The University of Newcastle has defended its trial of a student attendance tracking app.
The university began using the app in a trial on January 13 in its so-called "Summer 2 Term", which ends with exams on February 20.
The university is using campusM software, which is sold by a company called Ex Libris.
"The software connects to our timetabling system and a mobile app uses geolocation to confirm that the student is in the location of the scheduled class," a university statement said.
"The app only records a student's location at the time of checking in to a class. It does not track movement outside of the classroom.
"The trial is an important way for us to get feedback from our students about the technology and process. Participation in the trial is optional."
Luka Harrison, of the Newcastle University Students' Association, raised concerns about privacy and a lack of consultation with students.
"They're treating us like children," Mr Harrison said.
Use of the app relates to the university's introduction of a compulsory 80 per cent attendance requirement at small group tutorials, laboratory sessions and seminars for all first-year students [in introductory courses] from first semester, which begins on February 24.
The attendance requirement does not apply to lectures and online learning.
When this begins, students will have the option of "using the app to check in using geolocation or going directly to the class teacher who will sign them in".
Mr Harrison said it was unfair to make students attend a certain amount of classes when "most of them work to support themselves".
He added that the app was a "gross invasion of privacy".
The university said the app contains a statement "outlining our obligations to privacy".
It added that the data would be confidentially managed in line with NSW Privacy Laws and "securely held and used only for the purposes as outlined in the 2020 terms and conditions of enrolment".
"This information will form part of the student's record."
The university's decision to introduce an attendance rule was "evidence-based and about getting the best outcomes for our students".
"There are well documented links between high attendance and student success," it said.
