CQUniversity Annual Report - Central Queensland University

36
REVIEW OF OUR ACTIVITIES
ALLY PROGRAM
In 2012, the student-led Ally Program was rolled out to CQUniversity
Bundaberg, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton. The program aimed to
create a supportive University culture for LGBTI students by raising
awareness and countering discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. A
total of 36 students attended a one-day training program.
EQUITY PROJECTS
In 2012, HEPPP funding was directed towards essential services and
projects to support low socio-economic status (LSES) students. HEPPP
funding also supported the implementation of learning and teaching
projects which aimed to embed inclusive practices and/or modify
teaching delivery and learning methods to better meet the needs of
students from LSES backgrounds. In 2012, a number of projects were
facilitated by HEPPP funding:
• The provision of Careers and Program Advisors on regional
campuses.
• The establishment of First-Year Experience Offi cers to enhance
orientation and transition practices at CQUniversity.
• A First-Year Distance Learning Facilitator was placed in the School
of Education with the dual role of supporting both students and
academic staff in the design and delivery of fi rst-year distance
education courses.
• The development and implementation of a multimedia engineering
resource in the School of Engineering and Built Environment to
support non-traditional learners who enter University with variable
skills and knowledge levels.
• The creation of Coordinator positions on regional campuses to
support and/or transition new students in the Bachelor of Nursing.
• The implementation of a computing assistance service (including
resources, workshops and individual assistance) to assist targeted
students who experience diffi culties with computing related
coursework and general computer skills.
• Improved integration of library and research skills support for
distance education students, with a focus on LSES, mature-aged
students based in the south-east corner of Queensland.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
In 2012, there were 194 active student mentors across CQUniversity
campuses and distance education. For on-campus orientation sessions
in Term 1 and Term 2 there were 1336 and 183 students in attendance
respectively. In Term 2 2012, 215 students completed the core
materials in Orientation Online.
CAREERS
The 2012 Careers Fair hosted 43 local, national and international
employers who targeted students across a diverse range of disciplines.
Approximately 550 students attended the fair. Work-integrated
learning (WIL) placements were organised for nine students throughout
2012 and 782 students from 19 schools participated in the Career
Match Program.
STUDENT CENTRES INITIATIVES
CONVERSION PROJECT
During 2012, the Student Centres continued the conversion project.
Conversion occurs at different touch points from the point of contact
with a potential student through until completion of the academic Term.
The conversion approach is based on the principles of relationship
management coordinated through a customer relationship management
(CRM) system. The conversion project is supported by a Communications
Plan which involves targeted communications for students from the time
of offer through to enrolment (and beyond) for the Term. All commencing
undergraduate and postgraduate students were issued with a USB stick
that contained helpful information for commencement.
TERTIARY ADMISSION CENTRES
In 2012, CQUniversity Australia commenced working with the Victorian
Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). The fi rst cohort of domestic
students will be admitted to CQUniversity Melbourne or via distance
education. CQUniversity Australia now admits domestic students
via three Tertiary Admission Centres: QTAC, the New South Wales
University Admission Centre (UAC) and VTAC.
STUDENT COMMUNICATION
Student Communications co-ordinated with other CQUniversity
departments over the course of 2012 to develop and implement
such initiatives as the commencing student welcome emails, fi rstyear
student communication, Student Services and Amenities Fee
feedback, and the Rockhampton campus reception drop-in sessions.
The CQUniversity website upgrade was a signifi cant project for 2012
and further development will continue over 2013. The functionality
of the Student Portal was utilised throughout 2012 with signifi cant
improvements made to document accessibility and version control.
During 2012, students continued to receive the Student Broadcast
email fortnightly as well as regular communication via the Student
Portal and student email accounts.
CQUNIVERSITY STUDENT RESIDENCES
In 2012, the Student Residences hosted the Fifth Annual Chancellor’s
Cup Sports Tournament. The success of this tournament in recent years
will see the event expand to include the regional campuses in 2013.
A strategic ‘Academic Excellence’ focus was established at the
Student Residences in 2012. The Join-In program, a major element of
this focus, is a new and innovative peer-led academic tutorial program
which had over 60 regular participants throughout the year.
The success of the 2011 Professorial Lecture in Rockhampton resulted
in both the Mackay and Rockhampton Student Residences hosting their
own Professorial Lecture in 2012. ‘What are the odds? Dealing with
uncertainty and risk,’ presented by Professor Kevin Tickle in Rockhampton;
and ‘Why my child cannot hear the dragonfly,’ presented by Professor
Jennelle Kyd in Mackay, were extremely well received by students, staff
and the community. During Term 2, the Mackay and Rockhampton Student
Residences celebrated the academic achievements of their students with
an Academic Awards presentation at each campus.
Overall student numbers increased in 2012 compared with 2011. Group
and individual guest accommodation slightly increased compared with
2011 fi gures.