UniStart is offered On-Campus or by Distance. Regardless of the study mode you choose, you are expected to negotiate your involvement in the course independently. Independent learning in UniStart means that you are responsible for choosing which sessions/topics to complete, the extent to which you participate in activities on offer, and the use you make of the resources available to you.
Below are examples of face-to-face sessions or online topics that may be offered as part of UniStart.
Foundation Academic Skills Sessions/Topics |
| What is UniStart about? |
Introduction |
The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the aims, expectations, and processes of the face-to-face program. Opportunity will also be provided for students to raise questions about the content and format of the course. |
| What's it like to be in a uni lecture? |
Culture shock lecture |
This session has two main purposes - first, to introduce students to the topic that they will write about in the UniStart essay, and second, to allow students to experience a real university lecture. This session will be facilitated by a guest lecturer. |
| I have a scanner; why is note-taking still important? |
Lectures and note-taking |
This session provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their note-taking skills and strategies. Students will also be introduced to various note-taking formats, and techniques for effective note-taking in lectures. |
| How do I include other people's ideas in my writing? |
Academic integrity |
This session introduces students to the concept of academic integrity, and explores why this is such an integral aspect of the university culture. Students will also explore how they can maintain academic integrity, avoid plagiarism, and contribute to intellectual debate at all stages of their university careers. |
| Why is critical thinking so important? |
Critical thinking |
This session introduces students to the concepts of critical thinking, critical reading, and critical writing: essential for success at university. There is a practical focus to this session, as students are given opportunities to apply and develop their skills as critical thinkers in responding to a range of source material. |
How do I access MyLO?
... what is MyLO? |
Learning online: Strategies and requirements & Lab sessions. |
Students are given the opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with each other through online discussion boards. |
I'm not very confident about my essays ... where do I start?
What standard of writing is required at university? Is it different to college or the workforce? |
Assignment writing |
This series of sessions is the core of the tertiary literacy sections of the UniStart program. Through this sequence, students will engage in all stages of the assignment writing process, from analysing a question and undertaking research, to understanding assignment structures and constructing an argument . Students will work individually and in small groups to plan, research, and write parts of a short essay, through a series of exercises and short lectures. |
| How will I find and interpret information at UTAS? |
The research process |
The overview and workshop will introduce you to essential knowledge and skills for study and researching assignment topics. This incorporates an overview of the research process, and a hands-on session where you will explore the various resources within the Library to find the best information for your essay topic. |
Focussed skills sessions/topics |
| I haven't used a computer much, is there an introduction to the basics? |
Basic IT |
This short (4 to 6hrs) computing and information technologies (IT) skills program is offered for those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with any of the following tasks: using a standard windows based machine to run a program; sending, replying and reading email; accessing a web site; using a word processor to save a document and printing it.
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| Where do I find the reserve section in the Library? |
Library tours |
This 30 minute Library Tour will enable you to: find what's where in your library; locate service points & borrow items; understand reserve and eReserve and Flexible Services. |
| How will I get everything done on time? |
Stress management and time management |
Aims to assist you to identify concrete strategies to better manage your stress and your time in the University setting. Looks at year planners, weekly study plans, use of diaries and to-do lists, and prioritising. Also explores the nature of stress, common causes of stress for University students and strategies for managing stress effectively. Good introduction for all new students but especially those concerned about how they will juggle competing demands. |
| I'm anxious about answering questions in class; how will I manage? |
Oral presentations and participation in tutorials |
This session gives students the chance to learn about the skills involved in participating in class (and why this is important). We will also discuss the skills involved in giving successful presentations. |
| What does this comment, "avoid contractions", on my essay mean? |
Using basic academic English & Writing formally for university |
These sessions focus on common errors in sentence construction and punctuation, and tips about the standard of writing required at university. |
| I want to keep improving my skills; how do I go about this? |
Independent Learning Plans |
This session is designed to assist students in identifying their areas of need in terms of their ongoing academic skills development, and in identifying how they will work on those skills, and what support they will use to achieve their goals. |
