First-year Pasifika students to get lessons in University life
Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban says the three-day camp, to be held the week before Orientation, provides a stepping stone to help new Pasifika students’ transition into university life.
“The transition from high school to university is a major one that is often rife with uncertainties. The camp’s major purpose is to answer questions, relieve stresses and learn new skills so the students can hit the ground running from day one.
“While there is an emphasis on the academic side of university, this camp takes a holistic approach to the university experience by also taking on students’ wellbeing and cultural needs.
“We’ve worked closely with colleagues who have experience in teaching—particularly at first-year level—and with student support to get the mix right, and have current Pasifika students, and academic and support staff taking part in the camp to provide a whole-university perspective.”
During the camp, the students will stay at a Victoria Hall of Residence, attend mock lectures and take part in workshops to build skills in areas such academic writing and problem-solving.
Hon. Luamanuvao Laban says the camp will be hugely valuable to new Pasifika students.
“As well as becoming familiar with University processes and services, they will discover the various events and facilities we have at Victoria that nurture and celebrate our unique heritage.
“By being a part of our Pasifika community, they will also be able to form new friendships and connections that will help support them during their studies and beyond.”
The camp includes two sessions open to the students’ families and communities that Hon. Luamanuvao Laban says will “increase awareness of university life and discuss how they, together with Victoria, can best support their children’s journeys”.
The camp is limited to 150 first-year students of Pasifika descent. In order to apply, students must be fully enrolled to study at Victoria for Trimester 1 in 2017.
What: Pasifika first-year students’ preparatory academic camp
When: 22-24 February
Where:Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn campus, Kelburn, Wellington.
Cost:Free
Enquiries and registration details: contact Gail Ah-Hi, Executive Officer to Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) on gail.ah-hi@vuw.ac.nz or 04-463 6530.
For more information contact Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban on Winnie.laban@vuw.ac.nz or 04 463 6152.