Challenging the perceptions of orientation in higher education: student perspectives of a transition initiative

Successful student transition to university is paramount to their success. Historically, universities have prepared students for their academic studies by offering Orientation activities during the week prior to commencing studies. However, the specific processes, skills and knowledge are best acquired if delivered in an authentic environment and timed to align with their studies. To ease student transition and retention in first year, we developed and implemented a transition initiative for first year health science students embedded into their initial year of study at the University of Tasmania. This initiative, called the Challenge, built on and expanded information delivered at Orientation prior to semester 1 with the aim of enhancing the first year experience and enabling students to be prepared for second year. This paper reports on student perspectives of this initiative and highlights intended changes to embed this tailored support into an online resource, due to current changes in curriculum delivery and student cohorts at this university. The paper also highlights important aspects of successful transition into university as a component of re(valuing) higher education.