Transition is about moving from a familiar environment to a
new environment where expectations and requirements may be unfamiliar
and unclear. Whether you are coming from a secondary school
overseas, interstate, in rural Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne,
this shift can feel a little overwhelming and may affect your
ability to take full advantage of your university experience.
The most significant adjustment is probably required at first
year level, but the process of adjustment can often be ongoing.
Towards the end of your course, a new transition period sets
in as you begin to think about moving into the workforce, possibly
in a very different place, or undertaking postgraduate studies.
Whatever your experience of transition to the university learning
environment, a number of initiatives have been developed to
support you and maximise your opportunities.
At the beginning of your first year, you should participate
actively in Orientation Week activities
and the transition program offered by your Department.
Ongoing support is provided through the Engineering
Mentoring Program, a range of learning support
resources, general University support services,
the Engineering Faculty Transition Coordinator and Faculty
Course Advisors as well as Departmental
Transition Coordinators and Departmental
Student Advisors. Useful support and a sense of
community can also come through involvement in
one of the Engineering
Student Clubs or Societies.
As you move towards the end of your course, the Kickstart
Your Career program provides invaluable guidance
through the transition from University life to
your professional life.
The Engineering Alumni community also provides a very useful
network of personal and professional contacts, and
for international students, the Returning
Home Program (International
Student Services) offers invaluable support.
The Student Support Officer has a central support
role within the Melbourne School of Engineering. They can refer you to the
wide range of services available on campus, and can help to
liaise with administrative and academic staff.
For further information about engineering transition, contact:
Michelle Delafontaine
T: 83447837
E:
Transition is a particularly important issue for
international students. Not only are you moving from
a secondary to a university learning environment,
you are also moving to a new country. This normally
means leaving behind an established network of family,
friends and contacts. It also means moving from a familiar
socio-cultural environment to a place where attitudes,
expectations and forms of social behaviour may be quite
different. But change can also be a very positive thing
as it brings exciting new challenges and experiences.
It is important to remember this when things seem a
little difficult. It is also important to remember that
there are a wide range of services to guide and support
you both in the Melbourne School of Engineering and the general
University. Make an appointment to speak with the Student Support Officer if you require assistance or
further information.
