Apply for a Volunteer First Session Guide Position in 2026
Become a Volunteer First Session Guide
Do you remember your first day at UOW? Are you passionate about helping others and want to make a real difference at UOW? Join our First Session Guide Program and support first-year students as they start their degree at UOW.
As a First Session Guide, you'll volunteer your time to help new students settle into university life. You’ll help create a welcoming environment, share your experience, and help new students feel connected, supported and confident through their first weeks at UOW - both online and on campus.
As a First Session Guide, you will:
Connect with new students through the online platform and, where possible, in person during Orientation and the first weeks of session.
Help students build confidence as they transition to university.
Answer questions, share tips, and provide encouragement.
Participate in online chats, events, or informal meet-ups to help students build friendships and community.
Commit approximately 1–2 hours per week from three weeks before Spring session starts until Week 13.
Complete training and follow program guidelines to provide accurate and helpful support.
As a First Session Guide, you'll have the opportunity to develop your communication, leadership, and mentoring skills while making a positive impact on the student experience at UOW.
We deeply value the time and energy our volunteers contribute, so we’ve built in a range of benefits and opportunities to recognise your contribution and help you gain valuable skills and experiences along the way.
As a First Session Guide, you’ll have access to:
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A UOW-branded shirt to wear proudly on campus over the course of the program.
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A professional LinkedIn photo to strengthen your online profile.
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Exclusive career development sessions to support your employability.
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A certificate of recognition for your volunteer contribution.
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Coffee catch-up vouchers to connect with fellow guides and new students.
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An end-of-program celebratory event to recognise your achievements.
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Opportunities to join leadership, networking and skills-building sessions, designed to support your growth beyond the program.
This volunteer role requires a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week from three weeks before the start of session until Week 13. Activities and time commitments may vary throughout the program.
Applications close Tuesday 23 June 2026 11:59 PM (AEST)
Submit your expression of interest via the Apply Now button below. All applicants will be contacted on Monday 29 June 2026 with the outcome of their application.
Key Dates:
- 2–3 July 2026: Successful applicants will be invited to attend an online group catch-up to discuss the role and confirm suitability. Multiple session times will be available.
- July 2026: Successful applicants must complete training before commencing in the role.
No prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm, empathy, and a willingness to help others succeed. Apply now to be part of the 2026 Volunteer First Session Guide team and help make a new student's first-year at UOW a positive and unforgettable one.
Any questions can be directed to equitysuccess-enquiries@uow.edu.au with 'First Session Guide Volunteer 2026' in the subject line.