Student Enrichment and Support

Student Enrichment and Support

Health Hub

The Health Hub centralises services common to current and prospective students across the schools of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

The Student Experience team is the face of the Health Hub. We are here to help you with research pathways advising, transition into first year undergraduate degrees, pre-placement compliance and more! We work alongside the Faculty’s Admissions, Research Higher Degree and Experiential Learning teams to give you the most up-to-date information on all things MDHS!

Our Student Experience team is divided in two main areas:

Student Support

Our Student Support Officers can help you with:

  • Research Pathways Advice

    Nobody knows MDHS Honours and graduate research entry requirements better than the Health Hub. Talk to us about your research study plans early and we can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Besides Biomedicine and Psychology Honours, we advise on the Master of Biomedical Science and major graduate research programs such as the Doctor of Philosophy and the Master of Philosophy.

  • Specialist Cohort Support

    At the Health Hub, we support Chancellor’s Scholars students and have a dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officer on the team. We are well versed in graduate entry requirements for your cohorts and initiatives for current students.

  • Student Society Enrichment

    One of the things we love to do is enrich student experience. We often do this by facilitating academic enrichment and social events run by your student societies. Study/life balance is important so get involved!

Student  Life

Student Life in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences consists of the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program and Academic Advising at Melbourne. These programs give you access to social and academic connections, to ease the transition to University life and provide guidance and support in your journey at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Jane Gunn, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences provides a welcome  to the faculty.

Meet The Team

  • Elysia Corallo, Program Coordinator

    Hello and welcome to MDHS. I’m Elysia, my pronouns are she/her, I'm the Program Coordinator in the MDHS Student Life Team and have been with the team since March 2020. I am most passionate about creating opportunities and pathways for students and improving the whole student experience. I’m always keen to hear from students, have a chat about what’s working and what needs work, and how we can continue to support you on your student journey.

    Talk to me about…

    Student life! Whether its Melbourne Peer Mentor Program, Academic Advising or even how you’re going with your undergraduate experience, I’ll be here to support you!

  • Alicia Freeman, Program Officer

    Hello, my name is Alicia, my pronouns are she/her and I'm one of the Program Officers for MDHS Student Life. I started working at the University of Melbourne in 2017 and have been working in the Student Life space since March 2020. I'm super passionate the student experience! I love creating meaningful training and resources for our mentors and mentees and discussing how to get the most out of your university experience!

    Talk to me about…

    How you're tracking with uni, the range of services available to you, any ideas that you have for some resources to help make your uni life a bit smoother, what anime you're watching and what books you're reading!

  • Alice Campbell, Program Officer

    Hi! I'm Alice, my pronouns are she/her and I'm a Program Officer in the MDHS Student Life Team. I started in this role in June 2021. I am most passionate about creating engaging events for students. These can range anywhere from a social event to an alumni networking event. I am always looking for new ideas and ways to involve students in the planning process of events, so I can hear firsthand about what events are of interest in our faculty and what activities will be most worthwhile and beneficial.

    Talk to me about…

    Events!! Any ideas you have about events you want to see happen in our faculty please get in touch. Or if you have attended an event recently that you really enjoyed I'd love to hear about it.

  • Maddison McHugh, Program Officer

    Hi, my name is Maddison and my pronouns are she/her. I joined the University of Melbourne at the end of 2021 as a Program Officer in the MDHS Student Life team. I am passionate about ensuring you have the best university experience possible. I help make that happen by creating fun and meaningful online content and communication that supports you throughout your journey.

    Talk to me about… 

    Student Life programs and what is going on within the faculty! I’d love to hear if there is anything you’d like to know more about, if you have any ideas for new content or if there is anything we can do to further support you during your studies.

Contact Us

We are located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone or email if you are not on campus. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
Parkville Campus, Building 182
Email: health-hub@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 5807 (option 3)

You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
Facebook: uom.HealthHub
Instagram: uom.healthhub

Clubs and Societies

There are a rich and diverse range of student clubs and societies for you to get involved in across the University and within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences! Below, you can find current groups registered with the Faculty.

Interested in registering your student group? If you represent a student group, visit Student Group Support for the next steps!

Breadth

Breadth subjects are an exciting part of the Melbourne Curriculum. They allow undergraduate students to expand their horizons by taking subjects offered outside their degrees.

Why study MDHS breadth subjects?

Studying undergraduate breadth subjects in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) will give you a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and applicable in a variety of contexts. These include critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal and decision-making skills, as well as an understanding and high regard of social and cultural diversities, human rights, equity and ethics.

The Faculty teaches six undergraduate breadth subjects. These subjects are available to all undergraduates to take as breadth, even those studying within MDHS.

Find out more about breadth at the University of Melbourne.

Breadth Subject Showcase webinar

Hear from the coordinators of three breadth subjects from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health that offer perspectives on the big issues for the health of our planet, our people and our societies:

- Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges (UNIB20022) *NEW SUBJECT*
- Inequalities: Causes and Consequences (UNIB20021) * NEW SUBJECT*
- Our Planet, Our Health (UNIB10017)

Breadth Subjects Showcase 2021 from Faculty of MDHS on Vimeo.

  • Our Planet, Our Health (UNIB10017)

    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib10017

    This interdisciplinary subject will introduce students to the core concepts of One Health in its broadest sense, as a concept that describes the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals and the environment. Students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of the complex interplay between human, animal and ecosystem health including the historical and current influence of anthropogenic change in different cultures and contexts.

    This subject is offered in conjunction with the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. Find out more here: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/opoh

  • Drugs That Shape Society (UNIB20008)

    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib20008

    This subject is a compelling story of drugs that provides insight to us as individuals and as a society. Drugs impact our lives in many ways and social responses to their use have shaped our laws, the health system, commerce and foreign policy. Using a case-study approach, students will explore the scientific, social, historical and legal issues associated with alcohol, opiates, tobacco, penicillin and thalidomide.

  • Global Health, Security & Sustainability (UNIB30002)

    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30002

    Global Health, Security & Sustainability is an exciting subject that explores the root causes of disease, poverty, injustice and inequity that exist in the world today. Students are encouraged to draw on disciplines in law, arts, engineering, economics, biosciences and medicine to explore and understand the depth, complexity and multi dimensionality of current global health challenges.

  • Living Longer: A Global Diagnosis (UNIB30005)

    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30005

    Since 1800, human life expectancy at birth has doubled globally and tripled in the most favoured nations. The subject will explore in historical sequence the social interventions, economic changes and advances in scientific knowledge that have enabled increasing proportions of human beings to live longer. It will critically review the roles of public health; medicine; wealth, income and economic development; famine, malnutrition and diet; households and individuals; literacy and education.

  • Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges (UNIB20022)

    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20022

    Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges will introduce students to the diversity of Indigenous culture, epistemologies, practices and engagements with the contemporary world. It will also introduce students to the immense body of scholarship on traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies, cultures, languages, history and prehistory in curricula, research and knowledge exchange.

  • Inequalities: Causes and Consequences (UNIB20021)


    https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20021

    This interdisciplinary subject introduces concepts and theories from population health, the humanities, sociology, economics, geography, criminology and education to explore contemporary and historical trends and debates. It will be delivered by scholars and eminent guest speakers from varied backgrounds and areas of expertise and focus on understanding causes, consequences, and potential means of tackling inequalities, inequities and injustices from a range of disciplinary perspectives.

Chancellor’s Scholars

Student Profiles

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Sian Brownlow ( Biomedical Student)

You've worked hard for it, you deserve the rewards!

If you’re a high-achieving student, our Chancellor’s Scholars Program is for you. The Program, which had its first intake in 2012, gives you a guaranteed place in a graduate degree*, and you’ll also enjoy a wide range of other exciting benefits.

Read more

Rural Volunteering Program

One of the benefits of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program is the opportunity to take part in a research or internship opportunity. For Bachelor of Biomedicine Chancellor’s Scholars, this includes the Rural Volunteering program in which select students travel in pairs to a small rural/regional towns and take part in a myriad of volunteering activities.

Read more

Rural Health

The Department of Rural Health

Based at Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley, we have major nodes at Ballarat and Wangaratta and associations with nearly 40 smaller towns in rural Victoria.

Visit our website

Indigenous Graduate Student Support

Wominjeka!

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our Parkville campus is situated. We are currently studying and working on the land of the Wurundjeri people and we would also like to also acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.

We would also like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Yorta Yorta Peoples,  whose land  is where our rural campus in Shepparton is situated, and acknowledge their Elders, past, present and emerging. Our respects extends to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students in our faculty.

About Indigenous Graduate Student Support

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences offers support for our prospective and current Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. Student support includes our Indigenous graduate pathways, advocacy and course support. Our Indigenous Student Support Officer can assist you, whether you are a prospective or current student!

  • Who is my Indigenous Student Support Officer?

    Hi there! My name is Jess (she/her) and I am your MDHS Indigenous Student Support Officer and a proud Gunditjmara woman.

    I can assist you with entry into our graduate courses, and support you throughout your journey with us! Please reach out anytime you want a yarn. About me... I am a Capricorn, I have a fluffy white cat called Clover, and I live in Carlton.

  • How can I get in touch with the Indigenous Student Support Officer?

    Jess is located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. You can also contact Jess by phone or email if you are not on campus.

    Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
    Parkville Campus, Building 182
    Email: mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au

    You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
    Facebook: uom.HealthHub
    Instagram: uom.healthhub

  • Can I get in touch if I am an undergraduate student?

    Certainly! If you want to have a discussion about your pathways into a master's degree, definitely get in touch. If you have other enquiries such as accommodation or ABSTUDY, I recommend reaching out to Murrup Barak.

MDHS Indigenous Graduate Pathways

Congratulations! You’ve finished your undergraduate degree and you want to know what the next steps are as an Indigenous Australian student. We got you covered! The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences gives priority access to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Melbourne under the Indigenous Graduate Pathways.

  • Does my bachelor’s degree need to come from the University of Melbourne?

    No, absolutely not! We accept all undergraduate degrees from a recognised institution. We will need your official academic transcript on record and we look to see that you meet the minimum entry requirements.

  • How do I submit an application via the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?

    Please contact Jess at mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

  • What if I don’t meet the minimum entry requirements?

    The conversation doesn’t end here. If you are not currently eligible, let’s have a discussion at how we can make you eligible.

  • Can I submit an application for the Indigenous Graduate Pathway if I am not Indigenous?

    No. You cannot apply if you are not Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Please contact future-study@unimelb.edu.au for MDHS coursework enquiries and the Health Hub for MDHS graduate research enquiries.

  • Do I have to submit a Confirmation of Identity to be eligible to apply under the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?

    Yes. Indigenous Australians must submit documents to confirm their identity as part of the Indigenous Graduate Pathway application process.

Confirmation of Identity

  • Why do I need to confirm my identity? Do I have to?

    Your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage is something that is personal to you. You do not need a letter of confirmation to identify as an Indigenous person.

    You do not need to have your identify confirmed by us to enter the University as an Indigenous Australian student.

    However, if you wish to apply for and enter an MDHS graduate course through our Indigenous pathways (such as our Indigenous MD Pathway) and receive additional services such as ITAS , you must have your identity verified.

  • How can I confirm my identity as an Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander?

    Excellent question!

    We accept the following documents:

    1. A Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal from a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in which you reside or Country area you come from.
      and;
    2. A completed and witnessed Statutory Declaration.

    Please send your  documents to mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.

    Please note that your Statutory Declaration of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity requires you to declare you live and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are accepted as such by the community in which you live or have lived.

    Please note a Statutory Declaration is a legally binding document.

    The University may request further information and/or documentation where it determines further verification is required or uncertainty exists.

    Being dishonest about one’s identity and one’s connections to Indigenous communities damages the integrity and intent of service provision to address inequality and is harmful to Indigenous peoples.

    If you intentionally make a false statement in a statutory declaration you can be charged with a criminal offence which carries the possibility of up to four years imprisonment.

  • I don't have any connection with my mob. What can I do?

    Many people are on their journey towards filling all parts of the definition and we can recognise that many people are disconnected their community through no fault of their own. However, in this instance you will need to supply a legal document that confirms you meet all three parts of the criteria to access certain Indigenous specific support, pathways, and degrees at The University of Melbourne.

What other perks are available as an Indigenous student at MDHS?

  • Scholarships

What other Indigenous support services exist at the University?

  • Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

    The University of Melbourne takes the approach that support for Indigenous research students should be tailored towards each student, and the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health supports Indigenous research students by identifying the tailored support required.

    Find out more

  • Murrup Barak

    The University of Melbourne welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to all courses and programs, and Murrup Barak is here to help future students discover their options and start studying. Murrup Barak supports the Indigenous student community and delivers an integrated educational and cultural program to ensure that Indigenous students have every opportunity for success in their studies.

    Find out more

  • Indigenous Studies Unit

    The Indigenous Studies Unit undertakes research aiming to improve outcomes in Indigenous health, particularly in relation to alcohol misuse and family violence, Indigenous data sovereignty, digital archives, cultural heritage, technology and resource management.

    Find out more

  • LIME Network

    The LIME Network is a dynamic network dedicated to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning of Indigenous health in medical education, as well as best practice in the recruitment and graduation of Indigenous medical students.

    Find out more

  • AIDA
  • UMMSS

Research Pathways Advising

Hear from Dr Chris French, Director of Honours, Professor Erica Fletcher, Associate Dean for Graduate Research as well as Health Hub staff and past students as they discuss pathway opportunities for students after Honours.

This webinar was put together through the collaboration of the Student Life team and Honours Admissions staff members.

FAQs

  • When should I apply for Graduate Research?

    Graduate Research applications can be lodged at any time throughout the calendar year. We advise applying before October 31st. Commencing the program in January is not recommended. For more information, visit the Future Student page.

  • Why is it not recommended to commence a PhD in January?

    December and January is usually the time when supervisors and members of your academic committee may take time off. Your milestones for the PhD fall in line with your submission date. For example, if you commence on the 5th of January, all of your review meetings will take place on the 5th of January and it may not be possible to gather all of your committee members to have those meetings. However, if that is what will work for you and you committee, you can still commence in January.

  • How can I apply for Graduate Research?

    If you're a current student, you can apply through your my.unimelb account. If you're a new student, you can apply online via our online application portal. Remember to check any additional requirements!

  • Can you apply to a PhD and then withdraw your application if you decide against it?

    Yes, you can. If you have applied and have changed your mind, you can contact mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au.

  • How can I contact a potential supervisor?

    Personalise your enquiry email to the academic you reach out to, explain why you have considered them as a supervisor and refer to any relevant publications. Provide your academic transcripts showing your grades, CV and any additional supporting documentation.

Contact us

We are located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone or email if you are not on campus. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
Parkville Campus, Building 182                                                                                                                                      
Graduate Research Admissions email: mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au
Health Hub email: health-hub@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 5807

You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
Facebook: uom.HealthHub
Instagram: uom.healthhub

Peer Mentoring

What is the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program?

The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program connects commencing undergraduates with an instant network of familiar faces to help make your transition to university life easy and enjoyable. This includes meeting your mentor group at the start of the semester so you are connected from the beginning and engaging in regular sessions throughout the semester to build those connections.

The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, is available to first year students in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Bachelor of Oral Health.

The student portal supports your mentoring journey, providing information about your session times, dates, location and peer group members. You will also be able to chat with your peer mentor and group using the app.

Want to know more about how the thrive in your first semester of University and hear from this years Mentors? Then check out this podcast made by our Peer Leaders, Dan and Andy.

Mentees

As a new undergraduate student in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, you will be matched with a senior University of Melbourne student (your peer mentor) and a group of other commencing students. Your peer mentor and group will help you to build relationships and be connected with the University of Melbourne from day one. Your peer group will provide support and friendship as you commence your first year of studies at University of Melbourne and as you continue through your degree.

  • How does it work?

    As a new student you are automatically part of the program! Your dedicated Student Life Team matches you with a mentor and your group ahead of orientation.

    Login to the student portal to get details of who your peer mentor is, when your meetings are scheduled, to chat to your group and more. You should also receive an email to your student email account at the start of the semester with information.

    There will be 5 sessions across your first Semester. The sessions are themed around key stages in the semester such as getting to know the University and available services through to preparing for exams!

  • How do I become a Mentee?

    You don't need to do anything! If you are a new undergraduate student in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences you will automatically be placed in a mentoring group. If you have not heard anything by Orientation week, please get in touch with us so we can make sure you are not missing out!

  • What will I get out of the program?
    • Meet new students and make some friends
    • Information about student engagement programs, workshops and events to get involved in
    • Information on available student support services to help with questions and concerns
    • Build relationships and be more supported be connected to the University
    • Have a friendly group of familiar faces to help you navigate life at the University of Melbourne
    • Opportunity to “find your people” or your place at University
  • Expectations

    There are some things that you can do, as a mentee, to make your time in the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program more enjoyable for you and your group. They include, but are not limited to:

    • Actively engage with your group, sessions, and activities
    • Behave respectfully towards others and provide an inclusive environment for all
    • Go to your mentor for support and guidance - in some cases they may refer you to different services to get specialised support or assistance
  • I want some more information

    You can find more information about being a mentee here. This page has details about the structure of the program and some useful FAQ's.

    If you still have some unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us.

Olivia - Bachelor of Biomedicine Mentor

"After a year of mentoring, I leave every session with a smile and watch my mentees do the same! I love hearing unique stories from first years of all backgrounds and sharing my experiences, and I continue to learn about myself and others through this process. "

Olivia, Bachelor of Biomedicine

Linna - Bachelor of Oral Health Mentor

"Being a peer mentor for the first year Bachelor of Oral Health students has made me proud of my journey as a student.  Overtime, I could see that my mentees became really well acquainted and that the mentoring sessions felt natural, introspective and enjoyable."

Linna, Bachelor of Oral Health

Mentors

Being a Peer Mentor gives you the chance to support first year students with the transition to University life. This volunteer role will give you valuable skills in facilitation, communication, and leadership. There will also be opportunities throughout your mentor journey for professional development.

  • Why be a Mentor?

    Develop your skills:

    • Gain leadership training and experience.
    • Develop your interpersonal, communication and group facilitation skills.
    • Build your professional network within the University community.

    Make a difference:

    • Help new students succeed in their first year by sharing your experience.
    • Develop a sense of belonging with students and the University.
    • Gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences and diversity.
    • Make new friends and meet new people.

    Be rewarded:

    • Demonstrate your participation to employers with your co-curricular record.
    • Access to specialised peer mentor professional development.
    • Receive an exclusive mentor hoodie!
  • How do I become a Mentor?

    To become a peer mentor with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, you will need to be:

    • A current University of Melbourne student within the Faculty of MDHS -  all faculties participate in Peer Mentoring so you can still apply to your current faculty!
    • Studying for at least two more academic semesters
    • In good academic standing (not at risk)
    • A student with no history of academic misconduct
    • Able to attend compulsory training and Orientation Week activities
    • Able to commit to at least 20 hours of volunteering throughout the year

    Desirable

    • Experience as a mentor/mentee
    • Participation in extra-curricular activities
    • Membership in clubs and societies

    Note: Students beginning their second and third year of undergraduate study will be prioritised. Priority will also be given to students who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne

    The application recruitment process:

    • Submit an application. Applications open approximately three months prior to the commencement of the next semester
    • Participate in an assessment centre
    • Applicants are advised of outcome
    • Attend mandatory training (30 minute online compliance training and 2 hour online group training)
    • Allocated to a group of up to 10 first year students (if your timetable does not allow you to be matched, you will be placed in the stand-by pool)
  • What do I need to do as a mentor?

    Being a Mentor should be a rewarding experience for you. We want to make sure that you understand what we expect of you in relation to the role. The expectations include, but are not limited to:

    • Attend all training to prepare you for your role
    • Behave respectfully towards others and foster an inclusive environment for all
    • Provide friendly and informative guidance to your mentees
    • Support mentees and model help-seeking behaviours to find solutions to hurdles or queries they may have
    • Use and share your experiences and knowledge to assist mentees in navigating life at University
    • Be a point of contact for the mentees
    • Hold a valid Working with Children Check (Volunteer check is sufficient)
    • Abide by the Code of Conduct
    • Refer any issues or unresolved conflicts to the Melbourne Peer Mentoring Staff
  • What support will I receive?

    We have a range of supports in place to help you throughout your Mentoring experience.

    Peer Leaders
    Our Peer Leaders are current students employed to assist in delivering the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program. They will check on you throughout the semester, be there for you to ask questions to and point you in the right direction to get assistance, if needed. They will also organise social and networking events throughout the year for our Mentors.

    Student Life team
    The Student Life team are the professional staff delivering this program. They can assist with any questions you might have, organise training and workshops for your professional development, and handle the day-to-day operation of the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program. Find out how to contact us.

  • I want some more information

    More information is available here for current peer mentors or students wishing to become mentors. This includes useful session guides, resources, the application portal and more information about the structure of the program.

    If you still have some unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us.

Academic Advising

What is Academic Advising?

Academic Advising at Melbourne connects you with an academic within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, helping you to make the most of your time at the University of Melbourne.   Advising sessions provide a space to think, share ideas, talk about your goals and explore opportunities with an academic member of our (University) community.

Academic Advising at Melbourne, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, is available to first year students in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Bachelor of Oral Health.

Want some direct insights into the experiences of our Academics? Our Peer Leaders, Dan and Andy, have been interviewing some of our Senior Academic Advisers for their podcast and you can access them below:

Our senior academics reflect on how their involvement in advising has been an essential part of their career progression and share their greatest pieces of advice for current and future students regarding career choices and personal development.

Meet the team

Within MDHS we have a number of Senior Academic Advisers that work collaboratively with Student Life Staff to continuously improve the Academic Advising program. The Senior Academic Advisers play a very important role in shaping and delivering the Academic Advising program. Working in various departments across the faculty they support the program in many ways to ensure the overall success for students and academics.

  • Adrian Achuthan

    Role at the University:
    Senior Research Fellow, Honours Academic Coordinator and Senior Academic Adviser.

    What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
    Working together with academic and professional staff in delivering the program that enhances student's University life experience.

    What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
    Be a willing participant in the Academic Advising program, the connections you establish may well shape your future!

  • Dr Barbara Fam White

    Role at the University:
    I have several roles across the University, with my primary role as a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Medicine (Austin Hospital) in the area of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity research as well as the Departmental Academic Coordinator for Honours and Graduate Research. I also have a Senior Lecturer position in the Department of Medical Education for the Advanced Medical Science (BMed Sci) course. To add to these, I am now one of the new Senior Academic Advisors for the BBioMedSci course in the faculty.

    What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
    What I enjoy the most, is being a part of creating a connected community with students, academics within the faculty and the University more broadly through the program and Student Life. I have been a part of the University since my student days in the early 1990s. My role in this program to help see it to fruition through guiding the Academic Advisors and playing a bigger role in the continual growth of the program is what I truly enjoy doing.

    What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
    If I had one piece of advice it would be to not be nervous or hesitant about joining the program and to embrace what the program will offer you throughout the duration of your course. It can be daunting meeting Academic Advisors, but they are there to support you through your course, not to advise on the course itself, but to guide you along the right path for a total positive University experience. Academic Advisors have been right there, where the students are now and will have a raft of knowledge and experience they can pass on to guide decision making and scholarly and professional growth. Embrace it and enjoy it.

  • Julian G Simmons, PhD

    Role at the University:
    In addition to being a Senior Academic Adviser with Student Life, I am a Senior Research Fellow in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences.

    What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
    The opportunity to support students and staff build to connections. I think this is fundamental to student engagement and the quality of the student experience at Melbourne. I see it also as a key way to maximise student outcomes post Uni, as well as enriching the professional lives of academics.

    What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
    As per Walt Whitman (and more recently Ted Lasso), be curious! Ask questions, and be as open as you can about your experience. Advisers are here to help.

  • Saw Hoon Lim

    Role at the University:
    Senior Lecturer and Teaching Specialist in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Senior Academic Adviser in MDHS.

    What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
    What I love most is the opportunity to join and to help guide students in their journey through university and sharing morsels of (hopefully) sage advice in a ‘what I wish I knew then that I know now’ vibe!

    What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
    We can’t wait to meet you so please join us and feel comfortable that our meetings are informal and very similar to chatting with a friend!

  • Snezana Kusljic

    Role at the University: 
    Senior Lecturer and Graduate Research Coordinator in the Department of Nursing, Senior Academic Adviser in the MDHS, and Chair of Low to Negligible Risk Ethics Committee and Research Ethics Advisor, Office of Research Ethics and Integrity.

    What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?          
    The most enjoyable part of the Academic Advising program is getting to know our students, drawing upon what they bring as individuals and learning from their experience. All these aspects are critical in developing a personalised advising approach that foster connection to the University community and support the development of students outside the classroom.

    What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
    Please join us on this personalised student-academic journey and create long-lasting partnerships with the university community. We, academics, are your ‘tour guides’ and after all your biggest supporters.

Want to know what motivated our academics to be a part of Academic Advising at Melbourne? What their personal experiences with mentoring are? Who were their mentors? Found out below!

Being an Advisee

Being an advisee gives you a new level of unique access to the highly experienced academics at the University of Melbourne. This opportunity is something that should be used to help you connect, discover and learn about everything you can to set you on the path to success!

  • How does it work?

    You will be matched with an academic adviser and will be able to see their details via the student portal. The structure of the sessions is as follows:

    • Year 1 - Second Semester: Group meeting with academic adviser and approximately 10 other students also allocated to the same academic adviser (approximately 60 minutes)
    • Year 2 - First and Second Semester: 2 x one-on-one sessions with your academic adviser. One session in each semester (approximately 30 minutes each)
    • Year 3 - First Semester: A one-on-one session (approximately 30 minutes)

    We encourage you to connect with your academic adviser outside of the scheduled sessions to build that connection and get the support that you need.

    Note: All Bachelor of Biomedicine students who are transferring from another tertiary course will meet one on one with their assigned academic adviser in their first semester.

  • How do I get involved?

    You don't need to do anything! You will automatically be allocated to an academic adviser and notified who they are. You can get it touch with us if you have any questions.

  • What are the benefits?

    Academic advisers are experienced members of our community who can help you adjust to study and life at University. Your academic adviser will take an active interest in your progress, success and challenges. Using their extensive networks, they can help you to connect with your faculty and the broader University community, as well as external professionals and industry representatives.

    The sessions provide a space to think, share ideas, talk about your goals and explore opportunities with an academic member of our (University) community

    Making sure you are prepared before each meeting and arriving on time can help build a good rapport with your academic adviser. Over time, your academic adviser will be a friendly face on campus, someone you can call on for advice, or even ask for a reference at the end of your degree.

  • What kind of support can my academic adviser give me?
    • Academic advisers come from a discipline broadly aligned to your studies and will help you explore opportunities to build on your interests and strengths. If you do have a specific area of interest, they may be able to connect you with other academic staff or suggest ways that you can make these connections for yourself.
    • Academic advisers are not experts in everything, but they can help you identify when you may benefit from seeking specialist support and advice.
    • Meetings with your academic adviser are designed to support your growth and development, so you can discuss a range of goals and challenges with your adviser. There is a limit to the confidentiality of advising meetings, and there may be some cases when an adviser needs to disclose information to help you access support.
    • Academic advisers can help you with general advice on study skills and routines that support your academic success, however it is not their role to tutor you or review specific pieces of academic work. Academic support services are available, and your academic adviser may encourage you to access this support.
  • I want more information

    You can find more information about Academic Advising at Melbourne here.

    If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.

How can mentors work to create a strong, supportive, and thriving relationship with their mentees? What are the most important traits for a mentor to have? Our Academic Advisors discuss their top tips for becoming an effective advisor and a great mentor