March 1, 2023

Message to students - 1 March, 2023

Dear Students, we’ve officially marked the start of our Autumn session. Welcome, everyone!

It was so uplifting to watch the Sydney Mardi Gras and WorldPride coverage over the weekend. This festival, pushed to the sideways for two years due to COVID-19, has always been a colourful symbol of the unity of LGBTQIA+ communities, with this year’s theme: ‘Gather, Dream, Amplify’ a nod to our First Nations people. To all who celebrated, we stand with you, and we are proud.

Just as with our post-pandemic return to campuses, 2023 has marked a comeback to normalcy, with fun, smiles and dancing on the streets of Sydney serving as a positive reminder that after every storm comes a rainbow and every challenge is an opportunity for more growth.

Let’s Go Respect!

This brings me to an issue close to my heart. Here at UOW, we’re all part of a diverse community with many different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. That’s why it’s crucial that we treat each other with kindness and respect.

As a part of our reimagined multi-week orientation, It’s Go Time (which I hope you’re taking advantage of!), this week we’ve launched Let’s Go Respect – a series of events and resources that celebrate our diverse community at UOW and help us create an inclusive campus where everyone feels safe and free to be themselves.

I encourage you to join our Let’s Go Respect conversation by attending the live events, finding out about our online resources and learning about your rights and respectful obligations. You may even win some freebies along the way.

Your Respect checklist

1. Complete the by 3rd March and go in the draw to win one of ten $100 Pulse vouchers!

2. Find out what SARC is and  

3. Be an ally for Australia's First Nations peoples by taking part in FREE cultural awareness training.

4. at work and in general in Australia.

5. Check all the events and add to your schedule

Support services available to you

Our University has a with a suite of free services, resources and assistance designed to make your UOW experience as supported as possible. The site

has recently undergone a redesign, so hopefully you’ll find it easy to navigate. Some of the topics include:

1.  

2.  

3. , including resources to improve English language skills.

Have you checked the refreshed Students’ Hub?

Last week, we opened the new-look on the ground floor of the Library. This is an inclusive space where you can seek help or advice from a team of Student Ambassadors. If you’re unsure what support you need or you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with other students, you can contact the Hub at student-success@uow.edu.au.

Do you have a question?

The start of the Session can be confusing, but don’t worry. If your head is spinning at the amount of information thrown at you or if you’re confused about anything, from tutorial enrolments, fees or general advice about studying at UOW, please check our AskUOW knowledge base. If you can’t find the answer to your particular query, it will direct you to Student Central where you can find support.

Finders Keepers – Thursday 2nd March 9.30 am

Starting afresh in a new place or returning after a long break means that you don’t always feel at home in your living space. That’s why each year UOW Pulse organises Finders Keepers, a market with FREE, pre-loved household items, from cups, mugs and plates to pots, pictures and plants (and other amazing things in between). All the goods have been generously donated by UOW staff and the local community to ease the financial pressure on UOW students who are getting established and setting up their new homes.

Bring your bags to carry your items home.

Date: Thursday 2nd March
Time: 9.30 am until 1.30 pm or until stock runs out
Location: Building 11, Level 1A
Event details

And finally

Here’s a and a former elite artistic gymnast, Olivia Wills, who has just been awarded $70,000 for her research into the role of diet for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). It only shows where hard academic work and a dream to make the world a better place can take you. Big congratulations, Olivia.

Wishing you all a brilliant first week at UOW!

Warmest wishes,

Trish