UniVenture
What is UniVenture?
UniVenture is a locally delivered, mentor-supported transition program designed to help aspiring students who are uncertain about university entry build the skills, confidence and readiness needed to begin higher education.
Purpose & Goals
Goals of this Project
Identify motivated learners and prepare them for study success.
Support participants through a foundation pathway.
Guide students into degree programs, ensuring they transition with confidence.
Provide local, supported access to university opportunities without the need to relocate.
The program aims to mitigate hesitation around engaging in University study, helping students "build skills, build confidence, and build their future," leading to long-term career pathways. This connects with the “Graduate Employment and Workforce Development” pillar of our Go Further Model.
Benefits of this Project:
For Students:
A supported pathway into university
Confidence before commitment
Local mentoring throughout transition
Stronger success and completion outcomes
For Universities:
Prepared, motivated student cohorts
Increased regional participation
Improved retention through local support partnerships
For Communities:
Greater access to higher education
Local skills development
Stronger regional workforce pathways
Status & Funding
This project is currently active, with funding dates to be advised. This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government – Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program (REDCIP). The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NSW Government.
Mode of Delivery
The program follows a four-stage pathway model:
Stage 1: Explore
Participants meet with our program coordinator to discuss career goals and interests, possible study and career pathways, current skills and readiness, and an introductory survey. The goal of Stage 1 is to provide the participant a clear pathway forward, following discussion of an ideal course and university provider.
Stage 2: Prepare
Participants meet in small groups of approximately 10 to develop study skills, academic preparation, digital literacy and time management abilities. Program coordinators and facilitators support the participants in developing confidence and readiness prior to commencing . The goal of Stage 2 is for program participants to feel confident in their abilities as they move on to Stage 3.
Stage 3: Study
Participants enrol in the Foundation Program, where they’ll receive support through TUC such as local mentoring and academic coaching, structured accountability and study support as well as access to study hub facilities and peer learning networks. The goal of Stage 3 is for participants confidently completing the Foundation Program before proceeding to enrolment in a degree.
Stage 4: Progress
Upon completing the pathway program, students transition into their chosen degree with continued support from the Taree Universities Campus (TUC) team. The goal of Stage 4 is for students to begin their tertiary study experience with confidence.
The UniVenture program goal is for it’s participants to go on to complete their studies with the support of the Campus, successfully complete their studies and graduate before applying their skills in our local economy and developing as local professionals.
Delivery methods include:
Free Group Mentoring Sessions: Designed to help students "find their feet" at university. These cover:
Getting started with enrolment and orientation.
Study skills (e.g., using the library and academic writing).
Understanding available degrees and entry pathways.
End-to-End Support: Participants receive support every step of the way through to completion.
Specialised Support: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can access in-person support from UNE's Oorala Centre.
Coordination: The program is coordinated by Ben Archer, Tertiary Pathways and Preparations Coordinator, who helps shape pathways suited to unique situations.
Intended Audience
Whilst UniVenture is open to all Mid Coast residents, it was developed with a focus on the following key user groups:
Recent school leavers
They may have taken a gap year, or may be in their first year since leaving high school but do not have a clear pathway for ‘what’s next’. They may not have achieved their desired ATAR, or perhaps did not pursue one as they did not have university study in mind during their final schooling years.
These residents may also be ‘first in family’ i.e. do not have clear examples of successful university study within their inner circle.
Upskilling parents 30+
These individuals may have reached the next stage of their parenting journey where, as their children become more independent, they may be looking to advance or change their career.
They may be pursuing an internal promotion or a new position, which requires a higher skillset or qualification, or they may be looking to change into a new industry.
Both of these user groups may lack confidence in their ability to study efficiently and effectively. They may also benefit from guidance in establishing a clear pathway from their current position, to a degree and on to a career than aligns with their interests whilst also being practical whilst living on the Mid Coast.
Partners & Collaborators
The UniVenture program has been developed in collaboration with University of New England (UNE) and their Foundation Program platform. The Foundation Program offers guaranteed entry into most UNE undergraduate degrees and flexible study modes.
Metrics for Success
The success of this project will be measured in the number of participants who enrol in, and successfully complete, the Foundations Program via registration in UniVenture. We will also monitor the number of participants that proceed to enrol in a degree following program completion.
