Vanessa Lam
20 June 2018: High school students from across regional New South Wales visited the University of Canberra on 5 June to get a first-hand taste of university life as part of the UC 4 Yourself Experience Days initiative.
More than 100 Year 9 and 10 students from Goulburn, Temora, Wagga Wagga and Gundagai visited the University’s Bruce campus for the day. Hosted by the University’s Widening Participation team, the day gives students from regional, financially disadvantaged and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds the chance to experience and learn more about a course or degree they may not have considered before.
Widening Participation Manager Laurie Poretti said these students often feel that university is not for them.
“The University of Canberra is working very hard to dispel this myth and to increase visibility of the benefits of higher education,” she said.
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Students took part in hands-on faculty workshops including an anatomy workshop. Photo supplied.
“UC 4 Yourself days are essential to opening up a world of opportunities to our visiting students and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones to explore future possibilities in an inspiring and supportive environment.”
Students had the opportunity to speak to university staff about the wide range of courses on offer.
Visitors also took part in hands-on faculty workshops including an anatomy workshop, a nursing simulation and coding with computers.
The expo in the Refectory showcased interactive demonstrations by staff and students including a virtual reality experience and faculty stalls. Prospective students also learnt about the University’s support services, alternative pathway programs through the University of Canberra College and programs such as study abroad programs, the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience initiative, the elite athlete program and more.
Students also toured the University’s on-campus accommodation facilities and explored the campus on a scavenger hunt.
Ms Poretti said that the events are successful year after year because they are delivered by current University students in a fun, educational and informative format.
“UC students who work as Aspirations Agents are well trained and from similar backgrounds to our visiting students. They develop a positive rapport with the high school students and through their unique and genuine stories, highlight the many pathways to higher education and beyond,” she said.
This is the sixth year the event has run with the next UC 4 Yourself days planned for 27-29 November.
