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Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)  

Dear students,  

You’re almost at the half-way mark of semester. Congratulations on your hard work so far, I hope you’re enjoying your studies and feeling proud of yourselves. I also hope you’re able to make the most of the mid-semester break, whether that means resting, catching up or getting ahead.  

Now I’d like to inform you of some personal news. I’ve made the difficult decision not to continue my role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) at the University after my term finishes in May 2027.  

The most important part of my job has always and will continue to be making a positive impact on students. The best part of my day is when I speak with you and hear your stories, like Master of Computer Science student Chandrahaas’s story about how our Careers Centre helped him build career confidence and skills. I take great pride in seeing you thrive and succeed at university.  

You’ll still be hearing from me as I continue to support you and your teachers during my remaining time at the University.  

Best,   

Joanne   

Professor Joanne Wright   
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

Planning on working throughout the mid-semester break? Know the minimum wage 🧐

In Australia, everyone – including international students – has work rights protected by law. If you’re 21 or older, the National Minimum Wage is currently $26.44 per hour before tax. Depending on your industry or occupation, an award or enterprise agreement may entitle you to a higher rate. If you’re under 21, you may be entitled to junior pay rates, which are usually a percentage of the relevant adult rate.

Learn more about your entitlements and what to do if something doesn’t seem right via the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Have your say in the SRC elections 🗳️

Voting in the 2026 SRC elections and referendum takes place from 22–24 September. If you're an undergraduate student, make sure you stop by a polling booth and vote for the students who will represent your interests next year. Find out where and when to vote via the SRC elections page.

Getting a new phone? Don't lock yourself out 🔒

Upgrading to the new iPhone 18 or iPhone Duo? Ensure that Okta is fully activated on your new iPhone before replacing your old phone. If you're trading in your old phone make sure to unenrol your mobile device. You can also set up Okta on your secondary device, such as an iPad or backup phone so you don't lose access to university systems. 

Register with Inclusion and Disability Services for support in formal exams 📝

If you have a disability, medical condition, or carer responsibilities (temporary or ongoing) that may disadvantage you in your formal examinations, you might be eligible for reasonable adjustments through Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS). To be approved for adjustments in your Semester 2 formal exams, you'll need to: apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by Wednesday 7 October (Week 9). 

If you're enrolled in an intensive unit which has a final exam, please ensure you are registered with IDS prior to the relevant cut-off date for that unit.

Whether you’re powering through study sessions or lagging through your lectures ahead of the mid‑sem break, affordable food can make all the difference. From $5 meals at the new University Canteen (featured in the above pic!) to discounted dinners and student deals, there are plenty of budget-friendly options across campus to keep you going.

Here’s where to refuel this semester:

$5 meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the University Canteen (Level 2 (ground floor), Electrical Engineering Building) 🍛

$5 fresh and ready-to-heat meals delivered to Carslaw Learning Hub East 🚚

$5 Campus Classics at Ralph’s Café 🥪

USU Student Savers: cheap eats under $6 (make sure you're a USU member!)📱

$6 after 6 pm at Abercrombie (you'll also need your USU membership for this one) 🌙

$5 My Muscle Chef meals at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre and The Arena 🏋️‍♀️

Vending machines across campus (search 'VM' on Campus Maps) 🥡

Curious about studying in New York? The NYU Local Exchange at Sydney gives FASS students the chance to study a unit through New York University right here on campus. It’s a great way to broaden your perspective and try something different alongside your degree. Interested? Applications close Thursday 15 October.

Applications for the Student Life Ambassador program are now open! As a Student Life Ambassador, you'll play a key role in welcoming new students and supporting major events. It's a great opportunity to build your confidence, develop professional skills and connect with students from across the University. Applications are now open until 28 September via Workday.

The latest ShanghaiRanking Global Rankings of Academic Subjects has placed six University of Sydney subjects in the global top 20, with Sydney now ranked #1 in Australia across 5 subjects: Transportation Science & Technology, Public Health, Library & Information Science, Communication, and Mathematics.

Need a quiet spot to cram, revise or just looking to change up your study scenery? From 21 September to 29 October, Darling Square and Green Square libraries are staying open late until 9 pm, Monday to Thursday. With fewer distractions, a calm environment and more time to revise, these late-night study spaces are just what you need for exam prep. Find out more via the City of Sydney website.

Last week, we reminded you to look out for magpies at known swooping areas like outside Fisher Library and The Quad. This week, we want to know your strategy when it comes to staying safe from our feathered friends.

Sitting your exam: what you need to know

Only bring and use the materials, tools and technology listed in your unit outline and exam instructions. Do not use notes, textbooks, unapproved calculators, headphones, phones or other electronic/communication devices.

During the exam, do not communicate with anyone, use generative AI or unapproved technology, copy another student’s work, access information electronically, share exam questions or answers, or allow anyone else to complete the exam for you. Follow all examination conditions and staff instructions.

For more details, visit: the Academic Integrity web page.

Feedback on the coursework and curriculum policy framework  

We’re reviewing the University's coursework and curriculum policy framework to deliver transformational change that is user-centred and clearly understood – and we want your input. Review the Coursework Students Policy suite from Tuesday 22 September and give your feedback by Wednesday 7 October 2026. 

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a time for reflection, prayer and fasting, observed from sunset on Sunday 20 September until nightfall on Monday 21 September. Many Jewish people spend the day in synagogue services, seeking forgiveness and renewal for the year ahead.

Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur to all who observe. ✨

Giselle playing Mars First Logistics on the Ludolio platform in Fisher Library. Photo: University of Sydney

What if you could borrow video games the same way you borrow books? Thanks to a new platform called Ludolio you can! Via the Library you're now able to access a growing collection of digital games.

For Giselle, a Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts student, the platform opened up a whole new way of learning: "As someone new to game design, discovering games I wouldn’t normally have come across has expanded my idea of what games can look like, what they can communicate and what they allow us to experience."

Whether you're interested in game design, storytelling, digital media or simply looking for something new to play, Ludolio gives you free access to a curated collection of games, with more titles on the way.

Ever wanted to learn Spanish while living in Spain? For the first time, undergraduate students with little to no language experience can study Spanish at the University of Alicante through the OLE In-Country Experience program. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and explore a historic city on the Mediterranean coast. Places are limited, with applications closing Thursday 8 October.

Join the Library for a Moon Festival Celebration on the Fisher Library Roof Terrace this Thursday 24 September. Enjoy mooncakes, take in the rooftop views and celebrate one of East Asia's most cherished traditions. Whether you're a longtime Moon Festival fan or simply here for the mooncakes, everyone's welcome. ✨

Artwork by Chloe Harper titled A Shared Path-Outdoor

What would a more inclusive and effective disability system look like? Join the Centre for Disability Research and Policy's online seminar From Reform Fatigue to a More Positive Future: Rethinking How We Build Disability Systems on Thursday 24 September, 1–2 pm. Presented by Dr Jade McEwen, the session explores how research, policy and lived experience can work together to create better outcomes for people with disability.

The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is closing next Monday 28 September. Please consider taking some time to share your experiences and help shape future student safety and support initiatives across Australian universities.

To participate in the survey, locate the email in your student inbox from safetysurvey@roymorgan.com, with the following subject line: ‘Share your Experience – National Student Safety Survey 2026’ and follow the instructions included.

Keep in touch

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