• Section 1 - Background and Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Background and Purpose

(1) La Trobe University is committed to supporting effective transition into higher education for all students. This policy outlines the principles through which this is achieved and ensures the University is compliant with the Higher Education Standards (Threshold Standards) 2015.

Section 2 - Scope

(2) This Policy applies to all students of La Trobe University, regardless of mode or location.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(3) The University takes a coordinated, coherent and student-centred approach to supporting commencing students’ transition to higher education. This means that:

1. student input is consistently utilised in the design and continuous improvement of transition programs
2. data on the preparedness, experience and success of student cohorts, including that of individuals and sub-groups, is regularly evaluated and used to identify and implement tailored transition programs
3. the scholarship on student transition and national and international benchmarking inform transition program development
4. divisions and units work closely together to ensure a coordinated and seamless student experience in the delivery of transition programs
5. curricular and co-curricular transition experiences are mutually reinforcing

(4) The University caters to the diverse needs of students and under-represented student groups, including the needs of students studying in Australia for the first time and students from non-traditional backgrounds. This means that:

1. a variety of services, programs and activities are used to support transition into higher education
2. services, programs and activities are tailored to meet the needs of diverse student cohorts
3. equivalent opportunities are provided for students’successful transition, irrespective of their educational background, entry pathway, mode or place of study.

(5) Services and programs to support transition are designed to foster students’sense of wellbeing, belonging and engagement with the University. This means that:

1. Orientation Week and other transition programs are designed to ensure that students have the skills required to successfully navigate university life
2. information and guidance for students regarding all aspects of their university experience is accessible, consistent, clear and relevant
3. students are provided with regular opportunities to develop relationships with peers and staff, and to foster feelings of identification or affiliation with their course, School and the University
4. academic and personal support services are accessible, timely and relevant to student needs.

(6) The University ensures all students are provided with skills and knowledge to develop a sense of purpose and capability as higher education students. This means that:

1. students are provided clear guidance regarding their role as part of a learning and research community, including opportunities to develop an understanding of the core values and ethical principles of the University
2. students have access to informed advice and timely referral to academic or other support, relevant to their needs
3. students are provided effective personal guidance, including course and careers advice.

Section 4 - Procedures

(7) Refer to the:

1. Student Transition Experience Procedure - Coursework Students
2. Student Transition Experience Responsibilities Matrix
3. Graduate Research Candidature Policy

Section 5 - Definitions

(8) For the purpose of this Policy:

1. Orientation Week: a series of academic and social activities that normally occurs in the week prior to commencement of classes each semester, although not necessarily a full week of activities, designed to facilitate a student’s transition to La Trobe. The timing may differ for graduate research students.
2. Students from non-traditional background: student groups that historically have been under-represented at university, such as students with a disability, women in engineering programs, Indigenous people, students who are the first in their family to attend university, to name a few.
3. Transition: an ongoing process of integration and engagement with University life, both academic and social.