First Year Advisers

First Year Advisers group photo

Your First Year adviser is assigned to you and will contact you before the start of your first term. Your first conversation is about connecting, getting to know each other, and checking you are ready to start from day one.

Your First Year Adviser is your go-to person who provides continuing, individualised, holistic support. They support you during your first eight units while you are experiencing the most change. Your adviser will reach out to you at key milestones to identify any challenges early, clearing your path to success.

Student at table with laptop

What do I need to do?

  • Answer calls and read text messages and emails from your First Year Adviser.
  • Say yes to invitations to meet with your First Year Adviser. (It can be in person, by phone or online.)
  • Be ready to share information about yourself and your goals.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Even if you feel confident and don’t have any questions, meeting and making a connection with your First Year Adviser is a valuable (and enjoyable!) experience. Sometimes you don't know what you don't know! If challenges arise later on, you will be more likely to seek help from someone you know.

Get in touch with your First Year Adviser

firstyear@scu.edu.au 1800 72 4357 Book an appointment

Meet the First Year Advisers

Based at Gold Coast Campus - B6.22

For Postgraduate students:

picture of Tony
Tony Ciccone

All coursework postgraduate students, all faculties 

My focus is on understanding the unique challenges postgraduate students face in pursuing further study that will impact their careers. I understand what is involved in balancing academic pursuits with work, life or family commitments. My role is aimed at providing tailored guidance and strategies to help students manage their time at SCU and make the most of resources created to support their studies. I am committed to helping students have a positive and healthy study experience as they achieve academic success and move towards their desired career outcomes.

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Based at Gold Coast Campus - B6.22

For Undergraduate students:

Juliane Haag Petasny

Faculty of Health

Hi, you can call me Jules. I take pride in being a citizen of this country, even though I was born and raised in Brazil.  With my background in Psychology, I am passionate about human behaviour and evolutionary biology.  My commitment to you is not only to help you navigate your first year at SCU but support to enhance your overall university experience. Together, we will work towards developing the essential skills for your academic and personal success.

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Picture of Julianne

Jane Schwalger

Faculty of Health

I am excited to walk this first year’s journey with you and to offer key supports along the way to help build your academic confidence. I believe there is a critical need to implement and use social work techniques, as well as academic pedagogies of learning, to build students' confidence and support them holistically. Students truly need more than just academic support to achieve success.  You’ll need a village of support, and as part of your support network here at SCU, First Year Advisers are here to help out in any way we can.

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picture of Jayne Schwalger

Taylor Newling-Walkden

Faculty of Health

I have a professional background in Exercise Physiology and Nursing and have a passion for supporting students through their university journey. I believe in working in collaboration with students to promote self-efficacy, confidence and growth. Looking forward to working with First Year Students at SCU!

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Picture of Taylor

Allison Lonsdale

Faculty of Health, Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Faculty of Education

I bring an extensive youth work background empowering vulnerable young people to re-engage in education and thrive at work and in the community. I am passionate about a student’s holistic educational experience and enjoy supporting them in an open and understanding way. I was a mature aged student at SCU and enjoy hiking and SUP boarding in my spare time. I'm looking forward to joining you on your academic journey.

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Picture of Allison

Danielle Jones

Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Faculty of Education

Over my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with and alongside many new and continuing students, helping to empower them to succeed, and in my previous role one of my greatest joys was meeting students during orientation week – I loved hearing about their backgrounds and their “why” for studying, then later hearing how they’re going. I’ve seen first hand many students go from feeling uncertain to confident, regardless of circumstances, and seeing this brings me a lot of joy.

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picture of Danielle

Georgia Ten Buuren

Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Faculty of Education

I look forward to meeting you, understanding your motivations and goals, and collaborating on strategies for your academic success. My approach centres on building respectful, empathic, and collaborative relationships with students. I am particularly enthusiastic about discovering your unique talents and interests and working with you to ensure your experience at SCU is a rewarding one.

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Lousie Brodie

Faculty of Science and Engineering, SCU college, Gnibi

I thoroughly look forward to helping identify and solve challenges that may come up for you in your first year at SCU. I am a soon-to-be graduate of SCU, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics and Physics). Being so close to the student experience I am excited to help you make most of your academic journey.

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Picture of Louise

Alarnah McKee

Faculty of Science and Engineering, SCU college and Gnibi

My work is grounded in the idea that no question or concern is too small as clarity provides a springboard for success. A background in the humanities means that I have a passion for working with people whose stories or experiences are varied and take pride in tailoring my support to meet individual goals. I look forward to seeing you online or in person at the Gold Coast Campus!

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Picture of Alarnah

Jeremy Turner

All faculties

I enjoy listening to people’s stories, finding out what brought them to university and how their studies fit into their overall life goals. My background is in education and linguistics, with an interest in how language shapes the world around us and our learning (and vice-versa). With a practical, student-focused approach to university, I look forward to working with you as a first-year student at SCU.

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Based at Lismore Campus - Shop 7, Goodman Plaza

For Undergraduate students:

Lousie Hunt

 

Louise Hunt

Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Faculty of Education 

My advising philosophy is one based on lifelong learning. I will listen, confirm your needs, and collaborate with you to meet those goals. Providing answers to your questions, direction, support, researching what we need to find out, and/or making referrals based on your needs, helps us work together to empower you to reach your goals. I look forward to meeting you!

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picture of lismore campus

 

Regan Moore

Faculty of Health

With a background in counselling, I believe in establishing collaborative relationships based on empathy and mutual respect. I am here to help you navigate your first year at SCU and ensure you have the tools that will carry you successfully through your university journey. I look forward in meeting you online or in person!

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Based at Coffs Harbour Campus - MG.20

For Undergraduate students:

Jodie Elliot

All faculties

I am genuinely excited to accompany you on your academic journey and personal growth at SCU. Every student brings their own unique story to this experience, and I look forward to supporting each student in recognising their strengths, exploring new interests, navigate challenges and celebrating achievements along the way. Together, we will work to ensure your time at SCU is fulfilling, rewarding, and memorable, whilst also making sure each step aligns with your goals for success.  

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Scenic view of Coffs Harbour campus

Kate Wickman

All faculties

I am deeply passionate about education and believe that there is no single path to success. Every learner is unique, and the most effective approach starts with meeting you where you are. I am committed to creating a supportive, personalized environment where we can work together to build confidence, develop essential skills, and achieve knowledge in ways that align with your personal journey. My goal is to provide support tailored to your needs, ensuring that you gain the tools and self-assurance to reach your goals and chase your dreams. 

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Lake view on Coffs Harbour campus

First Year Adviser FAQ

First Year Advisers support domestic undergraduate (Bachelor, Associate Degree and Diploma) students at SCU main campuses and online. 

International students contact International Student Support. 

PSP, postgraduate or second/third year students contact Client Services. 

You can ask your FYA about anything: 

  • Your course, study load, units and academic progression 
  • Study tips and strategies
  • Processes like how to ask for an extension or what to do if unexpected circumstances are impacting your study  
  • To explain or clarify any SCU jargon: What is census date?  
  • Navigating SCU systems like MySCU (where all your learning content is) and MyEnrolment (where most of your student administration tasks are) 
  • Personal matters and challenges outside of uni. 
  • Other support services and resources you can access 

Your FYA will be friendly, welcoming, nonjudgmental, and interested in you as a person. They seek to understand any potential challenges or barriers you may be facing and help make plans together to overcome them.

If you are a domestic undergraduate (Bachelor, Associate Degree and Diploma) student studying at Lismore, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Coomera or online and a First Year Adviser has not contacted you please email firstyear@scu.edu.au and let us know.

International students do not have a First Year Adviser and are supported by International Student Support.

PSP, postgraduate or second/third year students do not have a First Year Adviser and are supported by Client Services.

First year domestic undergraduate students can get in touch with their First Year Adviser by:

If you are an international student, please contact the International Student Support team at your campus.

All other students please contact Client Services for support.

 

Are you a student needing help?

Security and support services

1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357