Having trouble viewing this email? View the online version

The University is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and visitors that prevents and responds to racism and other discriminatory conduct. As one part of our ongoing work to combat all forms of racism and discrimination, we have developed a draft Anti-racism Policy which includes definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The University is required to adopt definitions of these terms by 1 January 2027, and we have consulted widely with the Group of Eight universities on the draft definitions. 

We are now seeking feedback from all students and all staff on the draft policy by midnight Friday 6 November. Feedback can be provided via the draft Anti-racism Policy 2026 survey.  

The University recognises the importance of lived experience and is engaging in targeted consultations with relevant communities while broad consultation is underway. We are committed to ensuring that these essential consultations are respectful, inclusive, safe, transparent and trauma-informed.  

We take seriously our responsibility to foster an inclusive, anti-racist community, and we acknowledge the Anti-racism Policy covers topics that are sensitive, deeply personal, and which warrant thorough consideration. Regrettably, we have a compressed consultation timeframe arising from externally-imposed deadlines. We will, however, review the Policy and the operation of any associated procedures and processes over the following twelve months.

Your wellbeing matters. Compassionate and confidential support is available to all students: 

Assessments and exams don’t have to be scary – stay prepared with the Learning Hub 👻

Feeling haunted by deadlines? The Learning Hub is your academic ghostbuster. Learn how to tackle group assignments, manage extensions, and prep for exams without the fright.

Get your calculator approved 🔢

Planning on using a calculator for your exam? Some calculators are pre-approved and don’t need approval. If yours isn’t on the pre-approved list, bring it in to get the University sticker confirming it’s allowed in your exam. Find out which calculators are pre-approved and how to get approval on the Calculator dictionary page.

Stay organised with your study dashboard on the Student Portal 📑

If you're trying to reset your study habits ahead of exams, we hear you. Stay organised and on top of your workload via your study dashboard in the Student Portal, where you can add and view your upcoming assessments, exams and your to-do list all in one place.

Exam season is coming up and a little preparation goes a long way. Before the big day(s), check your exam time and venue, prepare to arrive early, and make sure you understand the rules so you know what to bring and what to leave behind.

✅ Allowed (check your exam requirements where applicable)

🚫 Not allowed

📌 Remember! Follow the exam instructions carefully. Switch off your phone and store your belongings as directed. If you’re unsure about anything, check the in-person exam guide before your exam.

💜 Protect your hard work
Be wary of services offering exam answers, assessment help or guaranteed marks – even if they look like legitimate tutoring. Using these services could put your academic integrity at risk. Learn how to spot a cheating service.

🙌 Need a hand?
The Learning Hub has resources and support to help you prepare for assessments and exams. Choose the right support, follow the rules, and set yourself up for a confident exam season!

Our Community Festival is coming up next Saturday 7 November, with a full day of live entertainment, hands-on workshops, inspiring talks, guided tours and activities to enjoy with friends and family.

Register by this Sunday 1 November and you’ll also go in the draw to win a Community Festival prize pack worth $450, featuring University merch, a Barry the Ibis plush, Quadrangle building bricks and your choice of a $150 Best Restaurants voucher or Taronga Zoo Annual Membership.

Ever noticed how birdsong can make things feel a little calmer? Research suggests listening to birdsong can help reduce stress, ease anxiety and even sharpen your attention. Sydney Conservatorium of Music researcher Dr Hollis Taylor explores where songbirds came from, how they learn to sing and why simply slowing down and listening can be good for us.

The former Prime Minister of New Zealand will be affiliated with the School of Public Health and work closely with the Sydney Policy Lab and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor on leadership, public health, civic trust and global challenges. You’ll also have opportunities to hear from her through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring across the University.

Photo credit: Stephanie Zingsheim

What would it take to grow food on Mars? Sydney PhD student Daniel Irving has created the first comprehensive classification system and map of Martian soils, developing a new framework that could help scientists compare landscapes across the red planet and identify promising locations for future exploration, habitation and even food production.

Voting for student elections closes Monday 2 November

Voting closes next Monday 2 November 4 pm (AEDT) for a range of student positions on Senate, Academic Board, faculty boards, University school boards, faculties and University schools.

Students eligible to vote in these elections will receive an automatically generated email from BigPulse (third party preferential voting software) to their student email account.

For a list of candidates and key dates, see the Student Elections webpage. Any enquiries should be directed to secretariat.elections@sydney.edu.au.

Update to parking arrangements for 2027 

If you park on campus, some changes are on the way. Next year, parking on our Camperdown/Darlington campus will move from CellOPark to OPark. The discounted parking cap for students will increase from $5 to $8.50 per day. It’s one part of a longer program to adjust parking settings, advance sustainability and make getting to campus easier through a wider range of transport options. Find out what’s already changed and what’s coming next.

Have your say on the revised Cyber Security policy by Friday 6 November

The University is inviting students and staff to provide feedback on the revised Cyber Security policy. The revised policy has been informed by a range of initiatives, including integrating cyber risk management and reporting, due diligence, and governance improvements. 

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is observed across 1–2 November, offering a time to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died.

Rooted in Indigenous Mexican traditions and later influenced by Catholic observances, Día de los Muertos is marked by colourful altars, marigolds, favourite foods, music and gatherings with family and community. Rather than being a sombre occasion, it’s a celebration of life, memory and connection.

You can also celebrate Mexican culture on campus this weekend at Viva Mexico | Day of the Dead Spectacular at the Seymour Centre, featuring Mexican music, folkloric dance, a traditional altar and Day of the Dead market.

Wishing a meaningful Día de los Muertos to all who observe. 🌸

A huge shoutout to our recent graduates! Congratulations on reaching such an exciting milestone! We hope you enjoyed celebrating all your hard work with your friends, family and fellow grads. 🫶

Have a graduation coming up? Above is just a snapshot of what you can look forward to – from donning your cap and gown to celebrating your big moment on campus. Your turn will be here before you know it! 🎓

Already graduated? Your Sydney connection doesn’t end here. Join the University of Sydney Alumni Community on LinkedIn and keep your details up to date to stay connected with fellow grads and hear about alumni news, events and opportunities.

If study is getting a little overwhelming, put the notes down and give your brain a break. As a Sydney student, you have free access to a range of news, content and puzzles – and there’s plenty to explore beyond the headlines.

🧩 Switch off with a puzzle – tackle the Daily Crossword, Sudoku or Target Time with The Sydney Morning Herald.
🍜 Find your next food fix – explore Good Food for restaurant reviews, recipes and more.
📰 Catch up on what’s happening – access The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian and The Daily Telegraph for free.

Whether you’re after a five-minute brain break, your next dinner spot or the day’s headlines, we’ve got you covered.

Last week, you told us your favourite way to focus on your wellbeing was getting active. Why not join a free yoga class in MacLaurin Hall this Wednesday 28 October, from 12:10–12:55 pm. All levels are welcome, so whether you’re a regular yogi or just looking for a relaxing way to spend your lunch break, drop in and zen out.

If you’ve noticed a few more visitors fluttering around Sydney lately, you’re not alone. Bogong moths have been appearing in huge numbers – despite being an endangered species. So, what’s going on? In a video on our Instagram account, Dr Caitlin Forster explains why there are so many bogong moths around Sydney, where they’ve come from and how long they’re likely to stick around.

Keep in touch

Copyright © 2026 The University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
Phone +61 2 9351 2222 ABN 15 211 513 464 CRICOS Number: 00026A

We recognise and pay respect to the Elders and communities – past, present, and emerging – of the lands that the University of Sydney’s campuses stand on. For thousands of years they have shared and exchanged knowledges across innumerable generations for the benefit of all.

Please add university.communications@sydney.edu.au to your address book or senders safe list to make sure you continue to see our emails in the future.

Have news? Share it with us