Dear Student A warm welcome to our new students joining us for the first time this semester! If you're returning to University after the mid-year break (or if you’ve been here all the way through) we wish you another successful semester.Ping! is your news from Flinders University in the one email, every week of semester. In this edition:
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Advice for new students Last semester (through Ping!) we asked students “What's the best piece of advice you could give to new students starting at Flinders?” We received over 200 responses! Most of the advice shared fell into five main areas: take care of yourself, make the effort to meet new people, don’t be afraid to ask for help, seize opportunities, and plan ahead. This advice is worth its weight in gold for commencing students. It can also be useful for continuing students too. Click here for a snapshot of what students said! |
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Share your experience with us for free lunch! Please join us for an interactive session to explore your Flinders' experience. We are interested in your insights, current and past experiences and expectations. The sessions will be held on Friday 9 August at Studio 2 (Bedford Park campus behind Grind & Press map ref J10). Choose between two session times: 11.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm. To attend email crmteam@flinders.edu.au. Participants will receive a $10 Grind & Press Cafe voucher. The session is open to all current students. |
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Last day to enrol – 9 August Just a reminder that next Friday 9 August is the last day to enrol in Semester 2 topics. If you are yet to enrol in all your topics, and need some help, visit the Enrolment Support Centre on campus at Flinders Connect or call 1300 354 633. |
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Student success story – Jack Luxton Postgraduate student Jack Luxton has been awarded the 2018 Borrie Prize in the Masters/Honours category. This extremely competitive prize is awarded by the Australian Population Association (APA) each year for the best paper in demography/population studies (Masters/Honours category) in Australian universities. Congrats Jack! Read more. |
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Mid-year scholarship applications now open Applications are now open for Flinders University mid-year scholarships which provide financial support to students who need it. You don’t need to be a top performing student to be granted a scholarship – many are awarded based on financial hardship. The application process is simple. Just click the ‘My Scholarships’ tab in the Student System (access through Okta). Read more about the scholarships available. Applications close 5 August. |
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Master your money - financial fitness workshopsMastering your money isn’t always common 'cents'! That's why FUSA is teaching you how to flex the financial way. Held throughout August, ‘Master Your Money’ is a two-part series of workshops dedicated to navigating your finances as a uni student. You’ll also get a free on-campus meal voucher for each workshop you attend. Learn more about the topics covered on the FUSA website. For more information about the workshops see the Facebook event. |
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Financial hardship grants openThis financial hardship grant scheme is available for students in their second year and during Semester 2 only. The value of individual grants awarded will be $500. For more information and to fill out the online application form head to the FUSA website. |
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Free tax helpFUSA, in conjunction with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are offering FREE help with your tax return. If you earn less than $60,000 per year and don't have an ABN, tax help volunteers can help you sort your tax return. They're fully trained and supported by the ATO. Take the stress out of tax by contacting FUSA on (08) 8201 2371 to book an appointment. |
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FUSA development grants now openSo you want to do something amazing during your time as a student? Perhaps you want to attend a leadership event or take part in that incredible workshop you stumbled across? FUSA may be able to help. FUSA Development Grants are awarded twice a year, for amounts up to $800. The amount you apply for can’t exceed 85% of the budgeted costs, but a grant will certainly help you get on your way. Visit the FUSA website for more information. |
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Justice of the Peace (JP) service on campusDo you have documents that require certification, or do you need to verify your identity? If so, please visit our Justice of the Peace drop-in sessions over the coming month. Services offered include: witness documents (e.g. affidavit/statutory declaration), certify copies of original documents, certify/verify identity.Dates: Thursdays, 1 to 29 August |Times: 2.15pm to 3.45pm | Location: Room 168, 1st Floor Hub (next to Empire Times), Bedford Park |
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Allow extra time to get to campusStudents travelling to Flinders University by road should be aware of significant access changes for the next stage of the Darlington Project, which may increase travel time to campus. Motorists may be required to position themselves in a different lane to reach Flinders. Please observe signage and see the information on the DPTI website for details. |
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Check your parking permitIf you drive to Bedford Park or Sturt and use a vPermit, double check it hasn't expired. (If you purchased a six-month permit at the start of the year it would have expired on 30 June). You can check your vPermit status through Okta or visit the Flinders parking webpage. |
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Conflict Resolution and Negotiation WorkshopThis workshop will explore how to build more effective relationships within the workplace, as well as develop a toolkit of strategies to help you to defuse and manage difficult situations.Date: Thursday, 1 August | Time: 1.30pm to 3pm | Location: Room 1300, Physical Sciences Building, Bedford Park (map ref E10) | Register here. |
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Interview Skills WorkshopThis hands on workshop will give you skills and know how to prepare effectively for your interview and maximise your opportunities of landing a job.Date: Friday 2 August | Time: 11am-12.30pm | Location: Room 239, Social Sciences North (map ref G7) | Register here. Congrats! You've found the winning article. For a chance to win a coffee voucher click here. |
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Footbridge openThe Flinders University footbridge, which connects Bedford Park Campus and Sturt has reopened after upgrade works. The upgrade included installation of an enclosure, structural upgrades to support the added weight of the canopy, and standard renewal of the 50-year old infrastructure. Lighting and CCTV have also been upgraded. The additional Flinders Living shuttle bus service which was temporarily running will now cease, however the campus loop bus will continue to provide connection between Bedford Park and Sturt. For more information email pfd@flinders.edu.au |
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Flinders Pantry + Café upgrades at SturtImprovement works are progressing at the Flinders Pantry + Café. Over the next few weeks food available will include soup, pies, pasties and sausage rolls, sandwiches, baguettes and wraps, cold rolls, salads and buddha bowls, snacks, coffee and cold drinks. The new coffee counter is fully operational. For disability access, please order food and drink from the coffee counter. There will also be food trucks at Sturt, providing more food options. See flinders.edu.au/food for up-to-date info about food trucks. |
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Central Library worksIn order to improve the delivery of student services at the heart of our campus, there will be some construction works in the Central Library from late July to September. The level 2 group study rooms will relocate to level 1 rooms 113 and 114 from 22 July, and there will be noise and workers on site, using lifts and corridors, at times. Alternative study spaces are available on other levels or in the Student Hub 24/7 if required. Thank you for your patience while these important works are underway. |
Free counselling services at FlindersFlinders provides a free and confidential counselling service to all students, including students studying entirely online. Qualified and experienced counsellors can help with both personal and academic issues. To make an appointment during business hours (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) visit flinders.edu.au/hcd or call (08) 8201 2118.Outside of these hours, crisis counselling support is available by calling 1300 512 409 or texting 0488 884 103. This includes weekends and public holidays. |
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Professional Development Workshop ProgramFlinders Psychology Students Mental, Physical and Chronic Illness Network invites you to participate in interactive workshops that explore useful strategies for personal, academic and professional development, from those managing chronic conditions themselves. Each workshop will feature a special guest speaker and free morning or afternoon tea. Attend all three workshops or pick and choose your dates. All workshops will be held at Oasis Community and Wellbeing Centre (map ref J7). Register to attend any or all of the sessions below by emailing flinders.psychology.network@gmail.com |
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Want to jump-start your career in science?The 2019 Future Scientist Award is an opportunity for final-year science students and recent graduates to increase their employability, through being named a 2019 Kelly Future Scientist. The winning student will also receive a cash prize of $1,000! An information session is being held on Tuesday 20 August, to help students increase their chances of submitting a winning application. The event will include application tips and industry advice. |
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Study human rights law while travelling South AmericaIf you're considering studying human rights law, why not do it over three weeks in Argentina as an elective! AIM Overseas' International Human Rights Law in Argentina program will give you an academic experience like no other. Visit the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, talk with the local NGOs who are defending individual human rights, and learn about Argentina's complex relationship with human rights abuse throughout history. First-year students may be eligible. Find out more about the January 2020 law programs here. |
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Get to know your CollegeAll undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree by research students in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) are invited to lunch in the HASS College Front (map ref H8). Join other students in your course to meet the College Vice-President and Dean of Education and to share your ideas and feedback. Tea and coffee and a light lunch is provided. See below for dates specific to your course:
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Celebrate outstanding writers at the Young Playwrights' AwardYou're invited to the presentation of the 2019 Flinders University Young Playwrights' Award, with a staged reading of this year's winning senior category play. This free event provides a fantastic opportunity to see a new play from an exciting young voice. Award winner Zachary Sheridan will work with a professional creative team to develop The Dead before bringing it to the Dunstan Playhouse stage at this special event. |
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Drop-in appointments with counsellors & disability advisorsWould you like to chat to a counsellor or disability advisor over a free coffee? Please feel free to drop into the reception area of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in the Humanities Building (behind security) for a 20-minute drop in appointment between 9am and 4pm on the following dates: 1 August, 15 August or 29 August. |
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A message from Sebastian Raneskold, Vice-President and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)I am delighted to welcome you to Flinders University and to our stunning campus! To all our current students, welcome back, and I trust you had a good break. Read more.
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International Student Awards open – win a trip to Kangaroo Island!Study Adelaide’s International Student Awards are an opportunity to have your achievements recognised during your time in Adelaide. Award categories include; Academic Excellence, Sporting Excellence, Entrepreneurship/Innovation, Community Engagement, Arts and Cultural Achievement, Student Event of the Year and International Student of the Year (Major Prize).
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Flinders International Student Orientation (FISO)If haven’t attended a Flinders International Student Orientation (FISO) session yet, two more sessions are being held. Attending a FISO session is compulsory for all international students (except Australia Awards scholarship holders) as it covers important information on enrolment, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), University support services, work conditions, university policies and more. It’s also a chance to ask questions and meet other students. Session details below:
Date: Thursday 1 August OR Friday 9 August | Time: 1.00pm to 3.00pm | Location: Meet at the International Centre, opposite the Alan Mitchell Sports Centre (map ref H11) | Register to attend a FISO session. |
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Join International Student Services for a cuppaThe International Student Services (ISS) team will hold an August Cuppa (afternoon tea) on 14 August. Come along to meet international students from student clubs and student associations as well as other University support staff.
Date: Wednesday 14 August | Time: 2.30pm to 4.00pm | Location: Oasis Community and Wellbeing Centre (map ref J7) |
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Have your say about the new HELP loan portalThe team at the Department of Education is in the final design stage of a new HELP loan portal for students called myHELPbalance. They need your help to ensure the portal is seamless and user friendly. If you have a spare few minutes complete their survey before Friday 9 August. |
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We want your feedback!If you have feedback about the Ping! all student newsletter, we'd love to hear it. Email your feedback through to: student.experience@flinders.edu.au
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Food trucks – back by popular demand! Feel like something different for lunch? Food trucks are back for Semester 2 at Anchor Court and Sturt! Grab some tasty bites from Tiki Taco, Squid Inc, Taste of Spain, Beyond India, Toly Vietnamese or Moorish Bites. See the Flinders website for dates and times. |
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Do you have an article for Ping? Students are invited to submit articles for Ping! if they meet the criteria outlined in the Ping! guidelines. Visit the Ping! page on the current students website to view the Ping! guidelines, FAQs and to submit an article. |
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The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. Flinders University makes every effort to ensure the information is up to date and correct, but makes no representations or provides no warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information contained in this newsletter. Flinders University does not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided. |
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