The Engagement and Success team provides a range of programs and services to enable students to learn and grow intellectually, socially and professionally during their time at ANU. We undertake activities and provide resources that support orientation and transition, extra-curricular enrichment, leadership and community building for all students. Engagement and Success supports the University to meet its strategic objectives by ensuring an enriched student experience for all students. We aim to undertake activities under the Healthy University Strategy to promote various forms of health within our community.

Project: Sense of Self, Belonging and Support Options in Low-SES University Students at an Elite Institution

Summary:

This project is an interview-based educational examination of the experience of low-socioeconomic (low-SES), or low-income, students on an elite university campus including their self-perception, barriers and support. The study is based on the substantial sociological and psychological literature on the challenges for low-SES students in transitioning into- and thriving during- tertiary education.

Low-SES students within the Australian higher education system often have a different experience in terms of support required, barriers to overcome, external pressures and sense of identity and belonging. At an elite institution, such as ANU, where there is a low percentage of low-SES students this sense of difference and lack of support can be intensified. This project seeks to explore the student perspective on and experience of these challenges and barriers, alongside any opportunities that arise. The data will be used to inform work on how ANU can best support low-SES students academically, personally, professionally, socially and financially to both increase retention and participation of low-SES students at ANU.

There is an opportunity for an intern to support ANU in collaborating with a small research team in analysing and understanding the experiences of these students to better support students from similar backgrounds. The intern will learn skills in working in a research team; coding and analysing qualitative information, in the form of de-identified interview transcripts; and translating data into both written and visual representation to provide a clear indication of the current situation on campus as well as potential support mechanisms.

This is an opportunity for a self-motivated student who can work independently, is passionate about helping others and has a keen understanding of data and research methods.

Dowload:

Sense of Self, Belonging and Support Options in Low-SES University Students at an Elite Institution