Date: Wednesday 3 July 2024
Time: 12:20pm – 1:00pm
Venue: Victoria Suites 2, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Cost: included with registration
Summary of the Special Interest Group
The Australia-wide Orientation and Transition Community of Practice (CoP) is a collaborative network for professionals within the university sector across Australia. This community focuses on enhancing orientation and transition programs for students by sharing best practices, learning from common pitfalls, engaging in group problem-solving, and specifically addressing the needs of international students. Through these collective efforts, the CoP aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of university orientation and transition activities.
Members of this community can benefit from:
1. Networking and Collaboration: Connect with colleagues from various universities to exchange insights, strategies, and resources for improving orientation and transition programs.
2. Innovation and Best Practices: Stay informed about emerging trends, research findings, and effective strategies for supporting students during their critical transition period.
3. Resource Sharing: Share and access valuable resources, tools, and templates to enhance the effectiveness and impact of orientation and transition initiatives.
4. Community Engagement: Engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and seek advice from peers to address common challenges and foster continuous improvement in orientation and transition practices.
By joining this community of practice, members contribute to a collective effort aimed at optimising the student experience and promoting student success across universities in Australia. This community of practice serves as a hub for collaboration, learning, and innovation in the field of student orientation and transition.
Convenors:
Liz Cavalli
Senior Support Officer (Designated Cohorts),
University of Southern Queensland
With nearly a decade of dedicated experience in higher education, Liz currently leads all orientation and transition activities for the University of Southern Queensland. She has been proud to pioneer the strategic transformation of the traditional on-campus orientation program into a dynamic online platform for the University, where this initiative showcased not only her commitment to innovation and adaptability in educational practices, but also emphasised her focus on enhancing the first-year experience for students. Liz’s expertise lies in developing effective processes and frameworks for seamless project management, alongside organising and overseeing events of all sizes. She is driven by a passion for learning and teaching, where her commitment to placing student success at the centre of all educational endeavours underpins her every venture.
Rachel Yasmineh (she/her)
Orientation and Transition Manager,
University of Technology Sydney
Rachel is the Orientation and Transition Manager at the University of Technology, Sydney bringing over 15 years of experience in tertiary education with a strong focus on student engagement, transition, and wellbeing. Rachel’s dedication lies in helping students adjust to university life and acquire the skills needed to succeed both academically and personally.
Rachel firmly believes that delivering an exceptional student experience is key to helping students thrive at university. By designing and implementing comprehensive orientation programs and ongoing support initiatives, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student has a smooth and fulfilling transition into university life.
Rachel is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can develop essential life skills, build meaningful connections, and embrace the challenges and opportunities of university life. Through her work, Rachel aims to empower students to excel and make the most of their university experience.
Victoria Roome
Senior Coordinator, University Life,
Central Queensland University
Victoria Roome is a strategic and creative professional with 15 years experience in higher education, currently leading the University Life portfolio at CQUniversity, which includes student events and experiences, student enrichment programs, student advocacy and student careers and development. Victoria has strong program and project management with award winning deliverables. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, governance, branding & reputation, Victoria values authentic leadership and connections that ultimately enhance the student experience and our student’s success.