Disability Liaison Officer
The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) can provide advice on how particular disabilities affect university study and information on resources available at the University for assisting students with disability. Students who need assistance during their studies should contact the Disability Liaison Officer by phone (02) 4221 4942; or facsimile (02) 4221 5667 or call in at the office located on the third floor of the UniCentre building. Students commencing courses are advised to contact the Disability Liaison Officer prior to the beginning of their first session of study.
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Studying at the University of Wollongong
UOW Graduate Qualities
These valuable qualities gained by UOW graduates are essential for gaining employment and making an important contribution to society and their chosen field.
UOW is committed to developing graduates who are:
Informed
Have a sound knowledge of an area of study or profession and understand its current issues, locally and internationally. Know how to apply this knowledge. Understand how an area of study has developed and how it relates to other areas.
Independent learners
Engage with new ideas and ways of thinking and critically analyse issues. Seek to extend knowledge through ongoing research, enquiry and reflection. Find and evaluate information, using a variety of sources and technologies. Acknowledge the work and ideas of others.
Problem solvers
Take on challenges and opportunities. Apply creative, logical and critical thinking skills to respond effectively. Make and implement decisions. Be flexible, thorough, innovative and aim for high standards.
Effective communicators
Articulate ideas and convey them effectively using a range of media. Work collaboratively and engage with people in different settings. Recognise how culture can shape communication.
Responsible
Understand how decisions can affect others and make ethically informed choices. Appreciate and respect diversity. Act with integrity as part of local, national, global and professional communities.
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A flexible approach for Faculties
“We want to talk about Graduate Qualities in ways that make sense for students studying physics … history … journalism … economics … nursing …”
The new UOW Graduate Qualities Policy allows each Faculty or discipline area to interpret the UOW Graduate Qualities into their own language. For example, a sound professional knowledge in Journalism is very different to that in Engineering, as are the research methods, problem solving techniques and ethical codes.
Alternatively, a Faculty may also elect to simply adopt the UOW Graduate Qualities as their Faculty/Discipline Graduate Qualities, rather than create a separate list. The UOW Graduate Qualities are suitable for all students and courses.
Further information about UOW Graduate Qualities can be accessed from here and details regarding the Graduate Qualities as they apply to each Faculty/Discipline can be located on the Faculty's website
Opportunities for developing these qualities and generic skills are built into all degree programs. The University of Wollongong aims to provide students with disability the opportunities necessary for developing the full range of generic skills associated with the graduate qualities. If a disability presents a challenge to the development of these generic skills the University will endeavour to provide resources which will enable students to develop the graduate qualities. In practical terms this may mean the provision of a program to help students with a learning disability improve their reading skills or provide a visually impaired student with assistive technology which will enable access to print material. The following information provides an introduction as to how Student Services can assist students with their particular needs.
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Registration of Disability
In order to make use of the facilities available at the University, students must first register with the Disability Liaison Officer by providing a recent specialist's assessment of their disability. This specialist assessment should also provide advice to the University on the type of assistance students may require in order to pursue their studies. This information enables the University to provide appropriate assistance and make wise use of public funds provided to Universities. Generally, mobility difficulties and medical conditions require documentation from a medical specialist; learning difficulties require assessment from an educational psychologist or consultant; psychiatric disabilities require assessment from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The DLO can advise students on the forms of assessment which are acceptable to the University. Registered students should advise the DLO if they alter their subject enrolment, take leave of absence or discontinue their studies.
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Online Forms
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Disclosure Permission
In most cases, it is in the best interest of students with a disability or medical condition to inform teaching staff of their needs. This enables staff to adapt their teaching practice to a specific disability. If students sign a disclosure consent form the DLO can communicate their needs to teaching staff. Alternatively, students can speak to teaching staff about what they require.
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Independent Learning Program
Once registered, the Disability Liaison Officer can provide referral to the University's programs and resources for students with disability. The DLO will discuss the setting up of an Independent Learning Program which will involve assessing the skills needed to meet the demands of the course; how to develop these skills and the resources which the University can provide. This may involve developing study skills in a manner which is appropriate for a specific disability; learning to use assistive technology or making use of resources such as notetakers or alternative assessment systems.
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