Student Advocacy was identified as a support preference for online students who completed the 2020 Student Voice Survey (2020 SSAF Annual Report).
Following this, SSAF funds were used to establish a two-person Student Advocacy team within the Safe and Fair Communities unit (now known as the Student Conduct and Support Team) in the Division of Safety, Security and Wellbeing. Two full-time student advocates commenced in 2021.
Student advocates support students navigate Charles Sturt rules, policies, and procedures by providing advice, information, and referrals. They work with on-campus and online students and much of their work focuses on supporting students who are experiencing complex academic, or personal challenges that has impacted their study.
Students can contact Student Advocacy for help with:
A key focus of the advocacy team is advising, supporting, and guiding students through academic and general misconduct matters. The personal and complex nature of student conduct matters means that Student Advocates work with students on an individual basis, talking to them over the phone, via email and on occasions via Teams.
We are seeing great results from this support service. In 2023 , there was a 40% increase in students contacting our Student Advocates for support
In 2023, a majority of enquiries were from students seeking support with Review of Grade requests, academic progress advice and responses to academic misconduct..
Students are often unsure about what policies, rules, or processes applies to their circumstances when submitting requests to the university. This is especially true for students with difficult circumstances applying for special consideration, students seeking further information or review of their grades, and for students facing challenges with academic progress.
By assisting over 900 students with grade reviews, academic progress, and feedback in 2023, our Student Advocates played a crucial role in enhancing student success and satisfaction.
I found the advocacy service so supportive from the first interaction, with prompt replies and sound advice on what my next steps would be. At one stage I wanted to give up as it was all too hard but the advocate encouraged me to continue and I was successful in the end with passing the course. This would not of happened without their checking in on me and going above and beyond to co-ordinate with the counselling and other departments.
This service empowers students by offering support and advocacy for any challenges they face.