Nuts and bolts session

Title: Assisting Transition: Campus Initiatives and Community Links

Jane Williamson

Abstract

The purpose of this session is to explore and invite discussion on the transition programmes currently in operation or being developed by QUT Carseldine at the Carseldine Campus of Queensland University of Technology.

The Carseldine Campus of QUT is located in the burgeoning outer northern suburbs of Brisbane and is consequently well placed to take advantage of the increasing numbers of families moving into these suburbs and the adjacent areas. As its name suggests, QUT Carseldine is based at this Campus. It acts as a Faculty, in that it houses the School of Humanities and Human Services, but it also has a wider role in terms of the strategic development of the Campus. In part, this developmental role involves engaging with the other Faculties that have a presence on the Campus - but are not based there - in order to build cross-faculty links, coordinate activities and ensure the emergence of a Campus identity. Other activities focus on the development of fruitful links between the University, business, local government and other education providers in the north Brisbane vicinity.

The first of the transition programmes is now entering its second year and involves a range of support mechanisms for first year students attending courses on Carseldine Campus. The mechanisms include: peer mentoring opportunities, additional/optional academic literacy workshops, study/focus groups to address issues and facilitate feedback and the provision of a comprehensive student guide (Carseldine Students’ Guide) to the various support services on Campus which is up-dated each semester.

The second transition programme is currently in its planning phase. It envisages the provision of a ‘University Experience Programme’ for year 11 and 12 students from selected schools in the Carseldine area. This programme will draw on the educational networks that QUT Carseldine has developed in the North Brisbane area, provide a coherent realignment of existing programmes for school students and aid the transition process by enabling potential students to get to know the university in various contexts. It is proposed that the year 11 students will engage in a half-day, 6-8 week programme of activities and lectures at QUT. This programme will enable students to make appropriate career/ course choices and prepare them for the Start QUT Programme in year 12. Start QUT offers students a chance to do specific QUT units through which entry into particular QUT Courses is possible.

Comments and feedback from individuals involved in or considering similar programmes will be sought.