Adolescent Health Nurse

Neuro diverse student transition to post-secondary education

Finishing secondary school is an important life achievement and change for all students. Regardless of personal success and circumstances it is helpful to realise that enrolling in a tertiary education setting is new and different for every student.  Everyone needs support in some way, that’s why institutions offer extensive orientation programs for all new students.   For students whose brain’s work differently from the “neuro typical” person the need for transitional supports can be a little more complex and therefore may need additional planning. 

While this information is general and aimed to specifically support neuro diverse students, some of the material and strategies will assist with making post-secondary school transition easier for all students.

Specific tertiary institution policies and student support services contacts can be found on their websites or portals within the website.

WHAT CAN HELP?

There are a number of things that can be helpful and include the following:

• Before enrolling, attend open days to help familiarise yourself with the environment and see what supports are available for your specific needs

• Speak to someone from the student support services at the tertiary institution about your needs before classes begin

• Check the campus website map and work out what the best transport options

E.g.  What are the parking restrictions?

         Which public transport route works best?

         If someone is driving you, where is the best pick up & drop off point? 

• Check the campus website map and work out where your specific facility is and how to get there. This is where most of your lectures / tutorials will be

• Attend orientation, especially activities that tell you about using the library, accessing the computer system and other special services that are available

• Register for subjects (courses) prior to the first day of class

• Visit the campus over holidays when it is quiet and orientate yourself with its layout

E.g.     Library, tutorial rooms, lecture theatres, cafés etc. 

• Attend transition/bridging courses if they are offered

• Create an ‘action plan’ and develop some strategies to deal with scenarios / challenges that may occur

• Enquire if the institution has a student leader program and sign up if they do  

These are experienced students who help you explore the campus, connect you with support services and provide you with advice about tertiary life.

Orientation

Orientation is an important period for first time tertiary students.  Although, it can feel quite stressful and overwhelming it's a great idea to attend to get familiar with the campus environment, student services and to meet other students. It is highly recommended that you speak to someone from the student support unit before and, or during orientation about what they can do to help you succeed in your education. Check the institution’s website for more information on orientation events recommended so that you can speak to someone from the student support unit, before or during orientation, about what they can do to help you succeed in your education.

List of Use of Tertiary Words

Here are some words used at tertiary institutions. It will be very useful to learn these words because it will help you understand what other students and teachers are saying.

Campus: The grounds and buildings of a tertiary institution. 

Faculty: An organisational division within a university (e.g. Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science) covering a particular area of study.

Lecture: A lecture is a formal presentation by an academic staff member at university, usually to a large number of students. Lectures may include the use of handouts and audio-visual presentations. Opportunities for asking questions or discussing the material being presented are usually limited.

Tutorial: A tutorial is a learning opportunity in which students discuss the key topics, concepts, and ideas of the course with their tutors. Tutorials are closely linked to assessment and often involve small group discussions and group work. All students are expected to prepare for tutorials by reading required material and preparing questions and/or answers to questions. Students are also expected to participate in class discussions and small group activities. Tutorials often complement the lectures given for a course and usually run for one or two hours.

Course: Depending on the institution, course could mean one of two things:

1) the degree or diploma you are enrolled in or

2) another name for subject.

Contact hours or contact time: The number of hours per week a student spends in class (classes include tutorials, lectures, workshops, and practical sessions).

Adolescent Health Nurse Staff Information Session

Young people - Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) 

Keeping up with young people and their current trends and behaviours can be a challenge, especially around the topic of substance use.  To promote accurate AOD knowledge SSSC invited Hayden Witting and Amber McCarthy, the AOD youth clinicians from Access Health to educate staff.

Topics covered included:

• Overview of current young people recreational AOD behaviours and risks

• Common trends of partying - venues & activities

• Poly recreational drug use & consequences

• Safety / harm minimisation strategies / advice 

• Pathways to further support services at Access Health

Emergency Health & Wellbeing Supports

378 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3123

Phone: 98103000

Drug and Alcohol Counselling in Melbourne | AccessHC

Fiona Keech – Adolescent Health Nurse Emergency Health & Wellbeing Supports