The Law Faculty offers a unique and innovative support program for international students. The objectives of the International Students Support Program (ISSP) are to assist international students to achieve their full academic potential and to ensure that their time studying in Australia is memorable. A staff coordinator and a team of dedicated tutors provide mentoring and supervision, a bridging program for new students, extra tutorials and social events. In 2008 this program won a National Award for Services Supporting Student Learning.
The Faculty of Law has provided academic and pastoral support for international students since 1996.
This Award recognises learning and teaching support programs and services that make an outstanding contribution to the quality of student learning and the quality of the student experience of higher education.
The Bridging Program is an intensive three day course. During this time students are introduced to staff and given a tour of the Law School and Law Library. Students also participate in a number of sessions relating to study skills, such as: critical thinking; participation in tutorials; how to find and use cases; writing and referencing.
For each compulsory subject in the law degree, additional tutorial assistance is provided to international students. A tutor is appointed for each subject (generally an academically strong undergraduate) who each week:
- conducts a tutorial;
- is available for consultation.
International students are expected to attend both mainstream tutorials and ISSP tutorials. Generally, the tutor will cover:
- the topics being conducted in the mainstream classes;
- preparation for assessment;
- provide general skills seminars in research, legal referencing and mooting.
Mentoring and SupervisionThrough a process of mentoring and supervising students, the ISSP’s aim is to support and provide pastoral care to all international students. In addition to informal consultation with the international students and aswering student queries, the coordinator liaises with international students for the purpose of:
- checking on general well-being;
- providing assistance and referral in relation to legal and study skills;
- reviewing attendance at ISSP tutorials.
The librarians at the Law Library may be of great assistance to students. Students are encouraged to speak to them at the counter or use the resources on the Law Library website.
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program is an academic support program, available to all students studying in selected units. PASS study groups are led by successful senior students.
They can be contacted on: +61 3 6226 725 or pass.studentcentre@utas.edu.au
Staff at English Assist help international students with a range of academic skills, including: academic writing; tutorial participation; and exam preparation. Appointments can be made for one-on-one consultations. English Assist also provides skills workshops and speaking groups throughout semester. All students also have an English Assist site on the online learning tool, MyLO.
Louise Oxley, Morag Porteous
Student Learning Skills Team Reception
Level 1, Morris Miller Library
(Building 23 on campus map)
EnglishAssist.Hobart@utas.edu.au