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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Things to do in Melbourne when it’s sunny