Dear students, as we start to settle into Session 2, I hope you’re finding a balance between your studies and your health and well-being at this time.
I know it is tough and there are many uncertainties. Can I ask that each of you take the time to check-in with at least one friend, roommate, colleague, or family member this week? See how they are, how they are staying active and healthy and generally letting them know you care. It can make all the difference in the world!
Please remember – if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, please call our free 24-hour Student Wellbeing Support Line on 1300 036 149 or text 0488 884 164. Students can also access free counselling sessions with UOW Counsellors.
The road out this current pandemic is going to be via vaccinations. The more of us vaccinated, the more freedoms we can all enjoy. This is why we have set up a Vaccination Information Centre especially for UOW Students. This site has everything you need to know about the current vaccines available, including a series of student-specific FAQ’s, along with local options for our students to get vaccinated.
We all know staying active and connected is now more important than ever, so I encourage students to make use of UniActive’s free online live exercise classes. The team have a range of classes, via Zoom, to suit all abilities and styles from yoga, core, body balance, strength and cardio. You don’t need to be a member, just pick your class and follow along from home. Visit the closed Facebook group here for timetables, zoom links, training tips and for staying connecting with the UniActive community.
Finally, I’d like to update you on our progress in securing an improved and more comprehensive replacement service for student healthcare at UOW, after the departure of Campus Clinic. Our newly formed Health and Wellbeing Taskforce has been in deep consultation with students and healthcare professionals to establish a model that is truly transformative for UOW. The taskforce has made great strides and we’ll have exciting news to share shortly. In the meantime, options are being explored to facilitate access to bulk billed telehealth and in-person consultations for UOW students with doctors in selected Wollongong practices. The aim is for consultations to be available to domestic and onshore international students, with UOW supporting local practices to provide these services to students. We’ll have more to share with you on this next week.
Please stay safe and well and have a good week.
Trish