May 15, 2023

Message to students - 15 May, 2023

Dear Students, I am thrilled to share a number of important and exciting updates from across our University.

IDAHOBIT on Wollongong campus

I am delighted to invite you to an upcoming event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community at the University. Join us on the UOW Duck Pond Lawn in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Our team at Pulse have planned a fantastic line-up, including special guest Lauren Order and a DJ to get everyone dancing. There will be a range of support services available on the day, including MCCI, Headspace, Wollongong Youth Services and Caddy Shack, which will provide valuable information and resources to those seeking guidance.

This event is open to everyone in our UOW community. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special moment of inclusion and diversity. More details can be found on the IDAHOBIT Facebook event page.

When: Wednesday 17 May, 12 pm – 2 pm

Where: UOW Wollongong, Duck Pond Lawn and UniBar

National Reconciliation Week is approaching

As we approach National Reconciliation Week (NRW) at the end of May, it’s time for us to learn more about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. As the theme for this year is “Be a Voice for Generations”, here at UOW, we will not shy away from tough conversations, trying to make the change needed for a better and fairer future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I am incredibly proud of the steps we have taken as an organisation, from an embedded cultural ceremony in our graduations to scholarship and fellowship opportunities for First Nations students. I encourage all of you to register for our , both online and in-person.

Learning Co-Op has launched

If you’re looking for support to help you succeed in your studies, UOW has just launched . This online resource has been designed as a one-stop-shop for academic support, providing access to workshops, online resources and consultations with Peer Academic Coaches (available as a live chat) to help every student achieve their best.

One of the goals of Learning Co-Op is to help students navigate their group work experiences better. From understanding the purpose of collaborative work to resolving conflicts within your group, these resources have you covered.

Student survey results are in

At UOW, we're all about improving your learning experiences. And your feedback is the most important part of that process. We're always listening to what you have to say, so we can make real and long-lasting changes. Since the last student survey, we've taken your onboard and are working hard to make some exciting improvements. Check out our progress by visiting our .

Find your balance

As we move closer to the end of the Autumn Session, I hope you all have been taking care of yourselves, finding that sweet spot between work, play and rest. Remember, a healthy mind and body are just as important as studying, especially during this time. So go ahead, take a break, do something fun and come back to your studies with a refreshed mind.

This is also a gentle reminder that exams are just around the corner. From May 22 onwards, UOW will offer you all a motivation boost for the end of the session, with plenty of wellbeing and study-related workshops and events. Please check It’s Go Thrive to take note of events that may be useful to you.

Your Thrive checklist 

1. Check your exam timetable on and create a study calendar to keep track of deadlines;
2. Take a mental break with UOW Pulse Stress Less activities;
3. Complete the Being Well, Living well module for strategies to improve your wellbeing;
4. Check the for tips on how to prepare for your exams, what to bring and where to get support;
5. Complete the Proctorio practice quiz (if you have an online invigilated exam).

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

On 18 May, we'll be celebrating the 12th anniversary of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). As a diverse and inclusive community, we believe accessibility is crucial to creating a truly equitable society. Throughout the following week, our digital experts will be sharing tips and resources on how to make our web content accessible to everyone, including people with visual, auditory, speech, cognitive and neurological disabilities. I encourage you to learn more about digital accessibility practices, such as using clear and simple language or creating captions and transcripts for videos. Please take a moment to read about .

Thank you to all student volunteers!

This week marks National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. I would like to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of our student volunteers to a variety of events and engagements happening at UOW. Your dedication, passion and hard work have made a real difference in our community and beyond. As a university, we are proud to have such caring and engaged students who are making a positive impact on the world. Thank you for all that you do and please continue to be a force for good in the world.

Have a great week, all!

Trish