Application due date: 5.00pm Tuesday 20 May
Program dates: 9 - 16 July 2014
Location: Tokyo and other prefectures, Japan

JENESYS 2.0 is a program for Australian and New Zealand students launched by the government of Japan. The theme for 2014 is 'Social Community'. The program aims to promote interest as well as awareness and understanding of Japan and Japanese values. It is open to all students regardless of Japanese ability as the programme will be conducted entirely in English.

Note that this is not an exchange or study abroad opportunity as no academic credit is involved.

Students can apply for a scholarship to attend this program. Ten scholarships are available Australia-wide.

• Application Guidelines [PDF 194 KB]
• Application Form [XLSX 269 KB]

All applications and questions should be forwarded to Simon Free at the Embassy of Japan in Australia.

Program dates: 19 - 28 July 2014
Location: Harbin Institute of Technology, Heilongjiang, China

HIT Modern China International Cultural Exchange Program is a two week program open to students across Asia, America, Europe and Oceania. The program will include lectures and cultural activities. Students will tour several sites of interest in the city of Harbin as well as choose from one of three additional tours: a modern industry tour to Daqing Oilfield; an environment tour to Inner Mongolia; or a modern agriculture tour to Jian Sanjiang and Honghe wetland.

Cost: A program fee of $500 USD per student covers all local expenses including ground transportation, accommodation and meals. International flights and personal expenses are not included. A registration fee of $50 USD applies. The program fee will be waived by HIT for two students from the University of Melbourne.

Click below for more information and to apply.

Closing date: 30 June 2014
Prize: total prize pool in excess of $10,000

The Governor-General's Prize is a prestigious essay competition open to Australian citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree at an Australian university.

Every year the competition is judged by a panel of distinguished individuals including a High Court Justice. The competition provides students with the opportunity to be further recognised for their academic skill, talent and research.

This year, the Governor-General’s Prize is supported by Reconciliation Australia, and the essay competition gives students the opportunity to choose from a range of questions relating to recognition of Indigenous Australians.

Essays should be 2,500 words in length and answer one of the six prescribed essay questions, which relate to law, politics, history and social justice.

Alexander Peel graduated from the Bachelor of Environments, Landscape Management major in 2012.

“I completed the Bachelor of Environments with a Landscape Management major in 2012. I chose this course because I enjoyed Geography through secondary school as it really enhanced my interests in both environmental issues and the prospect of doing an environmental course. 2006/7 were years of great significance for the environmental movement both in the UK and in Australia, with the environment and climate change becoming key political, social and economic issues. I wanted to be a part of the solution. I am currently working on completing my Master of Environment and look forward to working in the sector.”

Alexander Peel, UK
Bachelor of Environments
Landscape Management major

At night time there are fewer people on campus, so you need to be more aware about your safety. With the end of semester fast approaching, and some of you studying on campus until the early hours of the morning, please consider some simple actions which can help to keep you safe on and off campus.

Did you know that campus security patrols are available to escort you to your car, public transport, colleges or other location in the near vicinity of Campus?

It is recommended that you pre-book this service. Contact Security on  8344 4674 or Free call 1800 24 6066.

Driving at night
If you are thinking of driving home after studying late at night, be aware of the dangers of driving when you are tired.  Caffeine can pep you up but you need to give yourself at least 20 - 30 minutes for it to take effect.

Taking public transport at night
When waiting at the train, tram or bus stop late at night, position yourself wherever you feel the safest. Know the timetable so you avoid long waits. Try to stay in a well-lit area near other passengers or the ticket office/guard/driver.

The Architecture Library is reviewing its opening hours in anticipation for the reopening in our new building. When we return to the new building, we would like to offer a spread of hours that will make the library most accessible to students.

Our previous hours were
Monday & Thursday: 9.00 am - 8.30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Saturday: 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm

We are now running a survey to gather interest in newly proposed hours. Please click on the link below to complete our survey. Survey closes on Sunday 11 May.

Date: 4.30pm - 5.30pm, Wednesday 14 May
Venue: Office for Environmental Programs, Walter Boas Building
RSVP: Book online

Are you interested in studying environment and sustainability but not sure whether your degree is relevant? Do you want to know what skills you will gain in a multidisplinary program? Or what environmental career you might go into?

Join the OEP for a coffee and chat with our academics about your options. You'll meet some current students and learn more about the course. This is the perfect opportunity to fulfil your dream.

The Office for Environmental Programs offers Masters, Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate degrees all with flexible study options. Applications for semester 2, 2014 close on May 31 & Semester 1, 2015 November 30.

Job Search Intensive Seminar for recent graduates

Date: 9.00am - 3.00pm, Friday 20 June
Venue: Room 123, Level 1, Alan Gilbert Building, Grattan Street
RSVP: Book Online

The Job Search Intensive (JSI) for recent graduates of the Bachelor of Environments, MSD and MSLE is specifically designed for University of Melbourne graduates who have experienced difficulty in securing employment after graduation.

This intensive program provides information on the employment market and how you can better target your applications and improve your chances of getting a job in the current challenging market.

We will look at what employers look for in candidates, how to revise your documents like your CV, cover letters and selection criteria and then look at ways to improve your performance at interview.

Places are limited.

Careers Appointments

Date: Weekly on Tuesdays
Venue: Baldwin Spencer Building
RSVP: Student Advising System

B Envs students can book appointments to see Careers Consultant Graham Habgood in the Baldwin Spencer Building (Room G46).

Half hour appointments will be available each Tuesday morning, with bookings made through the Student Advising System. Appointments are available on other days in the Alan Gilbert Building (Level1).

The EDSC has prepared a 'How to' guide which gives a step-by-step on how you can find your class times, dates and locations using the new SWS Timetable search. The new system is capable to show your timetable in either a list, grid or master-grid format.

Click on the link below to find out more.

Friday 9 May is the last day to withdraw from standard Semester 1 subjects without incurring a fail grade on your academic record.

International students International students on student visas are expected to complete their course by the course end date on their Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). Usually this means a standard load of 50 points per semester. You can only reduce your load in limited circumstances and an application is required. Further information about your visa and reducing your study load is available from International Student Services.

Local students Local students do not need to apply to reduce their study load. Please note that dropping your study load to part-time study may affect Centrelink or scholarship benefits and eligibility for public transport concession. Withdrawing from a subject may impact your progression in and duration of your course. Use the Handbook to check whether the subject you are considering withdrawing from is a prerequisite for subjects you intend to take in future or a corequisite for any subjects in your current enrolment. You can make an appointment with a student adviser if you would like to discuss your course plan.

Further information about managing your enrolment including how to withdraw from subjects is available on the Amending your Study Plan web page.