This university has failed time and time again to provide me with opportunities to excel in my field.

I study masters of biotech and previously graduated bachelor of bio med (2022). Basically if you’re thinking of doing biomed to get into medicine, don’t! What the institution fails to tell you is that you have to complete the most difficult subjects and then get paired against any other degree’s (science and arts) WAM’s and GPA’s that are higher due to their subjects being less difficult. I was told by one of the uni melb co-ordinators of medicine (actually a really nice guy) that because my undergraduate WAM was 5 marks lower than it needed to be, it didn’t matter what my GAMSAT score is, I wouldn’t get in. So basically just do science to get better scores if you want to get into med.

Secondly I am studying a masters of Bio Technology currently and have applied with the university to undergo one of the encourages internships with a large bio tech company. My connection to obtain the internship with this company was solid and provided all necessary paperwork for the university to approve in order to begin my internship. Uni Melb rejected this application. In their email notifying me of this rejection, they said “it can be tricky navigating legalities”. I might add that the institution has a partnership with this company, so I’m pretty sure that the legalities are that they don’t get a cut of the work that I will do at the biotech company, and therefore that doesn’t benefit them. We are encouraged to outsource our own unpaid internship for subject credit and I am fortunate enough to find one for it to then get rejected for legal reasons. The school is a disappointment for so many reasons, this being the last straw for me.

The University of Melbourne is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, when it comes to disability services, there have been concerns about bias and shortcomings that need to be addressed.
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the university’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity. The institution has various policies and programs in place to support students with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and learning disabilities. These efforts are commendable and reflect the university’s commitment to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for all students.
However, despite these efforts, there have been instances where the disability services at the University of Melbourne have fallen short of meeting the needs of all students. Bias in disability services can manifest in several ways, such as the allocation of resources, responsiveness to individual needs, and the general attitude of staff members.
One issue that has been raised by some students is the inconsistent allocation of resources and accommodations. Some students have reported that they had to jump through hoops to access necessary accommodations, while others received them more easily. This inconsistency can lead to feelings of frustration and unfair treatment among students with disabilities. To address this, the university should implement a more transparent and equitable process for assessing and providing accommodations.
Another concern is the responsiveness of disability services staff. Students with disabilities have reported that they sometimes face delays in receiving assistance or accommodations, which can hinder their academic progress. It’s essential for disability services to be prompt and efficient in addressing the needs of students, as timely support is crucial for their success. The university should invest in improving the efficiency of its disability services to ensure that no student is left waiting for necessary support.
Furthermore, the attitude and training of staff members in disability services can play a significant role in addressing bias. Some students have mentioned feeling like their needs were not taken seriously or that they were treated with indifference. The university should prioritize ongoing training for its staff to ensure that they have the knowledge and sensitivity required to work effectively with students with disabilities.
Moreover, creating a more inclusive and accessible campus environment is crucial. While the University of Melbourne has made some improvements in terms of physical accessibility, there is still work to be done. Some older buildings may not be fully accessible, and pathways may not always be convenient for individuals with mobility impairments. Investing in infrastructure improvements is essential to ensure that the campus is welcoming to all students.
In conclusion, the University of Melbourne, like many institutions, is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, but there have been concerns about biased disability services. While the university has made efforts to support students with disabilities, there is room for improvement. Addressing issues of bias, inconsistency, responsiveness, and attitude within the disability services is essential to ensure that all students, regardless of their disabilities, can fully participate in and benefit from the educational experience at the University of Melbourne. The university should take these concerns seriously and work to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all students.

My opinion of the University of Melbourne is pretty straightforward. As long as you engage and make the most of it – you will have a great time. It is not for everyone, but for many. You have to seek out help, seek out friends, join clubs. It is a very proactive place.