The Diploma of Foundation Studies (DoFS) is an established regional equity and access program with a 3-year record of enabling students with low ENTER scores to enter full time tertiary study in a range of disciplinary areas. Preliminary analysis indicates this program has been successful with 74% of these students gaining subsequent places in university degree programs. Of these students just under half gained entry into their first choice degree in a range of disciplinary areas. The incorporation of a range of teaching and learning initiatives into the program enables students who would normally be considered ineligible or "at risk" to successfully negotiate tertiary study. Indications from this program confirm recent Australian research that ENTER scores do not necessarily serve as an accurate indicator of student performance. When students are provided with an appropriately supportive transitional program and environment, retention rates and academic performance are comparable with the mainstream student body.

*We would like to register our gratitude to the staff of the Gippsland Research and Information Services (GRIS) for their assistance in the statistical analysis of our data, particularly the efforts of Hazel Young.