smoking ceremony at Shoalhaven graduation

Message to students

Message to students

Dear students, just a short message from me today, because (you guessed it) we’re in full grad-mode!

To all who are graduating in 2022, congratulations!

We’ve had an incredible few days hosting our graduates, their families and friends. These ceremonies have been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these achievements in-person and in style!

Graduation is a special occasion for all of us; as a University, friends, families, teachers, mentors etc. but it is especially significant for our graduating students. Through years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and commitment, these events offer students an opportunity to reflect on all they have achieved.

We’re also excited to be lighting the Wollongong Lighthouse in UOW’s famous navy and red tonight in tribute to our graduate’s and their achievements. If you can’t make it to the Lighthouse in person, you’ll see some beautiful images on our social channels.

Working to bring to life UOW’s vision for an inclusive, reconciled, and united Australia
This year, the graduation ceremonies look and feel a little different than in years past. In acknowledgement of UOW’s campuses being located across several Aboriginal nations – the new graduation ceremonies encompass Aboriginal practices and ceremony, forming part of the fabric of the proceedings and woven through every detail and element of the events. We are working to bring to life UOW’s vision for an inclusive, reconciled, and united Australia, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are positioned as the knowledge holders of the Country.

It's Research Round-up time
I love sharing the research news of our University, because although our students are the reason we do what we do, our academics and researchers make it all possible. So, here are just a few of the recent research initiatives happening at the University. Again, this is only a taste of the impact the University is having in a research capacity, and I hope you’ll find the content fascinating and informative.

Campus life
Finally, I hope you’ve settled comfortably back into campus life. If you’re looking for more activities to get involved in, definitely take a look at the UOW Pulse schedule of events. Live Art Week and the Retro Night student party look like a lot of fun!

Once again, congratulations to those celebrating their graduation this week, and thank you to all our students for making us proud!

My best,
Trish