbourne North and Opposition Leader, Victorian Legislative Council
• Davis McCaughey, Master of Ormond College, University of Melbourne
• Joe Rafferty, representing Ormond, Victorian Legislative Assembly
• Peter Thwaites, principal of Geelong College
• David Myers, vice-chancellor (ex officio). {{#tag:ref|Became a member on taking up appointment of 1 September 1965.|group=Note}}

Sir Thomas Cherry died late in 1966, prior to the final meeting of the interim council. All other members automatically became members of council upon its establishment with the first meeting held on 19 December 1966. It was this meeting that Sir Archibald was elected as chancellor of the university.

The concept of the "La Trobe eras" was first coined by William Breen and John Salmond in the university's 25th anniversary history, Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989. It is used to refer to La Trobe in periods of 25 years, following the year of establishment in 1964 rather than the year of opening in 1967.{{#tag:ref|"This year (1989) will mark not just the first quarter century but the end of the first era of La Trobe's history. It is likely that the second era will witness the emergence of a very different institution, much larger, much more diverse in its offerings, and catering to a broader range of student needs than in the past."{{cite book |year=1989 |chapter=Introduction |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=xi–xii |hdl=1959.9/201803}}|group=Note}} As of 2015, La Trobe is currently in its third era.

File:Martin building, autumn 2.jpg

La Trobe University was officially opened by the Victorian premier, Sir Henry Bolte, on 8 March 1967 at a ceremony that was attended by a number of dignitaries including former Prime Minister of Australia, Robert Menzies.{{cite book |author=David M. Myers |year=1989 |chapter=The First Decade |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |pages=31–38 |hdl=1959.9/201719}}{{rp|31}} Teaching commenced at the Bundoora campus in the first semester of that year, with some 500 students.{{rp|3}} La Trobe was seen to be unique amongst Australian universities due to its school-based and collegiate structure. At the time, "this novel approach became commonly known in the university as 'The La Trobe Concept'".Henry, M. (1971) "La Trobe: a study of the idea of a university". Sociology Department: School of Social Sciences: La Trobe University. La Trobe University Library, Bundoora (Victoria). Within four years, however, this format had all but broken down, with the collegiate ideal reduced to halls of residence and the schools becoming departmentalised.

Up until the late 1980s, La Trobe focused almost exclusively on the liberal arts and the sciences.{{Cite web |last=Lincoln School of Health Sciences |date=2022-06-14 |title=Lincoln Institute Handbooks (1972 - 1989) |url=https://opal.latrobe.edu.au/collections/La_Trobe_University_Handbooks_1967-2009/5430822 |language=en |doi=10.26181/c.5430822.v2 |access-date=22 January 2023 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122181950/https://opal.latrobe.edu.au/collections/La_Trobe_University_Handbooks_1967-2009/5430822 |url-status=live }} In 1987 the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences merged with the university. The Lincoln Institute had begun as Lincoln House, after the building was bought by the government in 1966, with its formal constitution being established in December 1972.{{Cite book |title=La Trobe University Amendment Act 1987 (Vic) |publisher=Legislative Assembly of Victoria |year=1987 |language=En}} Lincoln House comprised professional training schools for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy, all of which were affiliated with the Victoria Institute of Colleges.{{cite web | title=Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences | website=Research Data Australia | url=https://researchdata.edu.au/lincoln-institute-health-sciences/492421 | access-date=8 October 2020 | archive-date=8 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008045006/https://researchdata.edu.au/lincoln-institute-health-sciences/492421 | url-status=live }} Lincoln Institute thus became the university's Faculty of Health Sciences, offering several professional health science programs.

The university established other professional schools, including its law school in 1992, which was previously a legal studies department established in 1972. In 2008, Victoria's second dentistry school was established at La Trobe. However, despite being a leading Australian university in professional health and biomedical sciences, La Trobe does not have a medical school. When planned and developed in the 1960s, there was strong expectation that La Trobe would eventually establish a medical school and a teaching hospital.{{cite book|title=La Trobe University Handbooks|year=1967–1970|publisher=Jonker Printing Pty Ltd|location=Bundoora, Victoria}}

The Bendigo campus of La Trobe dates back to 1873: the Bendigo College of Advanced Education amalgamated with La Trobe University in 1991, completing a process that began in the late 1980s as part of the Dawkins reforms to higher education. During the merger process, a controversial issue erupted when the university's head office in Bundoora raised concerns about the academic standards at Bendigo CAE. This led to a public outcry in which Bendigo CAE students threatened the Bendigo Advertiser over publishing the matter in its newspapers. Several newspapers were burned in the protest.

The inclusion of the Wodonga Institute of Tertiary Education took place in the same year. The university has continued to expand, with the opening of the Research and Development Park at Bundoora and the upcoming opening of a second Melbourne CBD site.

Higher education reforms by the Howard government allowed Australian universities to increase fees and take in a greater number of full-fee paying students. Despite a large student backlash, La Trobe took advantage of the reforms, increasing fees by 25% in 2005.[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/01/1078117370918.html La Trobe latest to lift HECS fees] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104014854/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/01/1078117370918.html |date=4 November 2012 }} The Age. Retrieved 03/08/2009. Around the same time, the university suffered cutbacks in government funding,[http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/la-trobe-cutbacks-alarm-staff/2008/05/20/1211182801432.html La Trobe cutbacks alarm staff] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104014921/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/la-trobe-cutbacks-alarm-staff/2008/05/20/1211182801432.html |date=4 November 2012 }} The Age. Retrieved 3 August 2009. a problem experienced across most of the Australian higher education sector.

La Trobe lost funding disproportionately across its departments. For instance, the History Department at the university was once by far the largest of any institution in Australia; however, funding restrictions led to a significant reduction in its size. Similarly, in 1999, the Music Department was closed due to funding cuts; in 2004 the Geology Department was excised even though it had the highest graduate satisfaction rating in the country. The university's African Research Institute, the only major African studies centre in Australasia, was closed at the end of 2006.[http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=vx&list=h-africa&month=0703&week=e&msg=ZJcW%2b048Gpfl7eJS68DFfw&user=&pw= Message posted by Peter Limb on 30 March 2007 to H-Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521051828/http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=vx&list=h-africa&month=0703&week=e&msg=ZJcW+048Gpfl7eJS68DFfw&user=&pw= |date=21 May 2011 }} (H-Net list on African studies) In 2008, the university cut the Philosophy and Religious Studies Program at the Bendigo campus, the change resulted in the stream only being taught as a minor.

In 2008, La Trobe was operating with a $1.46 million surplus but highlighted that by 2010 it would "review, and where appropriate, restructure all academic, administrative and committee structures"{{cite web |url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/about/downloads/Strategic-Plan-July09.pdf |title=La Trobe University Strategic Plan 2008–2012 |publisher=La Trobe University |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411212938/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/about/downloads/Strategic-Plan-July09.pdf |url-status=live }} to deal with diminished student intakes, falling entrance marks, below-par scores on student satisfaction surveys and a decreasing proportion of national research funding.{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,23742583-12332,00.html |work=The Australian |first=Andrew |last=Trounson |title=La Trobe University to cut spending and freeze staff positions |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=17 June 2008 |archive-date=26 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526090456/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,23742583-12332,00.html |url-status=dead }} In an attempt to address these issues, the university made cut backs and restructured several courses under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor, John Dewar. As of 2013, the university was operating on a 28 million dollar surplus.{{cite web | title=La Trobe University Annual Report 2010: Statements and financials | website=La Trobe University| date=2022-07-18 | url=http://www.latrobe.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/132331/annual-report-2010.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531024421/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/132331/annual-report-2010.pdf | archive-date=31 May 2025 | access-date=2025-06-11}}

In 2015, La Trobe University committed to fully divest from fossil fuels, after a campaign by students and faculty.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Suzanne |title=La Trobe University's fossil fuel divestment: a small, but significant step |url=https://theconversation.com/la-trobe-universitys-fossil-fuel-divestment-a-small-but-significant-step-60042 |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=The Conversation |date=27 May 2016 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108135144/http://theconversation.com/la-trobe-universitys-fossil-fuel-divestment-a-small-but-significant-step-60042 |url-status=live }} The university later committed in 2019 to become fully carbon neutral in its own operations by 2029.{{cite news |last1=D'Agostino |first1=Emma |title=La Trobe University to become carbon neutral by 2029 |url=https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6339126/carbon-neutral-in-10-years-la-trobe-sets-ambitious-goal/ |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=Bendigo Advertiser |date=20 August 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331120138/https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6339126/carbon-neutral-in-10-years-la-trobe-sets-ambitious-goal/ |url-status=live }}

In 2020, La Trobe University had its operations substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, part of the Bundoora campus had to be closed for a deep clean after a student tested positive for the disease.[https://www.3aw.com.au/la-trobe-university-student-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ La Trobe University student tests positive for coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706170318/https://www.3aw.com.au/la-trobe-university-student-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ |date=6 July 2020 }} 3AW Radio. Retrieved 6/07/2020. The university remained open for a time, until the health advice from the Department of Health and Human Services indicated the university should close - although a limited number of courses eventually continued in a face-to-face teaching mode. Classes not run face-to-face were continued online.[https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/2020/03/17/1086058/la-trobe-university-to-shift-classes-online-due-to-coronavirus La Trobe University to shift classes online due to coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707105730/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/2020/03/17/1086058/la-trobe-university-to-shift-classes-online-due-to-coronavirus |date=7 July 2020 }} Shepparton News. Retrieved 6/07/2020.

This, combined with a reduction in international student enrolments, purportedly weakened the university's financial position{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/la-trobe-university-seeks-lifeline-from-banks-as-seven-found-to-be-at-high-financial-risk|title=La Trobe University seeks lifeline from banks as seven institutions found to be at 'high financial risk'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706165814/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/la-trobe-university-seeks-lifeline-from-banks-as-seven-found-to-be-at-high-financial-risk|date=3 June 2020|archive-date=6 July 2020|author-first1=Anne|author-last1=Davies|website=The Guardian|access-date=6 July 2020|url-status=live}} - although the extent to which this occurred is debated. Reports circulated that La Trobe University risked exhausting its cash reserves unless a deal was with reached with financial institutions or the federal government[https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/race-to-shore-up-la-trobe-university-as-cash-crisis-bites-20200602-p54yun.html Race to shore up La Trobe University as cash crisis bites] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706094612/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/race-to-shore-up-la-trobe-university-as-cash-crisis-bites-20200602-p54yun.html |date=6 July 2020 }} The Age. Retrieved 6/07/2020. but the university has stated that it was not at risk of insolvency.[https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6780051/la-trobe-rejects-reports-its-going-broke-because-of-covid-19/ "La Trobe University rejects media reports it's going broke because of COVID-19 pandemic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706170404/https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6780051/la-trobe-rejects-reports-its-going-broke-because-of-covid-19/ |date=6 July 2020 }}, The Bendigo Advertiser. Retrieved 6 July 2020. A range of measures were proposed or taken to improve the university's finances including voluntary redundancies, and staff pay cuts.[https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/race-to-shore-up-la-trobe-university-as-cash-crisis-bites-20200602-p54yun.html "Race to shore up La Trobe University as cash crisis bites"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706094612/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/race-to-shore-up-la-trobe-university-as-cash-crisis-bites-20200602-p54yun.html |date=6 July 2020 }}, The Age. Retrieved 6 July 2020. La Trobe had applied for access to the Australian government wage subsidy program, JobKeeper, but it was deemed ineligible.[https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6736845/la-trobe-universitys-jobkeeper-application-rejected/ "La Trobe University's JobKeeper application rejected"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706094612/https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6736845/la-trobe-universitys-jobkeeper-application-rejected/ |date=6 July 2020 }}, Bendigo Advertiser. Retrieved 6 July 2020.

Other steps taken by the university in response to the pandemic include: opening up new pathways for student enrolment that did not require an ATAR,[https://www.miragenews.com/new-pathways-for-enrolling-at-la-trobe/ "New pathways for enrolling at La Trobe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821063957/https://www.miragenews.com/new-pathways-for-enrolling-at-la-trobe/ |date=21 August 2022 }}, Mirage News. Retrieved 6 July 2020. removing failing grades from student transcripts{{cite web|author-first1=Natassia|author-last1=Chrysanthos|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-universities-start-wiping-fail-grades-as-students-plea-for-amnesty-20200331-p54fmf.html|url-status=live|title=Australian universities start wiping fail grades as students plea for amnesty|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709050424/https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-universities-start-wiping-fail-grades-as-students-plea-for-amnesty-20200331-p54fmf.html|date=1 April 2020|archive-date=9 July 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=6 July 2020}} and offering new short courses.[https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6721267/la-trobe-offers-short-courses-to-help-people-upskill-during-covid-19/ "La Trobe University offers online courses to help people upskill amid coronavirus pandemic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706105248/https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6721267/la-trobe-offers-short-courses-to-help-people-upskill-during-covid-19/ |date=6 July 2020 }}, Bendigo Advertiser. Retrieved 6 July 2020.

File:La Trobe University.jpg

File:Health Sciences Building and Charles La Trobe Statue at La Trobe University.jpg

File:La Trobe University - student hub.jpg

The Melbourne campus at Bundoora is the foundation campus of La Trobe and was officially opened in 1967 when La Trobe began operations. The campus is the main base of all La Trobe's main courses except education, pharmacy, and dentistry, all of which are based at Bendigo. Bundoora is the largest university campus in the Southern Hemisphere, encompassing {{convert|235|hectare|acre}}, including the adjacent Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary.{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/wildlife/|title=La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary|author=La Trobe University|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728152103/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/wildlife|url-status=live}}

Bundoora has around 22,000 students on campus and therefore has many facilities such as restaurants, bars, shops, banks and an art gallery. The main library on the campus, the Borchardt, has well over one million volumes.

The original main campus buildings were designed by Melbourne architecture firm, Yuncken Freeman{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn3506434|title=Digital Collections - Pictures - Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913–2007. La Trobe University [architectural] model, Victoria, architect: Yuncken Freeman, 1965 [3] [picture]|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=5 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605112039/http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn3506434|url-status=live}} in a utilitarian, Post-War International style. These buildings are connected by a series of raised walkways. La Trobe University has three on-campus residential colleges: Menzies, Glenn and Chisholm. These are complemented by the newer North and South Apartments, the self-contained Barnes Way and Waterdale Apartments and the University Lodge, which primarily serves postgraduate students.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, La Trobe University had developed plans to transform the Bundoora campus into a 'City of the Future', closely co-locating commercial, cultural and research facilities onto the site.{{cite news |title=La Trobe University plans major overhaul of its Bundoora campus |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/la-trobe-university-plans-5-billion-overhaul-of-its-bundoora-campus/ |access-date=1 March 2021 |publisher=ArchitectureAU |date=24 October 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109024604/https://architectureau.com/articles/la-trobe-university-plans-5-billion-overhaul-of-its-bundoora-campus/ |url-status=live }}

The Bundoora campus is home to the La Trobe University Medical Centre and La Trobe Private Hospital.

Bundoora also has sporting and recreation facilities such as an indoor pool, gyms, playing fields, and indoor stadiums. A-League franchise Melbourne City have constructed a $15 million training facility on the campus grounds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/27/a-league-melbourne-city-training-base|title=A-League: Melbourne City unveil new $15m training base|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=2015-02-26|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-03-28|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328201152/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/27/a-league-melbourne-city-training-base|url-status=live}} Prior to the construction of its new training facilities, the Essendon Football Club had trained at La Trobe University during the summer.{{Cite news|url=http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2010-05-05/facility|title=Tough decisions needed on new training facility - essendonfc.com.au|work=essendonfc.com.au|access-date=2017-03-28|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328200841/http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2010-05-05/facility|url-status=live}} Additionally the Sport Program exists to assist student athletes.

The university is also home to the Centre for Dialogue, an interdisciplinary research institution which delves into certain intercultural and inter-religious conflicts, both in the domestic setting and in international relations. In March 2009, the centre attracted controversy in hosting a lecture given by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (1997–2005).{{cite web |url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/dialogue/events/khatami-2009.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318000608/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/dialogue/events/khatami-2009.html |archive-date=18 March 2009 |date=20 February 2009 |title=Former Iranian President, Khatami, to visit La Trobe |publisher=La Trobe University}} Khatami emphasised the importance of dialogue between civilizations, especially in relation to quelling misunderstandings between the Islamic world and the West.{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/khatami-israeli-nukes-the-problem-20090325-9aj0.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Khatami: Israeli nukes the problem | first=Daniel | last=Flitton | date=26 March 2009 | access-date=3 May 2009 | archive-date=3 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103060555/http://www.theage.com.au/national/khatami-israeli-nukes-the-problem-20090325-9aj0.html | url-status=live }}

The Centre for Dialogue has also received attention for its leadership programme for young Muslims, implemented predominantly in Melbourne's northern suburbs.{{Cite web |url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/dialogue/assets/downloads/muslim-leadership-program-article.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-date=16 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316001314/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/dialogue/assets/downloads/muslim-leadership-program-article.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The R&D Park opened in 1993, adjacent to the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Tenants include a branch of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the Victorian State Forensic Centre, a Rio Tinto Group research centre, Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Co-operative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology, CAVAL, AgriBio and the Technical Enterprise Centre (a business incubator for new ventures in information technology, biotechnology and the life sciences).

La Trobe has a city campus in Melbourne's central business district, on Collins Street. The campus delivers postgraduate courses for both domestic and international students.

The Bouverie Centre (first known as the Collins Street Clinic) was established as a clinical mental health service for children and adolescents. In 1956, the centre was renamed the Bouverie Clinic following its relocation from Collins Street, in the CBD of Melbourne to Bouverie Street, Carlton. The Bouverie Centre made the transition from a child psychiatric clinic to the first family therapy centre in Australia in the mid-1970s. In 2007 the Bouverie Centre moved into a $5 million, state government-funded, purpose-built building at 8 Gardiner Street, Brunswick.

La Trobe University took over the management of the Bouverie Centre from the Mental Health Branch of the Victorian Department of Human Services, and added to Bouverie's name the subtitle Victoria's Family Institute. In the decades that followed, the range of clinical academic courses offered by Bouverie expanded and to date, the Centre delivers a number of Graduate Certificate programs, including the Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy; a program specifically tailored for professionals working with people impacted by Acquired Brain Injury seeking to enhance their skill and confidence in working with families, and the nationally recognised Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Workers. The centre's Master's level program and higher degree research program are a regular feature on the academic calendar.

The Bouverie Centre has over 40 staff, with clinical staff typically working across a number of different service areas.Bouverie Centre, '[http://www.bouverie.org.au/about-us/our-history Our History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412035218/http://www.bouverie.org.au/about-us/our-history/ |date=12 April 2015 }}', Bouverie Centre [website], (2015), accessed 14 April 2015.

File:Bendigo Visual Arts Building Entrance.jpg

La Trobe Bendigo succeeded 118 years of tertiary education in the regional centre, which began with the Bendigo School of Mines in 1873.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

La Trobe Bendigo was established in 1991, initially as the La Trobe University College of Northern Victoria (1991–1994).[https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2013/release/bendigo-community-to-celebrate-milestone 'Bendigo community to celebrate milestone'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092854/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2013/release/bendigo-community-to-celebrate-milestone |date=18 April 2018 }}, La Trobe University [website], (2013), accessed 27 January 2015 Between 1994 and 2005, La Trobe Bendigo's curriculum was operated by a multidisciplinary Faculty of Regional Development and was separate from that of Melbourne. Campuses could choose to offer individual courses from both Bundoora and Bendigo. This situation ceased in 2005 after the Bendigo campus was more tightly integrated into the Melbourne campus structure.

{{as of|2018}} the Bendigo campus is situated on {{cvt|33|ha}} of land, consisting of four sites—Edwards Road, Osbourne Street, the art centre and the La Trobe Rural Health School.'[https://www.latrobe.edu.au/io/documents/maps/bendigo/Bendigo-Locality-Map.pdf Locality Map, Bendigo Campus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418093026/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/io/documents/maps/bendigo/Bendigo-Locality-Map.pdf |date=18 April 2018 }}', La Trobe University [website], accessed 27 January 2015.

The main site of the Bendigo campus, near Edwards Road, was established in 1967 under the Bendigo Institute of Technology (1967–1976).'[http://www.bendigoweekly.com.au/news/touched-by-the-school-of-mines Touched by the School of Mines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402155245/http://www.bendigoweekly.com.au/news/touched-by-the-school-of-mines |date=2 April 2015 }}', Bendigo Weekly, 19 Apr. 2013, accessed 27 January 2015.

The Osbourne Street site was established in 1959 under the Bendigo Teacher's College (1926–73). It is now{{when|date=September 2022}} predominantly used for examination facilities and is home to the La Trobe University Bendigo Athletics Track. Some of the facilities used in the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games were located at La Trobe University Bendigo. There is also the associated Central Victorian Innovation Park, located on university land, which opened in December 2003.

Together these two sites near Edwards Road and Osbourne Street form the Flora Hill campus precinct.'[https://www.latrobe.edu.au/io/vision/bendigo-campus Bendigo Campus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912040813/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/io/vision/bendigo-campus |date=12 September 2015 }}', La Trobe University [website], (2013), accessed 27 January 2015. They were acquired by La Trobe University in 1991 after an amalgamation with the Bendigo College of Advanced Education (1976–1991).

There are two schools and an art centre in Bendigo:{{cite web | last=University | first=La Trobe | title=Bendigo Campus | website=La Trobe University, Melbourne Victoria Australia | date=9 August 2022 | url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/bendigo | access-date=8 September 2022 | archive-date=8 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908085314/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/bendigo | url-status=live }}

• La Trobe Rural Health School
• La Trobe Tech School
• The La Trobe Art Institute is a contemporary art centre comprising galleries, a studio for residencies, and venues for hire to the public. The Institute is responsible for the university's seven art collections across all of the Victorian campuses.{{cite web | title=About La Trobe Art Institute | website=La Trobe University | date=14 April 2022 | url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute/about | access-date=8 September 2022 | archive-date=8 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908084131/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute/about | url-status=live }}

La Trobe University's Albury–Wodonga Campus is located three kilometres from the centre of Wodonga on a {{convert|26|hectare|acre|adj=on}} site. South of the Murray River, the campus is located in Victoria, but within 10 kilometres of the NSW town of Albury and within 20 kilometres of Charles Stuart University's NSW-based Albury–Wodonga campus.

La Trobe University's presence in Albury–Wodonga began in 1991, within the facilities of the Wodonga Institute of TAFE. The Albury-Wodonga campus continues to share various resources with Wodonga TAFE, including the David Mann Library. This campus houses the faculties of education, health sciences, biology, business as well as the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research and the Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems.

In 2020, the university announced plans to shift almost half of the courses offered at the campus online, while guaranteeing the campus would remain open.{{cite news |last1=Boyd |first1=Sophie |title=La Trobe University unveils aims for finances and Albury-Wodonga campus |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7013417/job-and-course-cuts-unavoidable-as-la-trobe-looks-at-smaller-future/?cs=14264 |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=Canberra Times |date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415133433/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7013417/job-and-course-cuts-unavoidable-as-la-trobe-looks-at-smaller-future/?cs=14264 |url-status=live }}

File:MilduraLaTrobeUniversity.JPG

The Mildura Campus was established in 1996, co-located with the main campus of the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. These institutions and other tertiary education and research institutions on the site share various resources. A second Mildura City campus opened in 2006 in the old Mildura Cultivator offices, next to "Gallery 25", an art gallery which La Trobe became involved with a few years earlier.

The Shepparton campus was established in 1994. A new two-storey campus building at 210 Fryers Street, opposite the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE was opened in late 2010.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} Originally the revamped campus building was meant to open in early 2008, but funding delays pushed the project back.{{cite news |title=Date pushed back for Shepparton uni campus |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-28/date-pushed-back-for-shepparton-uni-campus/652854 |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=ABC News |date=28 August 2007 |archive-date=29 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029025012/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-28/date-pushed-back-for-shepparton-uni-campus/652854 |url-status=live }}

Located at 255 Elizabeth Street, near Hyde Park, the Sydney campus is centrally located and offers courses in business, accounting and informational technologies, as well as some bridging and enabling courses.

In 2007, the university announced plans to open "learning nodes" co-located with the Wangaratta and Seymour campuses of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE,{{cite news |url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/2007/mediarelease_2007-58.php |date=27 September 2007 |title=New La Trobe Shepparton Campus gets the green light |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012203014/http://latrobe.edu.au/news/2007/mediarelease_2007-58.php |archive-date=12 October 2007 }} and at the Swan Hill campus of Sunraysia Institute of TAFE.{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22482528-12332,00.html | work=The Australian | first1=Milanda | last1=Rout | first2=Catherine | last2=Armitage | title=Howard backs links to TAFE | date=26 September 2007 | access-date=2 October 2007 | archive-date=9 October 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009111938/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22482528-12332,00.html | url-status=dead }}

La Trobe University also offers an "online" campus, where students can access and participate in classes online through the university's learning management system.

The Hotel and Conference Centre at Beechworth closed on 23 May 2011. This decision followed stakeholder consultation and feedback about the proposed closure from local businesses and the community. The Beechworth site was once home to the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, founded in 1867 and later renamed "Mayday Hills Hospital". The hospital ceased operation in 1995.{{cite web |url=http://www.tasa.org.au/conference/2004/healthday.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050615140938/http://www.tasa.org.au/conference/2004/healthday.php |archive-date=15 June 2005 |title=Health Day: Wednesday 8 |work=TASA 2004 Conference La Trobe University, Beechworth Campus, December 8–11 |publisher=TASA: The Australian Sociological Association}}

{{see also|List of La Trobe University people#Administration{{!}}La Trobe University administrative people}}

The principal governing body of the university is the university council. The council is composed of the chancellor, the vice-chancellor, the chair of the academic board, three persons elected by and from the staff of the university, two persons elected by and from the enrolled students of the university, six persons appointed by the governor in council, one person appointed by the minister administering the act and six other persons appointed by the council.

The current chancellor and chair of the university council is John Brumby, since 29 March 2019.

The vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer of the university (Section 26 of the act) and is responsible to the council for the discharge of his or her powers, functions and duties. Theo Farrell was appointed to a 12-year term as vice-chancellor in February 2024.{{Cite web |last=University |first=La Trobe |title=Professor Theo Farrell appointed Vice-Chancellor |url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2023/release/professor-theo-farrell-appointed-vice-chancellor |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=www.latrobe.edu.au |language=en-AU}} Farrell is a leading scholar of the Afghan and previously acted as strategic advisor to the UK government, the US-led command in Kabul and participated in track II peace talks with the Taliban. John Dewar, former provost of the University of Melbourne, was vice-chancellor of La Trobe University from January 2012 to January 2024. Dewar is an internationally known family law specialist and researcher.

The university is made up of 10 schools, offering courses at all levels:{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/faculties|title=Colleges|author=La Trobe University|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=31 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231065115/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/faculties|url-status=live}}

• School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment
• School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport
• School of Business
• School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
• School of Education
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• School of Law
• School of Nursing and Midwifery
• School of Psychology and Public Health
• La Trobe Rural Health School

La Trobe University is a member of the Innovative Research Universities, an Australian group that collectively receives over $340 million in research grants.

La Trobe University has been confirmed as one of Australia's leading research universities, climbing to third in Victoria, based on the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2012 report.{{cite web|url = http://archive.arc.gov.au/archive_files/ERA/2012/National%20Report/ERA-2012-National-Report_Accessible-pdf_ISBNupdateJan13.pdf|title = Excellence in Research for Australia National Report|access-date = 7 October 2015|date = 2012|website = archive.arc.gov.au|publisher = Australian Research Council|archive-date = 8 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151008170407/http://archive.arc.gov.au/archive_files/ERA/2012/National%20Report/ERA-2012-National-Report_Accessible-pdf_ISBNupdateJan13.pdf|url-status = live}} La Trobe is the top ranked institution in the nation for research in microbiology and equal top with just one other university in biochemistry and cell biology and in veterinary sciences. Historical studies and archaeology were also both assessed at the top ranking.

The ERA 2012 report shows La Trobe University has made very significant improvements over the past two years, with the number of fields of research in specific disciplines rated at world standard or above (ERA 3 – 5) rising by 31 per cent, from 29 to 38 in 2012. The increase in the publications rated at 'well above' world standard has increased from about 400 to about 1800, which is more than 300%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/australias-universities/university-profiles/La-Trobe-University#.Wbfcl5_RaHs|title=La Trobe University|website=www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au|language=en|access-date=2017-09-12|archive-date=12 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192729/https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/australias-universities/university-profiles/La-Trobe-University#.Wbfcl5_RaHs|url-status=live}}

The results are in line with the research investment strategy in research physical infrastructure such as the LIMS and AgriBio projects, and will inform further development of research concentration. This will be important to ensure further improvement in research quality and output in the university in line with the strategic plan.See La Trobe University, '[https://www.latrobe.edu.au/research Research] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409035646/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/research |date=9 April 2018 }}', La Trobe University [website], accessed 2 February 2015.

In August 2019, the university announced the "Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship," which would provide an opportunity for a female researcher from India to contribute to her field via a four-year PhD degree in one of the following fields: health, sport, information technology, cyber security or engineering.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/release/shah-rukh-khan-scholarship-at-la-trobe|title=Shah Rukh Khan Scholarship at La Trobe|website=www.latrobe.edu.au|language=en|access-date=2019-08-24|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810204032/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/release/shah-rukh-khan-scholarship-at-la-trobe|url-status=live}} Khan's Meer Foundation, which supports and empowers Women, is in recognition of the scholarship, which will provide an estimated $200,000 (AUD) worth of support to the student for a four-year research stay at La Trobe's Melbourne campus.

The 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report found that La Trobe's research was rated 'At world standard', 'Above world standard' or 'Well above world standard' across all broad and detailed disciplinary areas.[https://www.arc.gov.au/excellence-research-australia#!/page/0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808120307/https://www.arc.gov.au/excellence-research-australia#!/page/0|date=8 August 2019}} "Australian Research Council, Excellence in Research for Australia" [website], accessed 13 Sept. 2019.

File:LIMS building 3.jpg

The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) is an interdisciplinary research institute based at the university. It contains research groups in life sciences (biochemistry and genetics), physical sciences (chemistry and physics), and applied sciences (pharmacy) and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in these areas through the School of Molecular Sciences.{{cite web|title = LIMS study|url = https://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims/study|website = www.latrobe.edu.au|access-date = 7 October 2015|archive-date = 6 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151006042715/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims/study|url-status = live}} It also contains two biotech companies: Hexima{{Cite news|url = http://s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/www.business.vic.gov.au/ContentPages/126282911.pdf|title = Melbourne Australia: life sciences capital of the Asia-Pacific|access-date = 7 October 2015|website = www.business.vic.gov.au|publisher = Life Science CLUSTERS Magazine|archive-date = 1 January 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130101010101/http://s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/www.business.vic.gov.au/ContentPages/126282911.pdf|url-status = live}} and AdAlta.{{Cite report|url = https://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims/lims-documents/LIMS-2011-Research-Report.pdf|title = LIMS 2011 Research Report|access-date = 7 October 2015|website = www.latrobe.edu.au|date = |archive-date = 7 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307145627/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims/lims-documents/LIMS-2011-Research-Report.pdf|url-status = live}} The institute is housed in three buildings: LIMS1 and LIMS2 in the centre of the university's main campus in Bundoora and the applied science building at the Bendigo campus.

The Centre for Research on Language Diversity is a research institute founded in 1998 by R. M. W. Dixon at the Australian National University under the name Research Centre for Linguistic Typology.{{cite web|title=Centre for Research on Language Diversity|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/crld|publisher=La Trobe University|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122171621/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/crld|url-status=live}} It moved to La Trobe University in 2000.{{cite web|type=Report|author=Research Center for Linguistic Typology|title=Newsletter — February 2000|url=https://espaces.edu.au/tla/precursor-of-the-language-and-culture-research-centre/annual-newsletters-of-the-research-centre-for-linguistic-typology-1996-2008/newsletter-research-centre-for-linguistic-typology-2000/view|agency=Research Centre for Linguistic Typology|format=MS Word file|publisher=La Trobe University|date=February 2000|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925194430/https://espaces.edu.au/tla/precursor-of-the-language-and-culture-research-centre/annual-newsletters-of-the-research-centre-for-linguistic-typology-1996-2008/newsletter-research-centre-for-linguistic-typology-2000/view|url-status=dead|quote=We've moved! After spending its first three years in the Faculty of Arts at the ANU, on 1st January the Research Centre for Linguistic Typology relocated to La Trobe University in Melbourne where it has been accorded ideal working conditions in terms of facilities, support, accommodation, and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. We are a foundation unit in La Trobe's newly established Institute for Advanced Study.}}

File:LTU Agribio front.jpg

File:LTU Agribio atrium 01.jpg

In 2004 the Victorian Government identified a need to collocate its primary industries department's plant and animal science research capabilities with other research entities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.agribio.com.au/about-the-jv/background|title=Background|website=www.agribio.com.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-03-28|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195451/http://www.agribio.com.au/about-the-jv/background|url-status=live}} It committed funds for this purpose in 2005 and committed to a joint venture with La Trobe University to construct a bioscience research centre at its Bundoora campus. A key objective of AgriBio is to facilitate science collaboration between the university and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (previously DEPI).

The La Trobe AgriBio building, on the south eastern side of the university, has grown into a structure of around 31,000 square metres and over three levels with a number of external buildings under construction such as a large glasshouse and poly-house complex. Construction commenced in May 2009 and was completed in August 2012.{{Cite web|url=http://www.agribio.com.au/construction|title=Construction|website=AgriBio|access-date=28 March 2017|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195944/http://www.agribio.com.au/construction|url-status=live}}

In 2011 the university, in conjunction with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences built the Australian Archaeomagnetism Laboratory (TAAL),{{cite web|url=http://www.archaeomagnetism.com/|title=The Australian Archaeomag Lab (TAAL)|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703222548/http://www.archaeomagnetism.com/|url-status=live}} based within the Department of Archaeology, Environment and Community Planning. The main aim and focus of research in the laboratory is promoting the use of magnetic methods of analysis (palaeomagnetism, rock magnetism, archaeomagnetic dating and magnetostratigraphy) for understanding the age, palaeoenvironmental/climate context and site formation history of archaeological and fossil sites. The laboratory also undertakes other research with the Department of Physics, including comparative work at the Australian Synchrotron.

In 2011 the laboratory was involved in dating the age of the new South African hominin species Australopithecus sediba, which was published in the journal "Science".{{cite web|url=http://latrobeuniversitybulletin.com/2011/12/06/dating-our-earliest-ancestors/|title=Out of Africa: dating our earliest ancestors|work=La Trobe University Bulletin|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703182806/http://latrobeuniversitybulletin.com/2011/12/06/dating-our-earliest-ancestors/|url-status=live}}

File:David Myers Building Panorama La Trobe University Bundoora VIC 1.jpg

La Trobe began collecting artworks in the early 1960s before beginning construction on the main campus at Bundoora. Master architect of La Trobe Roy Simpson initiated the commissioning of paintings to establish the art collection, and large sculptures were included in the original design.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} The collection was established at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus in 1967, and from the late 1970s, various exhibition spaces came and went.{{cite web | title=Our history | website=La Trobe University | date=24 April 2017 | url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute/about/history | access-date=29 September 2021 | archive-date=29 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929094529/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute/about/history | url-status=live }} In 2010 the Melbourne collection consisted of more than 3000 post-war contemporary Australian artworks valued at $17 million; the second largest university art collection in Victoria in terms of collection value.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/the-art-of-the-matter-20101123-184mf.html |location=Melbourne |work=The Age |title=The art of the matter |date=23 November 2010 |access-date=24 July 2011 |archive-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107015117/http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/the-art-of-the-matter-20101123-184mf.html |url-status=live }}

The La Trobe University Museum of Art (LUMA), which was located at Glenn College, Melbourne campus, from 1990 to 2016, managed the University Art Collection. It hosted exhibitions, managed the sculpture park (which includes a controversial upside-down statue of Governor La Trobe by sculptor Charles Robb{{cite web | title=Arts and Culture, La Trobe University | website=La Trobe University | url=http://www.latrobe.edu.au:80/life/arts | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808074505/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/life/arts | archive-date=8 August 2011 | url-status=dead | access-date=29 September 2021 }}) was managed by LUMA., and collaborated with significant state, national and international projects.

The Visual Arts Centre (VAC) opened in 2005 at 121 View Street, Bendigo. It held public lectures, hosted artist residencies and exhibited cutting-edge work in the visual arts. The Phyllis Palmer Gallery was also situated at Bendigo.

{{as of|2021}}, the university's collection is managed by the La Trobe Institute (LAI), which was established in 2013 to build upon and rationalise the existing university framework of art collections and activities. In 2016 LAI assumed responsibility for LUMA and VAC, which were fully integrated into the LAI structure in 2017. It is based at the old VAC location, but is also active on all of the university campuses, participating in various collaborative projects

The LAI acquires the winning work in the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize each year,{{cite web | title=Fatima Killeen announced as recipient of Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize 2021 | website=La Trobe University | date=19 August 2021 | url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2021/release/fatima-killeen-announced-as-recipient-of-australian-muslim-artists-art-prize-2023 | access-date=29 September 2021 | archive-date=29 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929085930/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2021/release/fatima-killeen-announced-as-recipient-of-australian-muslim-artists-art-prize-2023 | url-status=live }} since the university entered into an educational partnership with the Islamic Museum of Australia, which included sponsoring the prize as well as the possibility of providing training in Islamic cultures for teachers, adding a new component to journalism courses and "work-integrated learning opportunities".{{cite web | title=Islamic Museum partnership strengthened | website=La Trobe University | date=19 June 2019 | url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/release/islamic-museum-partnership-strengthened | access-date=29 September 2021 | archive-date=29 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929082931/https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/release/islamic-museum-partnership-strengthened | url-status=live }}

{{Infobox Australian university ranking|QS_W==233|USNWR_W==278|ARWU_W=301–400|type=University|ARWU_W_year=2024|CWTS_W=458{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_W_year=2024|QS_W_year=2026|QS_W_Employability=301–500|QS_W_Employability_year=2022|THE_W=251–300|THE_W_year=2025|USNWR_W_year=25/26|ARWU_N=16–21|ARWU_N_year=2024|CWTS_N=19{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_N_year=2024|ERA_N=17|ERA_N_year=2018|QS_N=17|QS_N_year=2026|THE_N=14–19|THE_N_year=2025|USNWR_N==19|USNWR_N_year=25/26|AFR_N=19|AFR_N_year=2024}}

In the 2024 Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities, which measures aggregate performance across the QS, THE and ARWU rankings, the university attained a position of #235 (16th nationally).{{Cite web |title=University Results |url=https://research.unsw.edu.au/artu/artu-results |website=Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities |publisher=University of New South Wales |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}

; National publications

In the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024, the university was ranked #19 amongst Australian universities.{{Cite web |title=Best Universities Ranking |url=https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/best-universities-ranking |website=Australian Financial Review |publisher=Nine Entertainment |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}

; Global publications

In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (published 2025), the university attained a tied position of #233 (17th nationally).{{cite web |title=QS World University Rankings: Top Global Universities |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |website=QS World University Rankings |publisher=Quacquarelli Symonds |language=en-GB |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (published 2024), the university attained a position of #251–300 (tied 14–19th nationally).{{cite web |title=World University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings |work=Times Higher Education |publisher=Inflexion |language=en-GB |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}

In the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the university attained a position of #301–400 (tied 16–21st nationally).{{cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings |website=Academic Ranking of World Universities |publisher=Shanghai Ranking Consultancy |language=en |publication-place=Shanghai, China}}

In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, the university attained a tied position of #278 (tied 19th nationally).{{Cite web |title=Best Global Universities Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings |website=U.S. News & World Report |language=en-US |publication-place=Washington, D.C., United States}}

In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024,{{efn|The CWTS Leiden Ranking is based on P (top 10%).|name=a}} the university attained a position of #458 (19th nationally).{{Cite web |title=CWTS Leiden Ranking |url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2024/list |website=CWTS Leiden Ranking (Centre for Science and Technology Studies) |publisher=Leiden University |language=en |publication-place=Leiden, Netherlands}}

The Australian Government's QILT{{Efn|Abbreviation for Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching.}} conducts national surveys documenting the student life cycle from enrolment through to employment. These surveys place more emphasis on criteria such as student experience, graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/About |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224528/https://www.qilt.edu.au/About |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}} than perceived reputation, research output and citation counts.{{Cite web |last=Bridgestock |first=Laura |date=19 April 2021 |title=World University Ranking Methodologies Compared |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/world-university-ranking-methodologies-compared |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224525/https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/world-university-ranking-methodologies-compared |archive-date=2 January 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quacquarelli Symonds |language=en-GB |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}

In the 2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey, graduates of the university had an overall employer satisfaction rate of 85.9%.{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-ess-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224527/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-ess-national-report.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}

In the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, graduates of the university had a full-time employment rate of 78.5% for undergraduates and 89.2% for postgraduates.{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey: National Report |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-gos-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220062418/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-gos-national-report.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}} The initial full-time salary was {{AUD|69,400}} for undergraduates and {{AUD|90000}} for postgraduates.

In the 2023 Student Experience Survey, undergraduates at the university rated the quality of their entire educational experience at 73.8% meanwhile postgraduates rated their overall education experience at 78.2%.{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Student Experience Survey |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ses-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224530/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ses-national-report.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}

The former La Trobe University Students' Union was responsible for the Eagle Bar, Contact Student Services but its role has been considerably diminished as a consequence of Voluntary Student Unionism. There used to be three main student representative bodies on campus known as the La Trobe University Student Guild, the Student's Representative Council and the La Trobe Postgraduate Student's Association. The La Trobe University Student Representative Council, became the principal representative body on campus and a student advocacy group as well as student representatives for welfare, disability, women, queer, indigenous, environment, education and welfare and the Guild managed student services. In 2011 however, the Student's Representative Council, the La Trobe Postgraduate Students Association, the Students Guild and the university merged the three separate organisations into one body: the La Trobe Student Union.

The largest faculty-based student representative organisation on campus is the Law Students Association (LSA). Postgraduate students are represented in the new union. The students at the Bendigo campus are represented by the Bendigo Student Association (BSA), a much less activist and political organisation than the student union. The BSA publishes the 3rd Degree magazine.

Rabelais Student Media was a student newspaper at La Trobe University, named after French Renaissance writer François Rabelais. Rabelais was founded in 1967 and originally run as a department of the La Trobe University Student Representative Council (subsequently by the former La Trobe Student Union). The paper was funded by a combination of advertising revenue and a student levy. Editors were elected annually and serve for a single year. In 2021, Rabelais discontinued publishing physical magazine copies due to funding cuts to the La Trobe Student Union.{{Cite web |title=LTSU – La Trobe Student Union 2021 |url=https://latrobesu.org.au/News/LTSU-2021#:~:text=La+Trobe+University+have+gutted,and+the+staff+operating+them. |website=latrobesu.org.au}}

Notably, Rabelais was the subject of a Federal Court case after the Office of Film and Literature Classification ruled in 1995 that it "promotes, incites and instructs in matters of crime" because of an article on shoplifting (reprinted from elsewhere). This decision was later reviewed by the High Court of Australia.{{Cite journal|last=Huntley|first=Rebecca|title=Rabelais Goes To Canberra|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/CLCCommsUpd/1998/127.pdf|journal=CLC Communications Update|volume=127|pages=20–21|via=Database|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211224130/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/CLCCommsUpd/1998/127.pdf|url-status=live}}

La Trobe University is one of 36 universities across Australia that is part of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network. The network was established by the Australian Sports Commission in 2004 to identify, promote and support the specific needs of university students who participate in sport at an elite level. As a result, an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) program was developed and formulated.{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/sara/elite-athletes/index.htm|title=Sport, La Trobe University|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-date=6 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106061546/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/sara/elite-athletes/index.htm|url-status=live}}

In 2011 La Trobe University was the reigning champion at the Southern University Games, having won the competition in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/sara/unigames.htm|title=Sport, La Trobe University|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-date=3 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903233044/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/sara/unigames.htm|url-status=live}}

The Sports Centre at the Melbourne campus has a fully equipped gym, squash/racquetball and tennis courts, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer, netball and basketball courts, a 25-metre pool with a deep water pit, and dance and yoga studios. The centre also offers group exercise classes, dance classes, pilates and yoga. Tuition in most sports can be arranged and courts can be hired to students at discounted rates. The centre also offers deep tissue and trigger point sports massage. La Trobe University participates in the annual Australian University Gameshttps://www.latrobe.edu.au/life/sport. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419031624/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/life/sport |date=19 April 2012 }} A-League association football (soccer) club Melbourne City have their training and administrative facilities based at La Trobe University.{{cite web|title=Melbourne City FC Re-Commence Training|url=http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/news-melbourne-city-fc-re-commence-training/uhezs3kpfgu310t71bi1f1x0g|publisher=melbournecityfc.com.au|access-date=31 July 2014|archive-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810180833/http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/news-melbourne-city-fc-re-commence-training/uhezs3kpfgu310t71bi1f1x0g|url-status=live}}

The university song is the tune of Marche Henri IV. The melody is originally from Cassandre by Thoinot Arbeau. There are many university chants that are sung at matches which vary between the sports clubs. The most common chant that is used by La Trobe teams is "LT Who? LTU!".

Other student-run activities include the La Trobe International Relations Associations.LIRA, "constitution", 02-02-2010, "[http://www.lira.org.au/?page_id=60 Source 1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605174107/http://www.lira.org.au/?page_id=60 |date=2011-06-05 }}", 16-04-2010

The following colleges and halls are based at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus:{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/accommodation/bundoora/.|title=Accommodation locations|author=La Trobe University|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-date=11 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711201459/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/accommodation/bundoora/|url-status=live}}

• Chisholm College (undergraduate)
• Glenn College (undergraduate)
• Menzies College (undergraduate)
• University Lodge (postgraduate and mature-age)
• Graduate House (graduate and mature-age)

{{main|List of La Trobe University people}}

Roz Ward, an academic at the university's Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), co-founded a Safe Schools program for Victoria.{{cite web|url=https://www.latrobe.edu.au/she/staff/profile?uname=rward|title=La Trobe University, Staff profile: Roz Ward|work=La Trobe University|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505165942/http://www.latrobe.edu.au/she/staff/profile?uname=rward|url-status=live}} The program aims to reduce homophobic and transphobic bullying and discrimination in schools. Research work undertaken by ARCSHS into same-sex attracted and gender diverse youth has helped underpin the program.{{Cite book| isbn = 978-1-921377-92-1| last1 = Hillier| first1 = Lynne| last2 = Jones| first2 = Tiffany| last3 = Monagle| first3 = Marisa| last4 = Overton| first4 = Naomi| last5 = Gahan| first5 = Luke| last6 = Blackman| first6 = Jennifer| last7 = Mitchell| first7 = Anne| title = Writing themselves in three: The 3rd national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender questioning young people| location = Melbourne| date = 2010| publisher = Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University| url = http://glhv.org.au/files/wti3_web_sml.pdf| access-date = 25 April 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160405064153/http://glhv.org.au/files/wti3_web_sml.pdf| archive-date = 5 April 2016| url-status = dead}} This program has created controversy. At a national symposium, Ward said, "When people do complain then school leadership can very calmly and graciously say, 'You know what? We're doing it anyway, tough luck'! . . .'(It's) not about celebrating diversity; not about stopping bullying, (It's) about gender and sexual diversity".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-activist-roz-ward-raises-red-flag/news-story/42208731b0e4705aa0d2e6aaa8584e3e|title=Safe Schools activist Roz Ward raises 'red flag'|author=Urban, Rebecca|date=1 March 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125013435/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-activist-roz-ward-raises-red-flag/news-story/42208731b0e4705aa0d2e6aaa8584e3e|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-tell-concerned-parents-tough-luck/news-story/cc2e9d420e9cddf5ddf1d94849d0d9f4 |title=Safe Schools: tell concerned parents 'tough luck!' |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=22 March 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=25 April 2016}} The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and others have criticised the program{{cite web |url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/ |title=Safe Schools Coalition |work=Safe Schools Coalition Australia |access-date=25 April 2016 |archive-date=31 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031213206/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/ |url-status=live }} as "radical sexual experimentation"{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/christian-lobby-groups-claim-radical-sexual-experimentation-is-being-promoted-in-schools/story-fngqim8m-1227456527511|title=Christian lobby groups claim 'radical sexual experimentation' is being promoted in schools|date=25 July 2015|work=News Ltd|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=22 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022105755/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/christian-lobby-groups-claim-radical-sexual-experimentation-is-being-promoted-in-schools/story-fngqim8m-1227456527511|url-status=live}} which "exposed students to extreme material"{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/safe-schools-program-ordered-to-stay-silent-on-gay-marriage-20150728-gimdrr.html|title=Safe Schools program ordered to stay silent on gay marriage|author=Cook Herietta|date=28 July 2015|work=The Age|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505045717/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/safe-schools-program-ordered-to-stay-silent-on-gay-marriage-20150728-gimdrr.html|url-status=live}} and asked for the withdrawal of $8 million allocated to the Australia-wide program.{{cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/acl-says-school-antibullying-program-encouraging-cross-dressing-20150728-gimhz4.html|title=ACL says school anti-bullying program 'encouraging cross dressing'|work=Brisbane Times|date=28 July 2015 |access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=29 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529132301/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/acl-says-school-antibullying-program-encouraging-cross-dressing-20150728-gimhz4.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/christian-lobby-boycotts-gay-student-program-20141218-12a0xf.html|title=Christian lobby boycotts gay student program|work=The Age|date=19 December 2014 |access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117000007/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/christian-lobby-boycotts-gay-student-program-20141218-12a0xf.html|url-status=live}} ACL says the program instructs students how to use facilities that match gender identities, how to have anal sex{{cite news|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/australian-christian-lobby-renews-attacks-on-safe-schools-coalition-19465.html|title=Safe schools program under renewed attack by Australian Christian Lobby|author=Hughes, Ron|date=4 November 2015|work=Gay News Network|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529132302/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/australian-christian-lobby-renews-attacks-on-safe-schools-coalition-19465.html|archive-date=29 May 2016|url-status=dead}} and how girls can bind their chests to change gender.{{cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/this-is-why-the-australian-christian-lobby-is-talking-about|title=A Christian group is up in arms about chest binding and here's why|author=Sainty, Lan|date=13 October 2015|work=BuzzFeed|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019192040/http://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/this-is-why-the-australian-christian-lobby-is-talking-about|url-status=live}}

On 16 March 2016, ABC news reported that a Liberal Nationals MP, George Christensen, had used parliamentary privilege to accuse the Safe Schools program of being linked to a "paedophilia advocate", referring to a professor, Gary Dowsett, and a report he published in 1982. A spokesman for La Trobe University stated: "We are appalled that a respected academic has been attacked using parliamentary privilege. This is a blatant attempt to distract attention from the independent endorsement of the highly effective Safe Schools program. We stand by the important work of Professor Dowsett and his team."{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/george-christensen-links-safe-schools-program-to-paedophilia/7252476|title=George Christensen links Safe Schools to 'paedophilia advocate'|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=16 March 2016|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-date=1 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701193501/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/george-christensen-links-safe-schools-program-to-paedophilia/7252476|url-status=live}}

In May 2016, the Victorian Government reignited its feud with Canberra over the controversial Safe Schools program, announcing it will publicly provide material about sexual diversity that had been deleted from the federal government's website, and an additional $300,000 a year to deliver the program in full.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-15/safe-schools-victoria-reignites-feud-with-canberra-over-program/7415452|title=Victoria defies Federal Government over Safe Schools program|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 May 2016|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721190110/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-15/safe-schools-victoria-reignites-feud-with-canberra-over-program/7415452|url-status=live}}

A children's story book, promoted by the Safe Schools Coalition, released in January 2016 and titled The Gender Fairy,{{cite news|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/is-the-gender-fairy-in-your-school-library-5|title=The Gender Fairy|author=Hirst, Jo|date=27 January 2016|work=Safe Schools Coalition|access-date=25 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329114810/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/is-the-gender-fairy-in-your-school-library-5|archive-date=29 March 2016}} explains transgender issues for children as young as four. Ward compiled the accompanying notes for teachers and parents.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-gender-fairy-a-new-chapter-in-transgender-education-for-kids-20151130-glbst8.html|title='The Gender Fairy': a new chapter in transgender education for kids|author=Perkins, Miki|date=2 December 2015|work=The Age|access-date=25 April 2016|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506115049/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-gender-fairy-a-new-chapter-in-transgender-education-for-kids-20151130-glbst8.html|url-status=live}}

Ward was suspended in June 2016 over comments she made about the Australian flag in a Facebook post, amid concerns her comments had the potential to inflame opinion about the Safe Schools program. The suspension was soon lifted, along with a statement: "La Trobe said it was not in the university's best interest to pursue the matter, but that it followed the proper procedures to suspend Ms Ward."{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-04/safe-schools-roz-ward-reinstated-after-university-suspends-her/7477320|title=Safe Schools co-founder Roz Ward reinstated after Facebook controversy|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=4 June 2016|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807103818/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-04/safe-schools-roz-ward-reinstated-after-university-suspends-her/7477320|url-status=live}}

In 2017 La Trobe was reported as the worst university in Victoria for sexual harassment according to the Australian Human Rights Commission's national survey on campus abuse. Of the 947 La Trobe students surveyed, 30% stated they had been sexually harassed at university.{{Cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/worst-victorian-university-for-sexual-harassment-revealed-20170801-gxn2dx.html|title=Worst Victorian university for sexual harassment revealed|last1=Jacks|first1=Timna|date=2017-08-02|work=The Age|access-date=2017-08-01|last2=Cook|first2=Henrietta|language=en-US|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802081250/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/worst-victorian-university-for-sexual-harassment-revealed-20170801-gxn2dx.html|url-status=live}} Under a previous 2016 FOI request, the university had stated there were only 7 officially reported cases of sexual assault, harassment or misconduct on campus, resulting in no expulsions and no suspensions over the previous five years.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/full-list-of-universities-exposed-by-sexual-assault-investigation/news-story/f7c39dcacce8a9c839bc8b881172173b|title=Full list of universities exposed by sexual assault investigation|last=Funnell|first=Nina|date=10 October 2016|work=News Limited|access-date=2 August 2017|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802075917/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/full-list-of-universities-exposed-by-sexual-assault-investigation/news-story/f7c39dcacce8a9c839bc8b881172173b|url-status=live}}

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• List of universities in Australia
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• {{cite book |year=1989 |editor=William J. Breen |title=Building La Trobe University: Reflections on the first 25 years 1964–1989 |isbn=1-86324-003-9 |location=Melbourne |publisher=La Trobe University Press |hdl=1959.9/201688}}

{{wikiversity|La Trobe University}}

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• {{official website|https://www.latrobe.edu.au/ }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070208223206/http://www.srclatrobe.org.au/ La Trobe Students' Representative Council]

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