21 October 2016
Regional students are set to benefit from funding of almost $300,000 to encourage and engage them in their academic pursuits thanks to the successful provision of a grant, awarded to the University of South Australia through the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme (HEPPP).
The funding, allocated from the 2016 National Priorities Pool component of HEPPP, will be used by UniSA College for a project titled: “Promoting academic success and well-being: Enhancing regional students engagement, success and well-being through the use of innovative early intervention strategies”.
The project, to be piloted and implemented in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, will see the development of resources, including a web resource that will provide a training package for regional staff to deliver support services related to academic literacies, engagement and well-being of students.
With a recent report from the Mitchell Institute indicating the impact location has on educational outcomes, and one national newspaper coining the expression “geographical tyranny” in respect of the considerable financial burden many regional students endure in moving away from home to study, the value of the grant is considerable.
Pro Vice Chancellor: Student Engagement and Equity, Dr Laura-Anne Bull says UniSA is dedicated to developing and delivering strategies to ensure regional students are both engaged and supported throughout their time at UniSA.
“In line with our aspiration to promote access, participation and success for all students at UniSA, the project aims to improve student wellbeing and success for low SES students studying in regional areas," Dr Bull says.
“It is known across the sector that students located in regional areas face a range of issues during their studies and this funding is crucial to enable us to develop resources that will support academic success and ensure well-being of our regional students.”
Media Contacts: Will Venn office (08) 8302 0096 email will.venn @unisa.edu.au mobile 0414972537
