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Know what to expect in your exams

Final exams are just around the corner (Tuesday 10 – Saturday 21 June) and usually take place after STUVAC. Now’s a good time to check your exam timetable and visit Canvas for each unit to confirm formats, locations and any take-home components. Not all exams look the same — plan ahead so there are no surprises.

Take a break from your studies and check out Vivid 🌃

It’s that time of year! Vivid Sydney is back from this Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June, offering free events and light installations across the city. Whether you’re exploring the light displays at Circular Quay, live music at Darling Harbour, or indulging in culinary delights, there’s something for everyone.

Familiarise yourself with special consideration and extensions, and the difference between the two ✍️

A simple extension is an informal arrangement where you can receive an extension of five calendar days for non-examination tasks, such as written assignments or oral presentations.

If you can't complete an exam or need an extension for a longer period of time due to exceptional circumstances or essential commitments, you may be eligible to  apply for special consideration.

Power naps, Pomodoro breaks, puppy cuddles and free gelato – we asked Peer Support Advisors and Student Life Ambassadors, fellow students, about how they’re prioritising their wellbeing during exams. Read their tips and check out this week’s wellbeing events on campus.

Looking to boost good feels and give back to your community? Submit an expression of interest to become a faculty or school mentor in Semester 2 for the opportunity to support students at the beginning of their university journey. 

We asked Ronick, current student and Faculty of Engineering mentor, about his experience of being a mentor this semester:

“It’s fulfilling to help people who are just starting.

"It’s like watching a baby bird learning to fly – seeing someone find their feet at uni and knowing you’ve helped makes it all worth it.” 

Learn more about what's involved and support available to you as a mentor. 

A new Undergraduate Student Fellow of Senate has been announced

Ethan Floyd, Bachelor of Arts, has been elected as the Undergraduate Student Fellow of Senate. Visit the Student Elections page to view the results.

University of Sydney does not condone student resolution 

The University of Sydney categorically does not endorse or condone the views or resolutions of a recent Student General Meeting (SGM), which was attended by about 200 people - less than half a percent of our student population. 

Prior to the meeting we had multiple conversations with student bodies to stress students must not engage in hate speech and that we require respectful dialogue. We understand participants were instructed by the SRC Chair that they were permitted to express disagreement in a non-disruptive manner, such as by turning their backs. While we appreciate that this practice was intended to avoid interjections from the audience, we understand the actions of some in the audience turning their backs on speakers could be considered disrespectful in the circumstances.

We recognise that the conflict in the Middle East is deeply personal for many, and that members of our community hold a wide range of views. We support the right of our students to express their views safely but we want to be clear: student representatives and student-led groups speak for themselves not the University. 

With exam season coming up, we'll be sharing a series of events across the University for you to take a break from your studies and unwind.

This week, join us for a feel-good break with therapy dogs at New Law Lawns on Eastern Avenue. Cuddle a friendly pup, relax with friends, and spark a conversation that could change a life!

We've shared a few more events from this week below, but check out the full list of wellbeing events.

Need a moment to unwind? Stop by the Faculty of Science wellbeing pop-up desk on Wednesday 21 May at Carslaw (F07) from 10 am – 2 pm for a well-deserved break with free coffee, fresh pastries and fruit.

Fuel your focus with a fresh brew! Swing by the Hearth café on Thursday 22 May 8:30 – 10:30 am
to recharge and conquer those assessments!

Our Food and Study Buddy Kits event is here to provide you with everything you need to stay focused, energised, and productive. Join us at Belinda Hutchison (H70) building on Thursday 22 May 10 am – 1 pm

The Learning Hub has a ton of workshops and resources to help you prepare for your final assessments and exams. From drop-in chats with our Learning Success Advisors at Fisher Library (available Monday to Friday, 2–4 pm during semester) to a one-off exams preparedness workshop next Wednesday 28 May online, there's plenty of help available to you in the lead up to end of semester.

Remember, free and legitimate academic support is always available to you. Never engage with external services that claim to be University-affiliated, who will offer to do your work for you or suggest they can provide live exam assistance. Using these services is considered contract cheating, which is illegal under Australian law and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Head to Chau Chak Wing Museum to see one of their newest exhibitions, Mungari: Fishing, Resistance, Return.

Mungari, a fishing songline in Dharawal culture, celebrates the long-awaited homecoming of four of the most significant fishing spears in Australian history. The Chau Chak Wing Museum is proud to present this display during the period the University of Sydney has been entrusted with the temporary care of the Gweagal Spears before their continued journey to Gweagal clan lands and keeping place at Gundal (Kurnell, NSW).

Loneliness is becoming more common, and it's making us sick. But why? 

Find out in The Solutionists Season 4, Episode 5, where Professor Melody Ding, epidemiologist and population behavioural scientist, explores how good community design can combat loneliness. 

Join coach and career strategist Tess Everingham for Career Catalyst, a free in-person workshop on Thursday 29 May to help you build an authentic, impactful personal brand and take control of your career with confidence. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait!

For people with type 1 diabetes, managing the condition often means multiple injections every day. But that could soon change. Learn more about the University of Sydney researchers developing a smart insulin pill that could make life easier for people like Jasmine and millions more around the world.

Keep in touch

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