The start of a new semester can be a confronting time for new students. There\u2019s a lot to learn, skills to develop, classes to find, and schedules to manage. Students don\u2019t always know what they don\u2019t know, so the first few weeks are crucial to gaining the necessary confidence and knowledge for the journey. For regional students, navigating the transition to study can be more challenging due to isolation from their institution and their peers. To help bridge the gap, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Library delivered an in-person, all-day academic and study skills workshop for university students based in the Great Southern region for the third year running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few goals associated with the \u2018Regional Bootcamp\u2019 sessions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Regional Bootcamp comprises four sessions targeting skills development in areas crucial to assignment success: research, academic writing, and referencing (the fourth session introduces the ever-popular program, EndNote). In response to feedback received during earlier iterations of the Bootcamp series, the day starts with the tough stuff \u2013 referencing and EndNote \u2013 before tackling searching and writing after lunch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the day, we run a series of warming activities and provide opportunities for group work so that participants get to know their peers. Connections are formed, and problems or fears are shared. Within the room, there\u2019s a realisation that everyone is in the same boat, and the challenges ahead become less overwhelming. When asked why they wanted to attend a face-to-face session, participants responded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt feels more supportive to be together in person. I wanted to meet new people in a similar boat.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>
\u201cI\u2019m in my first year and have no idea. I wanted to meet people and be able to ask questions and have group discussions.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n