Learning Skills Advisor Program

Since 2018 the Country Universities Centre Far West (CUCFW) has supported over 200 students with free academic skills support through the Learning Skills Advisor (LSA) program. The LSA program aims to positively impact student success through personalised, flexible, face-to-face support that builds academic capabilities and confidence. Further, in recognition of the isolation and disconnection many online students feel, the LSA program takes active steps to build a sense of belonging at university, and introduce and connect students to additional support services and resources available in community and from their university. In addition, practices have been established to reduce barriers for students to access support, including the positioning of the program as opt-out support rather than opt-in.

LSA is communicated as being not only suited to all students but directly adapted to their individual needs. The effectiveness of the LSA program is seen through the positive response from those students who access the program. Such feedback includes student claims that “without the LSA, I would not have completed my study or had the motivation to study” and “without the support of the LSA team I doubt I would have maintained a 6.6 GPA”.

Highly Commended 2022 Category: Innovative Project Award
https://www.cucfarwest.edu.au/learning-skills-advice/