By Ethan Benedicto
With March officially marking the beginning of autumn, the hot weather has the Berwick campus of Federation University rife with action, as the Summer Splendour Festival went on at full swing.
On Tuesday, 4 March, hundreds of students, new, current and returning, graced the halls and open spaces of the campus as they celebrated the beginning of the new study year.
Complete with live music, food, games and information stalls, it served as a perfect opportunity to connect with new and old friends, teachers, and the many services that the university had to offer.
Wil Patton, third year criminology student and part of the university’s social media team, said that the event is “fantastic since I feel like it’s a way for new students to meet others”.
“Others who’ve been here before and see those people as like a guide or mentor.
“Of course, it allows for making connections as well, to see people who are similar through the courses and or people that might be different from you, but can still make bonds with,” he said.
The festival follows orientation week, or O-week, where students got a taste of the university life with tours through the campus and course interviews.
O-week also included the FedReady short course program where students were helped to develop the academic skills that they need to get started at university, from assessment writing to referencing to managing study load.
Cindy, as part of the student retention, innovation and experience team, said that her favourite part of the festival was seeing all the students back on campus.
“I’m really excited this year because we’ve got some exciting exhibits which are student-led and where they talk about everything they’ve learned in the last few years,” she said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for new students to discover what university is all about.”
Speaking specifically on student retention and enhancing their experience, Cindy said that it is “absolutely critical” when it comes to fostering the message that support is available as early as possible.
Building on that, Talia, from the university’s accessibility services, besides the sunshine, found joy in interacting with students and “seeing everyone involved with their different stalls and activities”.
“Students that come to campus can sometimes have medical or mental health conditions that make the transition to uni even more difficult.
“So we, the university, offers support services such as accessibility services, counselling and peer learning support as well.
“There, they at least have the opportunity to at least speak to someone about their fears and their difficulties that they may face, and improve their chances og being successful at university,” she said.
Federation University’s vice-chancellor and president, Professor Duncan Bentley, said that their goal remains the same, and it revolves around delivering “the best learning experience” and events such as Summer Splendour, where students are able to connect with their peers and lecturers.
Also announcing the extension of Fed Uni’s co-operative education model, he said that “we would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all students joining Federation in 2025”.
