March 30, 2022

Message to students - 30 March, 2022

Dear Students, I send my thoughts to all those affected by the recent Illawarra floods. This has been a very challenging time and will continue to be, especially for those whose homes have been affected.

Please reach out to our and be sure to ask for if you have been directly impacted. I also want to acknowledge all our students who were looking forward to attending this weekend’s Yours & Owls Festival – now cancelled due to the ongoing weather situation. This is a major event on the Wollongong cultural calendar, produced by , and we were proud to be partnering with the festival this year on their local bush regeneration project. We hope to see this important event for our city return soon. 

UOW research breakthrough 

We have some of the world’s best researchers here at UOW, continually breaking new ground and ensuring our university is at the forefront of global innovation. This recent is an example of just that and a real game-changer. Congratulations to all involved! 

Census date  

A quick reminder that tomorrow, the 31st March, is the University’s Census date, meaning it’s the day fees are due (either upfront or via HECS/HELP depending on your chosen billing option), and the last day to withdraw from or switch subjects. To see which subjects you’re enrolled in and make any changes, head to SOLS, and under ‘Enrolment’ in the left-hand menu, select ‘Enrolment and Variations’ and go from there.  

May graduation ceremonies 

Congratulations to all those graduating in April and May this year in both Shoalhaven and Wollongong. You will have received communications if this is you, and I trust you’re looking forward to celebrating with your peers and families. Graduation is always a very exciting time for the University, to watch our students formally receive their degree and enter the world with a new set of expertise and skills is an absolute honour. , according to the Australian Government’s recent Employer Satisfaction Survey, so take that in your stride. I look forward to celebrating with you all in May! 

Australia’s emergency pandemic measures are ending 

In his statement, Greg Hunt said “We thank Australians for their resilience, their cooperation, and their understanding… The past two years have been challenging, but we have shown the best of Australia - people caring for each other, working from home, home schooling, and importantly being vaccinated.” Thank you everyone for your cooperation. If you’re still yet to get vaccinated, or are ready for your booster, the pop-up vaccination clinic is running again today and tomorrow outside the Wollongong campus library, 11.30 am – 3.00 pm. 

Mid-semester exams and assessments 

I send my best wishes and good luck to all who are currently preparing for exams or in the middle of completing assessment tasks.  

 
Enjoy the rest of your week.  
 
My best, 
Trish