SESSION 4D

Anne Burnett, University of Newcastle
The Evolution of the Student Experience Passport

Abstract
This presentation will provide an overview of a student engagement program offered at a university centre for the purposes of enhancing well-being and language learning of its ELICOS students. It will also outline the evolutionary journey of the program, which involved coping with changing circumstances and cohorts. The presentation will discuss the learnings from the journey as well as development of an innovative Student Experience Passport.

Part of the award winning Student Experience Program is a collaborative initiative between UON Student Central and ELFS, which focused on providing international and domestic students a platform for cross-cultural engagement through involvement with university events and the UON Volunteering program. The presentation will also discuss the importance of the relationships between key stakeholders who help make the program so successful and the Student Engagement coordinator.

The aim of the SEP is to encourage students to engage in activities with UON university students and staff, and as as well as engage with the broader Newcastle community. At the end of 2017 the Student Experience Passport was established, which essentially allows students to track their progress through the SEP and on successful completion of all activities on the Passport they are entitled to a coffee voucher. It is a great way for students to improve their English, get to know Newcastle and the campus and make new friends.

This session won the ‘best presentation’ award at the Sydney PD Fest 2018

Bio
Anne Burnett has a Bachelors of Science for the University of Lethbridge in Canada and has a CELTA. She has been working at the University of Newcastle Language Centre for five and a half years. She has two roles at the centre; an ELICOS teacher and the Student Engagement Coordinator. Anne has been the Student Engagement Coordinator at the Centre since April 2015. In 2016 Anne won the vice- chancellor’s award for International Engagement. She continually demonstrates innovation to keep the Student Engagement Program fresh and exciting so students can have meaningful experiences whilst studying in Newcastle.