VICE PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

The idea of a college for women has always been a radical one. For centuries the idea of a place where women could come together to live and learn in a safe, supportive community – a place where they could enjoy social and intellectual freedom – existed only in the imaginations of a few brave idealists. In its 130 year history, the students of Women’s College have dared to live this radical dream. As university and professional life has evolved so has College, but in everything we remain a community that celebrates women’s independence and emancipation, and our right to take ourselves, and our ambitions, seriously.

Today, our aim is to create a diverse environment in which our students don’t just succeed, but thrive. University life poses many challenges, perhaps the greatest of which is feeling isolated and anonymous. Women’s College offers a ready-made social and intellectual network, where all students can find mentors to guide them, and friends to accompany them on their journey into adult and professional life.

Women’s students come from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and study dozens of different degree pathways at six metropolitan universities. We make sure that all students have access to Academic Assistants, high-achieving senior students drawn from a range of disciplines who can help younger students navigate the challenges of adjusting to university expectations and bureaucracy. We offer subject-specific tutorials on request, and last year our students received tutoring in more than 200 subjects. More than half of our tutors are current or former students of the College, and all have recent experience in studying their subject.

Our generous alumnae and supporters believe in our vision for the College, and with their help we are working towards a future in which all Women’s students receive the financial support they need to allow them to participate fully in College and university life.

Dr Olivia Murphy Vice Principal