Over a third of students welcomed at Orientation events this week to study at the University of the Sunshine Coast will be the first in their family to receive tertiary education. 

As UniSC continues its dedication to equitable access to higher education, the proportion of first-in-family enrolments is evidence that equity programs are effective. 

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that of 2,748 mid-year starters joining the University at Orientation this week, 989 were pioneers taking an unprecedented step forward for their family. 

“A tertiary education not only benefits the individual, but studies show that it benefits generations to come, so being the first in your family to enrol at university is more than a milestone for the individual,” Professor Bartlett said. 

"To ensure students succeed at university, we provide relevant support throughout their studies – whether they have competing commitments, are facing financial challenges, or are contemplating a career switch.”  

Professor Bartlett said a further 105 First Nations students joined UniSC this semester, as well as more non-school leavers than school-leavers, which was testament to the success of programs to improve community access to university. 

Rocket golf, imagining future cities via LEGO, and stepping into a music studio for a live recording are some of the fun activities being offered at the Open Days. 

The brainchild of a UniSC staff member, rocket golf involves recyclable bottles that can be propelled towards a series of targets using engineering principles. 

Participants can adjust the pressure, launch angle, and load of the bottles, along with the weight of the nose cone to improve accuracy. 

For those who love immersive experiences, there will also be the chance to witness student paramedics in action, develop midwifery skills like palpation, and assess manikins for a range of health conditions.  

Opportunities to step into a robotics lab, understand aviation challenges, discover the genetic wonders of fruit, and study the region’s marine marvels are similarly available. 

A variety of information sessions will be held to discuss entry pathways, application processes and the availability of support services at UniSC. 

Those who register in advance go in the draw to win a whale-watching trip for two.