New student Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for new UWS students

Below are the answers to some common questions new UWS students have.

• How is Orientation different from My Course Planning sessions?
• Are lectures and tutorials compulsory?
• How many units do I need to study?
• How do I know that I am enrolled in a unit?
• Can I change the units I am enrolled in?
• What is 'census date' and why is it important?
• When do I get my timetable?
• I am not very confident taking notes or writing essays. What can I do?
• How do I know which textbooks I will need?
• What do I do if I miss a compulsory part of my course?
• How do I contact my lecturer or tutor?
• Where can I get help and information?
• How can I find out what other terms like unit, undergraduate and elective etc. mean?
  

How is Orientation different from My Course Planning sessions?

My Course Planning (MCP) sessions happen approximately one month before session starts and tell you important course specific and enrolment information. The majority of MCP sessions are compulsory. Orientation happens the week before session starts and is a good opportunity to meet other students in your course and academic staff. Information sessions have different information to MCP. There are also campus and library tours during Orientation. Orientation is not compulsory, but is recommended.

» Find out more about My Course Planning sessions
» Find out more about Orientation

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Are lectures and tutorials compulsory?

The answer to this question will be different in every unit. Your unit outline will have details about tutorials and lectures, and what's compulsory. Even if they're not compulsory, it is recommended that you attend as work is covered quickly and catching up can be difficult.

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How many units do I need to study?

The number of units you need to study will depend on your course and whether you're full or part time. The UWS Handbook has detailed information about the units you can study in each course, including information for full and part time students. You can search for your course by typing in the course title or course code and can also search for individual units. More information about how to navigate the UWS Handbook is available on the Handbook help page.

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How do I know I am enrolled in a unit?

Once you have completed the online unit selection process in MySR, you will see a 'receipt page' displaying the details of the units you are enrolled in. If you see this page, then you have successfully enrolled in those units listed. If that page does not appear, then you are not enrolled and you will need to re-check your enrolment.

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Can I change the units that I am enrolled in?

Yes you can. There are rule about how and the deadline for all changes is the session census date. All the information you need is on the adding and dropping units webpage.

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What is 'census date' and why is it important?

Census date is the official deadline for finalising your enrolment and fees each teaching session. It is crucial that you have finalised your enrolment and supplied the correct financial information by this date. Make sure you read the information on the census date page.

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When do I get my timetable?

Once you have enrolled, you need to create your timetable in PlatformWeb. You will not be given a timetable. Check the step 5 – timetable webpage for details about how to build your timetable.

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I am not very confident taking notes or writing essays. What can I do?

A number of free workshops are run throughout the session to help improve study and academic skills. Find out what workshops are available on the skills workshops webpage.

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How do I know which textbooks I will need?

When you attend your first lecture you will receive a unit outline which will list the texts you need for the unit. Connectbooks, located on all UWS campuses, stocks textbooks for all UWS units and courses. You may also be able to buy second-hand texts online or by keeping an eye on the noticeboards on campus. The library also has copies of compulsory texts in closed reserve.

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What do I do if I miss a compulsory component of my course?

If you have been unable to attend or complete a compulsory component of your course then you may be eligible for special consideration. Make sure you read the Special Consideration policy and speak to your Academic Course Advisor/Unit Coordinator.

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How do I contact my lecturer or tutor?

Your unit outlines should have the details of how to contact each of your lecturers and tutors. They have set consultation hours during each teaching session. If you are unable to contact them, then your school administration office will be able to provide information on their consultation hours.

The names and contact details of lecturers are also available in the UWS Handbook.

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Where can I get help and information?

Each campus has a Student Central. They're your first point of contact for all questions, administration forms, information and to get your student ID card. You can drop in on campus, call the Student Central Infoline (1300 668 370) or email studentcentral@uws.edu.au.

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How can I find out what other terms like unit, undergraduate and elective etc. mean?

These terms and many more are explained on the glossary of terms webpage.

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