Information for parents

During this period of remote learning, all UOW Counselling Services will initially be provided over the phone. We provide a confidential space where you can discuss concerns that may be impacting on your academic performance or mental health and wellbeing. Our services are free and available to domestic and international students. The counselling offered at UOW is short-term (1 to 6 appointments). If you need longer term support, we may refer you to an external provider. Access counselling support. 

Careers Central at the University of Wollongong provides resources, programs, events and services to help students establish appropriate career goals and identify pathways and strategies to achieve them. It also provides information on professional experience opportunities, finding and applying for jobs and general careers advice. For more information, go to Careers Central.

Located in Building 30, Rooms 108, 109 and 110. Students have unlimited access to computers with English language learning programs to improve comprehension. Computers may also be used to complete assignments and other coursework, check email/SOLSmail etc.

In addition to the online support service ‘Studiosity’, LINC Education has been engaged to provide specialist after hours support in Higher Education Diploma programs. The service appoints a Fellow to groups of approximately 15 students who is accountable for maintaining out of hours online, e-mail and phone contact with students to assist with academic enquiries.

Additional consultations with teachers are available at set times, providing an opportunity for students to raise questions or concerns about coursework and assignments and receive clarification on course content.

UOW College seeks to identify and help students who are experiencing difficulties with their studies and has procedures in place that enable teachers to identify ‘at risk’ students early and seek referral to a Student Advisor and/or support services. Procedures are also in place to implement formal, structured intervention strategies and student support plans for students who do not meet minimum course requirements. Please refer to the UOW College Student Progression and Support Policy and associated procedures.

Weekly one hour supplementary classes are available to provide remedial one-on-one help to Maths students who would like some extra support in this area. Students bring along their lecture notes and tutorial questions. Practice worksheets are available for selected topics.

A learning and study hub for students, comprising: consultation spaces for students and teachers; computer lab equipped with listening and speaking software; English language and other resources for students to access; a designated space for conversation classes; student printing facilities; and, a television.

The UOW College Peer Learning Program provides study and learning support to students in Academic and Vocational programs. Peer Learning Programs are facilitated by former College students who are currently studying at UOW and have already successfully completed the College subject. Peer Learning Leaders facilitate non-compulsory study group sessions for selected subjects. They are designed to provide academic assistance to students on “how to learn” rather than “what to learn”. Activities in the study group sessions include reinforcing subject content, learning new study skills, working through solutions to questions and learning how to effectively participate in group study with others. In some subjects, a Peer Assistant Tutor is available to provide support to students during tutorial and computer lab classes, in addition to teacher support.

More information available on our Peer Learning Program page.

An online tutorial support service where students can connect with a specialist for a live chat and access an interactive whiteboard and shared web browsing. This service is available six days a week from 3pm to midnight. The writing feedback service is available 24/7 where students can ‘drop off’ an assignment, report or essay for comments on English language literacy, grammar, spelling, referencing etc. ‘Studiosity’ covers most subject areas. More information is located on the Studiosity page.

The centre provides for equity access, participation and outcomes for UOW and UOW College Indigenous students and encourages links with the local Aboriginal community.

For more information visit the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre website.

The Campus Buddies program provides incoming UOW College students with exciting opportunities to meet new people, practice their conversational English, connect and engage in campus events and develop their intercultural communication skills through partnering with UOW Pulse student volunteers. Students will meet their Buddies weekly and participate in a number of different group activities and workshops to assist them with their transition into campus life, ask any questions and make new friends.
Register your interest here: volunteering@uow.edu.au

A Buddy Program Meet & Greet event is held at the beginning of each semester. All participants in the program are invited to come to this event as an opportunity to get together, socialise and meet other people involved in the program, in turn making more friends whether they are Australian or other study abroad and exchange students. All new students, including those not participating in the buddy program, will be invited to this event via email once a date and venue have been confirmed.

A range of disability services are available to ensure all individuals have an optimal study experience at UOW College.

Services include:

• Advice and support
• Assistive technology
• Note-takers
• Volunteer readers
• Advocacy
• Peer support networks
• Alternative exam arrangements, and
• Accessible parking.

For more information visit the Disability Services website or ask a UOW College Student Advisor to make an appointment for you.

Student Relations Coordinators are currently enrolled UOW students who used to study at UOW College. They coordinate free lunchtime activities and run information sessions and SOLSMail tutorials for all UOW College students – please see the monthly student activities calendar available in the Building 30 foyer and at Reception for details.

Student Relations Coordinators can also answer questions about living in Wollongong, studying at UOW College and making the transition to UOW and can direct students to support services where needed. SRCs may also be able to speak to you in languages other than English.

Student Relations Coordinators are available at lunchtime from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, usually from Tuesday to Friday. They wear a blue t-shirt and can be found by checking the activities calendar

Oversees the College’s student services such as: Student Advisory functions, the Homestay program, student activities, student health and wellbeing initiatives and English language support in the Learning Hub. The Student Services Manager manages orientation and transition sessions for College students and is an advocate for all College students. This role also has responsibility for gathering feedback from students.

The College runs a homestay program for students requiring accommodation and who would like the experience of living with a local family. Students who stay in a UOWCA Homestay:

• experience the Australian culture first hand living with an Australian family;
• settle into their new environment more easily;
• practice English with their Australian family and friends;
• live in a safe and secure family environment with people that care about them;
• have their meals provided by their Homestay family;
• are supported by their Homestay family; and
• are placed with a family that matches their needs.

BUPA is an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider and runs a series of catered lunchtime information sessions as well as other initiatives centred around health and wellbeing for students. Some of the areas covered by these sessions include: sexual health, gambling and other addiction, mental health, sleeping difficulty, managing stress, surf safety, skin checks and flu vaccinations. A heavily discounted adult learns to swim program is also part of this program. BUPA also offers student policy holders with a 24 hour, 7-day Student Advice Line dedicated to help assist them with a range of emergency situations, being medically related or not. Assistance can be provided in 180 languages with a range of emergency situations, including:

• Medical and accident assistance
• Home and property assistance
• General tax and legal enquiries
• Personal safety, drug and alcohol advice

Individual and group student support sessions with highly qualified and experienced teachers to improve students’ writing skills, grammar, pronunciation and IELTS test taking skills.