Survival Week 26 - 29 March 2007

Surviving the first few weeks of university can be tough. Student Survival Week (SSW) shows students where to go to find help with adjusting to university life. As a Monash University student you are eligible to many free services and support. Don't suffer in silence. Make use of the help that is on hand.

MUBS in collaboration with Health, Wellbeing and Development have a range of activities planned to help students survive university life whilst having fun.View the week's activities.

Berwick unveils commemorative glass panels and storyboards

The stage is set for the unveiling of the longawaited glass artwork panels (pictured left) and storyboards to celebrate the history of the Berwick campus site.

Created by artist Kristin McFarlane, a fomer Monash student well-known for her work with the Australia Day awards, the newest editions to the Berwick campus will make their debut in a special ceremony on Tuesday the 3rd of April at 3.30pm in the foyer of building 901.

Members of the local community, Monash staff and students have been invited, however everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Ingrid Vanderputt by 28 March on 03 9904 7003 or ingrid.vanderputt@adm.monash.edu.au.

Aged care facilities give back to communities

A recent study conducted by six academics at Monash University Berwick in collaboration with Monash Research for an Ageing Society (MonRAS) has found that Australian retirement villages impact positively on local communities through volunteering and community engagement, challenging the perception that aged care facilities drain government resources.

Results in the report: Retirement Villages and their Impact on Existing Communities: A Literature Review, indicated that retirement villages promote a sense of wellbeing among residents that encourages volunteering, community engagement and labour market participation.

“Retirement Villages act to strengthen communities by supporting networks and civic activities in ways that boost social capital,” said Associate Professor Lionel Frost from the Department of Economics at Monash University’s Berwick campus.

“They can also exert a positive influence on the wider communities within which they are located, as village residents use local businesses, services and public spaces and contribute to local civic life and cultural activities.”

Village residents reported higher levels of satisfaction with friends and social life following their residential move, with respondents citing the positive sense of community and increased opportunities for friendships as key factors.

The amenity-rich nature of retirement villages reduce barriers such as lack of disabled access, lack of companions, transport difficulties, safety concerns and lack of local opportunities or information by providing a focus and accessible locations for community activities.

“This report strengthens the notion that retirement villages contribute socially to local communities, especially those undergoing a transition to an ageing society.

Online survey helps with a smooth transition to university life

Monash Berwick Survival Week 2007 includes the launch of an online survey for first year students developed by the University’s Transition and Counselling managers.

The survey points first year students in the direction of relevant services and support via an email generated by their responses to survey questions.

Questions cover academic, financial, emotional , social and accommodation needs. Students can then rate their level of concern if they have any.

Students who require the most assistance are encouraged to attend a meeting with their faculty advisor to help to overcome any issues they may be experiencing.

This program helps to support students who might otherwise not receive any assistance to continue with their university studies.

First year students who complete the survey have the opportunity to win a $50 Coles Myer voucher.