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Enrolment time again
23 June 2007
A very interesting development in the university sector over the last few years is the expansion in mid-year enrolments. While the start of year path to tertiary study is still the standard route, many entrants to university now choose to begin their studies in July.
A significant proportion of these applicants are gap-year students. These individuals choose not to enter further study directly after year 12. Some travel, some go into the workforce for a limited time, especially to qualify for Youth Allowance, but for Sunshine Coast school leavers the “gap” is usually longer than a year. Some just need time to regroup after the pressure of Year 12 and think seriously about what they really want to do with their lives. Most, however, do return to study so that they can progress their career aspirations. And many begin mid-year.
For mature age entrants, aligning the end of formal schooling directly with a start at university isn’t an issue. For these people, there isn’t the same tradition of starting university in February and in many cases, a new start in July makes practical sense.
Student choices aside, in the past, universities haven’t always been that interested in multiple enrolment cohorts. Providing for multiple enrolment dates means universities need flexible degree programs. This implies that the old, lock-step approach to a single degree start date is discarded. In many cases, it means foundation courses are offered in at least two semesters each year. It’s all about flexible delivery and the willingness of institutions to provide what their community of learners desires, as opposed to what is easiest or more cost effective to the university provider.
At USC, where we are growing so quickly, there is a real interest in encouraging mid-year enrolments. It provides a service to our community and reinforces the commitment to regional engagement. It is also an opportunity for us to build numbers in recently introduced degrees where awareness of new programs has been slow to disseminate to potential students who would otherwise be looking to study away from home.
The first round of QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) offers for students to begin in Semester 2 went out last week. USC made offers to 375 applicants, an increase of more than 7 percent over last year. There will be later rounds, and potential students can also contact the university directly about enrolments.
In an era of life-long learning, flexible delivery and rapidly changing career structures, universities should be adjusting to meet the changing expectations and requirements of students. Where it’s feasible, multiple start dates to a degree program is an aspect of this that is fully supported by USC.
Professor Greg Hill is Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast.