Support structures

We know that moving to Melbourne and starting university is super exciting but it can also be challenging This is why our students have multiple people they can connect with who will proactively support and mentor them during their time in College Our Student Wellbeing team includes Resident Advisors (RAs), Senior Resident Advisors (SRAs), the Associate Dean, the Dean of Students and the Principal. This team is trained in mental health and physical first aid and the College encourages students to seek them out if they need support

What is an RA and SRA?

Our RAs are a team of outstanding 3rd year students who facilitate the academic, social and cultural life of the College alongside the St Hilda's staff They act as both a support person and role model to all students. The RA role isn't a disciplinary one, but rather a culture setter, role modelling and promoting a healthy, inclusive and safe college culture for all

Our SRAs are post-graduate students or practising professionals living in residence. They bring a depth of experience and wisdom to the community and provide valuable support and mentoring to our students.

SRAs work closely with the Dean of Students, the Principal and the Associate Dean to ensure that all students receive appropriate wellbeing and academic support, as well as professional development.

Availability

The RAs and SRAs are allocated a residential block and have designated students they mentor and support However, we encourage every student to seek out anyone they feel comfortable with as the student wellbeing team will provide support to anyone who needs it

Every student at St Hilda's College is connected with their SRA and RA through weekly block suppers These provide an informal opportunity for guidance and support In addition, the SRAs schedule one-to-one conversations with every student at least once per semester as a check in.

An on-call RA or SRA is rostered on for emergency or wellbeing support out of business hours The Dean and Principal are always available to speak to students

While they are studying or working alongside their St Hilda's role, our SRAs are involved in the everyday life of the college and are committed to mentoring our students to become healthy, empowered, resilient and self-determined individuals

Depending on their area of expertise, our SRAs are often involved in our Academic Program as subject-specialist tutors or through the facilitation of workshops Many of our SRAs have lived in a college setting during their own undergraduate studies and are therefore uniquely placed to guide and advise our students as they transition from their high school years into their young adult years

Wheel of Wellbeing

Our SRAs and RAs work together to provide opportunities for all students to connect with each other and develop holistic wellbeing skills through our Wheel of Wellbeing initiatives