Dear students, it’s been so nice seeing more students back on our campuses, as well as some sunnier, warmer days. There’s a lot happening around campus this week and next, so I‘d like to start by making sure you’re across some of it.
UOW Amazing Race Event – prizes to be won!
UOW’s very own Amazing Race is happening Wednesday 31 August at 12:45 pm at the Duck Pond Lawn. Students can register for the event from 12:15 pm at this location. As a quick explainer, teams of three will race around the Wollongong Campus following clues and answering questions along the way, via an online app. There will be prizes on offer for the first, second and third place winners, as well as the best team selfie, best dressed team, and most creative team name. The first team to complete the race and answer all the questions correctly, wins the top prize!
Fit and Well Fest
Fit and Well fest is coming back, bigger than ever before. Similar to Open Day, Fit and Well Fest is designed to give you a taste of UniActive and Wellness by UOW Pulse. On Tuesday 23 August, all students will have free access to the UniActive gym, pool, courts and a limited number of Group Fitness classes. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how UniActive could help make physical activity and health a convenient part of your everyday routine. On Wednesday 24 August, you’ll also be able to join Wellness by Pulse from 10:30 am - 3 pm, outside the library and Duck Pond surrounds. With a DJ, giant rock-climbing wall, Bike n Blend (ride your way to making your own smoothie), healthy food stations and giveaways, it certainly sounds like it’s worth checking out!
Science Week
As you’ll know, this week is National Science Week, and at UOW, we’ve been celebrating in many ways. For instance, the UOW Gallery are excited to be hosting their latest show 'Antarctic Futures', a timely exhibition of art, science, seminars and creativity.
Our 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation competition was also held last Wednesday and was yet another showcase of the amazing student researchers UOW has to offer! The crowd (and the judging panel) were blown away by the quality of the PhD research and presentations. Congratulations to the very deserving winner, Sarah Vogel, representing the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, with her presentation ‘Treating brain cancer with one shot’. Congratulations also to the People’s Choice Award winner, Catherine Stephen, from the Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, with her presentation ‘Improving blood pressure control in primary care’. And of course, congratulations to all the finalists for their fantastic presentations – I cannot wait to see where this research takes you.
Cafes on campus
We are so lucky to have so many great food and coffee options at our Wollongong campus. If you’re looking for a spot to catchup with friends, have a little alone time, or get some study done, it’d be lovely to visit one of the great café options!
National Student Volunteer Week
Last week was student volunteer week, and from what I hear, the celebrations were fitting, with fun, food, music and more put on by the UOW Pulse team. As I’ve mentioned before, their volunteer program is a great way for students to make new friends, learn new skills and really make a difference to student’s lives on campus. The Pulse ‘Vollie of the Month’ initiative also recognises outstanding Pulse Volunteers for their time, enthusiasm, support, initiative, and engagement. Volunteers play a massive role in keeping things like UOW Pulse going, so on behalf of everyone, thanks and kudos to our amazing student volunteers!
In the media
I co-wrote an article this week for The Conversation about the need for more male nurses. It is so important to have a diverse health workforce, which is critical to improving trust, patient relatability to their care provider, satisfaction with care and patient outcomes. As with all public facing roles, the health service should represent the population it cares for. Diversity is the key to success. Have a read of the article if you’re interested to find out more.
Graduation
Finally, I just wanted to send a quick note out about Graduation. Over the last few years, many students have missed out on their graduation ceremony. We are determined to give every student the chance to graduate in the way they had imagined. If you are someone or know someone who missed out on graduating in 2019, 2020 or 2021, you are invited to attend a graduation ceremony in November 2022. This will be your last chance to register. I strongly encourage those who wish to celebrate in this way to get along – you will love it.
Enjoy your week, everyone!
My best,
Trish