Important Information – July/Aug 2016
Dear Students,
Welcome back to Monash!
Did you know you can see a doctor without leaving your home?
Free call to an Australian Registered Practicing Doctor! Consultations can be done by face time or skype and interpreters are available. If required, prescription medicine can also be sent to the nearest pharmacy. This service is free for Allianz Global Assistance policy holders only.
Student Safety Seminars
Your safety is important to us at Monash! Learn some news ways to improve your personal safety on and off-campus with advice and assistance form a panel of experts including the Victoria Police, Monash Security and the Safer Community Unit. Register now.
Need help lodging your tax return? 
Make an appointment with an Australian Tax Office trained volunteer. Appointments are free and available on Caulfield and Clayton Campus until Monday 31 October 2016. For more information & to book your appointment: msa.monash.edu/taxhelp
“Help, – I got an Early Warning Letter!”
If you failed units in semester one, you will probably receive an Early Warning Letter in July or August. Do not ignore it! If you continue to fail units, your faculty can exclude you from your course. Make an appointment to see your Student Rights Officer for help and advice.
Conversational English Program
English Connect has lots of fun and free programs to improve your English! Practice your conversation and learn about Australia in Let’s Chat. Get help with written English grammar at Peer Support. Registrations open on 11 July and first session starts 8 August. Email: english.connect@monash.edu for more information. “You get to know different cultures and people who come from different countries…have plenty of fun and make new friends.” – Ming from China, who is studying MBA
Do you need some legal advice?
Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (MOLS) is a partnership between Monash Law School and Victoria Legal Aid. You can obtain free legal advice on a variety of legal matters including motor vehicle accidents, tenancy disputes, contracts, police prosecutions, debt and social welfare. Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) is also available to assist international students with general law consultations (not including immigration advice) on Thursday afternoons at the Study Melbourne Student Centre.
Work Rights Consultations
Make an appointment with a Career Connect employment consultant for advice about your work rights at both Clayton and Caulfield campuses. You can also make an appointment with a JobWatch lawyer at The Study Melbourne Student Centre each Thursday from 9am – 5pm. Advice is free and confidential about any work related matters.
Visa expiry and OSHC extension
Your student visa may be expiring soon, so make sure you renew it before it expires. You can apply for your student visa via the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website (DIBP). Check your overseas student health cover (OSHC) is valid. Contact Monash Connect if you have any questions about student visa renewal and OSHC extension.
International Students with partners and/or children
You are invited to an informal information event to assist to assist international families through their adjustment to a new environment. Topics include overseas health insurance, English language support, community services, child care, accommodation and social opportunities. Children are welcome to come along and refreshments will be available. The fun “Let It Glow” family event will take place following the session. Registrations are open now.
When: Friday 12 August, 4-6pm
Where: Seminar Room 1, PhD Hub (Holman Hall, 27 Sports Walk, Clayton Campus)
WinterFest
From the 8-12 August, all monash campuses will be transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be daily entertainment, live music, a snow zone, light show, comedy performances, night market, fireworks and a selection of food trucks to choose from. Details are available on the WinterFest website.
Applications for Tertiary Scholarship Fund now open
Students who can prove they have a drive to perform well in academic study and can demonstrate qualities that make them an invaluable member to the community can apply to be rewarded with one of five cash scholarships worth a total of $13,000. In order to qualify, students will need to meet the following requirements:
Must be in second year or above
• Must be enrolled full time at an accredited tertiary institution in Victoria
• Must have an average of 70 points for four subjects across two semesters
• If applicants are applying as a post-graduate candidate by research, they need to submit a transcript of their final undergraduate degree results
Applications close on Sunday 31 July.
Mental Health First Aid
We all have our ups and downs – it’s normal. But how can you tell when you or a friend need to enlist some help? What are the signs of something a little more than just a ‘tough time’? Monash offers a two day Mental Health First Aid training workshop. It’s free, you will receive and internationally recognised certificate, and gain some confidence in chatting with someone who may be struggling. To express your interest, register here.
Shine a Light on Mental Health
Come to an inspiring night of musical performances and powerful stories hosted by Diana Nguyen (of NAKED and Phi and Me fame). There will be performances from the Mel O’Neill Quintet, the Monash University Sri Lankan Cultural Club and lots more. Register online now to secure your place.
When: Monday 8 August, 6.30 – 9pm
Where: Monash University Caulfield Campus, H116, 900 Dandenong Road Caulfield East
Cost: $10
Do you like to sing?
Study Melbourne Student Centre is on the lookout for Victorian International students who like to sing or want to learn. You don’t have to be a professional – just interested in having fun, making friends and experiencing new things! Register online to express interest.