Dear students,

Congratulations for getting through to the end of the year. We’d like to remind you to take some time to relax over the summer holiday period – just don’t forget to check your student email, as Monash staff work year-round and you may be sent important notices. This edition of the International Newsletter includes end-of-semester notices, advice on working over summer, volunteering opportunities and plenty of fun events for the months ahead. Happy holidays!

Supporting a family while studying? Make sure you check out the Partners and Parents edition of the newsletter.

Campus life

Is this your final semester? It’s time to apply to graduate
Graduation applications for May 2019 ceremonies have now opened. If you’ve just finished your final semester, make sure to apply to graduate before the deadline on Tuesday January 15.

Working over summer?
Are you considering working over your summer break? Fair Work’s Record my Hours app can help you keep track of how many hours you’re working so you don’t breach your visa conditions. Make sure you’re aware of your work rights, and if you face any problems at work, be aware that you can contact the International Students Work Rights Legal Service for free, confidential and independent legal advice. To make an appointment at the Study Melbourne Student Centre email info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or call 1800 056 449.

How to get your bond back
Are you planning on ending your tenancy? Give at least 28 days notice to your landlord or agent before you move out. After cleaning up your property/room, check the photos and/or condition report you were given when you moved in. Make sure you keep copies of receipts for cleaning services. And don’t forget to give back your keys on time! If you have vacated and are still having trouble getting your bond back, contact Monash Residential Services’ Off-campus Accommodation service via Ask.Monash or Monash Connect for free and confidential support.

Receiving a Notice of Referral and Hearing
If you receive a Notice of Referral and Hearing from your faculty, don’t ignore it. You have the option of replying, which must be in writing. Monash offers a list of information you should include in your reply. Contact your student association for support and help with writing your reply.

Undergraduate students at Caulfield, Peninsula, Parkville and the City can attend Academic Progress Information sessions run by Monsu. You will get information about the APC process, why you have received a notice of referral, what should be included in written responses to your faculty and support services available to students. Details and times of the sessions.

If you feel that issues affecting your study, we have a number of support programs that may help you continue with your studies and discuss options avaialable to you.

Cool off at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool
After an extensive maintenance project, the Main and Leisure Pools at Monash Sport on Clayton campus have now reopened. Check out the Monash Sport website for opening hours. Keep fit over summer at our Health and Fitness Centres at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses.

Happy holidays

Stay sun smart over summer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It’s important that you are sun smart to protect against skin cancer, sunburn, eye damage and premature ageing. The free SunSmart app can tell you when sun protection is recommended for your location. Make sure you:

• SLIP on sun protective clothing
• SLOP on SPF 30+ water resistant sunscreen
• SLAP on a wide brim hat
• SEEK shade under trees, shadows of buildings or an umbrella
• SLIDE on sunglasses. Choose a close-fitting wrap-around style

Be safe around water
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, rivers and lakes. However, you need to know the risks so you can enjoy the water safely. Check out these tips on staying safe at the beach, as well as general advice on water safety. If you’re not confident with swimming, you can sign up for Water Wise classes, which are free for Monash students, at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool at Clayton campus for next year.

Fire safety
Victorians enjoy hot, dry summers, although this means our state is fire-prone. Take a look at the CFA’s home fire safety checklist and read Parks Victoria’s bushfire safety tips.

University end-of-year close down period
The University will close at 5pm on Thursday 20 December and reopen on 9am on Wednesday 2 January. During this time, you can still contact the following services if required:

• Monash security offices
• After-hours counselling service
• Study Melbourne Student Centre

We wish you a fun, safe and relaxing summer break.

———————————————————————————————————

Opportunities

Volunteers needed in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
Will you be in Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia in January 2019? We are seeking expressions of interest from students who are keen to volunteer at Monash’s pre-departure briefings. You’ll meet and greet new students and their parents, answer questions, share your own Monash journey and help out at the registration desk. Selected volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation. These sessions will be held in Jakarta January 11 and 12, Kuala Lumpur January 13 and Singapore January 16. For Kuala Lumpur, all opportunities for Clayton students have been filled so Clayton students need not apply. Please note no travel expenses will be covered.

Be a part of Monash’s own social networking app
The MSA has a brand new cross-campus volunteer program starting in 2019. Running for six weeks before and up to four weeks into each semester, this program will combine orientation events volunteering, ASK me aspects and virtual volunteering on Monash’s brand new networking app for new students, aMigo. You’ll be provided with all necessary training and a certificate upon completion of the program.

Looking for a job overseas?
Australia’s international students are highly valued by employers. Check out what jobs are out there using Monash’s Global Careers portal. You can search through hundreds of full- and part-time jobs and internships from a variety of industries.

Seeking a rewarding career?
Register your interest now for Career Connect’s 2019 Careers Expo. Join us to meet with top industry employers and broaden your career horizons.

Tell us how you want to experience Australian football (AFL) and win
We need your help in shaping a series of student AFL Game Day experiences in 2019!. Complete this short survey to give us your thoughts, and you will go in the draw to win one of the five $50 Coles/Myer gift vouchers available.

———————————————————————————————————

What’s on?

Things to do in Melbourne this month

• The Big Design Market is the perfect place to get some early shopping done before the holiday season – and to nab stylish gifts for friends who are seriously hard to buy for.
• Melbourne Museum’s not all school trips and dinosaurs. On the first Friday of every Month, the museum holds a party with a lounge bar, live music and talks from experts.
• Enjoy your favourite films under the stars at the Botanic Gardens. Moonlight Cinema is playing fun flicks all summer long.
• Come and explore the Japanese Festive Market at Kimono House on Swanston St.
• The City of Melbourne holds a huge Christmas Festival every December, with art installations, a gingerbread village and a festive film showing.
• Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market will be held every Wednesday over summer, with street food, fun drinks and hip stalls with art, fashion and more.
• Carols by Candlelight is a famous Christmas event that started out in Melbourne and supports children who are blind or have low vision.
• Will you be spending New Year’s Eve enjoying the fireworks in Melbourne? Plan ahead using the Victorian Government’s dedicated web page.

Dear students,

The weather’s getting warmer and exams are drawing closer. This edition of the International Newsletter is focused on exam rules, resources and where you can get help if you need it.  We’ve included an important reminder to avoid scams and pay your fees direct to Monash. If you’re a final semester student, scroll down for tips on how to get a job and learn about the support Monash offers after you graduate.

Don’t miss the Partners and Parents edition of the newsletter if you’re supporting a family while studying.

Campus life

Be aware of scams and always pay your fees direct to Monash

Pay your school fees direct to Monash University to avoid being scammed. You can visit the Pay your fees Monash page to see the safe ways to pay your fees. Some people pose as agents and offer to get you discounted course fees. This can be linked to a scam to steal your money. This means you should not pay your fees through a third party (like an agent). Visit the ScamWatch page created the Australian government to familiarise yourself with the most common scams. Remember, if you’re being threatened and in immediate danger of harm always contact 000 first. Or, if you’re simply unsure about something you’ve seen or heard contact the International Student Engagement Team immediately on 9905 6494 or email us at: iss@moansh.edu so we can connect you to the right support services.

Updated guide to campus study spaces
Here’s the latest information on where you can go to study on campus during Swot Vac and the exam period.

Monash Borrow Cup
You’ve probably seen one of Monash’s black and teal Borrow Cups at cafes, lecture theatres and lawns across campus, but you might not be familiar with how they work yet. The Discover Sustainability at Monash Facebook page has created a handy diagram explaining how the Borrow Cup process works so you can get involved. Help make Monash more sustainable without spending a cent.

Monash Food and Retail Award winners
Check out the retailers voted best on campus. For discounts from your favourite Monash retailers and inspiration for your next meal, follow Monash Foodies on Instagram.

Help us improve the International Newsletter
We’re trying to improve the International Newsletter to make it better for you and other international students – but first, we need your help. Take five minutes to fill in this feedback form to make a difference for all international students at Monash.

University end-of-year close down period
The University will close at 5pm on Thursday 20 December and reopen on 9am on Wednesday 2 January. During this time, you can still contact the following services if required:

• Monash security offices
• After-hours counselling service
• Study Melbourne Student Centre

Acing your exams

Knowing your rights and responsibilities during exams
It’s your responsibility to know and follow Monash’s exam rules. Here’s a few important things to remember:

• If you get sick or are affected by a serious situation before an exam, consider applying for special consideration.
• If you suddenly experience serious physical or mental illness during your exam, tell an exam supervisor and they’ll advise you on what to do. They may provide someone to assess you and write a letter indicating that you became ill during the exam. We recommend you try to finish your exam if you’re able to, because in most cases, if you turn up to your exam and have seen the exam questions, you won’t be eligible for a deferred exam.
• If you receive a fail grade of N or WN for not completing a unit assessment due to extreme circumstances, you can apply to have the grade altered to WI (withdrawn incomplete). Strict criteria apply. A WI grade does not affect your WAM or GPA but is still considered a fail grade for the Academic Progress process.

If you’re unsure about what to do, student associations provide advocacy and support. Undergraduate students based at Clayton should contact the MSA’s Student Advocacy and Support service. Undergraduate students based at Caulfield, Peninsula or Parkville should contact MONSU Student Rights and Support by emailing studentrights@monsu.org or calling 9903 2596. Postgraduate students at all campuses should contact the MPA’s Advice and Advocacy service.

Preparing for exams
Take a look at Monash’s seriously handy guide to preparing for exams. It covers everything from effective revision strategies to what to do if you blank during an exam.

Taking care of yourself

Staying healthy during the exam period
Studying is important, but making sure you’re happy and healthy – especially if you’re stressing about exams – is crucial. Check out the Library’s tips for staying healthy during the exam period so you can be at your best on exam day.

New triage nurse at Caulfield and Clayton University Health services

If you have an urgent matter that can’t wait our new nurse , Nicola, will be able to give you advice. This can help when a doctor or counsellor isn’t available to assist you. She can assist with mental and physical health issues. Nicola is from England and understands the challenges of living away from home

On-campus counselling services
Counselling can help you deal with challenges that cause anxiety or depression, loneliness, drug and alcohol abuse and addictions. You can also talk to counsellors about negative feelings, suicidal thoughts, relationship or family issues. You can make an appointment at any of our Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville or Peninsula campuses.

———————————————————————————————————

Opportunities

Final call – become a 2019 Student Leader
Want the job but don’t have the experience? Volunteering can put you ahead of the pack. Apply to be a volunteer Student Leader at either Caulfield or Clayton campus. You’ll help run International Student Orientation for semester one 2019. Ideally, you’ll be ready to start in January 2019. You’ll receive a Volunteer Certificate and a Letter of Recommendation, and you’ll complete a Project Management module to help mark you out as a future leader. Applications close 12 November 2018. Questions? Contact the International Student Engagement Team via iss@monash.edu.

Be a part of Monash’s own social networking app
The MSA has a brand new cross-campus volunteer program starting in 2019. Running for six weeks before and up to four weeks into each semester, this program will combine orientation events volunteering, ASK me aspects and virtual volunteering on Monash’s brand new networking app for new students, aMigo. You’ll be provided with all necessary training and a certificate upon completion of the program.

Volunteer with the MSA
Have a spare between classes? Want to get involved in your student community? Need to boost your resume? MSA Volunteering has heaps of volunteering programs and volunteer certificates on offer. If you’re unsure which program best suits you, make an appointment with the MSA today.

Work on real-world business problems
Study Melbourne’s LIVE Projects offer international students a chance to solve current business challenges for Victorian Government agencies, NGOs or private enterprises. You’ll work in a team of five or six, meet with your client once a week and receive mentoring from an expert in the industry. After three weeks, the program will end with a boardroom-style presentation. You’ll receive valuable feedback and a Certificate of Completion.

———————————————————————————————————

What’s on?

Learn to surf with the MPA
Postgraduate student? Want to learn how to surf? Join the MPA for a day trip to the seaside town of Torquay for some sun, fun and waves. Tickets are just $104 for Monash postgraduates and $130 for non-Monash postgraduates, and include transport, a tour guide, a wet suit, a surf board, a surf lesson and lunch. If you don’t want to surf but still want to enjoy the beach, you’re welcome to join the trip for $40, which covers transport and lunch.
When: Saturday November 17, 7:00am – 6:00pm

Things to do in Melbourne this month

• Looking for a healthy way to get your mind off exams for a while? Have a look at the City of Melbourne’s blog about getting active in the most Melbourne way you can.
• On the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month many Australians take a minute to remember men and women who served and sacrificed in the First World War. It’s called Remembrance Day. The Shrine of Remembrance has a program of special events on the day.
• Stacks of fun markets are set up in Melbourne for spring. Find out about the best markets for art, fashion, street food, entertainment, workshops and more.
• Love music? Love dogs? Dogapalooza brings together live music, food trucks and canines. Proceeds go to charities for dog and other animal charities.
• Celebrate Melbourne’s thriving music scene by joining stacks of gigs, performances and parties planned for Melbourne Music Week.
• Every Thursday night, baby drag queens try on their heels at Babydrag.
• Over summer the Moonlight Cinema opens up at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Watch blockbusters and cult classics under the stars right next to the CBD.

———————————————————————————————————

Tips for final semester students

The end of the exam period will be here before you know it. Whether you decide to return home or stay in Australia, there is a lot of useful information available to assist you with your preparation.  You can also download a handy checklist to assist you with your plans.

Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Did you know that any medical treatment you receive while outside of Australia, whether or not in connection with a course of study, is not covered by your OSHC? If you’re travelling to a foreign country  for study or holidays, you should consider purchasing travel insurance.

Staying Connected
After you’ve completed your studies, you’ll automatically be welcomed to Monash’s global alumni community of more than 310,000 graduates. You’ll be able to take advantage of professional networks, career advice, employment opportunities and discounts. You’ll also be welcomed to social events held across the world. If you have questions about the alumni program, contact the Alumni Relations team on 9903 4602 or via email monashalumni@monash.edu.

Career help after you finish your course
You’ll still be able to access all services through Career Connect for free for up to 12 months after you complete your course. Come and chat to us at Career Connect about your work options in Australia and overseas.