Student Textbook Subsidy FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the subsidy?
All students who were enrolled in a course at UWS in 2012 (full time or part time) AND are continuing their course or commencing a different course at UWS in Autumn 2013 are eligible to receive the $50 textbook subsidy. This includes continuing undergraduate, postgraduate, domestic, international, SGSM, Unitrack, non-award and UWS College Diploma and Foundation students, who studied at UWS last year. Students must have been enrolled at UWS in 2012 to be eligible.
I am a first year student; am I eligible?
No, the subsidy is only for ongoing students who were enrolled in a course at UWS in 2012. Unless you were enrolled at UWS in 2012 you will not be eligible.
Are postgraduate students eligible?
Yes, both postgraduate and undergraduate students who were enrolled in a course at UWS in 2012 and are either continuing their course or commencing a different course at UWS in Autumn this year, are eligible.
I studied part time at UWS in 2012 – am I eligible?
Yes – both part time and full time students who studied at UWS in 2012 are eligible if they are are either continuing their course or commencing a different course at UWS in Autumn Session this year.
I am a UWS College graduate starting a UWS course this year; am I eligible?
If you studied at UWS College in 2012 and are studying at UWS in Autumn Session this year, you are eligible to receive the subsidy.
I transferred UWS courses this year; am I eligible?
Yes, if you studied at UWS in 2012 and transferred to a different course at UWS in Autumn 2013, you are eligible.
I received advanced standing from another institution; am I eligible?
No, you are not eligible unless you were enrolled at UWS in 2012 AND are either continuing your course or commencing a different course at UWS in Autumn session this year.
Are graduate entry Nursing and Law students eligible?
No, unfortunately students entering these programs are not eligible unless they were studying at UWS in 2012.
Who is not eligible?
Students who are not eligible to receive the textbook subsidy include: students who were not enrolled in a course at UWS in 2012, English Language Program students, and students who are only enrolled in a Unistep program.
What if I have already purchased my textbooks for this session?
You may wish to use your subsidy for other items such as stationery, Connect Fitness membership or classes, uwsconnect sporting or recreational activities, first aid courses and uniforms. If you are using your subsidy at a Connect Central retail outlet, you can also purchase food and beverage items to help round out the total to $50.
You have until 1 September 2013 to use your subsidy so you may choose to use it to purchase textbooks for Spring Session.
My course doesn’t require textbooks; can I use my subsidy for anything else?
Yes. In addition to textbooks, the subsidy can be used for the following items: stationery, Connect Fitness membership or classes, uwsconnect sporting or recreational activities, first aid courses and uniforms. If you are using your subsidy at a Connect Central retail outlet, you can also purchase food and beverage items to help round out the total to $50.
How do I use my subsidy?
You will need to present your subsidy letter and student ID card at a uwsconnect outlet when making your purchase. Your use of the subsidy will be recorded, and penalties will apply to any attempt to re-use a subsidy.
Where can I use my subsidy?
You can spend your subsidy at any of the following uwsconnect outlets on campus: Connect Books, a Connect Central retail outlet or Connect Fitness. Please note that you cannot use your subsidy at other uwsconnect outlets, such as cafes and restaurants.
Can I use my subsidy to pay for meals at uwsconnect?
No. If you are using your subsidy at a Connect Central retail outlet, you can purchase food and beverage items to help round out the total to $50, but you cannot use the subsidy at uwsconnect cafes and restaurants.
Can I use my subsidy for online purchases?
No – the subsidy can only be used in-store at Connect Books, Connect Central or Connect Fitness.
Can I use the subsidy to pay for anything at uwsconnect?
No, the subsidy can only be used for the following items: textbooks, stationery, Connect Fitness membership or classes, uwsconnect sporting or recreational activities, first aid courses and uniforms. If you are using your subsidy at a Connect Central retail outlet, it can also be used to purchase food and beverage items to help round out the total to $50.
It cannot be used to purchase UWS merchandise or giftware.
Can I use the textbook subsidy to purchase a fiction book?
The textbook subsidy is designed to assist students with the costs of purchasing textbooks for their study. You can only use your subsidy to purchase a fiction book if it is a prescribed textbook for a unit you are studying.
Is there a deadline for using the subsidy?
Yes, the subsidy must be used before 1 September 2013.
When can I use my subsidy?
You can use your subsidy anytime after you receive your subsidy letter in February, up until 1 September 2013.
My textbooks cost more than $50. What other assistance can I get?
The Student Welfare Service offers a range of financial assistance for students experiencing financial hardship. For more information visit the Money Matters webpage.
Can you tell me more about the textbook vouchers from the Student Welfare Service?
The Student Welfare Service offers a $200 textbook voucher scheme for students experiencing financial hardship. The scheme is open to all students however some eligibility criteria apply. Students need to apply and vouchers are provided on the basis of demonstrated financial hardship. Applications are open from Monday, 22 July to Friday, 6 September 2013. To find out more and apply, visit Money Matters.
Can I still apply for a Student Welfare Service textbook voucher?
Yes, students who are eligible to receive a textbook subsidy can still apply for a $200 Student Welfare Service Textbook voucher as long as they meet the selection criteria. To find out more and apply, visit Money Matters.
Does the subsidy apply to SGSM students?
Current SGSM students who were studying at SGSM in 2012 are eligible to receive the subsidy.
When will SGSM students receive the subsidy?
SGSM Quarter 1 students who are not finishing this year will receive their subsidy in time for Quarter 2. We understand that SGSM students in their final quarter of study want to make use of their subsidy as soon as possible – these students will receive a separate email advising how they can access their subsidy.
Will I still receive the 10% discount at Connect Books?
Yes, you will still receive the 10% discount on any book purchase at Connect Books when you show your student card.
I haven’t used my subsidy yet, but the system says I have – what do I do?
Advise us via the online form and we will investigate this.
I have lost my subsidy letter – what do I do?
Advise us via the online form. If you are eligible, we will advise you how you can redeem your subsidy.
Can I have cash instead?
No – the subsidy cannot be transferred, exchanged or redeemed for cash or other credit.
How is the subsidy being funded?
The subsidy is being funded by a portion of the 2012 Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). In a survey conducted in 2012, many students requested discounts or subsidies for on-campus expenses, such as textbooks and food and beverages.
Students will have further opportunity to provide input on how the SSAF income is spent in February and March 2013. For more information, see the Have your say on SSAF funding priorities webpage.
Who should I contact if I don’t receive my subsidy letter?
If you believe you are eligible and have not received an email or letter by the start of Autumn session, advise us via the online form. If you are eligible, we will advise you how you can redeem your subsidy.
I am not sure if my address is up-to-date.
You can check and update your address in MySR. Log into MyUWS and click ‘MySR’ on the left hand navigation list. Once in MySR select 'Addresses' on the left of the page and then click the ‘Update’ button next to the address field you wish to update.
Can I use some of the subsidy now and the rest later?
No – the subsidy must be used in a single transaction. No change or credit will be given.
