Student Support Advisors
The Student Support Team is here to help you do your best at university.
On this page: learn about Student Support at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, see how we can assist you & meet the team.
We understand that university can be a challenging time. That's why the Student Support Team is here to offer advice and information catered to you.
💠Hear about Andres' experience with Student Support at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ
How we can help
Our team of Student Support Advisors provide personalised support and can help you work through concerns about:
- University life
- Personal wellbeing
- Study routine and habits
- ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç procedures
- Appeals and Academic Standing
- Complaints and misconduct
- Financial hardship
- Anything else you need help with but don't know where to go.
Require immediate support?
Reach out to emergency services, such as Lifeline (13 11 14), ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Protective Services (02 9385 6666) or Triple Zero (000).
We offer in person and virtual consultations with the advisor of your choice.
Head to our booking page to schedule a 45 minute consultation with one of our Student Support Advisors.
Face-to-face appointments are held in the John Goodsell Building.
Virtual appointments are held over Zoom. You’ll receive the link through the booking site just before the appointment starts.
For advice about your CoE and student visa, visit the International Compliance Drop-In at the Nucleus: Student Hub, Monday to Friday, 2-4 pm or email international.student@unsw.edu.au.
See also
Student Support Advisors understand that every student has to juggle their personal life, studies and career in their own unique way.ÌýThat's why we offer personal, individualised assistance tailored to help you overcome the challenges affecting your student life.
Check out some of the ways we can support you below.
- 1. Personal matters
- 2. Managing your studies
Personal matters
Student Support Advisors can assist you if you're experiencing difficulties in your personal life that are impacting your studies or attendance at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.
Our individual approach seeks to help you effectively manage issues so that you can continue to engage with your learning.
We can help you:
- Develop a manageable workload
- Settle into university life
- Manage assessment and exam-related issues
- Navigate ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç procedures, including Special Consideration and
- Access specialised support services at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, including Psychology and Wellness and the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Health Service
- By providing support if you are feeling unsafe
- Report any threatening or unwanted behaviour, including sexual harassment and assault via the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Gendered Violence Portal.Ìý
Further support
Managing your studies
Student Support Advisors can assist you with developing your study habits to get the most out of your education at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.
Healthy study habits can reduce stress associated with university workloads through effective time management and organisational skills.Ìý
If you want help with challenges such as poor or disappointing grades, lack of support or disengagement, a Student Support Advisor can help you address these issues and re-engage with your studies.
Our services include:
- Assisting students to navigate ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç policies and procedures related to assessments and academic progress
- Helping students to connect with appropriate ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç support services, including and Equitable Learning Services.Ìý
Academic Improvement Module (AIM)
If you are at academic risk or on Postgraduate Academic Risk, Provisional Suspension or Provisional Exclusion, the Academic Improvement Module (AIM) can help you to get back on track. Â
This self-paced online module allows you to reflect on your academic experience and identify steps in which you can achieve your academic and career goals.
Further support
Have questions? You can also email advisors@unsw.edu.au to make an inquiry about how a Student Support Advisor can assist you.
Not sure who can help? See a Student Support Advisor.
Helen Craig
Helen Craig – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I've been working as an advisor for more than 8 years, but have been a part of ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç for much longer. I completed my studies here and lived on campus – some of the best times of my life.
Favourite things about my job
I love learning about each and every one of you, finding out what matters to you and working together to make university a successful and enjoyable time in your life.Ìý
My stressbuster
When I'm not working, I'm finding somewhere new to explore, preferably including a lake or ocean swim and having the people I love and care around me.
Michael Davidson
Michael Davidson – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I have been here since July 2017 (almost 12 months in the Medical Faculty as a Student Admin Officer and the rest as a Student Support Advisor).
Favourite things about my job
How rewarding it is, yet a great challenge at the same time. It is so beneficial to be able to help students on their journey and to guide, advise and support them in any way we can.
My stressbuster
To listen to music or to get out and enjoy a walk before and after work to process the day and reflect.
Nicole Zhang
Nicole Zhang – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I joined the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Student Support team in April 2021. Previously, I worked three years as Student Advisor for UNSW Global who offer ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç pathway courses to International Students.
Favourite things about my job
I enjoy forming the bond with students while guiding them through their requests and challenges. I love being supportive, resourceful and inspiring to my students.
My stressbuster
I consider myself a yogi and I have been practicing yoga for almost 10 years. I forget all my troubles while I am standing on my yoga mat.
Pia Larsson
Pia Larsson – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I’ve been supporting students at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç since 2010 and at other universities in Australia and Sweden since 2002.
Favourite things about my job
There are so many, but being able to offer a students a place where they feel seen, heard, safe and supported, and helping them navigate life or achieve their individual goals, is particularly meaningful.
My stressbuster
I reconnect with my body throughout the day to respond to its needs, tune into the good, spend time by the ocean, go for long runs, practise yoga and listen to music or podcasts.
Tracy Ellis
Tracy Ellis – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I joined ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç in August 2017 as a Student Academic Support Officer in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. I then moved to Equitable Learning Services in January 2020 before joining the Student Support Team in March 2022.
Favourite things about my job
Helping students to navigate the challenges of life through discovering their strengths and developing their skills for university and beyond. I feel privileged to offer a safe space for students to share their struggles and successes.
My stressbuster
I love long walks in nature and will break out into a jog for an extra boost of endorphins. Practising mindfulness, cuddles with my dog and listening to music are also great ways to manage the ‘noise’ of external stressors for me.
Kim Carmody
Kim Carmody – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I’ve been with the University for 2 years in another role and recently joined the Student Support Team.
Favourite things about my job
The opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life as well as providing students with information to help inform their decision-making.
My stressbuster
Having a laugh! Laughter really is the best medicine.
Alanna Yao
Alanna Yao – Student Support Advisor
My ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey
I joined the Student Support Team in August 2024. Prior to this role, I spent two years as a Student Wellbeing Advisor for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç College, which offers pathway courses to international students. I completed my studies here in 2019 and lived on campus. I love this university and enjoy my time being around ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.
Favourite things about my job
One of my favourite aspects of being a Student Support Advisor is the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and help them navigate their academic and personal challenges. I find great satisfaction in helping students discover their strengths and build resilience. It’s incredibly fulfilling to grow alongside the students and witness their development and success.
My stressbuster
When I’m not at work, I like to go for walks along the beach or in the National Park. I also enjoy karaoke, go-karting, playing badminton, volleyball and swimming. These activities help me unwind and recharge, so I can be at my best for the students I support.
Have a question?
Contact us for advice on all things ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, including faculty-specific questions, essential services, and even support and development. We’re here to help.