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First year experience made easier
11 February, 2005
With more than 1600 new students beginning university for the first time this month, the University of the Sunshine Coast has plans in place to help make the transition to university easier.
USC First Year Experience Officer, Tilly Hinton, works with staff at the University to improve the first year experience for all new students and increase the likelihood that they will successfully complete their degrees.
"Research shows that the better the first year experience, the more likely the student is of successfully completing their studies," Ms Hinton said.
"This is why USC has made first year experience a high priority."
Her role involves planning and supporting University initiatives that create a positive first year experience for students.
With a background as a high school teacher, she knows how difficult it can be for students to make a successful transition from high school - or the workforce - to university study.
The crunch time for first years is at the four- and six-week mark.
"This is when their first assignments are due and the reality of university study hits home," Ms Hinton said.
Ms Hinton has focused on student activities and support provided during Orientation Week (February 14-18), to ensure it was relevant to new students' needs and gave them a rounded experience of university life.
"We spoke with USC staff and students, and looked at best practice of other universities, and as a result came up with a number of innovations to the O-Week program."
Among these changes is the recruitment of a team of student facilitators - continuing students who will facilitate group discussions in which first year students can explore questions and concerns about starting university.
"O-Week is really important. It is a chance for new students to feel a part of the university, familiarise themselves with the campus and find out what is expected of them - particularly from an academic viewpoint," Ms Hinton said.
Induction sessions for students in each faculty were held as an integral part of O-Week, designed to help students get started on their academic journey.
"O-Week is also a time when students can start to form social connections which are so important," Ms Hinton said.
"It is the kick-off for the social, fun side of university with plenty of activities and events for students to get together and meet other students.
According to Ms Hinton, support networks are vital if students are to succeed at university.
"It is the support networks, both formal and informal, that give students the strength to persevere, even when the going gets tough," she said.
She said it is important for students to realise that they don't have to go through the new university experience on their own, and that the University has services in place to assist students in making the transition to study.
"Our first year experience planning, support and strategies are aimed at helping students through this crucial time and on the path to study success and ultimately, graduation," Ms Hinton said.