Dear students, I hope you are having a nice week. All the best for your remaining exams. I hope you’re managing to find some balance between study and rest.
Vibrant student life at UOW
It’s been fantastic to have students back on campus this year and enjoying the fun and opportunities that campus-life presents. UOW Pulse recently shared some stats with me highlighting the vibrancy of our campus and student life which I’d like to share with you: There are a staggering 114 UOW Clubs and Societies, we celebrated over 424 events in 2022 with more than 46,000 attendees, 244 people have signed up as Pulse volunteers, and there have been an amazing 160 UniBar gigs! A big congratulations to the Pulse team for their efforts pulling all of this off, and well done to all the students who attended, volunteered, and made the most of their student life at UOW!
We would love to know more about what you enjoyed on campus this year and what you want to see in 2023. Take Pulse’s student survey now and go in the draw to win $50 in Pulse Duck Bucks to spend at UniBar, UniShop, IGA and Aspire Café.
Inaugural Trans & Friends Festival
Speaking of wonderful events on campus, over the weekend UOW hosted the inaugural Trans & Friends Festival Illawarra. I was delighted to be a part of this colourful and significant event that celebrates pride, inclusivity and equality. At UOW, we promise to always stay committed to building diverse and inclusive campuses where everyone is safe to be themselves. We are a recognised leader in gender equality, and we’ve always encouraged and welcomed people from diverse backgrounds. It was fabulous to be at our beautiful campus, celebrating gender diversity, and creating an environment where we all belong.
Inspiring UOW news
UOW has been awarded $1 million in funding from the NSW Government to establish two signature programs focused on creating next-gen entrepreneurs. Empowering students to become successful entrepreneurs is one of UOW’s key strengths – just look at fintech unicorn Scalapay as a recent example of where these skills can take UOW alumni.
In more wonderful news, UOW researchers have been named Australia’s best in 14 fields in Australian Research 2023 Magazine. As a researcher, being recognised at the very top of your field is quite the accomplishment. UOW has researchers from each of our faculties on the list, which is extremely impressive and highlights the talent across all disciplines at UOW, a truly world-class research institute. UOW was also recognised as the top research institution in two fields: computer security and cryptography, and manufacturing and machinery.
COVID-19 update
You will have heard that COVID-19 cases are on the rise, with NSW Health confirming changes in the COVID-19 variants circulating. This tells us we are entering the next COVID-19 wave. Most adult Australians have reported having had the infection, so I understand that a new wave may not concern many. However, I wish to remind you that some people will become seriously ill if they catch it. Following simple precautions to minimise the spread of the virus is about protecting others in our communities, particularly the most vulnerable. Staying up to date with your vaccinations and boosters is the simplest step you can take to help protect yourself, your family and everyone you love. Please also remember not to come to campus if you have any symptoms or feel unwell.
All the best for your final exams this week.
My best,
Trish