First Year Advisers are your first point of contact to help you settle in to a successful year at SCU.

First Year Advisers

First Year Advisers are available to domestic first year students* as their first contact point on how to navigate studying at Southern Cross University (SCU). They are available throughout the year to ensure first year students are aware of, connected to, and receive the support services they need to enable their success. They will guide and support the student journey and work with students to achieve their goals.

Advisers can assist first year students to:

prepare for studies at SCU
understand the ins and outs of being a student at SCU
know where to find important information about support and services
work through student goals and refer to other areas of the university as required

Focus Faculties for 2023

For 2023, we have dedicated First Year Advisers to students* studying Bachelor degrees in:

Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
Faculty of Education

For all other first-year students, please contact your regular SCU support team:

Client Services or International Student Support

You can find more useful information here: Current Students

Areas of support offered:

Social
Academic Support
Wellbeing
Career options
Administration
Accessibility needs

* SCU main campuses Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Coomera and Online.

Meet the First-Year Adviser Team

Meet the First Year Advisers (FYAs) that will welcome and assist you through the first year of study at SCU. Remember, the FYAs can be your first point of call if you need anything.

We are open from 9am – 5pm in your local time. Contact our team at firstyear@scu.edu.au, or call an adviser directly using one of our numbers below.

You can also meet us in person and we would love you to come and say hello. Please get in touch with us to make a time, and we can let you know where to find us on campus.

Bianca Pizzol - First Year Coordinator

Faculty focus: Faculty of Education, Faculty of Business, Law & Arts
Campus: Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore and Online
Location: Shop 7, Goodman Plaza, Lismore
For me, one of the delights of working in student support is watching a first year student’s journey from O Week, when everything is new, to a skilled student by the end of the first year. The First Year Adviser team are a caring group, with insider knowledge and they will help you find the answers you need to survive and thrive in your first year.

Chris Hannigan - First Year Adviser

Faculty focus: Faculty of Business, Law & Arts
Campus: Gold Coast (Room: B3.21b) and Online
Phone: 0755893540
I’m now a proud Gold Coaster, I love the beach and hinterland but enjoy travelling and seeing new places, near and far. I have a passion for working with students, fostering solid study habits, helping navigate uni life and supporting your well-being. Friendly, easily contactable and based on the Gold Coast campus, I look forward to being a part of your university journey.

Ella Hegh - First Year Adviser

Faculty focus: Faculty of Business, Law & Arts
Campus: Lismore (Shop 7, Goodman Plaza) and Online
Phone: 0266203850
As a former student, I know how challenging the first year can be. I am here to help students get started and guide you through the first year. I can assist you in developing your decision-making and problem-solving toolkit. Also, I can direct you to the appropriate resources, whether that is for academic, administrative or emotional support. Our University has a range of services to help make your start to university, a great one.

Gabby Richmond - First Year Adviser

Faculty focus: Faculty of Education
Campus: Lismore (Shop 7, Goodman Plaza) and Online
Phone: 02 6620 3179
I look back on my time at university fondly; particularly my first year. I aim to draw from my experience to provide students with information and guidance to encourage their personal growth. I believe all students come to SCU with a unique set of skills, talents and passions as they set out to achieve their goals. Importantly, I endeavour to be a friendly face for students and commit to enhancing their experience at our University.

Kyle Holland-Sewell - First Year Adviser

Faculty focus: Faculty of Education
Campus: Coffs Harbour (Room: M.G.20) and Online
Phone: 0266593997
I take great pride in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for my advisees to feel comfortable and calm. Starting at university can come with many challenges. I feel privileged to draw upon my knowledge and experience to help students overcome obstacles that stand in their way. It is a rewarding process to connect and collaborate with students, and I strive to empower students with the tools to be successful.

Paula Muscat - First Year Adviser

Faculty focus: Faculty of Education
Campus: Gold Coast (Room: B3.21a) and Online
Phone: 0755893534
I'm here to provide information and advice backed by a genuine understanding of the student experience. I wish to connect with you through honesty and build a relationship that I hope will only empower you to achieve your full potential in your first year at Southern Cross University.