December 12, 2015

Student services and facilities set to improve in 2016

Services and facilities supporting students on UOW’s main Wollongong Campus will see big improvements in 2016 and beyond with facilities upgrades already underway likely to be combined with a restructure of retail and recreation amenities recommended to streamline management, improve financial sustainability and prepare for future needs.

A comprehensive review has recommended combining UniCentre, which oversees campus food and retail outlets, child care services, student clubs and societies, events and campus life programs, with the University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC).

In addition to providing an Olympic swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis and squash courts, playing fields and other sports facilities, URAC also offers student programs, events, facilities and manages commercial tenants.

The recommendation aims to combine the strengths of both entities and create efficiencies by streamlining management of programs, commercial leasing and ‘back office’ administration.

The proposed reorganisation comes as URAC undergoes a $2 million renovation of its foyer, reception, Health Club, café and amenities as well as making room for a UOW Sporting Hall of Fame.

Renovations began in September 2015 and are due for completion in time for the 2016 academic year.

UniCentre is also undergoing a major refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by April 2016.

The $4.3M upgrade includes a refurbished commercial kitchen, reconfigured food hall, new supermarket and retail space along with a Student Health and Wellbeing Centre that collocates medical, dental, counselling, chaplaincy and careers advisory services with seminar facilities.

UOW Chief Administration Officer, Melva Crouch, believes these developments point to exciting times for the future of student amenities at the Wollongong Campus.

“We are currently making significant investments in student facilities improvements, so it’s appropriate that we also review how we are managing these businesses to make sure they’re well run, financially sustainable and positioned to meet future student needs.

“This review is the latest step in a gradual transformation of the UOW organisation that began in 2012 to ensure UOW remains financially sustainable and well positioned for future growth,” Ms Crouch said. 

The recommendations have been presented to the UniCentre and URAC Boards and the University Council. They are currently being reviewed by UOW Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE before he makes a final recommendation to the UOW Council in February 2016.