“This is our campus!” - Student perspectives of their 1st year experience at a new university campus

Abstract

This study examines students' first-year perspectives as undergraduates at Australia's newest satellite campus. Those early experiences appear influential in securing successful transition (McInnis, James, & Hartley, 2000). This study sought to allow staff to better understand the inaugural cohort and strategically respond to their specific needs. The cohort sampled included several emerging demographic subgroups that researchers have recently requested be more fully investigated (Krause, Hartley, James, & McInnis, 2005). This paper details the findings of focus group interviews with members of those subgroups, and follows an earlier online survey of all first-year students. Findings reveal students thematically conceptualising their experiences in terms of commitment to their studies, a desire to engage in dialogue, and an 'us versus them' competitiveness. Mature age learners detailed their significant sacrifices made when undertaking university studies and the possibility of this factor being a variable influencing persistence and attrition is raised.