Happy and connected: Providing new students with a positive start to university is an important part of student success.
Enrolment, orientation and commencement (EOC) is defined as the weeks from when a student enrols, up until Census date (which is 19 March for Session 1, 2020). This is the period where our commencing students are the ‘new kids on the block’.
(No, not those New Kids on the Block – though with uplifting hits like Step by Step and You Got The Right Stuff, the band makes for an excellent EOC playlist.)
As Executive Director, Student Engagement and Registrar, Gail White explains, the EOC period is crucial to student success and retention.
“This transition and adjustment period can either solidify a student’s choice in institution, or lead them to disengage and withdraw from studies,” she says.
This year, Macquarie is taking a different approach to helping our new students transition successfully to life at Macquarie. The University is using the basic principles of connected information, services and support from the Student Success Strategic Framework (SSSF) to deliver an outstanding student experience for our commencing students.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
The traditional approach to this period has tended to treat enrolment as transactional, orientation as just an event, and onboarding as something students can manage themselves (with support provided on demand).
This year, under the leadership and guidance of the Executive Director, Student Engagement and in partnership with many other areas across the University, the Student Life team will lead the delivery of a seamless, coordinated and student-centered experience that recognises the significance of this part of the student journey.
The aim of this year’s plan is to ensure our commencing students are:
- Retained – enrolled at census date
- Prepared – ready and confident as they approach their first session
- Informed – know what they need to know as they need to know it
- Engaged – attending classes, events and activities on campus
- Connected – with our services and each other
The messaging to students is designed to ease their nerves, help them find their feet and confirm they made the right decision in choosing to study at Macquarie University.
YOUR ROLE IN THE PLAN
We all have a role to play in helping our commencing students’ transition – even if you’re not on the ‘front line’. Here are some simple ways you can make a positive impact on our new students:
- Be nice. Be on the lookout for new students. If they look unsure, confused or lost, smile at them or ask them if they need help. You know yourself, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, a smile or an offer of help can make all the difference to your experience.
- Be informed. Do you know where our students can go for help and support? Visit the Student Success Network webpage, bookmark it and familiarise yourself with the systems and resources we have available for our students.
- Be engaged. Understand the significance of student retention for our institution. If you’re interested in the stats on retention at Macquarie, ask your Manager/ Leader for more information.]
“Macquarie University is committed to student success and retention. Student success is everyone’s responsibility.” Professor Kevin Jameson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
If you would like more information about the EOC plan, contact Kylie Ebert (Director, Student Life) at kylie.ebert@mq.edu.au.
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