School students gain Access to SCU

Southern Cross University has extended its successful Access program to its Lismore campus.

Richmond River High School, Lismore High and Kadina have joined the program that provides an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to undertake a university enabling subject through the SCU College while completing their senior schooling. The project is funded through the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program.

“We are excited to be welcoming our first cohort of Lismore Access students to the University this year,” project officer Caitlin Burcher said.

“The program is free of University fees and offers students the chance to gain a taste of university life, to stimulate their interest in academic pursuits and enhance their educational performance and long term aspirations.

“On successful completion of the program participants will gain direct entry and advanced standing into a variety of Associate Degrees offered at Southern Cross University.

“The program is aimed at those students who are academically capable but for a variety of reasons have disengaged from the thought of attending university. The students are assessed to be able to cope with the increased workload and have supportive parents or guardians.”

The project ran successfully at the Gold Coast campus last year and will continue this year with new participants Elanora High and Kingscliff High joining Varsity College, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Banora Point High School, Kings Christian College and Tweed River High School.

Other benefits for Access students include a credit point towards their QCE (Qld only); guaranteed entry into the student’s choice of an Associate Degree in Business, Allied Health, Science or Arts through the SCU College; and advanced standing and reduced HECS debt as a result of already having completed one unit from their Associate Degree.

Students will attend the University’s Gold Coast or Lismore campus weekly on a Wednesday afternoon for activities, lectures and tutorials.

“The activity runs through school holidays so there has to be a real commitment from the students,” Ms Burcher said.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Access students will take part in the Access Get Focused session with a guest industry panel at SCU’s Lismore campus on Wednesday, June 4, from 2pm to 2.45pm. This session will involve various guests who will form a Q and A style of panel and will tell students about their experiences with study, past careers and experiences. The Gold Coast campus will host an Access Get Focused session on Friday, June 6, from 2pm to 2.45pm. Photo: Caitlin Burcher.