March 5, 2025

Meet Student Support Coordinator, Sarah Keech

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role as a Student Support Coordinator?

I’ve worked in student support at UOW since early 2020. As a Student Support Coordinator, my role is to provide support, strategies, advice and referral information for students who may have academic, health or wellbeing needs impacting their studies. I am currently the Team Leader of the Student Support Coordinators and work closely with UOW Support and Wellbeing services including Counselling and Accessibility and Inclusion. Before student support, I had an academic teaching role at UNSW.

What are some of the challenges that students may face, and how do you ensure they receive the right support?

Undertaking a Higher Education degree is both an exciting and challenging experience for most students. Sometimes the demands of study are difficult to sustain if there are things happening in your personal life or your health is affected. For some students, unexpected life changes can impact study in both short and long-term ways. The most important thing is to ensure everyone has good information about what supports exist and any University processes that need to be followed - getting this advice early on can make a big difference.

Student Support Coordinators are good people to get advice from if you are unsure of support available and something is impacting your study or personal wellbeing. A Student Support Coordinator will make time via phone, zoom, or meet on-campus to discuss your concerns confidentially. We then tailor information and advice to your specific circumstance and can assist with some of the more complex parts of accessing support.   

How do you support students in managing health or welfare challenges while balancing their studies?

The support we provide will vary depending on the circumstance, but generally we provide individual support which includes strategies for managing often sensitive matters that are impacting a student’s ability to engage in studies. Student Support Coordinators are also able to complete referrals to UOW or community support services we think would be valuable, provide support and advice on navigating UOW processes (e.g. Academic Consideration or taking a Leave of Absence from study) and suggest ways of staying on track or returning to study while receiving support.

Finding balance while studying can be difficult, particularly when lots of people are also managing family responsibilities and paid work on top of full-time study. I think it is important to acknowledge and plan for the periods of intensity throughout a session of study – knowing that there are calmer and busier periods that are likely to impact on your capacity to maintain a study, work and life balance. Prioritising relationships and activities that support you during the busy peaks can be helpful as well as taking rest and working on longer term goals during calmer periods.

Some students struggle academically or personally. What advice would you give to those who need help?

My advice is to always ask for support if you are struggling. Asking for help can be hard and Student Support Coordinators are aware of this. We provide confidential and non-judgemental support; our goal is to ensure people have access to the information or services they need.

Often when students come to see a Student Support Coordinator they are surprised by the different academic and personal supports available. Some examples of support we often link students with include free and confidential counselling, learning skills support, housing and careers advice.

Are there any university services or programs that students might not know about but should try?

Hopefully everybody knows about the 24hr UOW Student Wellbeing Support Line 1300 036 149.

UOW Support & Wellbeing offers free Wellbeing workshops, they focus on practical skills in managing emotion, motivation and relationships, I highly recommend taking a look UOWx activities: Wellbeing Workshop Series.

I also recommend students look at the UOW Student Success Portal Support services.

What advice would you give to students who feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to get help?

I would say that it can be normal to feel overwhelmed when starting a new degree or when you are in a busy part of the session with lots of assessments / exams due. If this feeling is starting to affect your everyday life in an ongoing or sustained way, it is important to seek some support. The first step might be talking to a friend or family member.

Also remember that the UOW 24 hour wellbeing line is there to call or text. If you’re not sure where to start with getting help, come and speak with a UOW student support team member. We are here to help.