Preparing for Success at university

Helping students take the first step into university study is the aim of Southern Cross University’s Preparing for Success Program.

The Success Program provides alternative entry to Southern Cross University for people who don’t meet the usual entry requirements or who are returning to study and would like to brush up their skills.

A core unit of the program, Academic Study Skills, will be offered at the Coffs Harbour and Tweed Gold Coast campuses, starting on October 23.

Maria Gregory, who started a business degree at the Tweed Gold Coast campus this year, said anyone returning to study should consider doing the program.

“I started a Bachelor of Arts degree 20 years ago, which I didn’t finish. Then I went into the workforce and got married and had three children. When I applied to uni and got in I thought it would be a good idea to do a preparation course,” Ms Gregory said.

“It gave me a good idea of what to expect from university. Because I hadn’t studied for so long it was a really good stepping stone.”

Julie Galvin, who is studying at Coffs Harbour, said doing a preparation course was invaluable.

“The course gave me the academic skills necessary to succeed in my studies and I’m thrilled with the results,” Julie said.

The Academic Study Skills unit will run for three days a week from October 24 to November 17 at the Tweed Gold Coast campus and from October 23 to November 16 at the Coffs Harbour campus.

Students who complete the Academic Study Skills unit will be given extra weighting towards their entry score when they apply to study a degree at Southern Cross University.

The unit is designed to help students develop the academic skills necessary to succeed at university. It includes academic essay and report writing, critical thinking, oral presentations and how to get the most out of lectures and tutorials.

The Academic Study Skills unit is open to people who have not had the opportunity to gain university entry qualifications, or those returning to study after a break, as well as Year 12 leavers who are uncertain about gaining entry to university.

There is no HECS charge to student who enrol in this unit, so it is free.

The full Preparing for Success Program will be offered to students at the Lismore campus as an intensive eight-week summer school program from November 27, 2006 to January 31, 2007.

For information about the Program contact SCU’s Learning Assistance at Tweed Gold Coast on 07 55069208 or Coffs Harbour campus 02 66593195 or email learningassistance@scu.edu.au.

Photo: The Preparing for Success Program helps students develop academic skills such as essay and report writing.