Welcome

The First Year Advisor’s Network: enhancing the first year experience in response to the Review of Australian Higher Education. Dr Madeleine Mattarozzi Laming Senior Lecturer in First Year Experience Murdoch University, Western Australia

The Australian context from the mid-1980s there have been major changes in the Australian higher education system: influence of economic rationalism expansion of whole HE sector: Dawkins Revolution 19 → 37 universities growing commitment to student diversity A Fair Chance for All (NBEET, 1990) growing awareness of the needs of first year students during their transition to university and their first year on campus

The Bradley Review The Review of Australian Higher Education chaired by Professor Denise Bradley represents a turning point two national targets by 2020: at least 40% of year-olds attaining a qualification at bachelor level or above 20% of undergraduate enrolments in higher education should be applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds expansion of the university sector is qualitatively different to previous expansions not dependent on unmet demand in the community, it relies on persuading non-traditional students to enrol & persist

Murdoch University first students in 1975 now has approx. 19,000 students three campuses: South Street Rockingham Peel offshore campuses in Singapore & Dubai, plus presence in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia both teaching and research

The Problem in 2009, Murdoch was faced with several challenges: attrition rates were increasing an increasing number of students were struggling with the academic demands of University study many students were having difficulty making friends on campus which would support their social transition to university anticipated that the Bradley Review would increase diversity & need for support (Martin- Lynch, 2009)

The Response 16 First year advisors; mix of FT & PT staff dedicated professional position Operates on 3 main levels: open door availability outreach ‘campaigns’ in which they contact 1 st year students showing evidence of need co-ordinating 3 programs that engage students in different aspects of University life: Orientation; UniEdge and Peer Mentoring.

Distinctive Features network supports individual advisors, spreads workload & ensures consistency of responses open door policy; no focus on ‘disadvantaged’ student or groups pastoral role; non-judgemental FYAs work in tandem with academic staff timely intervention for students less pressure on academic staff data collection using RightNow

Adaptation to regional needs each FYA is semi-autonomous role can be adapted to suit local needs on regional campuses broader role as there are fewer services available more likely to be involved in administrative structures Rockingham FYA tutors in maths Peel FYA was involved in designing outdoor recreation area

Impact steady demand for FYA services positive reaction from students: 100% agreed call was helpful positive impact on retention – … an amazing help, at first I didn't think I could go to her for help, then I received a phone call … we sat down and talked about all of my issues and how I could resolve them. In the end, [she] helped me to resolve my problem and I am now very comfortable with the position that I am in. positive reaction from staff – It's hard to imagine how we managed without them!

Cost-Benefit Analysis First Year Advisor program is expensive, but provides a positive net financial return 56% of students commencing in Semester 2, 2011 who displayed at-risk behaviours & had active contact with their FYA were retained for three or more semesters 61.3% of at-risk students commencing in Semester were retained for three or more semesters retaining an additional 100 at-risk students beyond first year equates to revenue of $3 million

Thank you