Jelena Kovacevic, Chair of Council You know our evasive bestie “[email protected]”? we don’t see her too often but when we do, she brings either excitement or anxiety with her. Sounds a bit toxic to be honest… Receiving your end of semester results may feel daunting and can evoke intense emotions surroundings one’s self worth. While this isn’t the case for everyone, many people can experience a decline in their mental wellbeing which may take some time to recover from.
For students who have failed units this semester, it can be challenging to see where to go from there. Failing a unit means you do not receive the credit points for it, which you would need to recover by completing a substitute unit. However, for students who consecutively fail units - especially if it’s within their same degree or major- there may be some other factors you'll need to consider. Most importantly: are you are happy continuing in your major? Especially if you feel deficient in key skills, or you’re undecided and need some professional advice.
Writing, maths and referencing skill support is all available at Reid Library during semester. These services take into account that high school education is not always equitable, so new students may start uni at various skill levels. If you’re a mature aged student, chances are you might need to brush up on a couple of skills that might not be so fresh in your mind. Remember that you’re just as deserving of your degree as anyone else! Consulting these Study Smarter resources is especially helpful if you failed a bridging or core unit, as these units are often foundational to your studies.
If you’re looking for a department that offers a wide range of services, it is worthwhile consulting your Student Advising Office (if you’re unsure of yours, it’s listed in the “Home” section on studentConnect). Appointments are available for students who have failed units or have other complicated enrolment matters, while other non-urgent queries regarding your study plan should be done via drop-by visits, askUWA or over the phone. It is important to be considerate of demand when making a booking and being aware of wait times during busy periods. If you’re just looking for a supportive chat, I suggest consulting Student Assist, a team of social workers and a Wellbeing Counsellor with experience working with young people at UWA.
If discussing your wellbeing is difficult to do with staff, feel free to consult students instead! The Education Council Committee and our various Faculty Societies (FACSOCs) are here to support you with difficult issues. We are all current students ourselves who have faced our own challenges. You can contact us: [email protected] or visit your FACSOC’s Facebook to reach out!
Remember that while the weight of receiving your results may be overwhelming right now, there is plenty of support on campus to see you through your degree. Don’t ever feel like you’re alone bestie. Have an excellent winter break and we’ll see you back on campus soon!
