Academic Enrichment Services Leadership, Involvement & Volunteer Experience Unit

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Applying for SALP

SALP has a limited intake, with the number of applicants far in excess of the places available. It is important that you are aware of your responsibilities during your time in the program.

As an Ambassador, you are representing the program and the University. It is vital that you find the time and inclination to meet your commitments. Please think carefully about why you would like to join the program before applying.

Student Ambassadors must be responsible and reliable. Students who have volunteered to assist with an activity, and for reasons beyond their control become unavailable for this activity, must contact the relevant Coordinator of the project as soon as possible.

Failure to attend training components will mean you cannot successfully complete the Student Ambassador Leadership Program.

Applications for the 2009 intake have now closed.

FAQs

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  1. Who can apply?

    2. Each year 160 students are accepted into the program.

    All University of Melbourne students are eligible to apply for the program if they are from one of these categories:

    • 2nd or subsequent* year undergraduate students
    • Postgraduate students not in their final year
    • Environments, Music or Veterinary Science in first or subsequent* year
    • Regional campus students not in their final year

    * not final year

    Not eligible:

    • 1st year undergraduate students (except those from faculties stated above)
    • Final year undergraduate or postgraduate students 

  2. I haven’t had much volunteer experience, should I still apply?

    3. Yes! This program is designed for students of varying volunteer experience. You will undergo leadership training as part of the program in order to prepare you for your volunteering role in the community. In fact, many of our students will be volunteering for the first time and the program is a great platform to get more involved.

  3. I have lots of experience in volunteering and want to know if this program is suitable for me.

    4. SALP attracts a diverse group of students with different volunteer backgrounds. The program provides a range of different opportunities to further enhance your experiences and leadership skills. The program is flexible enough to enable you to choose challenges, which suit your needs.  

  4. Who selects me once I lodge an application?

    5. Each faculty has a quota of students that can be accepted into the program each year. A selection panel made up of a faculty staff member and a current student ambassador will review your application.

  5. What is the selection criterion for the program?

    6. There are no set criteria for selecting Ambassadors – you don’t need to be an H1 student, or heavily involved at Uni already. HOWEVER, students who have consistently made unsatisfactory progress won’t be considered as the substantial time commitment of SALP would not assist a student who was already having difficulty making satisfactory progress.

    The following are guidelines that panels consider when selecting:

    • Students who may have demonstrated prior willingness to contribute to the faculty in non-academic activities and/or community
    • Students who wish to get involved in University life
    • Students who reflect the diversity of the faculty/dept
    • Emphasis on access and equity
    • Students who have demonstrated awareness of study/other commitments
    • Opportunity to encourage students who have little leadership/volunteering experience

  6. Am I eligible to apply for SALP in my first year of University?

    7. SALP is an intensive program which requires ongoing commitment. In first year your priority will be to transition into University life, so we like to encourage you to settle in first and apply in your second year. There are some degrees that allow their first year students to apply because there are small quotas and due to the nature of the courses. These degrees are Environments, Music and Veterinary Science.

  7. Am I eligible to apply if I am in my last year?

    8. No, because the program runs for three semesters, once you have graduated you are no longer covered by the University insurance and will not be able to complete all of the requirements.  

  8. Can part-time students also apply to the program?

    9. Yes, of course.

     

  9. What if I’m going on exchange in the second semester?

    10. You should wait until your return before you apply, because there are compulsory training requirements that run on a weekly basis in semesters one and two. So, you should consider applying only when you know you are going to be here for the full duration of the program.  

  10. I am an exchange student here for one year. Am I eligible to apply?

    11. No, the program runs over three semesters, so, we recommend you go to the Student Volunteer Resource Service www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live/svrs/ to find out about other volunteering opportunities that suit your circumstances.

  11. The program sounds quite intensive, how can I fit it in with my studies?

    12. SALP is a great way to improve your time management skills and develop both socially and academically. Many Student Ambassadors find that their participation in extra-curricular activities can in fact enhance their studies because they are more motivated, discover more about their abilities and limitations, and learn how to schedule every commitment into their diary. The additional responsibility also encourages Student Ambassadors to plan ahead and set time aside for both their studies and extra-curricular activities. Topics such as time management skills are also covered in the Project Management workshops to assist the Student Ambassadors in juggling all of their commitments effectively.  

  12. Is there anything that I have to pay for?

    13. The only cost associated with the program is for the SALP Weekends, which, consist of an overnight camp held in Semester 1 AND an all-day event held in Semester 2. It costs $80, which covers all activities and transport, meals and accommodation for the first camp.

  13. What is the minimum of hours required to satisfy the criteria?

    14. To successfully complete SALP, you will need to attend:

    • SALP Welcome Day on Saturday 4 April
    • 14 lunchtime seminars held during Semesters 1 and 2
    • 3-hour Project Management workshop held in Semester 1
    • 2 Leadership Weekends (May & September)
    • SALP Symposium on September 22

    You will also need to complete:

    • 20 hours of University Service
    • 40 hours of Community Engagement with 1 organisation

    Please note: Your University Service or Community Engagement will be completed by undertaking a group project.

  14. Will I get academic credit for my participation?

    15. While there is no academic credit for completion of SALP, there are many benefits of participating in the program. Previous participants always mention it in interviews and job applications. The program provides a wealth of concrete examples to draw upon when entering the workplace. Also, upon completion of all the requirements you will be awarded a certificate at the Graduation Ceremony, which is signed by the President of the Academic Board.

  15. What happens if I can’t attend one of the seminars, camps or workshops?

    16. If you can’t attend a training component for reasons beyond your control (religious commitments, illness, etc.) you can still participate through the ‘Uni Service Exchange System’ whereby you accrue ‘points’ for non-attendance at some of the training sessions (there is a limit as to how many sessions you are able to miss). Points are then exchanged by undertaking extra University Service (no more than an extra 10 hours). By partaking in an alternative Uni Service activity, you are still complete SALP.

  16. Can I defer my offer?

    17. No, once you have been offered a place, you must participate in that year; otherwise you will be required to apply again in the following year.

  17. What if my SALP application is unsuccessful?
    18. Each year, applications to participate in SALP far exceed the 160 places we can offer. If your application to SALP is unsuccessful, don’t despair! The University’s Leadership, Involvement & Volunteer Experience (LIVE) unit hosts a range of programs and resources, such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Student Volunteer Resource Service. Programs such as these, aim to provide students with opportunities to develop valuable skills via volunteering and leadership initiatives. For more information, please check the LIVE website www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live And, as long as you won’t be in your final year, you can apply again next year!

Eligibility

Each year 160 students are accepted into the program.
All University of Melbourne students are eligible to apply for the program if they are from one of these categories:

* not final year

Not eligible:

Special applications

Students who study at a regional campus can apply for the off-campus stream of SALP. This stream does not require students to attend the weekly seminars. However, these students must attend all workshops held during the mid-semester 2 break. The University Service and Community Engagement components must also be completed.

Students wishing to apply for this stream must consult the Manager - Student Leadership Programs before applying to enter into the program.

 

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