Sponsorship Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

This policy sets out Adelaide University’s principles for providing sponsorship to external parties and accepting sponsorship from external organisations. It sets governance responsibilities for sponsorship activities. 

This policy provides authority to maintain the Sponsorship Procedure. 

2. Who our policy applies to

2.1 Inclusions

This policy applies to Adelaide University staff members who develop or assess sponsorship proposals with external parties.

2.2 Exclusions

This policy does not apply to the following situations:

• activities involving gifts, bequests or fundraising - see the Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy.

• sponsorship of student scholarships, including industry-sponsored scholarships - see the Graduate Research Policy or Student Administration Policy.

3. Our Policy principles

Adelaide University recognises sponsorship as an integral element of stakeholder engagement, delivering value to our community while enriching the experience of staff and students. 

Our principles for entering into inbound or outbound sponsorship arrangements are:

3.1   Sponsorships must foster positive community impact through partnerships with organisations engaged in meaningful activities. 

3.2   Sponsorships will be accepted or offered only where they align with our strategy and values and not pose an unacceptable commercial, financial, legal or reputational risk, conflict of interest, or a risk to our existing relationships.

3.3   Sponsorships must comply with laws, respect trademarks and copyrights, follow privacy regulations and uphold Adelaide University policies and confidentiality.

3.4   Acceptance or provision of sponsorship or advertising does not imply Adelaide University affiliation or endorsement unless expressly stated. 

3.5   Inbound sponsorships and advertising must deliver enhanced services that provide unique benefits to Adelaide University staff and students beyond standard sponsorship provisions.

3.6  Sponsors and advertisers will receive only agreed recognition, with no preferential access to Adelaide University programs. 

4. Who holds a responsibility within this policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

4.1   The [Sponsorship team] is required to:

• support sponsorship activities across Adelaide University. 

4.2  Staff members are required to:

• consider and evaluate received proposals for sponsorship or advertising in consultation with the [Sponsorship team]

• consult with the [Sponsorship team] before generating offers of sponsorship to external parties

5. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

Advertising is the display, publishing or broadcasting of an external body’s promotional materials or advertisements in Adelaide University publications or via other communication channels, such as banners, logo on materials and digital screens at events, and acknowledgement in social media.

External parties refer to individuals, organisations, or entities outside Adelaide University, including but not limited to corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and industry partners, who seek to engage in sponsorship.

Scholarship is an award that assists a student to undertake or complete a program of study at Adelaide University for a nominated duration, normally taking the form of a period payment, or reduction in tuition fees.

Sponsorship means a commercial (i.e. non-philanthropic) arrangement, where a sponsor provides a monetary contribution or in-kind support with expectation of benefit or entitlements. 

Student means a person enrolled in an Enabling Program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.

6. How our policy is governed

Our policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

7. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

This policy does not assign or confer decision-making authority. Refer to the [Delegation Policy] for all delegations of authority at Adelaide University.

8. History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.