USQ launches new program
“KNOW who you are and where you come from. Keep it in your heart.”
The words of Jarowair elder Vanessa Fisher resonated through the crowd as strong as the wind swept through and unfurled all three Australian flags at the University of Southern Queensland last week.
Her talk was part of a welcome to USQ’s newest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for the university’s first residential-based orientation program Cultural Connections.
Centre for Indigenous Studies, Education and Research head professor Tracey Bunda said it was an opportunity to welcome the newcomers to the CISER family.
“We are dedicated to encouraging and assisting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the learning journey,” she said.
“Every single member of our team is here to help, from assistance in applying through to graduation.
“Need advice on tutoring assistance, enrolling in courses and submitting assignments? You’ll always find a friend here.”
The program aimed to build student networks and knowledge about support and services provided at USQ, building a strong foundation to assist throughout the study journey. The program coincided with the semester one Indigenous Higher Education Pathway Program Residential.