(All host group run around the couch, finally sitting down Nate introduces himself.)
Nate: Hi everyone, my name is Nate and I'm here with my friends; Shimmi, Brett, Maz (Mariam), Jade & Shaun.
Shimmi: We are here to help you get settled, connected and equipped for study.
Brent: On a normal day we are students here at Monash Berwick campus, but today we are your tour guides.
Mariam: and your our special guests.
Jade: As you're about to find out, there's loads of student services and facilities at Berwick - so we recommend having paper and a pen handy... just in case you want more information.
Shaun: Jade, why don't you and I go and see Raq at the office of sustainability and environment to figure out the best ways to get here.
Nate: And I am off to see Doris at the Student Services Centre
Mariam: So guys, you want to meet here at the end of the day?
Everyone: sounds good
(students all leave the couch)
(Jade & Shaun walking along the footpath)
Jade: So Shaun, you coming to the open mic night tonight?
Shaun: Well yes, didn't you hear I am actually singing, dancing...
Jade: I am going to come as well, but how should I get here?
Shaun: Maybe you could think about catching the intercampus shuttle bus, and speaking of transport, here is Raq from the Office of Environmental Sustainability
(Shaun and Raq shake hands)
Jade: Now we know Monash is committed to protecting the environment - can the way students get to and from uni play a role?
Raq: Absolutely. We advocate green options so if you live locally, you can ride or walk to campus.
Jade: What about students who live some distance to uni?
Raq: Monash offers a free, regular shuttle bus between Clayton and Berwick. The best part is that the bus is wireless so you can study... (quietly to camera or with a wink) or check Facebook, on your journey.
Otherwise, Berwick station on the Pakenham train line is a five minute walk from the campus, and there are suburban buses that stop nearby.
Shaun: Anything for cyclists?
Raq: There are plenty of bike racks and shower facilities.
Jade: Now what about drivers?
Raq: Well you could drive to uni by yourself and pay for parking but we recommend carpooling, carpooling is absolutely free and it's a great way to meet students and reduce your environmental footprint. Log onto my.monash to find the University's carpooling matching service and your perfect match...
(on screen: https://my.monash.edu.au/)
Jade: Thanks Raq: I'm off to find a travel buddy to get some free parking action...
Nate: I'm here at the Service Centre in the heart of Building 901 with Doris - the keeper of all Service Centre knowledge!
Doris : Hi Nate.
Nate: Good to see you, tell us about what goes on here.
Doris: We help students with their administration matters.
Nate: Like student IDs and fee payments?
Doris: Yes, they are a couple of things we take care of. Think: student forms, transport concessions, scholarship enquiries - the list goes on and on. The best thing to do if you have an administrative question is to come and see us or visit our online enquiry service, ask.monsh.
Nate: Remember ask.monash, it's an excellent resource if you're looking for quick answers.
(on screen: https://my.monash.edu.au/askmonash/)
Doris: And, if we can't answer your questions, we'll certainly point you in the right direction.
Nate: Great, how about pointing me in the direction of Brent and Mariam?
(Nate walk up to Brent & Mariam having a coffee in the coffee shop)
Brent: I'm just enjoying a latte at the Meeting Point Café. This is the place to visit when you're hungry or need a break from study.
Mariam: They have everything here: fresh focaccia, sandwiches, bread rolls, hot healthy options and something for those with a sweet tooth.
Nate: But most importantly - hey have good coffee!
Brent: So if you need an energy fix or recharge, come see Erik in the Meeting Point Café and he'll look after you.
(Brent, Nate and Mariam “cheers” with their coffee cups.)
(Shimmi walking past the bar in the Student Lounge)
Shimmi: I'm here in the Student Lounge. The fun and frivolity of the Lounge is bought to you by the Monash Union of Berwick Students, or MUBS. The Lounge is also home to Oscars Bar (motions to the bar), where you can grab a drink or a meal with mates. Ah, here's Tristan to tell us more about MUBS. Last week I was at a trivia night in here- is that what MUBS is all about?
Tristan : Yes, its our job here at MUBS is to provide Berwick students with services and social activities. Get involved and make friends by attending parties like Berwick Idol, by joining a club, like MILF which stands for Man I Love Food (a great club to join) or by writing for the INK the student magazine. All students are welcome at everything we put on, including activities organised by our division for international students, BISA. (Berwick International Student Association) They support international students and host fantastic multicultural events.
Shimmi: So there's lots of fun stuff, but what about rights and advocacy?
Tristan: It's important to remind students that MUBS provides representation and support. Come and talk to us and we'll take you through the many ways we can assist with student rights and welfare matters. We will do what we can to help you.
Shimmi : (Walking off and cheekily asking...) I've got a problem with my co-host, is that something you can help me with?
(location change to Berwick Bookshop)
Brent: nice one Shimmi, you have left the mic on. Anyway here I am at the Berwick Bookshop with Liz, so Liz what can you tell me about the bookshop.
Liz: We've got everything, the bookshop has all the books and unit guides a student might need. We've also got cards, gifts, stationery and more. And if it's not here, we'll get it in for you.
Brent: I'm thinking of getting matching Monash tees for Mariam and me...
Liz: If Monash merchandise is what you're after, we'll get you fitted out in the latest gear.
Brent: Fantastic! Do you think she will like the grey or the blue?
Liz: I like the white... its up to you
(Jade walking through the Library)
Jade: When you think of study support, think of the Library... Meet Tony.
Tony: Hi Jade
Jade: Can you tell us how the Library is more than books -
Tony: well, we are a partner in your education. Aside from books, journals, on-line resources, computers and a great media collection, we have librarians and Learning Skills Advisers available to provide research assistance and study advice.
Jade: so if we have any questions about assignments, referencing or study skills, we can drop by?
Tony: That's right. And if you are after a book or resource from another library, we'll get it in for you. To find out more, visit the information desk, join a library tour, register for an introductory class or visit the Library's website.
(Shaun infront of the Berwick ITS Service Desk)
Shaun: The Library and Learning Commons are also home to the Information Technology Services or ITS desk - they help with passwords, accessing wireless services and other IT stuff. We are well connected here with an easy-to-use wireless network and 24 hour computer labs. If you have any hassles, just visit the folks at ITS - not just handy, they're friendly too!
(Nate walking into the HUB Foyer)
Nate: Just a short walk from the Library, between Buildings 901 and 902, is the Health and Wellbeing Hub where you'll find a range of student support professionals. Firstly, Jess tell us what the Hub is all about.
Jess: We assist students with matters that impact on their personal and study lives.
Nate: Like say financial aid or international student matters?
Jess: Yes - exactly. We assist with financial aid, international student support and off-campus housing. We offer a chaplaincy service and fun group activities like Study Smart and Campus Connect.
Nate: Anything else new students should know?
Jess: Yes, we are your link to other services like the Disability Liaison Unit, Indigenous Student Support and Employment and Careers Development.
Nate: I can see why you're called a 'hub'! Ok, so what about if we're having a tough time emotionally, do we come to the same place?
Jess: Andrea is here to help you with that
(Andrea Counsellor entering)
Andrea: You do... I'm on the Counselling team and we're co-located with the Hub.
Nate: Tell us about the service, what do you do?
Andrea: We're a free confidential service, run by psychologists and social workers. We encourage students to talk to us about where they're at - there are no trivial matters. The sooner you get support, the sooner you're back on track.
Nate: What about meditation and getting zen?
Andrea: Sure you can get zen with us - we run group programs that teach stress management skills, including meditation, and how to reduce the impact of depression or anxiety.
Nate: Expensive?
Andrea: There's no charge...
(on screen: http://www.monash.edu.au/counselling/)
Nate: That's right, Its free, there s no charge! Hub services are available because Monash understands students face all kinds of tricky situations. The main points are - you're not alone and we all need support from time to time.
(Mariam & Rhonda at small table)
Mariam: Hi again, I am with Rhonda from the Safer Communities, Rhonda, why would a student contact your department?
Rhonda: Students contact us when they feel threatened by text messages, emails or unwanted attention or because they're worried about the welfare of someone else. If you find yourself in this position, visit the Hub or phone the Safer Community Line which is on the screen right now. We encourage all of our university students to drop by the hub or to contact the safer Community Line on 9905 1599
(on screen: Safer Community Line: 9905 1599)
(Shimmi, walking towards the Campus Security office counter)
Shimmi: Feeling safe on campus is very important, so I am here with Shaun from the Campus Security Team who also play a role in keeping you safe on and around campus. Hi Shaun.
Shaun: Hi Shimmi.
Shimmi: Now let's say I'm studying late and feel a bit weird about walking around by myself... could I call you for a walk to my car?
Shaun: Yes, we can escort you to your car, student residences and to other locations around the campus.
Shimmi: Can students call at any time?
Shaun: Yes, the service is available 24 hours...
Shimmi: Now in emergencies?
Shaun: If you feel uncomfortable or face an emergency situation, call us first. On campus, dial 333 from any landline or 9905 3333 from your mobile. We recommend you put the numbers on screen in your phone.
Shimmi: What else should new students know about safety?
Shaun: We're all about prevention. Head to the Berwick Security web page to find out about our initiatives to keep you safe on campus
Shimmi: Thanks Shaun: It's great to know you're around - any chance you could walk me to Monash Residential?
(on screen: http://fsd.monash.edu.au/security)
(Nate working out on a cross-trainer machine.)
Shaun: While you're studying hard at Monash it's also really important to stay active... and Monash Sport has everything you need to make that happen. G'day Jeremy.
Jeremy. Hi Shaun, the Monash Sport Team have a range of sport and recreation options. We have a gym with all the latest equipment but if outdoor activities are more your thing, we have a soccer pitch, cricket nets, tennis and basketball courts.
Shaun: What else do you have for those who want to get physical?
Jeremy.You can check out our rec room with table tennis and pool tables, or take a stroll around the nearby state park. We also encourage students to get involved in TEAM Monash community fitness events.
Shaun: Nicely played. Thanks Jeremy.... you just gotta get involved!
(on screen: http://www.sport.monash.edu/)
(Brent in the student lounge)
Brent: So you've heard how the Hub can assist with off-campus housing but what about on-campus housing for those who want to roll out of bed and into a lecture? Here is Katie to here to tell us more...
Katie: Monash Residential Services, or MRS, manages housing on campus. Each unit has all the comforts you'd expect from your home away from home. MRS provide lots of support to residential students and organise all sorts of activities, like pyjama parties and movie nights.
Brent: If you're after on-campus housing there's nowhere better equipped than MRS Berwick to give you the comforts of you home away from home.
(On screen: http://mrs.monash.edu.au/)
(Jade and Mariam standing next to some rubbish bins)
Jade: Now Monash University is committed to sustainability...
Mariam: You can reduce your environmental footprint by signing up to the uni's Environmental Pledge. For every person that takes the pledge, the university donates $5 to renewable energy.
Jade: What else can you do? (throw recycling in the recycle bin) Use recycle bins and switch off lights and equipment when you leave a room.
(on screen: http://fsd.monash.edu.au/environmental-sustainability)
(Back to the couch in front of the student lounge)
Shaun: Well folks we have come to the end of our Monash University Berwick campus tour, but it's only the start for you.
Mariam: So enjoy this experience and make the most of it...
Brent: Get involved and become part of the community.
Nate: It's easy here at Berwick because this is a friendly campus with great people and opportunities.
Jade: there is always someone out there to help you out so put yourself out there and have fun!
Shimmi: Good luck and we'll see you around campus.
(students all fall about on the couch laughing)