Some of Our Parts

Social Belonging and Group Identity on Academic Outcomes

Monash University researchers are recruiting student participants who engage with Disability Support Services (DSS) to complete an anonymous online survey to explore the barriers to student with accessing the various support programs at Monash and how these can be overcome.

What Does the Research Involve?

Social belonging is the “psychological sense that one is a valued member of the college community” and has been shown to positively impact student retention and correlates with academic success and career ambitions, but is influenced by factors like race, ethnicity, and gender.

Targeted interventions have proven successful in improving outcomes, especially for marginalized groups, but these studies primarily focus on single-discipline contexts.

If you are interested in participating in this research, you are invited to complete a short 20 minute survey that aims to explore your initial perceptions of university life and your sense of belonging.

The survey is:

1. Completely voluntary
2. Shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes to complete
3. Your responses will remain confidential, only de-identified information will be reported.
4. Your responses will never be shared with your lecturers or unit coordinators.

Consenting to Participate in the Project and Withdrawing from the Research

Completion of the online survey will constitute consent. You can choose not to participate in the study by simply not completing the online survey.

Since all survey responses are anonymous, it will not be possible to remove your responses once the survey is submitted.

There will be no consequences to your study or grades if you choose not to participate.

Possible Benefits and Risks to Participants

The results of this project will better inform the Australian tertiary sector about the influence of a student’s sense of belonging on their academic performance at retention at University. This could lead to improved transition programs for science students or social inclusion interventions that could improve the University experience for subsequent cohorts.

When completing the surveys, some of the questions are of a personal nature. If uncomfortable with these questions, you may skip or select “prefer not to say”. There are no risks for completing the surveys other than the time spent completing them.

Confidentiality

Only collective data will be analysed and reported. The survey is anonymous, no identifiable information will be collected.

Access and Storage of Data

Electronic data will be stored on Monash owned computers and servers in line with university policy. Computer access is limited to a single locked office and all data will be password protected. Data will be destroyed when it is no longer required or 5 years after the publication of the project’s findings.

Only the chief investigator and other investigators listed on this explanatory statement will have access to the data.

Use of Data for Other Purposes

Only aggregate de-identified data may be used for other projects where ethics approval has been granted by the Monash Human Ethics Review Committee.

Results

Results of the publication will be made available to participants upon request, once the initial data collection and analysis has taken place to reveal the experimental findings. The findings of this project will be made available through publicly available peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings, which will be published at the conclusion of the study.

Complaints

Should you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of the project (Project number: 41466), you are welcome to contact the Executive Officer:

Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC)
Room 111, Chancellery Building D,
26 Sports Walk, Clayton Campus
Research Office
Monash University VIC 3800

Here is the link to the online survey.

For More Information:

Chief Investigator: Dr Thomas Hiscox
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
Phone: (03) 9905 9986
Email: Thomas.hiscox@monash.edu

Call for Participation: Co-design Data Visualisation Guidelines Study at Monash University

MUHREC ID: 41238

Help Us Take the Next Step in Making Data Visualisation Accessible!

• Thanks to everyone who took part in our first study!

We’re now moving into the next phase—and we’re inviting autistic students to help us refine and expand the early recommendations.

This session will focus on co-designing accessible data visualisation guidelines, specifically for autistic users.

What’s Involved:

1. A collaborative workshop (approx. 2– 2.5 hours) where you’ll help build on and refine the accessibility guidelines from our previous research. Your input will help ensure that the final guidelines are practical, grounded, and ready to inform real design decisions.

Format:

• The workshop may be held online or in person, depending on participant preferences.
• If you prefer to participate individually with the student researcher rather than in a group, that’s completely acceptable.

Participant Appreciation:

As a big thank you for your time, you’ll get an AUD $45 voucher for groceries per hour.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a diagnosis of autism, or self-diagnosed.

Interested in Participating?

To take part in this important study, please follow the link below

• To take part in this important study, please follow this link.

REGISTER NOW!

Need More Information?

Please contact:

• Mona.Alzahrani@monash.edu

Thank you for considering!
*This project has Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee approval – Project ID: 41238

Deadline Extended: More Time to Apply for the Spring 2025 Career Mentoring Program!

The mentee application deadline for AusDN’s Spring 2025 Career Mentoring Program has been extended to Friday, 18th July!

If you haven’t applied yet, now’s your chance to submit your application form here. ​​​​​​

Still hesitating about applying? Scroll down to hear Rosie’s story.

• Register for the last information session: It will be held at 2pm (AEST) next Monday, 30 June 2025.
• RSVP via the link here.

See the full list of participating organisations: The list gets longer!

Real Story, Real Impact: Meet Rosie and Lisa

Rosie was paired with her mentor Lisa, Service Manager at QBE.

The tailored guidance and support she received empowered her to undertake her first job interview, build her confidence through networking and developing meaningful connections.

• Read about Rosie and Lisa’s Journey (LinkedIn article)

It’s Mid-Year: Time to Spring Into Your Career!

AusDN’s free, national Career Mentoring Program connects you with industry leaders who are eager to share their wisdom, experiences, and insider tips to help you achieve your dreams.

Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your interview skills, navigate career challenges, or expand your professional network, our mentors are your gateway to success.

How to Apply

• New and previous applicants (before 2025): Create a Mentorloop account and complete an application form here.
• Already on Mentorloop? Just message the Program Coordinator via Mentorloop saying: “I’m interested in participating in the Spring 2025 intake.” So they can consider you in their matching process.
• Applications close at midnight on Friday, 18 July 2025.

More Organisations Have Joined the Program!

AusDN are thrilled to have icare and IP Australia back to the mentor program!

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amazing organisations participating in the Spring 2025 cohort:

• ANZ Banking Group Ltd (Aust)
• Australian Securities & Investments Commission
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
• Coles Group Limited
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• George Weston Foods Limited
• icare
• IP Australia
• Maddocks
• McMillan Shakespeare Group
• Optus
• Pfizer Australia
• Qantas Airways Limited
• University of Canberra

More to come…stay tuned!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Visit the AusDN website and the Frequently Asked Questions here or contact their Programs Team at Applications@AusDN.org.au or call 02 8270 9200.

Welcome to the Listening Together Project

Research designed by, and for, young people with disability and young carers.

Researchers at the Australian National University are studying how young people with disability and young carers define good listening, and whether they feel listened to by the organizations and services in their lives.

Are you a person with a disability or a young carer aged 15-29, living in Australia?

Fill out one of these surveys about how you define good listening, and whether you feel listened to by the organizations and services in your lives!

There are two surveys to choose from: a long survey and a short survey, but both are co-designed by young people with disability and young carers.

• Click here to access the long survey
• Click here to access the short survey

Go here to access the information about the survey, including the easy read information sheet.

For More Information about this Project Contact:

• Name: Dr Laura Davy
• Position: Senior Lecturer, Crawford School of Public Policy
• Telephone: 02 6125 2558
• Email: Laura.Davy@anu.edu.au

ANU Human Research Ethics Coordinator

Phone: (02) 6125 3427
Email: Human.Ethics.Officer@anu.edu.au
Tell them this number: Protocol H/2024/0988

Applications Open for Research Grant to Support Researchers with Disability

SCOPE is offering a grant of up to $30,000 to support researchers with disability to carry out a project that aims to improve the lives of people with disability.

Applications for the 2025 grant are now open to early-career researchers who completed their PhD up to five years ago (excluding career disruptions) and are employed at an Australian university or other setting, such as a community service organization.

• The grant is for a 1–2 year research project that aligns with Scope’s research priority areas.

Associate Professor Stella Koritsas, Head of Research, said the grant is an important part of SCOPE’s commitment to ensuring research is led by people with disability.

“At Scope, we believe that research should be guided by the voices, experiences, and leadership of the communities it seeks to serve. This grant is an opportunity to support researchers with disability and foster equity.”

The grant is in recognition of Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, Chief Executive Officer of Scope from 2012 until 2022 and champion for people with disability and their families.

It was established to recognize her significant contribution to Scope and the disability sector, and her ongoing commitment to research and evidence-based practice.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORM HERE

Funds can be used to support a new project or an existing project where there is a funding gap. For full eligibility criteria, see the application form.

To apply, email your completed application form to Associate Professor Stella Koritsas at SKoritsas@scopeaust.org.au.

• Applications close on Friday 6 June 2025.

Volunteers Wanted for the Terrain Mapping using Radar Foot Project

Researchers from the Exertion Games Lab in Monash Faculty of IT’s Department of Human-Centred Computing are undertaking an innovative research project to generate detailed, terrain maps that capture surface type, slope, stairs and environmental factors like temperature and moisture.

These maps will help enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility or visual impairments by identifying hazards (e.g. wet surfaces, flood paths and stairs).

If you wish to volunteer for this study, you will wear a lightweight sensor on your shoes for one month when you’re on campus.

Ideally, you’ll track your movements for more than four hours, 3 to 5 days a week.

You’ll also use the companion app to upload more information about your surroundings when prompted – such as images of the terrain.

After the study you will receive a $20 gift card for your time and have the chance to provide feedback about the project in an optional follow-up interview.

The opportunity is open to all staff and students at Monash, including volunteers who:

• use wheelchairs and need to take accessible routes around campus
• have visual impairments and need environmental modifications and mobility aids to effectively navigate the terrain
• cycle and must take cyclist-friendly routes across campus.

If you express your interest, the research team will contact eligible participants and organize a briefing session to introduce the sensor and provide more detailed information.

The research team, led by Uvindu Kodikara and Ruchira Abeywardhane under the supervision of Dr Don Samitha Elvitigala, are seeking volunteers to participate in a month-long user study.

• This study is fully approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 42537)

Have questions? Get in touch with project co-lead Uvindu Kodikara at uvindukodikara@gmail.com.

YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE

Unlock Your Career Potential: Apply for Our Spring Mentoring Program!

Be Coached, Connected and Grow in your Career Journey

• Applications for the Australian Disability Network’s Spring intake of their Career Mentoring Program are now open!

This free, national program matches people with disabilities with experienced professionals from leading Australian organisations.

The Spring cohort runs from August to December 2025.

You are eligible if you:

• Are 18 years old or above
• Have any types of disability, mental health condition or chronic illness
• Can commit to the program from August to December 2025

SUBMIT A MENTEE APPLICATION HERE!

How Does it Work?

Mentors and mentees meet six to eight times over four months to set goals, discuss experiences, and explore career pathways.

This Program Offers:

• Personalised Mentorship: One-on-one guidance tailored to your career goals.
• Skill Development: Enhance your professional skills with targeted advice and practical tips.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network and connect with mentors and fellow mentees.
• Career Advancement: Gain insights and strategies to navigate your career path and achieve your professional aspirations.
• Long-term Impact: Build lasting relationships with your mentor that can continue to support your career development even after the program ends.

Join Our Information Sessions

Learn more about the program and application process in our information sessions:

• Session 1: Thursday, 22 May 2025 at 2 – 3pm (AEST). RSVP via the link here
• Session 2: Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 2 – 3pm (AEST). RSVP via the link here
• Session 3: Monday, 30 June 2025 at 2 – 3pm (AEST). RSVP via the link here

Register now to secure your spot!

• View session details here.

How to Apply

Submit your application via Mentorloop.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 30 June 2025.

• Previous applicants before 2025: Create a Mentorloop account and complete an application form.
• Existing Mentorloop users: Message the Program Coordinator via Mentorloop saying that you are ‘interested in participating in the Spring 2025 intake’. So we can consider you in our next matching process.

SUBMIT A MENTEE APPLICATION HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Visit our website and the Frequently Asked Questions here or contact our Programs Team at Applications@AusDN.org.au or call 02 8270 9200.

Student Sponsorship to ADCET UDL Symposium 2025

ADCET is offering 10 student sponsorships for the 2025 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Symposium:

• 5 in-person registrations for Sydney-based students
• 5 online registrations for students nationwide

Interested students should apply by Friday, May 30 2025, by submitting a brief statement that includes:

• Their interest in Universal Design for Learning
• Current program of study
• Preferred attendance format (in-person or online)

For further information and the application process, please direct students to:

Student Invitation: 2025 Universal Design for Learning Symposium

Exciting National Careers & Volunteer Week Events!

Design Your Career

• 15 May, 1:30 – 2:30pm, Clayton campus

In celebration of National Careers Week, this interactive session draws on insights from the Stanford Life Design Lab.

Students will explore tools, strategies, and design thinking principles to help them plan their career pathways with creativity and confidence.

Volunteer Your Way to Career Success

• 19 May, 12 – 1pm, Online Webinar

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, this panel event features student volunteers and industry professionals sharing how volunteering can boost employability, build networks, and unlock new opportunities.

• Check the Career Connect Upcoming Events page and register for the events on UniHub.

MATT Showcase: an Open Invitation

Alex Wilson is head of outreach at the Monash Assistive Technology Team, a student team focusing on creating assistive technology solutions for underserved communities.

Alex and his team are excited to announce their MATT Showcase event coming up next Tuesday the 6th of May from 12-2pm in the Building 63 Collaboration Space, Monash Clayton campus.

This event focuses on showcasing all of the wonderful work that their projects teams have been putting in, and they would really value your attendance!

MATT Showcase – Come and See Our Projects!

• Time: 12-2pm
• Date: 6th of May
• Location: Building 63, Collaboration Space

Come by for a visit as we showcase all the work the team has put into our projects!

*For more information check out their website!