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We support commencing student veterans as they transition from the military service to ACU through a free two-week preparatory program. Through tailor-made orientation activities, workshops, lectures, tutorials, and different types of assessments, the Veterans Transition Program (VTP) equips students with the abilities and key skills to succeed in higher education, develop self-efficacy, a sense of belonging and expanded peer networks.
Register for the Veteran's Transition Program
The VTP is a unique program for commencing student veterans. The VTP begins just prior the first semester of 2021 as part of the ACU’s continued commitment to support students with their successful transition into higher education.
Through workshops, lectures, tutorials and sessions focusing on reflective thought and critical thinking, the program equips student veterans with key academic skills and fosters a better understanding of what to expect during the first year of higher education.
The program is student-centred and aims to:
The VTP runs as a two-week intensive transition and preparation program from 8th February 2021 to the 19th February 2021, prior to Orientation week. The program is conducted from 9.00am to 3pm each day.
Research evidence suggests that student veterans transitioning into university life face unique challenges.
Navigating the cultural shift from military service in either the army, air force, navy or the reserves to academia can be daunting.
The VTP aims to address these challenges by offering you an opportunity to:
Having a support network on campus will help you transition to university study.
Within the program, there are opportunities to meet other student veterans who are already studying at ACU and hear about their experiences in higher education.
During the university journey, you will learn and apply discipline-specific knowledge but also key skills that are transferable across academic subjects and will benefit your professional career. The VTP will pay particular attention to key skills development, providing you with strategies and tools to respond to what is expected from you academically in the following areas:
The VTP focuses on practical skill application, drawn from the unit PHIL102: Theories of Human Nature. Over the course of the VTP you will be introduced to a variety of learning modes (workshops, lectures, and tutorials), and assessment styles (oral presentations, written assignments, and exam scenarios). This exposure will familiarise you with the academic experiences and give you a no-risk opportunity to gauge the standard expected at this level of study.
The VTP aims to provide a ‘low-risk, low-stress’ setting to acclimatize to university and develop an understanding of what is expected throughout study. As recognition of participation and effort the option to have the program credited towards your study will be available at the conclusion of the program, this will be recognised as one of the ‘Core Units ‘and reduce your overall study load moving forward. More information surrounding this will be provided upon commencement of the program. In order to receive credit for the unit there will be minimum participation requirements and all assessments will need to be completed prior to completion.
If you are interested in participating in the VTP or have any additional questions about the program, please feel free to contact the Student Veterans Support Program (SVSP) at studentveteranservices@acu.edu.au.