First-year learning boost

Professions

First-year Business and Economics students at the University of Adelaide now have a place to call their own.

The University's Faculty of the Professions has recently opened a First Year Learning Centre - a dedicated space for first-year undergraduate students who are studying with the Business School and the School of Economics.

It is the first dedicated learning centre of its kind for first-year students in South Australia. The facility is state-of-the-art, with computer stations, learning booths for group meetings, widescreen TVs with computer access for group work, digital projectors, lounges and meeting rooms.

"Our new First Year Learning Centre recognises the importance of the first-year undergraduate experience," said Professor Pascale Quester, Executive Dean of the Faculty of the Professions.

"We know that supporting new students in the transition from a school environment to university is critical in the students' overall academic success.

"The new Learning Centre promotes a 'social learning experience'. It gives first-year students a sense of belonging and shows them that they are valued. It encourages them to share their experiences with their peers, make new friends and collaborate on group work, thus breaking the cycle of isolation that students can sometimes experience when they start at university," Professor Quester said.

The Academic Director of the new Learning Centre, Nishani Singh, said additional advice was immediately accessible to first-year students at the centre.

"We have Study Coaches, who can provide discipline-specific advice on core courses within Business and Economics, and a Learning Advisor, who is available for appointments each day, providing advice on academic skills, how to write papers, and other valuable information," Ms Singh said.

"Starting university can be a stressful time for the new student as well as for their family. Knowing that this level of support is in place for students should help to put parents at ease about the learning experience their child is having," she said.

Located in the Nexus 10 building, the new First Year Learning Centre is part of a $50 million redevelopment of the Faculty's learning and teaching spaces at 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide.

Story by David Ellis