Momentum is a program designed to assist international students of the University of Wollongong to easily integrate into academic and social life.

The program recruits experienced and responsible Mentors from various cultural backgrounds, who usually mentor 5-10 students each. After an initial mentoring period of 3 weeks at the start of session students are invited to attend weekly seminars of relevance to international students such as Migration advice, campus safety, accommodation and advocacy.

Who can join?

Momentum is a FREE Program for all international and domestic students!

If you

• have just arrived to Australia to study your degree
• are an international student and feel new here
• want to get some support from experienced students and staff
• want to have fun socializing and finding friends
• want to get to know your University and Wollongong
• want to help new students get used to Wollongong
• want to gain valuable skills and practical experience in team management

then you are welcome to join the Momentum program!

Momentum is for new and existing students. New students can join up and receive mentoring. Existing students can join the program as mentors, develop their leadership and management skills, and receive accreditation as part of the University's Employment Experience Program (EEP). To find out more about what it takes to be a mentor, please download the Mentor Handbook.

What do we offer you?

Momentum program is absolutely FREE for UOW students! Our experienced mentors assist small groups of international students and pass on their knowledge on life and study in Wollongong.

They cover such topics as University services, traveling in Australia, shopping, safety and more — anything you want to ask them!

The Momentum Program also offers a diverse range of seminars of interest to international students. In 2009 Momentum has the Following Schedule:

 

MOMENTUM Program 2009 Calendar

Please note that dates and activities are subject to re-scheduling and changes.

All seminars are in Building 20 (Communications Building). Free legal advice days are in a location yet to be confirmed.

Momentum Program – Autumn Session

O Week	Sign up phase
Week1	Mentoring sessions / Migration Advice 4th March
Week 2	Mentoring sessions
Week 3	Mentoring sessions
Week 4	SEDLO Seminar 25th March
Week 5	Police and Security Seminar  1st April
Week 6	Counseling Seminar 8th April / Free Legal Advice
Recess
Week 7	Migration Advice 22nd April
Week 8	Careers Seminar 29th April
Week 9	Academic Advocacy Seminar 6th May
Week 10	Working in Australia Seminar 13th May / Free Legal Advice
Week 11	TO BE CONFIRMED
Week 12	Tenancy Advice Seminar 27th May
Week 13	Fair Trading Seminar 3rd June
Recess	Free Legal

Momentum Program – Spring Session

O Week	Sign up phase
Week 1	Mentoring sessions / Migration Advice 29th July
Week 2	Mentoring sessions / Migration Advice 5th August
Week 3	Mentoring sessions / Free Legal
Week 4	Tenancy Advice Seminar 19th August
Week 5	Police and Security Seminar  26th Aug
Week 6	Counseling Seminar 2nd Sept
Week 7	SEDLO Seminar 9th Sept
Week 8	Working in Australia Seminar 16th Sept
Week 9	Migration Advice 23rd September
Recess
Week 10	Academic Advocacy Seminar 7th October
Week 11	Careers Seminar 14th October / Free Legal Advice
Week 12	TO BE CONFIRMED
Week 13	Fair Trading Seminar 28th October
Recess	Free Legal Advice

 

What do you gain?

• faster integration into life and study at the UOW
• personal support by students and staff
• professional support by Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officers (SEDLOs) and Student Central.
• increased knowledge about the University and services
• increased multicultural knowledge and understanding
• meet new people, find friends, form great relationship and have fun

Mentors also gain a EEP certificate.

For more information contact the program coordinator Dan Morgan at dan@uow.edu.au