USC gets five stars for student support during COVID

USC, which has campuses at Petrie and Caboolture, has received top marks for helping its students when it mattered most – during the pandemic restrictions. It proves the uni is #MoretonBayTough.

The University of the Sunshine Coast was awarded five stars in the ‘student support’ category of the annual Good Universities Guide, released today by Good Education Media.

It is based on how students felt supported as they enrolled, started studying and accessed the services of administrative staff, career advisers, academic advisers, counsellors, financial advisers and health services.

USC also had five stars in undergraduate student satisfaction – teaching quality (for the 16th consecutive year), overall experience (10th consecutive year), learning resources (6th consecutive year), skills development and social equity.

First time

And, for the first time, USC has been awarded five stars in the category of learner engagement for its postgraduate programs.

Nationwide student and graduate surveys and national higher education data from 2019-2020 were used in awarding five-star ratings to the top 20 percent of universities in each category.

“Gaining five stars for student support in particular shows USC did very well in providing students with a positive university experience despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19,” Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett says.

“Some of the factors that contributed were the provision of financial assistance (including emergency bursaries of up to $1000), meal packages and increased support services – especially counselling – in response to strong student demand.”

Food truck

In partnership with Study Sunshine Coast, Study Brisbane, Urban Angels Community Kitchen and Foodbank Australia’s FareShare program – a truck was used to deliver meals to students (main picture).

USC also altered its grading schema for Semester 1, 2020, in recognition of the impact the pandemic had on a significant number of students.

Professor Bartlett said students appreciated regular updates from the university, meetings via Zoom for online social activities and the timely manner concerns were addressed.

Applications are now open via QTAC to study at USC for Semester 1, 2022. For more information on how to apply, visit usc.edu.au/study

Prospective students can enjoy USC’s Open Day online to find out about what studying at university could lead to.

USC’s visitor safety information is available at: www.usc.edu.au/hsw