Enriching your student experience

The new ANU strategic plan, ANU by 2020, includes a commitment to creating “…a holistic educational experience, unique in Australia, which goes beyond the confines of the classroom”.

The ANU strives to ensure that every student admitted to the University achieves success in their academic program. This is more likely to happen when the experience of being at University is a happy one and where students are able to connect with the University, with fellow students and with staff members.  There are a huge number of activities supported by the University and by your Student Associations.  These range from sporting activities, to clubs and societies which bring together students with common interests, both academic and non-academic; to the Learning Communities; volunteering; and cultural activities, such as the performing arts.

The existence of so many diverse groups on campus provides an opportunity for everyone to get involved and to feel part of the broader University community.  They help you to build networks and friendships, some of which are likely to last a lifetime.  While I recognise that many students are too busy to have much time for such activities, I hope that at some point every student will have an opportunity to get involved during the course of their studies. The physical and emotional well being of students is also critical not only to academic success, but also to enabling students to fulfil their personal potential.  Counselling, Health  and Disability Services provide students with assistance and support in this part of their lives.  The Academic Skills and Learning Centre provides direct “out of the classroom” assistance to students, particularly those who are uncertain about the requirements of university-level study.

The ANU and its Students Associations – ANUSA and PARSA, ANU Sport, ANU Student Media are working together to raise awareness of the importance of your engagement in these extracurricular activities and support services and to seek your input into what activities and services you would like to see made available. We would particularly like to hear from you about how easy it is to find information about these activities and services and how we could raise awareness of what we currently offer.

Thank you in anticipation of your positive input.

Professor Elizabeth Deane is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning Teaching and Students) at ANUAll suggestions and comments can be sent to pvclts@anu.edu.au

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