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Volunteers at UOW orientation
Volunteers at UOW orientation

Message to students - 19 February 2024

February 19, 2024

Message to students - 19 February 2024

Dear Students of our UOW community! It is my absolute pleasure to welcome everyone to Autumn session at UOW.

I hope you had a fabulous summer break filled with fun, adventure and relaxation. For students who have already started studying, I hope you’re off to a good start.

And to those who don’t yet know me, my name is Patricia Davidson and I have the privilege of being your Vice-Chancellor and President.

It’s Go Time: the ultimate student experience   

Starting fresh at a university can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s essential to approach this new chapter of your life with a positive attitude while also giving yourself the grace to take things slowly. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your journey through university is a marathon, not a sprint.

I’m thrilled that It’s Go Time is in full swing! For the new students – It’s Go Time is UOW’s reimagined orientation, which spans the first four weeks of session and encompasses workshops, information sessions, study resources and entertainment, all happening across our Wollongong, Liverpool, Sutherland and regional campuses: Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven. It’s your time to get to know your way around campus, learn about UOW clubs and societies, make new friends, and start feeling more at home here. It’s really fun – trust me.

It's Go Time is open to both new and returning students, so check the week-by-week schedule of events and themes, and remember to register for events that interest you. Check your email for more details

Committed to your success

As part of our commitment to enhancing your university experience, I’m excited to announce the launch of UOW’s new Support for Students Policy, which provides better and easier access to all support services within UOW. We’ve opened new student support spaces on Wollongong campus, including the Student Support and Success precinct in Building 19, and the Academic Skills Centre in the Library. Additionally, Liverpool campus now boasts a Student Success Hub on level 1 — a one-stop-shop for all support-related things.

But that’s not all — we’ve also launched an exciting new Student Success Portal, where you can access information on support services, book appointments, sign up for support programs, and more. For our regional students, these support services are available online or via your local campus office.

Ready to be inspired? Current scholarship opportunities at UOW

In addition to exploring a wide range of campus activities and support services, I encourage you to look through the various scholarship opportunities available at UOW. Scholarships are not just for academic excellence but also for students with different abilities, circumstances and passions. Check out the unique scholarships currently open for application and take the first step towards supporting your studies.

Cyber security is everybody’s business

As you all know, we now live most of our lives online, which is convenient but poses many risks. Did you know that UOW blocks over 1.3 million cyber threats weekly?

That’s why we’ve just launched our brand-new Cyber Safety page, a one-stop shop for all things relating to cyber security. It contains all the vital information to keep you informed and safe, including ways to report phishing and cyber incidents and easy-to-follow tips on protecting your digital world. There’s also a video that I encourage you to watch with attention.

Remember: a strong cyber culture starts with you. Our UOW team at IMTS (Information Management & Technology Services) shared a few tips on how to stay cyber-aware:

  • Whatever you come across online, it’s best to stop, think and verify.
  • Protecting your work and personal information is a must.
  • Update your apps, computers and smartphone regularly.
  • Remember to seek help if you’re unsure or if anything looks vaguely suspicious.

How to get help at UOW?

Have fun, be safe and well

Finally, as we dive into Autumn session, I wish you a great start to your academic journey, and smooth sailing to those of you who continue with their studies. Remember to embrace every opportunity, make new connections and, most importantly, enjoy the ride. If you are having challenges, reach out early – there is nothing to be ashamed of. We all need help from time to time.

Here’s to an incredible semester ahead!

Take care,

Trish