This year marks a significant milestone for a University of Queensland program that for 18 years has helped increase university access and participation for socio-economically disadvantaged students.
UQ-Link, which was one of the first schemes of its kind in Australia, provides social and financial support for bright young students who have suffered educational disadvantage as a result of their families’ financial situation.
Through the program, students whose year 12 academic performance was impacted by socio-economic disadvantage have the chance to gain entry to a UQ program for which they do not necessarily have a competitive OP or Entry Rank.
This year will be the 18th intake of students and Director of Student and Academic Administration Maureen Bowen said while the program offers scholarships and special admissions for its participants, it is much more than a special entry scheme.
“UQ-Link has given a large number of students the opportunity to undertake tertiary level study when it would otherwise have been beyond their reach,” she said.
“Special entry has helped to address some of the difficulties they experienced while at school, largely because of socio-economic factors, but these students have been able to show that they are more than capable of being successful at University level study.”
University Transition Officer Kelly Matthews said the reality was that most students who applied to UQ via the UQ-Link pathway had earned the required OP score to enter on their own merit, but wished to access the support services the program has on offer.
“The majority of UQ-Linkers are what we call ‘First in Family’, meaning no one else in their immediate family attended university,” she said.
“The transitional support offered by the UQ-Link program is critical for many of these students, as they have little or no background knowledge about how universities work and it is hard to get guidance from family members when they themselves have not attended university.”
“They rely on the University to provide a lot of this information when they begin but can be very overwhelmed and confused by it all.
“UQ-Link offers support to help ease these anxieties with events like ‘JumpStart’, a 3-day, 2-night pre-OWeek residential camp that welcomes new UQ-Link students; access to an online community of UQ Linkers and students with equity scholarships; an opportunity for students to get a recycled computer; and ongoing social and academic activities to allow Linkers to come together during the year.”
While the UQ-Link scheme also offers residential support scholarships, providing financial assistance towards accommodation, Ms Matthews said it was the transitional services like the ‘JumpStart’ camp that were the bread-and-butter of the UQ-Link program.
“‘JumpStart’ allows them the opportunity to meet and interact with ‘experienced’ (2nd/3rd/4th year) students and have individual contact with their faculties before OWeek,” she said.
“The students get to meet new people and develop friendships that could play a vital role in their adjustment to UQ and they learn about the resources offered at UQ to assist students and enhance their experience.
“A lot of the fears and anxiety that these students may have are addressed before uni even starts and they go into OWeek and their first year feeling more prepared, like they have a ‘jumpstart’.”
UQ-Link students frequently cite the camp as one of their most memorable University experiences.
Eighteen-year-old UQ-Linker Naureen Alam has no siblings or family in Brisbane, so the 2006 camp offered her a great chance to get to know fellow students and join a tight-knit community of support as she entered her first year of study.
“I have made many friends through the program including friendships with more advanced students and this has had an impact on my social life, studying and networking,” she said.
“I feel there is a support network that is always available - when I’ve needed advice I have contacted the program’s organisers, who always make time to see me. I look forward to giving the same support to new UQ-Link students.”
Since the inception of the UQ-Link program in 1989, it is estimated that over 1200 students have entered the University of Queensland as UQ-Linkers.
“Last year, there were over 300 enrolled students who entered via the UQ-Link pathway at Ipswich, Gatton, St Lucia and Herston campuses in programs ranging from Medicine to Music with several students either in, or having completed, post-grad studies including PhD programs,” Ms Matthews said.
“This year, 108 students were offered a place at UQ...and they are spread across all seven faculties in disciplines including Veterinary Science, Nursing, Law and Arts.”
The JumpStart 2007 camp, from February 14 to 16, will welcome these new students to University life, giving them the opportunity to meet fellow UQ-Linkers, gain familiarity with the campus, learn how UQ works and participate in some fun games and activities.
Media: For further information contact Lucy Manderson at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339) or UQ-Link Manager Deborah McLachlan (07 3381 1005 or 0421 701 162).
