A taste of university life for region’s senior high school students

More than 1100 high school students who’ve just embarked on their first term of Year 12 will get a taste of university life when they attend Southern Cross University’s Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses for Senior Schools Day this week.

More than 650 students from 27 high schools across the Mid North Coast will attend the Coffs Harbour campus on Tuesday October 22.

Around 450 students from 18 schools in the Northern Rivers footprint will be at the Lismore campus on Thursday, October 24.

The University’s annual Senior Schools Day has been specifically designed for students starting Year 12 and is an opportunity to find out the courses on offer at Southern Cross University and discover what life is like on campus.

“With their final school year ahead of them, now is the ideal time for students to focus on their post-school options. The aim of the Senior Schools Day is to stimulate interest in their academic pursuits and long term aspirations,” said University student recruitment officer, Kate Brinsmead.

“Lecturers, staff and current students will deliver the information sessions and be available afterwards for a chat. Students also get to see and experience the teaching and accommodation facilities, and learn about the sporting and cultural activities available. It's a great way to get to know the University.”

Information will also be provided on two new degrees being offered at Southern Cross University in 2014: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Creative Arts.

Highlights include:
• A general session where the basics are covered off like: ‘How do I apply to university?’, ‘What is an early entry scheme?’, ‘What scholarships are available?’, ‘Am I eligible?’ and ‘What about the fun bits?’
• Course sessions where students can find out what studying a particular course might involve, and what career paths might be available from that degree.
• A panel session with current SCU students where the senior high school students get to ask the questions.

Students will relax at lunchtime with a free barbecue and entertainment by the University’s contemporary music students: The Button Collective (SCU Battle of the Bands winner) at the Coffs Harbour campus with their songs of heartbreak and sea voyages, and singer/songwriter Chang Po Ching who is performing his blend of funk, reggae and Motown tunes at the Lismore campus.

Photo: SCU Student Ambassadors will be at Senior Schools Day to answer questions and give tours of the University's facilities.