The online petition, from the Newcastle University women’s and queer collectives and titled “End rape on campus at UoN”, calls for improved lighting “[on] the pathways to residences… between the Shortland and Hunter sides of Callaghan campus [and] in all car parks”.

Its authors also want changes to what advocacy groups have criticised as the university’s “one-size-fits-all” sexual complaint reporting, as revealed by the Newcastle Herald this month.

On Friday night the petition had 750 of its target 1000 signatures.

The university women’s convener Lucinda Iacono said campus lighting profoundly affected how safe students felt.

“We have quite a few members who have expressed concerns about walking in those parts of the university,” Ms Iacono said.

“It’s that feeling of unease, that feeds the perception the university doesn’t want to be responsible for your safety on campus.”

But a university spokeswoman said the main pathways and car parks are already lit, including those mentioned in the petition.

The university has implemented rolling lighting upgrades, the spokeswoman said, as well as security cameras and security guards available to escort students 24 hours a day.

If a student discloses sexual assault, the university said, a range of qualified responders can link them with support services on or off campus.

“Should a student choose to formally report the matter to the university, they are supported and communicated with throughout,” the university said. 

“Allegations are taken very seriously and, when they involve students, are investigated under the university's Student Conduct Rule.” 

A failure on the part of the university to address the lighting and reporting concerns, Ms Iacono said, could result in “direct action” protests by students.