Susan on the path to success

After more than 20 years away from study, and having only completed schooling up to year 10, the idea of university study was a bit daunting for Coffs Harbour woman Susan Backhouse.

But after completing the Preparing for Success course at Southern Cross University Susan hasn’t looked back and has gained ‘mostly distinctions’ during her first semester of a Bachelor of Arts degree.

“My youngest child had just started high school and I decided I’d like to go back to study. But I had no real computer skills and no idea how to research or write an essay,” Susan said.

She enrolled in the fee-free Preparing for Success course, which has been developed by Southern Cross University to smooth the path for would-be undergraduates by teaching them the practical research, computing and analytical skills they need to pursue their academic studies.

The course is useful for school leavers or TAFE students who have taken the vocational strand of learning but would now like to go to university, or for those who have spent time away from the academic environment for family or personal reasons and want to brush up their skills.

The course, which is being run at the Coffs Harbour campus from June 29 to September 16, offers an alternative pathway into university.

“I found it a really good course,” Susan said. “For people like me it just gives you the confidence to know that you can do a university degree – it’s not beyond you. I really think anybody who hasn’t done any formal education for five years or so, and even school leavers, should do it.

“There are really useful tools for studying and research. I don’t think I would have coped without it.”

Polly Wells, a lecturer in the Learning Assistance Unit, said the course covered topics such as referencing, essay writing and researching skills.

“It gives people enormous confidence. It means that when they start their studies they already know about using the library, accessing resources and how to write essays. Many of the people who have completed the course do considerably better in their first year studies,” Ms Wells said.

An information stand about the Preparing for Success program will be in the Coffs City Centre on June 3 from 12pm to 1pm.

Preparing for Success is also offered at the Lismore and Tweed Gold Coast campuses, and is available by distance education. As there is no HECS fee charged to students, the course is free.

Photo: Susan Backhouse has enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts after successfully completing the Preparing for Success course at the Coffs Harbour campus.