Our 2020-2025 Student Success and Retention Strategy provides insights into how students define success.  

After hearing from over 900 students, it outlines the barriers faced by many of you, and the support we are committed to providing, to enhance your success. 

Students like you said success is about being fulfilled in the following five categories:  

• Academic learning: getting a degree with a wealth of knowledge 
• Wellbeing, belonging and community: being happy, healthy and socially fulfilled. 
• Receiving support: having access to services that foster success 
• Career outcomes: graduating with hands-on experience and with a job lined up 
• Facilities and technology: studying in an environment that serves my needs.  

We provide key communication activities, touchpoints and support interventions across the semester to help you navigate key requirements within a course, support your wellbeing and help you to succeed. 

We strive to give you with the right information at the right time through a comprehensive range of communication channels.

This high-level overview outlines these activities within a semester, especially noting the importance of census date - the last day on which a student can withdraw from topics without incurring student contribution amounts (Commonwealth supported student), tuition fees (fee-paying student) and student services and amenities fees. 

This high-level overview outlines key areas of support for students that will be communicated across the year across different channels.

We also share student support services, opportunities and events in our Ping! student newsletter. Information in Ping! is important to your success at university, and we encourage students to read the content. 

Useful links

At Flinders, the support you receive is tailored, personalised and fit for purpose, ensuring you have the best opportunity to succeed. 

You can expect to receive information and advice that is flexible and responsive to your individual needs, differences and preferences.  

We aim to ensure you receive clear and timely support.  

If you are in a crisis after-hours or on the weekend and need to speak with someone urgently, receive timely advice by calling our After-hours crisis support line on 1300 512 409. 

We are here to help you to succeed during your time with us, but you are ultimately responsible for accepting and accessing the support and assistance that we offer at Flinders.

This high-level overview outlines the key referral processes for students to self-refer to support services, and also for University staff to refer students to support services. 

Help is available. Be sure to self-refer and access the wide range of support services if you need assistance getting back on track:  

We share student support services, opportunities and events in our Ping! student newsletter. Information in Ping! is important to your success at university, and we encourage students to read the content. 

Be sure to also follow our social media channels to stay up to date with support services, events, offers, and important information:

The College of Business, Government and Law has a Student Success Working Group.

Student Success Working Group - Chair

Professor Christopher Kee

Student Success Working Group - College Lead

Dr Samantha Kontra

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator. 

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

The College of Education, Psychology and Social Work has a Student Success Working Group. Within the College, other working groups will soon sit under the umbrella of Student Success. The College has a Student Course Advisory Committees and has had a 'Students as Partners' working group.

It's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group also falls under the umbrella of the Student Success Working Group. The College has delivered an Indigenous Student Success Framework, and developed and released a new role to support indigenous student success.

The College is developing a guided entry process to build upon its extensive Orientation processes. It will aim to support first-year students, though it may be extended to encompass the entire student lifecycle. Key elements will include student partnership and mentorship.

Student Success Lead

Dr Chidozie Alozie

chidozie.alozie@flinders.edu.au  

+61 8 8201 3898 

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator. 

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences has a Student Success Working Group.

It has established a Student Success Framework with five key objectives:

• Reduce commencing student attrition to 15% or less by 2025, and continuing student attrition to 10% or less by 2025 
• Achieve SES ratings of 85% for Skill Development, and above 75% for Learner Engagement and Student Support. Achieve SET scores of 80% or above for ‘the feedback I received helped me to learn’ across all topics. 
• Increased integration of student wellbeing and inclusivity across the College 
• Authentic partnerships and developing a sense of community 
• Consistency across Bedford Park, City Campus and online availabilities 

Student Success Lead

Dr Claire Whitley

claire.whitley@flinders.edu.au

+61 8 8201 5729

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator. 

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

The College of Medicine and Public Health has a Student Success and Wellbeing Working Group.

Key initiatives of the College's Student Success and Wellbeing framework include: 

• Implementation of peer mentoring programs
• Using learning analytics for early identification and intervention of students experiencing challenges
• Implementation of College-wide student networking events
• Building a sense of belonging by providing high quality, welcoming, course-specific orientation experiences
• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment
• Developing student partnership opportunities
• Embedding employability 

Student Success Lead

Dr Helen Harrison

helen.harrison@flinders.edu.au

+61 8 8201 5826

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator. 

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a team of Student Engagement Coordinators (one per discipline) who meet regularly to share ways to boost student engagement, support and success.

We are here to help and can be contacted on the following email:

CNHS.studentsuccess@flinders.edu.au

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator or student engagement coordinator.

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

The College of Science and Engineering has a Student Success Working Group. 

We are a team of academics, professional staff and students who all have a passion for supporting the transition and retention of students in the disciplines of science and engineering.

As a working group we report monthly to the College Education Committee on our student success initiatives. Our current projects include increasing the student voice in the college through the topic and course representative program and improving student support and wellbeing through the peer mentor program.

We are also involved in the coordination and delivery of successful orientation programs across our three campus, Bedford Park, Tonsley and the City.

Student Success Lead and Working Group Chair

Dr Masha Smallhorn

masha.smallhorn@flinders.edu.au

+61 8 742 19778

Getting support

If you are having trouble with your studies, you should first consult your topic coordinator. If you are unable to reach them, contact the course coordinator or student engagement coordinator.

If you are facing multiple challenges that are affecting your ability to study, please contact our Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor.

We offer a wide range of support services to help you succeed at Flinders, including study and learning support, health and wellbeing services, careers and employment assistance, and financial support.

Visit our Support and services directory for the full range of support services and programs.

Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors

Our team of Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors are here to assist you to succeed both academically and personally. Book a one-on-one appointment with them for personalised support and information to help you navigate the university journey.

Flinders Support Network

We want you to be successful in your studies and to feel supported throughout your time with us. Throughout the year, we may reach out to you by email, sms or a phone call to check how you are going and see how we can help. 

Useful links

There are multiple ways you can access support at Flinders.

While we are here to support you every step of your study journey, it is your responsibility for seeking and accepting support, accessing the services available, and ultimately, your success at university. 

We help you achieve this by offering both academic and non-academic supports that are empowering, enabling you to become the confident, independent and fearless learner you are here to be.  

This high-level overview outlines the key referral processes for students to self-refer to support services, and also for University staff to refer students to support services. 

Help is available. Be sure to self-refer and access the wide range of support services if you need assistance getting back on track.

If you are in a crisis after-hours or on the weekend and need to speak with someone urgently, receive timely advice by calling our After-hours crisis support line on 1300 512 409. 

Useful links

There is a wide range of academic support enabling you to become the confident, independent and fearless learner you are here to be.  

Academic support services include:

• one-to-one study support online (Studiosity), or
• in-person (Learning Lounge)
• workshops to help students develop academic skills, and 
• a wide range of online study resources accessible 24/7.

If you are in need of academic support, including numeracy or literacy, reach out for help via one of the above services as, under certain circumstances, assessment tasks may be adjusted, varied or modified to support your progression. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer you assessment extensions, deferrals, a late submission or resubmission, and supplementary assessments.

This high-level overview outlines the key referral processes for students to self-refer to support services, and also for University staff to refer students to support services. 

Help is available. Be sure to self-refer and access the wide range of support services if you need assistance getting back on track.

Useful links

We offer a comprehensive range of non-academic support and services to help you succeed throughout your university journey, including, but not limited to:

Health and Wellbeing

• Health Services
• Counselling Services
• Disability Services
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Financial Advocacy
• Financial support and scholarships
• Safety and Respect on campus
• Sports and Fitness
• Chaplaincy

Careers and Employment

• Careers and employability
• Flinders Horizon Award

We also offer admin and technology support.

We can connect students who report non-academic issues, that are impacting on the successful completion of their enrolled course, to the appropriate support services - reach out if you are struggling and need assistance.

For more information on the wide range of support services we offer, both academic and non-academic, visit our Student Support and Services Directory.

Useful links

There are a vast range of peer mentoring groups across the University.

If you want extra support, to broaden your connections and horizons, consider connecting with a peer mentor who can help you:

• find your way around campus
• discover the different support services available 
• with everyday things like submitting assignments and borrowing books
• with tips and tricks to increase your productivity
• with emotional and psychological support 
• build your confidence as you navigate the university journey

Check the Peer-mentoring Programs to see if there is one for your College, study area, course or year level. 

You can support your students and connect them with a wide range of services at the University.

Academic support services include:

• one-to-one study support online (Studiosity), or
• in-person (Learning Lounge)
• workshops to help students develop academic skills, and 
• a wide range of online study resources accessible 24/7.

This high-level overview outlines the key referral processes for your students to self-refer to support services, and also for you to refer them to support services. 

You can refer students directly to a Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors when you are concerned about: 

• their academic progress 
• their general well-being* and/or university experience 

Useful links

If you are a HDR student experiencing difficulty progressing in your studies, we encourage you to first share your concerns with your supervisor.

Still seeking extra support and guidance? Consider reaching out to either your College Student Success Lead or a Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor. 

Useful links

Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student? We offer services and supports specifically to help you succeed at university. We endeavour to provide a study environment that is characterised by equality, respect and collegiality. 

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement is committed to increasing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, for example a dedicated orientation program in February and July, a Student Ambassador program, student lunches and activities, community NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week events, Indigenous student games, Elders on campus, scholarships and financial assistance, and so much more. 

Tjilbruke Student Lounge

You are welcome to drop into Yungkurrinthi Trruku at Bedford Park any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We provide a culturally safe space in the Tjilbruke Student Lounge (Level 3 of the Student Centre), where you can study, chill, have a cuppa, watch TV or catch up with staff and students. There is a computer lab, and printing and photocopying facilities. You can also book a study room on Level 1 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

There are also study spaces based at Sturt Campus and Northern Territory campuses.

Indigenous Student Support Officers (ISSOs)

One-on-one support is available for assistance with a range of matters from pre-enrolment advice through to postgraduate studies. We can support you with pathways to further study or employment, and referrals to health, counselling and disability services. ISSO staff profiles and contact details are available on FLO.

For more information, please call 1800 641 811 or email isso.yungkurrinthi@flinders.edu.au.

Useful links

We offer a wide range of services to support our international students. From support with adjusting to a new city, understanding the Australian academic environment, living arrangements, study tips and assistance, and help building your social connections - we have you covered here at Flinders.

The International Student Services (ISS) team is the first point of contact for all international students. The team offers a range of programs supporting study and social life, as well as referring students to services on campus and within the local community. ISS organises a general orientation program for new international students, day and weekend tours throughout the semester, social activities and information sessions.

The ISS team supports international students who are experiencing challenges in adjusting to the Australian academic and living environment, including one-to-one confidential appointments with an International Student Advisor. Our key role is to provide timely and specialised support to international students throughout their program of study.

Useful links

We commit to providing services and support for students with disabilities to enable them to participate fully and independently in the academic, cultural and social life of the University, including reasonable adjustments in a study context to support academic success. 

If you have a disability, we are here to help. The University provides a free, confidential service for students who have a disability.

A 'disability' can be a:

• medical condition
• mental health condition
• learning difficulty
• or any disability that impacts on study

Carers of people who have a disability can also contact a disability advisor. 

For more information about eligibility, to discuss an access plan, or make an appointment to see a disability advisor, visit our Disability services page.

Useful links

We provide emergency counselling and after hours crisis support.

If you are in a crisis after-hours or on the weekend and need to speak with someone urgently, receive timely advice by calling our After-hours crisis support line on 1300 512 409. 

You can report an incident online for sexual harassment and sexual assault, family and domestic violence support. 

If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic or family abuse, free and confidential support is available.

If you are in a crisis after-hours or on the weekend and need to speak with someone urgently, receive timely advice by calling our After-hours crisis support line on 1300 512 409. 

You can report an incident online for sexual harassment and sexual assault, family and domestic violence support.