Orientation is designed to be a fun and interactive introduction to the Faculty and University for new students. The Student Experience team is responsible for organising Orientation programs and activities for BCom students and we are keen to find out about your Orientation experience. Your response will help us greatly in our planning for future Orientation events.

Did you attend Orientation or Re-Orientation? How would you describe your experience and was there anything that you liked or disliked about the above events?

Send your response of around 200 words to ecom-reflections@unimelb.edu.au by Monday, 6 April 2009 and be in the running to win one of six $20 Coles-Myer vouchers to be given away each week.

Source: Student Experience Unit

Thinking you would like to do some travelling?

Not sure about taking the time off because it means extra time to complete your degree? Why not spend time studying overseas towards your Melbourne degree?

Go on exchange!

Next week (Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April) is Global Mobility Week and there is a lot going on around campus about studying overseas as part of your Melbourne degree or diploma in 2010 and beyond. There will be people representing exchange partners from all over the world on campus including Canada, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the USA.

Attend an information session about exchange to particular partners or come to the exchange fair where you can talk to staff from partner institutions, students here from overseas or returned exchange students. Find the details on-line and register for the sessions via http://studentexchange.unimelb.edu.au/StudentExchangeEvents.aspx

Source: Melbourne Global Mobility

Universitas 21 Summer School and Undergraduate Research Conference applications now open!

Summer School – University of Queensland – 13 to 24 July 2009
Up to six University of Melbourne students will be nominated to participate, and Bachelor of Commerce students with an interest in this years’ theme, “Climate Change Adaptation” are strongly encouraged to apply. For further information and application instructions, please visit the University of Melbourne Universitas 21 website: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/outgoing/u21/summer-school.html
Application deadline: 24 April 2009

Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) – University of Glasgow – 15 to 21 October 2009
The URC is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduate students undertaking research in their final year (or honours) to showcase their research topic and findings to an international audience of fellow students and academics. Up to three University of Melbourne students will be selected to attend and present at the Conference in 2009. For further information and application instructions, please visit the University of Melbourne Universitas 21 website: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/outgoing/u21/research-conference.html
Application deadline: 26 June 2009

Source: Student Experience Unit

Do you want to expand your university and community networks? Increase your employability? Do something to save the environment?

Come along to a panel discussion to find out the benefit of volunteering in the environment sector.

Speakers from the following organisations will be present:

• Conversation Australia – Practical conservation projects for the betterment of the Australian environment
• EnviroSelect – Promotes and facilitates change in the way small businesses think and act in relation to the environment
• SALP, Action Learning Group – designing a recycling bag

Date: 2nd April, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Venue: Theatrette 3, G13, Economics & Commerce

ALL ARE WELCOME!

*Refreshments will be provided

Source: SALP

The Student Experience team want to hear from you!

From 31 March 2009, a question will be posted on the Student Portal, Commerce Newsletter and this blog. Provide a response of around 200 words and be in the running to win one of six $20 Coles-Myer vouchers to be given away each week.

We want to find out about your adjustment to University life and issues that have had an impact on your transition to tertiary studies. Some topics that we are keen to get feedback for include Orientation and RE-Orientation, Course Advice, Commerce Student Centre and the Teaching and Learning Unit.

Questions? Contact ecom-reflections@unimelb.edu.au

Source: Student Experience Unit

The Dreamlarge Knowledge Transfer Student Grants 2009 are available for students enrolled in a University of Melbourne degree. The KT Project Grants aim to:

• broaden students’ experiences during their education as part of the Melbourne model
• assist and promote the development of KT projects between students and external organisations
• enable students to apply their education to projects which develop their skills and leadership and improve the cultural, social, economic or environmental life of our society

The Grants are normally for up to $2,500. Six Grants will be awarded for amounts up to $5,000 including the Melbourne University Credit Union (MUCU) DREAMLARGE Knowledge Transfer Student Grant.
The projects need to involve an external partner and be endorsed by a Faculty at the University of Melbourne. Students must work in teams of at least three and the projects should start in 2009.

Applications will close on 15 May 2009.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June 2009.

For further details see: http://www.knowledgetransfer.unimelb.edu.au/grants_and_awards/dreamlarge_kt_student_grants

Source: Melbourne GSM

Did orientation seem to pass by in the blink of an eye? Can’t quite remember the name of that club? Missed out on a vegie burger?

Get Reoriented.

@ The Economics & Commerce Undergraduate Reorientation BBQ…

Where: Professors’ Court (outside the Economics & Commerce Building, campus map grid reference G13)
When: Tuesday March 31, 12pm
What: BBQ Luncheon, Clubs & Societies Stalls, Music
Why: Your chance to catch up on all the information you may have missed the first time round.
How: Couldn’t be easier. Wander down, chat, eat, and relax.

See you there!

Source: Student Experience Unit

Have you ever considered studying overseas?

Make an appointment to discuss your options with Sharyn Bennett, Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator.

To sign up for an appointment, simply log on to the undergraduate course advice booking webpage:

http://www.ecom.unimelb.edu.au/facwww/AppointmentOnline/login.asp.

Then select Study Abroad and Exchange from the drop-down menu, and book yourself in for an appointment time. Appointments are available most Mondays, from the 6th April to 1st June, between 2pm – 4.30pm. Appointment times will be released online 7 days prior to the appointment date.

* Please note that due to the limited time available for each appointment, you are strongly advised to do your own research about application processes and possible exchange destinations prior to your appointment by visiting the Melbourne Global Mobility website (www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au).

Source: Student Experience Unit

Diversity Week: 16 – 20 March

Dear student,

The Melbourne Graduate School of Management is delighted to bring you the following events open to all Melbourne GSM students during the University’s Diversity Week. We hope that you can participate in these enriching and exciting events which aim to offer you the experience of learning more about the importance of cultural diversity. Please scroll down for full details of each event:

Profiling Latin America, organised by the Latin American Students Association

• Monday 16 – Friday 20 March: Photo exhibition displaying the wonderful, varied cultures of Latin America.
• Wednesday 18 March: Seminar by guest speaker: Mr. Bernard Wheelahan, Chairman of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR).
• Thursday 19 March: The Role of Latin America in the Global Economy Seminar. Given by 4 Latin-American ambassadors

Creating Future Leaders Series – “Business and Diversity Seminar”

• Thursday 19 March: Guest speaker: Nareen Young, CEO of the Diversity Council of Australia

Melbourne GSM Student Association – Scavenger Hunt

• Friday 20 March: Explore Melbourne’s cultural diversity on this fun scavenger hunt.

Kind Regards,
The Student Experience Team
www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au/experience

Latin America Photo Exhibition ‘LATINO’
After two very successful photo exhibitions in 2008, the Latin American Students Association has organised ‘LATINO’: a photo exhibition which will display a small sample of what Latin America has to offer, including never-ending beaches, ancient Mayan, Aztec and Inca temples, cultural expressions and a variety of traditional and modern architecture. Come along and experience the beauty of Latin America!

Date: 16th to 20th of March 2009
Time: 9:00am to 10:00pm every day
Venue: Ground Floor, New Economics and Commerce Building, 198 Berkeley Street

Doing business in Latin America

Date: Wednesday 18 March 2009
Guest speaker: Mr. Bernard Wheelahan, Chairman of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR).
Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Venue: Theatre D, Old Arts Building, The University of Melbourne

Mr. Wheelahan will talk about the economic status of Latin American Countries, the benefits of doing business in Latin America and the major areas of investment. He will also share the most successful relations between Latin America and Australia.
Drinks and refreshments will be provided prior to the seminar.

The Role of Latin America in the Global Economy Seminar

Seminar given by ambassadors from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru
Date: Thursday 19th March 2009
Time: 4:00pm to 6:15pm
Venue: Basement Theatre, New Economics and Commerce Building, 198 Berkeley Street, The University of Melbourne

Guest speakers
His Excellency Mr. Fernando de Mello Barreto, Ambassador of Brazil
His Excellency Mr. Diego Betancur, Ambassador of Colombia
Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Ortiz de Rosas, Ambassador of Mexico
His Excellency, Mr. Claudio de la Puente, Ambassador of Peru

Ambassadors will share with the audience some of the most successful economical practices and trade agreements between Latin America and Australia. General aspects of Latin American countries will be discussed, including size, language, cultural diversity and economic background. The seminar will be followed by a networking session at the Ground Foyer.

Please register your attendance via: http://www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au/experience/seminar.html

Creating Future Leaders Series – Business and Diversity Seminar

As part of the Creating Future Leaders Series and in conjunction with Diversity Week 2009, we are delighted to welcome Nareen Young, CEO of the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) to the Melbourne Graduate School of Management to give the following seminar:

Business and Diversity Seminar
Thursday 19 March, 2009
12:00pm – 12:45pm
Agar Theatre, Ground Floor, Zoology Building

Ms. Young will speak on the topic:

• Defining diversity
• Leading edge diversity practices in organisations
• Leadership and diversity in the business environment

The Creating Future Leaders Series is an initiative by the Melbourne Graduate School of Management and consists of a series of seminars presented by speakers from industry and other external organisations, each focussing on a different topic. The seminars aim to engage students with the experiences and ideas of successful business men and women from Australia and overseas, and offer inspiration and insights into future career prospects and leadership opportunities.

The Diversity Council of Australia is Australia’s workplace diversity peak body and provides leadership and guidance to Australian businesses. Nominated for a Human Rights Award in 2003 for her leadership in developing and implementing innovative and sustained programs at the NSW Working Women’s Centre, Nareen is an acknowledged expert and leader in all areas of gender equity and diversity in employment.

If you wish to attend this event, please register your attendance at: http://www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au/experience/diversityseminar by no later than Wednesday 17 March. For more information visit: http://www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au/experience/leadersseries.html.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Melbourne GSM Student Association Scavenger Hunt

Take part in an exciting Scavenger Hunt which will explore the cultural diversity that Melbourne has to offer. Throughout the city area, small groups of students will have to find hidden clues. Numbers are limited, so to secure your place email melbgsm.sa@gmail.com with your name, student id number and your current program – and explore our diverse and multicultural city with this fun activity!

Date: Friday 20 March
Time: 5.30-9.00pm
Venue: Starting point will be emailed to successful applicants via email.
Contact details: melbgsm.sa@gmail.com

Source: Melbourne GSM

Third year BCom students: Make sure you get your application in by this Friday for a rare opportunity to engage in a working case study with Shell Corporation. Your participation in this project will offer you the opportunity to:

Gain insight into the application of your Commerce skills, liaise with Shell employees, and add an invaluable experience to your resume.

The teams receive a brief from the Shell facilitators explaining their challenge and must formulate their strategy ensuring they adhere to the given time limit. Whilst deliberating on the best strategy, unexpected information is added to the brief, which the teams need to digest on the spot.

This event will run:

Friday, 27 March 2009
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Apply Now! Places are limited.

Successful applicants will be notified Tuesday, 24 March 2009.

Complete the application form and CV Snapshot and return via email to cmer@unimelb.edu.au or hand in at the Commerce Student Centre, Level 1, 198 Berkeley Street. No later than Friday, 20 March 5pm.

Source: Student Experience Unit