What’s Next…? University! Ellen Reid Disabilities Service Assistant, Griffith University Clive May Career Counsellor, Queensland University of Technology Deborah McArthur Disability Advisor, Queensland University of Technology Leesa Schwarz Disability Administration Officer, University of Queensland What’s Next? Student Conference 2014

Education opens a world of possibilities... It can be difficult to make decisions about your future career but whatever you choose... Finishing Year 12 won’t be the end of your education. You will continue to learn new things and develop skills through your experiences, as well as through formal education and training. Think about the things that you like to do and the skills you already have. Remember that there are many pathways you can choose to achieve your educational and career goals. Many people can assist you to explore your options. You need to actively plan for your future; but be flexible to make the most of opportunities that come your way. Enjoy the process of discovering what you could be.

These people have discovered many exciting career possibilities.

What is university like? University of Queensland Queensland University of Technology Griffith University Australian Catholic University Central Queensland University James Cook University University of Southern Queensland University of the Sunshine Coast Southern Cross University Bond University Universities can have multiple campuses, where you can study a variety of disciplines. There are many more students studying at a university than there would be at a school. A diverse range of people study at university, who come from different backgrounds and are at different stages of their career/life: There are fewer universities than schools. In Queensland, there are 9 public universities and 1 private university: school leavers mature age international people with disabilities people with family and carer responsibilities people who are studying full time, part time; on campus or online/externally.

What is university like? Generally, there are two semesters a year, approx. 13 weeks long (plus exams at the end). Your timetable will change every semester. Average 3-4 hours class time per subject per week (one Lecture and Tutorial for each subject, plus Workshops, Computer Labs, Science Labs etc. depending on what you are studying). Might spend less time in class than at school, more time doing independent study and research, completing assessment etc. Attendance at lectures and tutorials may not always be compulsory, but it is important to be actively engaged in your learning. Academic staff will guide your study, but you will have to manage your own time and study load. University staff will communicate with you (not with your parents). University is more than just classes and assignments – there are clubs and societies, on campus activities, work experience and exchange opportunities etc. Uni can be a challenging and stressful environment, but it can also be exciting and life changing.

What support is available? Universities have a variety of support services available for students, which may include: Personal counselling Career counselling Welfare/advocacy Chaplaincy Medical/health Universities also have specific support available to students with disabilities and medical conditions (usually called the Disabilities or Equity Service)

How can I access support? Register with the Disabilities/Equity office early (before you start university is best). Disabilities/Equity staff can:  Discuss your support requirements.  Highlight things that you need to consider for the type of degree that you are going to study.  Help you plan what you might need to organise before you start university.  Plan what adjustments you might need while studying.  Refer you other services at the university and externally that can assist you in your transition to uni and being successful in your studies. You may need to provide supporting documentation about how your condition impacts on your studies, and information on the type of support you received at school.

Applying for University QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) “QTAC's Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is one of the ways in which tertiary institutions help applicants who have experienced difficult circumstances that have negatively impacted on their studies. EAS is designed to make the tertiary admissions system fairer for all applicants, so you are encouraged to seek assistance if you have experienced circumstances that have made it difficult for you to achieve to your full potential.”

“Being at uni has exceeded expectations! The number of things that have happened in the last twelve months is amazing – considering where I came from: I hadn’t lived out of home before; I hadn’t really had a job and now I live on campus; I do some part-time work for the uni and I’m looking at an internship.” Anthony, Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Science student, reflecting on his first year of studies. Anthony first made contact with Griffith University’s Disabilities Service at a Post School Options Expo. The student experience…

Start thinking about your options as early as possible: Think about your personal and career goals you want to achieve. Identify different occupations that interest you and the skills required to undertake them. Do some work experience/work place visits or interviews. What should you do if you think you’d like to study at university?

Consider the different pathways to uni and discuss these with your family, teachers, people who work in occupations that you are interested in. Study a university course as part of your Queensland Certificate of Education School  University School  Bridging/Preparatory Program  university School  Vocational Education and Training (TAFE Certificate or Diploma)  university (credit transfer) School  employment  university Find out what the entry requirements are for specific programs. Identify what the essential learning outcomes are for programs that you may want to do. Discuss QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme with key staff at your school and obtain relevant supporting documentation. Find out about scholarships and other financial assistance that you might be able to access. Do your research:

Act: Attend university Open Days and participate in other activities that universities offer. Make early contact with and provide documentation to the disabilities service staff at your chosen university/ies to start to negotiate reasonable adjustments. Develop your personal, communication and technological skills. Develop your independence and autonomy. Next Steps

University Open Days 2014 Griffith University: Gold Coast, Nathan & South Bank Campus - Sunday 10 th August 2014 ( University of Queensland: St Lucia Campus - Sunday 3 August Ipswich Campus - Wednesday 6 August Gatton Campus - Sunday 17 August ( Queensland University of Technology: Gardens Point Campus (shuttle buses to Kelvin Grove) - Sunday 27 July 2014 Caboolture Campus - Sunday 17 August 2014 ( For information on other universities, go to their home page and try searching “Open Day 2014”

Useful Links List of Queensland Universities QTAC Educational Access Scheme Queensland University of Technology Equity Services University of Queensland Accessibility Griffith University Student Equity & Disabilities Service

Contact Details Griffith University (Disabilities Service) Ellen Reid, Disabilities Service Assistant Phone: 07) Queensland University of Technology (Disability Services) Phone: 07) University of Queensland (Student Services – Disability) Leesa Schwarz, Disability Administration Officer Phone: 07)

Questions?