University contributing to national student research project
Federation University Australia will play a leading role in a new project exploring the efficacy of enabling programs that prepare students for university study.
The project is led by the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education and has been awarded a grant of $156,000 from the National Priorities Pool by the Commonwealth Government.
Professor Marcia Devlin, Professor of Learning Enhancement and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Quality), will represent FedUni on the project team, which also includes researchers from the National Centre at Curtin University, from Deakin University and from La Trobe University.
Ms Barbara Webb from the Equity Office at FedUni will be on the Expert Advisory Panel, which will help guide the study.
“The project aims to undertake a detailed trend analysis of all pathways into higher education to determine which are the most commonly used and preferred by certain higher education institutions and/or equity student groups,” Professor Devlin said.
“Prospective student understanding of and reasons for enrolling in pathway programs will be established.”
The most effective pathways, in terms of articulation to undergraduate level and subsequent first-year student success and retention, will be determined.
“This project will focus on an important component of student retention and success,” Professor David Battersby, Vice-Chancellor, said.
“We know that students who come to university better prepared for the rigours and peculiarities of higher education studies are more likely to stay in their studies and to succeed.
“FedUni is committed to facilitating such success for all our students.”
Professor Battersby congratulated Professor Devlin and Ms Webb for their participation in this significant project.
“Federation University Australia is ideally placed to explore the experiences and wishes of modern regional students,” Professor Battersby said.
“We look forward to the completion of this project and the positive outcomes that arise from it.”
Federation University Australia has several programs to assist students prepare for university.
Its FedReady program provides a range of learning opportunities and regular feedback on practical tasks, and is available face-to-face and online.
The University also provides a mentor program for new students, as well as counselling and other support services.