June 5, 2023

Message to students

Dear Students:

National Reconciliation Week – Be a Voice for Generations

During National Reconciliation Week last week, the sense of hope and optimism across our UOW campuses was palpable, through our panel discussions on the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum to the Community Day on Thursday that brought everyone together on the duckpond lawn – on beautiful Dharawal Country. It was a truly memorable event, filled with moments of learning, reflection and fun. I hope you were there to experience it too. If you would like to read my opinion-piece in last weekend’s Illawarra Mercury on the proposed Voice to Parliament, please follow the link to the newspaper story.

UOW rates highly in global Impact rankings

I hope this news fills you with pride – I am delighted to share that UOW yet again excelled in the latest sustainability awards: , securing an impressive 61st position among 1591 institutions globally. Highlights for UOW include:

• 5th globally in
• 28th globally in
• 64th globally in

This achievement reaffirms our commitment to sustainability and our place as an anchor institution not only in the Illawarra but globally, as we’re making a positive difference in our communities and the world.

Students making a difference

I would like to share an of Carly Lavings, a member of our Student Advisory Council who last month was named the recipient of the Volunteer 2023 Award by Wollongong City Council in the annual Wollongong Youth Week Awards. Carly has been instrumental in making UOW a more inclusive and accessible university. One of her contributions was co-founding (along with Katherine Minns) UOW’s first Quiet Space, which has provided a sanctuary for students overwhelmed by the sensory experience of campus life. Carly has also worked tirelessly to ensure equitable academic consideration for all students and to promote greater inclusivity. Her story reminds us that we all have the power to make a positive impact, and I hope it inspires you as you embark on your own journeys.

Good luck for your exams and enjoy mid-year recess!

As we approach the end of the Autumn session, I want to congratulate you all for completing another milestone in your academic journey. As you’re gearing up for your exams, I wish you the best of luck. Remember, you are capable, prepared and equipped to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Believe in yourselves, stay focused and trust in your abilities.

If you’re feeling overhwlemed around this exam season and the next Session, we have many academic assistance resources available to support you during this crucial time. 

Here are some of them:

Academic consultations

A ‘Quick video chat with an Academic’ online drop-in service is available on Friday 9 June (1.30 pm to 4.30 pm AEST) during the Autumn Study Recess (Trimester 2 Week 4). 

Peer Academic Coach Service

Our team of Peer Academic Coaches (PAC) can help you hit your study targets, including but not limited to the following:

• Locating academic resources;
• Understanding referencing;
• Sharing strategies to help you tackle challenging content;
• Tips around your studies and more.

They will be available to provide support and guidance also during Autumn Exam Period and Mid-Year Recess (so from 5 June to 21 July). You can reach them online through live chat and Zoom every Monday from 2 pm to 5 pm. Face-to-face assistance will only be available on Mondays from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sydney CBD Campus. You can find more details by visiting the webpage: . 

24/7 Online Academic Skills Resources

If you prefer to study at your own pace, you can access our anytime, anywhere. They cover various topics such as time management, study strategies and effective exam preparation. Take advantage of this valuable knowledge to enhance your study techniques.

Student Hub

Wollongong students can visit our Student Ambassadors in the Students' Hub up until the end of the exam period on 22 June. The Students' Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm in the Wollongong Campus Library.

Thank you for a wonderful session. Take care and enjoy your well-deserved break.

 

My best,

Trish