Mr Abhishek Awasthi1, Mr Shaun Corcoran1
1Bendigo Kangan Institute (Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute), Bendigo, Australia
Student engagement and transition is critical in the first year and remains a key for predicting participation in education (Hillman, 2005). Hence, the student engagement, retention, success and experience EW now a core focI of educational institutions, including Victorian TAFE’s, experiencing numerous challenges and changes in the last decade (Goedegebuure & Schubert, 2017). Hence in 2017, for the first-time ever, Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) introduced an institution-wide comprehensive Student Orientation Program to support and facilitate student transition, interaction and integration. To develop students’ involvement and sense of belonging to the institution, specific needs for the equity groups were thoroughly considered and addressed. In 2018, the revamped program was delivered and we observed an increase of more than 250 per cent attendance from the previous year. This paper will explore the development and implementation of the program, strategic collaborations and the impact created to empower, encourage and engage students as well as staff from a range of ages, locations, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities, field of studies and life‐experiences to come together, interact and learn beyond the boundaries of the institution.
References
Goedegebuure, L., & Schubert, R. (2017). Strengths and Benefits of the Victorian TAFE Model. Retrieved from http://www.vta.vic.edu.au/PRESENTATION_PDFS/Vic-TAFE-Strengths-Benefits-Rprt-web.pdf
Hillman, K. (2005). The first year experience: The transition from secondary school to university and TAFE in Australia. LSAY Research Reports, 44.
Biography:
Abhishek Awasthi GAICD is the Manager of Bendigo Kangan Institute, trading as Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute. Abhishek’s experience extends to the manufacturing industry, scientific research, and leadership and management in the not-for-profit, education, international relations and the business sector. He has a Bachelor of Technology and Master of Science degree. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. Abhishek strongly believes in the importance of education, life-experiences, cultural diversity and community engagement for the conscious and inclusive development of any individual, and consequently their community. His talent for creating collaborative and consultative partnerships, which positively influence and enhance community engagement, has been duly acknowledged by prestigious awards, such as 2014 Award for Excellence by a New Entrant in Tertiary Education Management at the ATEM Best Practice Awards and 2015 Ambassador Award at the Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence by the State Government of Victoria.