The Australian Catholic University says it will not yet be changing the name of the Pell Centre at the Ballarat campus.
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Staff and students at the Ballarat campus of the Australian Catholic University (ACU) have also been prevented from speaking to the media following the decision to dismiss George Pell's appeal.
This followed confirmation from an ACU spokesperson saying that the Pell Centre on the campus is to retain its name for the time-being.
In a statement issued from the vice chancellor's office in Sydney, a spokesperson said:
The University respects the judicial process and will not be making any comment until all legal avenues, including any further appeals, have concluded.
- ACU spokesperson
The Courier visited the campus today to try and gauge the mood of employees and those studying on the site after the decision.
However, everyone said they were under strict orders not to talk to the media.
One said: "There are a lot of things I would like to say but I really can't. We have strictly been told not to talk to the press."
"This involves paedophilia. I think you can imagine how most of us are feeling."
In another exchange, a member of staff who said they couldn't talk was asked to confirm their views by nodding or shaking their head.
"Would it be fair to say most staff on campus are unhappy with the decision made in Sydney?" The Courier asked.
The staff member nodded.
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The Courier was subsequently told that members of the media were not allowed on the campus and campus security were under instructions to escort them off site.
Outside of the campus gates, students and staff were again unwilling or unable to share their thoughts, either on or off the record.
"I don't think you will find anyone who will talk," one woman said, before returning to campus and talking to a member of security staff.
One man heading back into campus said to The Courier: "I hope you leave the kids alone."
An online petition was also started today, calling for the Pell Centre to be renamed.
It reads: George Pell has officially been recognised as guilty of his child abuse charges. ACU NEEDS to change the name of the Pell Centre to show that they do not support his crimes.
ACU's approach lies in contrast to the actions of St Patrick's College, where George Pell's name has been crossed out on the school's honour board recording old boys who have gone on to be ordained as priests.
The name of one the school's historic buildings was also changed from Pell Wing to Waterford Wing.
The school's principal John Crowley announced the move on the day news of Pell's conviction broke, earlier this year.
When informed of the decision to keep the Pell Centre name for the time-being, Dr Leah Kaufmann, the president of the ACU branch of the National Tertiary Education Union said:
It is incredibly disappointing for members of our union, members of our university, members of the general public that the consideration of those affected seems to be secondary
- Dr Leah Kaufmann, president of the ACU branch of the National Tertiary Education Union
"I must respect the university on their consistency at least, but it's disappointing because it doesn't prioritise the well-being of those affected."
She added: "My number one priority today would be to encourage people to seek support. Taking care of people is the most important thing."
- Anyone affected can phone CASA, Sebastopol on 5320 3933, or free-call the crisis care line 24 hours on 1800 806 292. Or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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