Communities
Students and staff at the University of Melbourne belong to diverse communities: within the University there are learning, social, cohort, curriculum-based, extra-curricular, and many other types of community in which to share knowledge, appreciate different approaches, and learn from each other. But being part of the University and its communities is only one aspect of belonging; reaching out to others is also part of the University's understanding of student and staff community.
Within Melbourne, regionally, nationally and internationally, we aim to provide opportunities for students to participate in community activities. Leadership and volunteering, internships, participation with community groups and research projects are just some ways in which connections can be made.
Learning communities, established through both formal and informal avenues, are a critical part of the University of Melbourne's commitment to excellence in learning and teaching. The multiple ways in which learning takes place, and the variety of contexts in which teaching occurs, is central to the ethos of a learner-centred experience.
Whether learning and teaching happens in a classroom, on a field trip, in a laboratory, a hospital, on a farm, or in a virtual environment, we want our students to engage with peers and teachers in ways that both extend and enhance their education.
Enrichment programs
Formal academic enrichment programs provide opportunities for students to understand how curriculum and learning experiences are shaped by social, cultural and economic contexts, and also acquire the capacity to realise the value of their knowledge and skills in external settings.
Some of these programs are managed centrally, such as Leadership and Volunteering which helps students engage in leadership and volunteering initiatives in Australia and internationally, and others are developed from within faculties such as the In2Science peer mentoring program, which aims to inspire secondary school students with a love of science.
Examples of other enrichment programs include:
- Undergraduate research Opportunities Program (UROP), which gives science students an opportunity to experience a research laboratory ain gain insight into biomedical research through Bio21.
- University chapter of Engineers without Borders – working with disadvantaged communities locally and internationally.
- The Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP) - an extra-curricular program providing opportunities for students to create networks and develop skills through volunteering
- Dreamlarge Student Knowledge Transfer Awards support student programs and encourage students to work with industry and community organisations. For example: students partnering with Never Again Rwanda (NAR) and Global Aids Partnerships (GAPS) to establish ongoing internships for researching issues of social justice and development in Rwanda.
Other enrichment opportunities
Opportunities to engage with the university community extend beyond the formal enrichment programs. The campus provides a wealth of options for students wishing to become involved.
- Student Services
- Clubs and Societies
- MU Sports
- University of Melbourne Student Union
- Graduate Students' Association
Exchange and Study Abroad
University of Melbourne students are actively encouraged to seek opportunities to complete some of their studies overseas with exchange or study abroad partner institutions. It is widely recognised that this exposes students to new cultures and learning experiences that will enrich their university education.
Melbourne Global Mobility coordinates exchange and study abroad programs for both outgoing and incoming students and provides details for those interested in completing some of their study overseas.
Public Spirited
As a public-spirited institution, Melbourne declares its intention to make research, student learning and external engagement serve public ends. This includes taking up pressing societal problems in research, producing responsive graduates, and promoting inquiry and open debate based on evidence and reason.
To facilitate these aims, the University of Melbourne actively participates in community engagement programs, including public lectures and events. The extent of the University's public engagement activities can be seen on the "Community" homepage
Internationally Engaged
The University of Melbourne seeks to ensure that the Melbourne Experience is an international and intercultural experience. The achievement of this objective requires the University to maintain a richly diverse staff and student community, and to offer an international, culturally sensitive curriculum. This includes a curriculum which values other cultures, languages and ways of understanding.
These experiences are not confined to the University’s campuses but extends to opportunities to, for example, study and learn in institutions around the world, or to volunteer in activities with communities in local, national and international settings.
As an internationally engaged institution, the university meets global challenges with intelligence and ingenuity, and respect for cultural difference and common humanity. It draws on the diversity of its staff and student body, strong relationships with overseas partner institutions, and an alumni network of talented graduates spread across the globe.