Who we are

A positive student experience arises from having a sense of connection with the university, both within and beyond the classroom. The Diversity and Transition Group (DTG) in Student Services at The University of Western Australia is a strongly integrated suite of programmes which aim to make a difference for students, especially students just commencing their studies at UWA.

We achieve this with services responsive to all of our students, so that there is something for everyone. Our philosophy can be summed up as working in partnership whilst maintaining a personalised approach in delivering programmes for our first year students that build upon their innate strengths and abilities, helping them achieve their goals. The five programmes in the Diversity and Transition Group are:

UniMentor: All first year and other commencing students at UWA are invited to join this voluntary sheme in which students are matched with more experienced mentors (later year students) who will help them settle into uni life and become familiar with their new surroundings.

'Starting out at Uni can be tough. As a student who completed my degree at four different universities, I understand how confusing a new system can be! I enjoy working with students, helping them make the adjustment and watching them succeed in their first year.'
Narelle Palmer, First Year Advisor (UniMentor/UniStart)

UniSkills: UniSkills offers academic and social support to first year students from country areas, from schools under-represented at UWA and students returning to study after a break. Other criteria to join UniSkills include being the first in your family to come to uni, being disadvantaged financially or lacking family support.

'I think that once you have spent some time at the uni, you take for granted what it was like to be back in first year just 'starting out', especially if you are a student who doesn't know anybody from your old school. At UniSkills we try to connect these kinds of students with each other and engage them with the process of being a UWA student' Josh Hogan, UniSkills Project Officer

UniStart: UniStart seeks to assist all commencing undergraduate students with their transition to University life. The First Year Coordinator is a first point of contact for students seeking information and help during their transition.

UniAccess: UWA's Disability Office: Students with disabilities and medical conditions are assisted according to their individual needs. Services include: alternative examination arrangements; a Resource Room with ergonomic furniture, rest area and library assistance; parking permits; individual assistance with orientation and access. All services are free.

‘I enjoy working alongside students to create individual solutions to their learning needs.’ Deborah Allen, Disability Officer

UniDiscovery: UniDiscovery provides an insight into University life for groups of high school students from the following equity groups: students in need of financial and social support; students from culturally and linguistically diverse communities; students from rural and isolated regions; Indigenous students; students with disabilities, and students from new and emerging communities.

'I am a migrant to this country and I have always been a minority where ever I have lived. Consequently I am aware of some of the transition issues students from minority or marginalised groups can experience in adapting to a new country or a different learning environment. My interest in working with the UniDiscovery is to provide opportunities for all students to develop their potential'. Filomina D'Cruz, UniDiscovery Administrative Officer