Giving Australian First-in-Family Students a Kick Start to University
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Victoria University
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Victoria University Australia
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Victoria University Australia
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Victoria University Australia
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Victoria University Australia
Abstract
Australian university students who are the first in their family to attend university are more likely to encounter challenges in their transition to university, and programs to support students are important for success and retention. Fifteen first-in-family (FiF) students participated in an Australian-first pilot orientation program. Program students had better engagement (attendance and study hours) and higher grades compared to a control group. There were no group differences in self-efficacy, program participants had steady social support over time while the control group experienced a decline across semester 1. Qualitative findings indicate that participants felt confident about their transition and did not report academic challenges. They had made connections and felt supported. Commute times were the most common adjustment reported.
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Author Biographies
College of Health & Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia
Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia
Humberto Oraison is a Senior Lecturer in psychology and Deputy Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning in the First Year College at Victoria University. Coordinating the First Year, Bert had an active role in developing and transforming materials for the Block Model. His research interests include student engagement, phone addiction, and disability associated with back pain. Bert is a co-founder of VU Kick Start, a program for first-in-family students transitioning to university. Bert is also a registered psychologist with experience in a range of settings.
Thinh Nguyen has worked in the university sector for over 20 years and lectures in the areas of physics, engineering design, and project management. Thinh’s current research interests include technology-enhanced learning, problem-based learning, gamification and student success. Thinh has received a number of learning and teaching awards including a national citation, a Victoria University Award for Excellence in Learning & Teaching and twice voted Lecturer of the Year at Victoria University.
Sera Osmani is a registered psychologist and sessional academic at Victoria University. Her research interests include student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success. Her previous work experience includes working therapeutically with international students in their adjustment to university in Australia
Emily Keohane is Teaching Focused Academic – Psychology in the First Year College at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. She is currently completing her PhD which explores body acceptance, resilience, and school engagement in adolescents. Her research interests include body image, resilience, engagement with block model teaching, student retention and curriculum design.
