April 13, 2022

Message to students - 13 April, 2022

Dear students,  as a University community committed to being a force for positive change, we have an important role in progressing national reconciliation through awareness, education, and action. 

Uluru Statement from the Heart 

In recognition of this role, last Friday (April 8), the University Council made a significant commitment on behalf of our community by formally pledging UOW's support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and campaign. 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart advocates for a voice for First Nations people to be enshrined into the Australian Constitution and for a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of truth-telling and healing. 

It is a call to all Australians to support the rights of First Nations people to have a say in the laws and policies that affect them and join in creating a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At the heart of this campaign is the aim to make Constitutional reform through a referendum.  

By signing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we are loudly saying to our country's leadership that UOW imagines a future where all Australians are united by our shared past, present, future and humanity – we want this future to be a reality. 

I encourage you to watch, read and listen to the resources available to understand more about The Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

Upcoming mid-session recess 

I hope you enjoy your final week of classes before mid-session recess next week. I’d like to send you my warmest wishes for this time off. Enjoy the break away from your desk, lecture theatre, lab etc. and I sincerely hope we are all able to enjoy a break from the wet weather! 
 
I’m also aware that students studying trimesters have exams coming up very soon, so good luck and best wishes for that too.  

Flu vaccine season 

As the temperature gets cooler, and the days shorter, we’re reminded that winter is approaching, which means flu season is now upon us. As they do every year, clever minds have been busy creating the appropriate vaccine for this year’s flu strain, so please remember to book in your jab as soon as you are able. You can organise this through your GP or local participating chemist. Please also remember to keep up with your COVID-19 vaccination booster schedule. 

QS World University Ranking by Subject 2020 

In other news, I’m delighted to let you know that the hard work and dedication of our staff and students has seen UOW once again perform exceptionally well in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2022. UOW subject areas consistently scored in the top 10 within Australia, and the top 150 globally. #UOWproud 

 
Once again, enjoy this short break and to all those celebrating a number of cultural and religious traditions, I hope they are enjoyable.  
 
My best, 
Trish