This is particularly relevant at our Bundoora campus, where extensive waterways and natural areas support large and diverse populations of native birds. These environments are an important part of the campus ecosystem, but the concentration of waterbirds can also create opportunities for disease transmission. Bird flu can cause sudden illness and death, and significant outbreaks have the potential to affect local populations and biodiversity. 

Does bird flu affect humans?

For people, the risk of becoming infected remains very low. Human infections are rare and are generally associated with close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Nevertheless, sensible hygiene and biosecurity practices remain important. Read about possible signs of bird flu here

What steps should you take to stay safe?

If you see a bird or other animal that appears sick, is behaving unusually or has died:

• Do not touch, handle or move it.
• Keep away from the animal and encourage others to do the same.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.
• Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after spending time around waterways or wildlife areas.
• On campus, contact Campus Security and provide the location and a description of what you have observed.

Agriculture Victoria also advises that sick or dead waterbirds should be reported, even when only one bird is affected.

Protecting our campus wildlife is part of protecting the health, biodiversity and sustainability of our University environment. By observing wildlife from a distance and reporting concerns promptly, we can help reduce unnecessary exposure and support an appropriate response.

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Got your first assessment results back? Now’s the perfect time to build on what you’ve learned and get ready for the second half of semester.

Join us online for Assessment Bootcamp on Thursday, 3 September — a day of practical workshops designed to help you use feedback from your earlier assessments, strengthen your academic skills and approach your upcoming assessments with confidence.

Get assessment-ready

Each workshop covers a specific topic, such as improving your academic writing, planning and structuring your assignments, effectively managing your time, referencing and searching for scholarly resources. Whether you want to improve on your first assessments or simply feel better prepared for what’s coming up, choose the sessions that will help you most.

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Most organisations aren’t actively recruiting… until they are. 

Australia’s economy is made up largely of small and medium-sized businesses, local councils, community organisations, private practices and not-for-profits. A clinic, a marketing agency, a local manufacturer – they might all benefit from passionate employees. But many of them don’t recruit students through formal campaigns. 

An email that starts a conversation 

Sometimes a proactive mail is about starting a conversation. Because professional relationships often begin with curiosity. Talk about your goals, your life and why you are interested in that organisation. It’s less about asking for a job and more about presenting yourself. And sometimes, both sides can see the value and proceed towards a firm offer.

Here is the biggest mistake students make 

Cold or speculative applications aren’t just about carpet bombing every recruiter in sight. A few but thoughtfully researched emails will almost always have more impact than a generic message. People can always tell when you’ve chosen them. 

Smaller logos, bigger opportunities 

It’s easy to be drawn towards the biggest names in your industry. Everyone wants to work there. But some of the richest placement experiences happen in smaller businesses. Here, you get access to senior managers, get noticed and learn more. These experiences then go on to become the stories you tell in interviews years later. 

Confidence comes before opportunity 

Hate approaching someone who doesn’t know you? Remember, every professional you’ve ever admired has had to introduce themselves to someone at some point. Learning to put yourself forward is a career skill in itself, and one you’ll use long after your placement has finished. 

Finally, you aren’t alone! 

La Trobe’s Career Ready team can help you identify opportunities, review your resume, provided access to resources to help you make making professional contact and prepare for placement. We have your back as you put your best foot. To learn more about how to create your own opportunities, join an upcoming webinar on 8th September.

The post How to tap into the hidden job market appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 Fellowship for six weeks of research experience, working alongside experienced La Trobe researchers and contributing to meaningful, real-world projects.

What’s the benefit to me?

The Fellowship offers the chance to:

• Get a taste of research beyond what you would typically experience during an undergraduate degree
• Develop practical research skills
• Build confidence and explore where research might take you
• Experience research firsthand in a supportive environment

Who can apply?

While applications are open to eligible La Trobe undergraduate students, preference will be given to students based at the Albury-Wodonga Campus, including students studying within the Albury-Wodonga Campus online footprint.

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must be an undergraduate student from La Trobe University with a minimum of 180 credit points.

Background

Six research projects detailed in this document: Joss Family Fellowship 2026-2027 under the supervision of Albury-Wodonga campus researchers, are on offer, covering disciplines such as:

• Australian History, Military History, Gender History, History of Religion
• Biomedical Science
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Social Work
• Psychology

Further information can be found on the Joss Family Fellowship webpage.

Key dates

Tenure: Six-week, weekly hours to be negotiated with research supervisor. Supervisors will endeavour to design flexible research schedules that fit with part-time work. This is designed to be a taste of research!

Commencement: Commencement and completion dates will be negotiated with the supervising academic staff member. All projects will be completed by February 2027.

Applications close on 20 September 2027.

How to apply

Students are required to submit the online fellowship application form and their resume. 

Contact

Tammy Ebert, t.ebert@latrobe.edu.au

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This change is required to improve the overall user experience and ensure a more reliable wireless service for everyone on campus.

During this time, there will be a wireless outage of about 60 minutes. All buildings across the campus will be affected. Services will be available as usual after the outage ends. 

Please plan ahead and avoid any work or activities that depend on campus Wi-Fi during this period.

We thank you for your patience.

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The Bundoora Employability Expo on Wednesday 12 August is designed to answer those questions – and put you face-to-face with the people who could shape your future career.

More than 50 employers will be at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus to meet La Trobe students, share opportunities and offer insights into their organisations. Whether you’re looking for a placement, graduate program, casual work or simply exploring what’s out there, the Expo is one of the easiest ways to start building professional connections while you’re still studying.

For all students at all stages

The biggest misconception about careers expos is that they’re only for final-year students looking for a job.

In reality, they’re valuable no matter where you are in your degree.

For first-year students, it’s an opportunity to explore different industries and learn what employers value. Mid-degree students can start building networks, ask about placements and gain insights that will help shape future decisions. Final-year students can have meaningful conversations about graduate opportunities and recruitment timelines.

The earlier you start engaging with employers, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply.

Meet the people behind the job ads

Online job descriptions only tell part of the story.

At the Expo, you’ll have the chance to speak directly with recruiters, hiring managers and industry representatives about what it’s really like to work in their organisation.

Ask about graduate programs. Learn what makes an application stand out. Find out which skills they’re looking for now – and which ones will matter in the future.

These conversations can give you insights that simply aren’t available online.

Hear what employers really want

One of the highlights of this year’s Expo is an employer panel focused on the graduate recruitment process.

Recruitment can seem confusing from the outside, with online applications, assessment centres, interviews and psychometric testing often feeling like unfamiliar territory.

The panel will unpack how employers recruit graduates, explain what they’re looking for at each stage, and share practical advice to help students approach the process with greater confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you click “Apply”, this is your chance to find out.

Refresh your LinkedIn – and your professional image

Your LinkedIn profile is often one of the first places employers will look.

At this year’s Expo, students can receive a free professional LinkedIn headshot, giving their profile an instant upgrade.

Better still, there’s an opportunity to win a LinkedIn Premium membership.

To go into the draw, simply:

• Register for the Employability Expo.
• Have your free LinkedIn headshot taken at the event.
• Complete the Rock My LinkedIn Profile short course by Monday 17 August.

It’s a simple way to strengthen your professional presence – and you might walk away with a valuable career development tool.

More prizes!

As well as a LinkedIn Premium membership, students can also win one of two JB HiFi vouchers valued at $200. To win, attend the expo, speak to employers and submit feedback on your way out. Students who attend the expo could also win one of two La Trobe merchandise packs valued at $120.

Not sure what to say to an employer?

Walking up to an employer you’ve never met can feel intimidating.

That’s why the Careers team is running a pre-Expo webinar to help students prepare before they arrive.

“Making a good impression at the Expo” will cover practical tips for introducing yourself, starting conversations, asking thoughtful questions and making a positive first impression – skills that will help not only at the Expo, but throughout your career.

A little preparation can make the difference between simply collecting brochures and making meaningful professional connections.

Your future starts with showing up

You don’t need a polished resume, years of experience or a clear five-year career plan to benefit from the Employability Expo.

You just need curiosity and a willingness to start the conversation.

The contacts you make, the advice you receive and the confidence you build could shape your next placement, your first graduate role or even your long-term career direction.

Opportunities often begin with a single conversation. The Employability Expo is your chance to have it.

Visit CareerHub to find out more and the register for the Employability Expo.

See also: Why a Professional LinkedIn headshot was the best freebie on campus

Check out more career resources at CareerHub.

The post Employability Expo Wednesday August 12: Turn conversations into opportunity appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Different study needs call for different spaces. Choosing the right spot can help you get more out of your study session – whether you need to concentrate, collaborate or recharge.

If you’re studying at any of our campuses or online, here’s how to find a space that works for you.

If you need quiet focus time

Choose a designated quiet or silent area when you need to read, write, revise or work independently.

Quiet spaces are helpful for:

• individual study
• reading and research
• writing assignments
• exam revision
• focused work with fewer distractions

Some campuses have clearly labelled quiet or silent areas. At Melbourne (Bundoora), for example, Level 1 of Borchardt Library Level 2 is for quiet study and Level 3 is for silent individual study.

If you need to chat, take a call or work with a group, choose a space where talking is welcome so you can focus on what you need to do without distracting others.

If you’re studying with others

Studying with other people works best when you have space to talk things through, share ideas and plan your next steps.

Use group study areas where you can talk freely for:

• group assignments
• planning and discussion
• presentation practice
• study sessions with classmates

Group study options vary by campus, from group tables to bookable rooms and flexible learning spaces.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), Level 1 of the Borchardt Library is the main space for talking and group discussion, and bookable meeting spaces and alcoves are available in The Learning Commons (TLC) next to the Library. Bookable accessibility rooms are also available for eligible students.

Depending on your campus, you may also find other buildings with desks and spaces to study if you are working in a group or are happy with a bit of background noise. For example, the ground floor of HS1 at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus has comfortable desks and booths that are great for a study session between classes.

If you need to take a call or join an online class

If you need to chat in an online class or take a phone call, choose a space where talking is okay. Make sure you use headphones to help you stay focused and keep the space comfortable for others nearby.

Some campuses have spaces designed for online classes, like the Online Learning Zone at Melbourne (Bundoora) and Online Learning Rooms at Bendigo.

If you want to chat, socialise or take a break

A quick catch-up or study break can help you recharge and come back ready to focus. To make the most of it, choose a space where you can feel comfortable chatting with friends.

Across our campuses, you will find social spaces, lounges and outdoor areas for a more relaxed catch-up.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), the Club House in the Agora is a great place to connect, join club activities or take a break to play some table tennis, while The Retreat offers a calming seating, puzzles and light reading.

Study closer to home at a study hub

If you want to save time travelling to campus or study closer to home, study hubs are a great place to focus. Services vary at each study hub, but can include quiet study spaces, free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students.

You have free access to the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, plus Country Universities Centres across the country.

The Library also offers a range of support online, including help with research, referencing, study skills and finding resources.

Check what’s available at your campus

Every campus is different, so make sure you check the Library page before you head in. You can find campus-specific spaces, floor plans and opening hours there.

Need help?

Library staff can point you in the right direction if you are struggling to find a suitable space.

Everyone needs to follow the Library’s conditions of entry when using Library spaces. If something in the Library is making it hard to study, you can speak to staff in person or contact the Library online.

The post Quiet study or group work? Find the right study space appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

A Census date is the last date you can withdraw from a subject without being financially liable i.e. having to pay for the subject. Each subject of study offered at the University has a Census date. Make a note of the key dates to help you succeed..

We’ve listed six things you should know about Census date.

1. Your current subjects may have different Census dates

Did you know your current enrolled subjects may have different Census dates? Census dates vary depending on whether your subject is running in a Term, Semester or non-standard teaching period, so you may have multiple Census dates relevant to your study plan. The best way check the Census dates for different study periods is to view the Census date webpage. You can also see your subject Census dates on your Statement of Account in StudentOnLine.

2. You can drop subjects until the study period Census date without paying for them

A few weeks in and you’re just not feeling a subject or struggling to balance university and outside life? In most circumstances, you can drop a subject without penalty before Census date. Dropping a subject and getting the balance right before the Census date is definitely a better option than struggling and stressing about it for the rest of the Semester or Term. It’s also better to drop a subject before the Census date to avoid paying for it. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

Find out how to change your subjects/enrolment.

3. Your personal details need to match up between La Trobe, the USI registry and the ATO

Make sure the personal details you have listed with La Trobe match the details you have listed with the Unique Student Identifier (USI) registry and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Your details in the USI registry need to match La Trobe the entire time you’re studying. You need a valid USI to access government assistance (such as a Commonwealth Supported Place or HELP loans) and to receive your qualifications once you’ve completed your degree.

You can check your ATO personal details by creating an account and logging into myGov. If your details don’t match up, the Government can’t verify your enrolment details. This may impact your funding, including Centrelink benefits and your ability to access HELP loans.

If you need to, you can update your La Trobe personal details via StudentOnLine.

4. Your financial arrangements need to be finalised

Make sure you pay all fees marked ‘Required’ on your Statement of Account by Census date. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

If you’re eligible for a HELP loan, you can choose to pay your fees upfront or defer them to pay later. To access a HELP loan, you need to complete a Request for Government Assistance and have your application approved by Census date.

Any fees that can be deferred will show as ‘Optional’ on your Statement of Account. You can make upfront payments toward these optional fees until Census date. After that, any unpaid amount will be deferred to your HELP loan.

5. You can take leave without cost

There are heaps of reasons why you may need to take some time off your studies and it’s a great option if you need some time to deal with personal issues, address your finances or you simply need a break for self-care.

You may be able to take up to 12 months’ leave from your course, and if you do so before Census date, you won’t be liable for the Semester or Term fees.

Speak with your Student Advisor or course coordinator before you apply to discuss the possible impact on your study plan. One thing to consider is that taking leave from your studies can affect the duration of your course.

6. Support and advice are available for you

Every uni student has had second thoughts at some point – there are so many things that play on your mind while you’re studying, from your personal life to your studies, to the odd existential career crisis.

We have lots of support services available to assist with all of these issues when they occur. Our Student Wellbeing team can provide advice if you’re struggling personally in any way, course and subject coordinators, Library Support and Student Advisors can assist you with your studies, and our Career Ready team can assist with any careers questions that you have.

The post Six things you need to know about Census date appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join the La Trobe x Benetas Care Economy Innovation Sprint and work alongside industry experts to develop innovative solutions that will help shape the future of Australia’s aged care sector.

Over two immersive days, collaborate with students from across disciplines, recent La Trobe alumni, and industry from leading aged care provider Benetas,to tackle real-world workforce challenges facing the care economy. Through design thinking, mentoring, and rapid prototyping, you’ll develop ideas that can improve the way aged care careers are experienced, supported, and perceived.

Whether you’re studying or working in health, business, technology, design, social sciences, or another discipline, your perspective could help transform one of Australia’s most important industries.

Program details

• Dates: Thursday 13 August to Friday 14 August 2026
• Time: 8:45am – 5:00pm, each day
• Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus – Bundoora

Applications Close: 11.45pm on Friday 8  (unless filled prior).

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You may have heard the word Census at university, but the Australian Census is something completely different. 

The National Census, run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is Australia’s biggest survey. It takes place every five years and collects information about the people and households living in Australia. The results help governments, councils and community organisations plan services such as transport, healthcare, education and community programs. 

Who needs to take part? 

Everyone in Australia on Census night must be counted, including: 

• Australian citizens and permanent residents 
• International students 
• Temporary visa holders 
• Visitors and tourists 
• Children and babies 

If you are in Australia on Census night, you need to be included on a Census form. No exceptions! 

When is the Census? 

Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. 

How do I take part? 

From late July, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. Most people will complete it online, although paper forms are also available. 

You can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you already know where you will be staying on Census night. If you are travelling, you still need to be counted wherever you are on the night. 

Find out more 

Visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for more information: 

• About the Census 
• How to complete the Census 

Don’t forget, the Australian National Census is not the same as La Trobe University Census date, which relates to enrolment and study administration. The National Census is a government survey that everyone in Australia is required to participate in.  

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