Oorala Centre, UNE

TRACKS
(Tertiary Preparation Program)

Contact

Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth Garvey
Oorala Centre
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
Ph.: (02) 6773 3034;
Fax: (02) 6773 3379
Email: egarvey2@une.edu.au

The Oorala Aboriginal Centre invites you to join UNE's multi-award winning TRACKS program.

What is TRACKS?

The TRACKS tertiary preparation program offers flexible learning, first hand experience in university study and entry to UNE undergraduate awards on successful completion of the program.The TRACKS program has been developed to provide you with an opportunity to access and explore tertiary education and to make informed choices about the direction of your education. It allows you to draw upon your own experiences and values while developing skills needed in a successful tertiary career. So far over 400 students have accessed the program many of whom have gone on to undergraduate studies at UNE, other tertiary institutions or have chosen to pursue careers through the TAFE system.

TRACKS aims to enhance your understanding of academic research and writing in an academic context that is relevant to you while providing you with the necessary skills needed for university study. TRACKS focuses strongly on students’ individual learning styles, time constraints and previous educational experiences. The program provides you with many opportunities to discuss your academic progress. The program’s lecturers are always available to provide you with assistance, advice and feedback.

TRACKS aims

- To provide Access and Participation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students to UNE

- To assist students in a successful transition to undergraduate courses

- To provide pathways to further education

- To provide skills and resources to overcome issues caused by isolation

- To extend the participants’ expectations of Higher Education

Course Information

This course provides students with the necessary skills to succeed in university studies. It is available as an off-campus (by correspondence) or on-campus, full-time, year long program. Successful completion of the TRACKS program will allow students to enrol in an undergraduate degree program at the University of New England subject to any additional entry requirements set out by the relevant Faculties.

Course Structure (2008)

To complete the TRACKS program and qualify for entry to a UNE undergraduate program, a candidate must pass units to the value of 30 credit points:

Student's First Semester:

TRAX 101: University and Study Skills (OLB) – 6 credit points
This unit provides students with an introduction to 'studying at university'. It looks at issues such as Time Management, Critical Thinking, Issues affecting distance education students, Terminology and Language, University Procedures and administrative issues. It also offers students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the degree they are interested in pursuing after TRACKS.

TRAX 102: Indigenous Studies (OLB) - 6 credit points
This is a Reading Unit which provides students with the opportunity to consider a number of historical perspectives on social issues relating to Aboriginal people, their families and local commnities.

TRAX 105: Academic Literacy (OLB) – 6 credit points
This unit looks at Essay Writing, Research Processes (basic Library Skills), Referencing and “Academic Writing”. This unit will be facilitated through the use of TRAX102 reading material, assisting students in completing a "practice essay” from that unit.

Student's Second Semester:

TRAX 106: Communication and Information Technology for Higher Education (Pre-requisite TRAX 101) OLB – 6 credit points
This unit provides an introduction to “online learning”, email, use of the internet for research purposes, electronic library resources or alternative methods for obtaining resources (ie. Phone etc.). A large part of this unit will be based on workshops at the Residential School.

TRAX 103: Aboriginal Communities (Pre-requisite TRAX 102) (OLB) – 6 credit points
Topics covered include contemporary issues affecting Indigenous communities, policy issues, education, health, etc.

Undergraduate Unit (Pre-requisite: Have to pass TRAX 101, 102 and 105) – 6 credit points
You will have the opportunity to explore an “undergraduate unit” in your chosen area of study, while being supported through the TRACKS units.
Access UNE's courses and units catalogue to find out more about degrees and units at UNE..

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE UNDERGRADUATE UNIT IN SEMESTER 2 WILL COUNT TOWARDS YOUR DEGREE AFTER YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE TRACKS PROGRAM.

Intensive Schools (formerly Residential Schools)

There are two (2) compulsory Intensive Schools in March and August for TRAX102 and TRAX106.

What does it cost?

Students enrolled full-time in the TRACKS program may be eligible for ABSTUDY assistance and are not required to pay a Student Contribution Charge (SCC; formerly HECS). There might be additional costs associated with textbooks, travel and accommodation during Intensive Schools, depending on your eligibility for ABSTUDY assistance. You can contact the Oorala Centre Student Support Officer on (02) 6773 5176 or email tbatters@une.edu.au for more details.

TRACKS IS ABSTUDY APPROVED.

Scholarships

- Mick Young Scholarship
($1,000 for 1 year, or pro rata for part-time study) - Up to 5 offered for Indigenous students who will be enrolled in TRACKS (full-time or part-time, on campus or off campus)
Closing Date: 31 January 2009
For more details and to apply: http://www.une.edu.au/scholarships/undergraduate/mick-young.php

- Commonwealth Equity Scholarships
You could be eligible for a Commonwealth Equity Scholarship: