Rhonda Munro

Rhonda believes there are three main areas in which she can most effectively contribute to the success of SCU Indigenous Students at Southern Cross University under the ITAS Study Support Scheme.

Firstly Rhonda is an experienced and long standing (former) SCU Student Counsellor. Previously based on the Lismore campus. Having started working for SCU Counsellling Team in 2010, while in Sydney as Director of Student Counselling & Welfare Services at SCBIT & The Hotel School. Both SCU joint ventures. This background has been valuable when supporting SCU students.

Secondly, to underpin this work Rhonda has a formal, academic qualifications in a wide range of studies including BA (Psychology, Political Science, Social Science & International Education.) This was followed by BSW (Social Work, Policy, Counselling ) and MSW Social Work Masters research into Policy and Health Service delivery. Research thesis in "Health Policy & Provision; Women in Isolated Rural Communities." Later employed as a tutor in delivery of the course Medico-Legal Aspects of Social Work at university.

To further broaden her horizons, and gain a more practical understanding of the business world, Rhonda was invited to join the staff of a public ASX listed national medica company as a para-legal & Company Secretary based in Sydney.

In this role as Company Secretary & Corporate para-legal, Rhonda's background (in economics & political science) was mostly valuable in Legal & Corporate Compliance and Risk Management. A heady role which she loved for over a decade.

On returning to tertiary education, Rhonda gained a Cert 1V in Working/ Teaching English as a Second language (TESOL) which when working with International students was of significant value.

Rhonda continues to enjoy working with Indigenous students undertaking their degree studies at Southern Cross Univeristy. Especially with students who may have had a disrupted schooling or are struggling with social and emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety or lacking time management skills and focus challenging their studies.

Understanding the social, emotional and academic demands & requirements of university study, Rhonda is more effectively able to support and motivate such students.

Our Study Support Sessions are sometimes didactic in nature, supportive, motitivational, providing psycho-social resources. Tutoring sessions are always underpinned with respect & compassion and gentle humour. A relaxed student will always learn more effectively.

Rhonda uses a "student / client centred approach" when engaging with students which is a strategy of active listening, humour, building trust, empathising and addressing the students "self-defined" needs, concerns, fears and life goals & ambitions.