UWS Summer FAQ
What is ‘UWS Summer’?
‘UWS Summer’ is a new initiative that is replacing the old Summer Session program and is designed to offer greater choice and flexibility for students over study, work and lifestyle commitments. This means students may:
• be able to fast track their degree and finish more quickly, or
• opt for a lighter workload and spread units of study out more evenly across the year
• make up missed or failed units during UWS Summer, and
• begin or complete their degree at different times of the year
Why is UWS changing Summer Session?
UWS is improving its’ summer program based on student feedback to take full advantage of the time between the two main teaching sessions to provide year-round learning with greater flexibility.
When will UWS Summer start and end?
UWS Summer runs from 2 December 2013 to 5 February 2014, but is divided into three Summer teaching and learning periods:
- Summer 1 (3 weeks) begins on 2 December 2013 and ends on 20 December 2013
Census Date for Summer 1 is Sunday 15 December 2013
- Summer 2 (7.5 weeks) begins on 2 December 2013 and ends on 5 February 2014
Census Date for Summer 2 is Sunday, 5 January 2014
- Summer 3 (4 weeks) begins 6 January 2014 and ends on 5 February 2014
Census Date for Summer 3 is Sunday, 19 January 2014
Each of these have different start and end dates as illustrated below and UWS will still close for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period.
Will classes be running between Christmas and New Years?
No, there will be provision for the University to close for two weeks over the Christmas / New Year period.Which Schools will be offering units in UWS Summer?
All Schools (with the exception of Medicine which has a distinct academic calendar) will be offering a range of units in the new UWS Summer.
On which campuses will UWS Summer be running?
In 2013/14, UWS Summer Units will be offered on each of the following five campuses:
- Bankstown
- Campbelltown
- Penrith
- Hawkesbury
- Parramatta
What units can I study?
Each School is offering a range of core units as well as electives. Students can select to study many of these units as an elective outside their parent degree. To find out what units are on offer, see the Summer Units page.
How many units will be offered?
Over 100 core and elective, undergraduate and postgraduate units will be offered during UWS Summer 2013/14. It is envisaged that this number will grow significantly over the next three years.
How will the units be delivered?
Some units will be offered fully online while others will be offered in a face-to-face or blended learning mode. The way each unit is delivered will depend on the School. As the teaching Calendars for Summer are compressed, the face to face teaching will be in intensive mode.
How many units can I take during UWS Summer?
This will depend upon your personal circumstances. As a general rule, because of the compressed nature of the summer timetable, we advise students to study up to two units during UWS Summer. If you wish to study more, you should discuss this option with an appropriate course adviser.
Do I have to study in the new UWS Summer session?
No. The idea is to offer you the opportunity to do Your Degree Your Way - UWS Summer is designed to offers students greater flexibility and choice. It is not compulsory, but it is an option.
How does HECS-HELP work with UWS Summer?
Currently, students may enrol in up to four units per teaching session and be eligible for HECS-HELP. Students only have to pay for additional units if they are excessive to the requirements of the degree. If a student fast tracks by studying four units each session with additional units during UWS Summer, they will be Commonwealth supported and eligible for HECS help for these extra units. It is only if at the end of their degree they decide to keep studying additional units, they would have to pay fees for them, as the Government will only allow students to be Commonwealth supported for the requirements of a degree. Note that International students, and any other students not currently eligible for HECS, are also not eligible during UWS Summer.
Will Centrelink payments be affected if I study in UWS Summer?
Centrelink looks at whole of year enrolment, and provided the student does not drop below 0.75 EFTSL for the whole year, they will get Centrelink benefits, even if they decide not to study during UWS Summer.
I’m interested in studying during UWS Summer – what do I need to do?
You can register your interest or share your views and contribute ideas or opinions on the new UWS Summer through the comments section below.
When can I enrol in UWS Summer?
You may begin enrolling in units from Monday, 17 June 2013. Enrolment will be available for current UWS students through MySR from 17 June 2013.
How can I find out more about UWS Summer at UWS?
