SCU helps mature age students ease into uni life

For many of us, getting or keeping a good job these days means returning to study later in life - and that can be a daunting prospect!

To help ease the stress, Southern Cross University (SCU) runs a Tertiary Preparation Course which provides practical study and essay writing skills for mature age students about to start, or return to University.

Learning Assistance Lecturer at SCU, Ms Sue Shaw, said the course provided participants with basic skills and knowledge to build confidence and ensure an easy transition into university life.

“We have worked with people from all backgrounds -including homemakers, carers, plumbers, garbage contractors, members of the armed forces, cleaners, office workers and assistants - who have decided they want to get a university qualification,” Ms Shaw said.

“We teach them practical skills to research and write academic essays. These skills are fundamental to success in any university course.

“The transformation that takes place in just three weeks is incredible, with many of our participants going on to success in their courses and future careers.”

Tania Cox, of Lismore, and her husband Matthew attended Tertiary Preparation Courses before commencing their degrees at SCU.

Tania, who is studying nursing at SCU, said the course gave her confidence in her own skills and ability to succeed at University.

“I didn’t freak out the first time I had to do an essay because I’d learnt fundamental writing and researching skills during the course,” she said.

“We also learnt how to use resources such as the library’s database – which can be intimidating if you have never used one before."

Matthew enrolled in the course having decided to return to study after 20 years in the workforce.

Tania said that her husband "may have dropped out of his forestry degree by now if he hadn’t done the course".

“It gave him skills and knowledge he needed to start university life with confidence,” she said.

Tertiary Preparation Courses will be held this year at Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Gold Coast campuses for three days each week during the following three-week period:
• Lismore: 8 Nov - 26 November.
• Coffs Harbour: 8-26 November.
• Tweed Gold Coast: 15 November until 3 December.

There is no prerequisite for enrolment in the course. The cost is $350 or $300 for those with a Health Care Card. Several scholarships are available, and people who are registered as unemployed may be eligible for government funding.

To book your place or to find out more about the course and funding assistance available, contact
• Sue Shaw at Lismore Campus on 66 203194.
• Carole Davis at Coffs Harbour on 66593195.
• Jenny McGuire at Tweed Gold Coast on 07 55069201.

Media inquiries: Cathy Tobin, SCU, on 6620 3039 or 0418 431 484.