Oorala Centre, UNE

ISP (Internal Selection Program)

Contact:

Student Support Officer

Tonia Ryan-Battersby
Oorala Aboriginal Centre
University of New England
Armidale, NSW, 2351
Phone: (02) 6773 5176
Fax: (02) 6773 3379
Email: tbatters@une.edu.au

Related Links

ISP Enquiry From

Undergraduate Admission Form

The next ISP program for entry to UNE in Semester 1, 2009 will be held on 19-20 November 2008.
Applications close: 24 October 2008

Overview:

The Internal Selection Program (ISP) is an alternative entry program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People wishing to access higher education at the University of New England.

During the two-day testing and assessment workshop held on-campus in Armidale candidates research and prepare an essay, answering a question from an area of study related to their proposed undergraduate enrolment and complete a number of short tests. Candidates also attend an interview conducted by Oorala Representatives.

Candidates attend various workshops covering areas such as library research, lectures and tutorials and essay writing. All the workshops, assessment tasks and interview are focused on the candidates’ research, note-taking, comprehension and academic skills. These, together with the information provided in the various workshops, will be assessed in a written assessment task and interview on day two.

Pathways:

a) Successful candidates will be offered a place in an undergraduate degree program at the University of New England, subject to any additional entry requirements set out by the relevant Faculties.

b) Unsuccessful candidates will have the opportunity to discuss alternative pathways to higher education with representatives from the Oorala Centre and UNE's Student Centre.

"I did not achieve the UAI required to study a Nursing degree through the University of New England, which was my ultimate dream. I applied to do the ISP program through the Oorala Centre which I completed and got into Bachelor of Nursing. I have enjoyed my time studying at the University of New England and thanks to the Oorala Centre was able to fulfill my dream.

I plan to complete my postgraduate at a Sydney hospital, where I can further develop my skills, then come back to the country to nurse as an Indigenous nurse.

I have learnt from this experience that there are many options available to fulfill your dream and if you really dream to be someone in particular you must pursue all options to succeed."

Jaime-Lee Taylor,
Bachelor of Nursing

How to apply:

Candidates for internal admission to UNE must apply through UAC/QTAC first; and indicate their intention to attend the ISP program (Question 16 UAC application):

1. All candidates must submit:

a) ISP application form; indicating their proposed undergraduate degree program

b) Relevant Documentation, including evidence of prior learning, professional experiences and references (for example copies of TAFE Certificates and a resume).

All applications will be assessed by Oorala and UNE Student Centre Representatives

2. What happens next?

a) We will contact you to discuss your application and invite you to attend the 2-day ISP assessment workshop.

b) We will send you course information relevant to your chosen area of study.

3. Travel and Accommodation: (Oorala’s Student Support Officer will assist you with this process.)

a) Contact Centrelink (Abstudy) to arrange your travel to Armidale.

b) Contact Mary White College in regard to accommodation in Armidale.

4. The Internal Selection Program on-campus in Armidale:

a) You will be required to write an 800-word essay.

b) Complete a number of short tests (Academic Writing and/or Basic Mathematics and Statistics)

c) You attend an interview to further discuss your application with representatives from the Oorala Centre.

Assessment:

ISP candidates will be assessed on the following:

1. Assessment Workshops:
The "assessment workshops" provide candidates with information on Library research skills and their chosen topic at the undergraduate lectures. The essay writing workshop will explain the written task and provide candidates with an idea of the standard of academic writing necessary to succeed in this task. Following these workshops candidates will conduct research on their chosen essay topic, accessing the library and using notes taken throughout the undergraduate lectures. These workshops are assessed as part of the essay presentation.

2. Written Essay (800 words):
Candidates are required to complete a Written Essay based on one topic from an area of study related to their nominated undergraduate degree program. In the essay candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse and synthesis information provided during the ‘assessment workshops’.

We will assess the Essay on the following criteria:

• Clarity of thought; is the essay clear, well thought out, structured and concise?
• Does it answer the question in detail?
• Does the essay meet the word limit?
• Does it meet university standards as to grammatical expression and sentence structure?

To improve your written English and learn more about structuring your writing, see http://www.une.edu.au/tlc/aso/students/programs/tuneup/

3. Short Tests (Academic Writing and/or Basic Mathematics and Statistics):
Assessments in basic Mathematics and Statistics.

4. Interview:
Candidates are required to attend an interview with Oorala Representatives and a Representative from the University’s Student Centre. The interview will be focusing on candidates' preparedness for higher education and attempt to identify candidates learning potential and commitment to higher education.

To find out more:

Fill in and submit the online “ISP Enquiry Form"

or ask for an Information Package to be send to you by calling :
(02) 6773 3034

or write to
Oorala Aboriginal Centre
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
Don't forget to provide your Name and Address

We look forward to hearing from you.