A guide for high school parents

2019

Created to be different Griffith was created to be a different kind of university—challenging conventions, creating new trends and pioneering solutions through innovative teaching and research. Its high quality degrees are specifically designed to prepare students for the future, and are developed in consultation with industry, based on cutting-edge research, and taught by Australia’s most awarded teachers.

Since its beginning, Griffith has been deeply connected to the Asian region, environmentally aware, open to the community and industry focused. Ranking in the top two per cent of universities worldwide, Griffith hosts 50,000 students across six campuses in South East Queensland.

Ranked in the top 2% worldwideGriffith ranks among the world’s best universities. We continue to improve our international standing, and in four of the largest and most credible world university rankings, we’re ranked in the top 300—placing us in the top two* per cent worldwide.

• Times HE World University Rankings: 251–300

• Leiden Ranking: 299• US News Best Global Universities: 265• University Ranking by Academic

Performance (URAP): 296

Support for studentsParents, guardians and friends provide essential support to students. You can help your son or daughter make a decision about university by investigating their options with them, encouraging them to attend key events such as Open Day, and getting informed about Griffith yourself.

Outstanding graduates At Griffith, students gain the academic knowledge you’d expect from a world-class university, as well as the skills and confidence that employers want, giving them an edge in the job market. Our graduates can be found in every field of endeavour, from leading politicians to gold-medal winning athletes, and gifted musicians to groundbreaking medical researchers. Across the globe, Griffith graduates are using their skills, knowledge and passion to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

Australia’s top teachers In recognition of their commitment to their students and their expert knowledge, our teachers feature prominently in Australia’s national teaching awards and citations. Griffith is the leading university in Australia for citations and fellowships from the Australian Government’s Office of Learning and Teaching. Since 2012, we have won:

• two Australian University Teacher of the Year awards

• seven awards for Teaching Excellence• three awards for Programs that

Enhance Learning• �34 Citations for Outstanding

Contributions to Student Learning• seven National Teaching Fellowships

Relevant degrees and hands-on learningGriffith maintains strong links with industry to ensure we develop and deliver relevant degrees based on the latest market trends and employer demand. Our students learn the latest trends from industry professionals, and meet the requirements for professional registration in Australia.

Students put what they learn in the classroom into practice, through internships, industry projects and fieldwork, and graduate with valuable contacts and the skills, knowledge and experience employers want.

Why choose Griffith?

‘My son always asks for my advice when he has a major decision to make. I knew that Griffith was the right university for him when I saw what was on offer at Open Day.’

Cover. Breanna Brunsden, Bachelor of Nursing student, and her mother Karen Brunsden

Left. Josh Tuning, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science student, and his mother Martina Barwu-Bush

* Based on the International Association of Universities – World Higher Education Database, listing more than 18,500 institutions of higher education. Current as at July 2018.

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Flexibility and controlGriffith teaches across three trimesters, rather than two semesters. This model offers students increased flexibility and control over their study. For some degrees, students have the opportunity to accelerate their study and graduate sooner. Alternatively, students may be able to spread their study load across three trimesters in order to maintain a balance between their studies and work commitments. With the trimester academic calendar, students will have more opportunities throughout the year to start study—for example, our arts, business, commerce, science, information technology, psychological science and counselling degrees can be started in February, July, or October. This means that if students want to take a break from study after school, they can still start university in 2019. Students will not be required to study in all three trimesters and not all degrees will be available in Trimester 3.

Adjustment factorsWe offer a range of adjustment factors that may boost an applicant’s Selection Rank and improve their chances of getting in to their preferred degree. Applicants don’t need to request adjustments—they will be applied automatically to eligible QTAC or UAC application preferences.

The maximum total adjustments that an applicant can receive is capped at eight. Some degrees are excluded from adjustment factors.

• We award subject adjustments for Senior subjects that require a high level of skill and knowledge and university courses successfully completed in high school. Current year 12 students, including applicants currently undertaking their External Senior studies, can receive a maximum of 6 adjustments (2 per subject) for successfully completing subjects across various study areas. See the full list at griffith.edu.au/year12-subject-adjustment

• Applicants who reside in eligible regions and have not studied at university before may be awarded 2 location adjustments when they apply for eligible degrees at the Gold Coast and Logan campuses. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/gold-coast-logan-priority-access

• The Griffith OP 1–6 Guarantee awards applicants with an OP 1–6, or equivalent Selection Rank, a guaranteed place in the next available intake of most Griffith undergraduate degrees. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/op-guarantee

Generous scholarship programOur scholarships, which are some of the most rewarding and supportive in Australia, make studying at university easier. Each year, Griffith University and its partners provide more than $40 million in direct financial support to help new and continuing students successfully complete their degrees. Over 600 scholarships are available, and they can cover tuition fees, education and related travel costs, and living expenses.

We offer academic scholarships based largely on grades, equity scholarships that consider a student’s background and financial position, accommodation scholarships, and sport scholarships for high-level athletes. We also offer some scholarships specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students can submit one application and be considered for multiple scholarships. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/scholarships

For Bachelor of Commerce student Denis Vukovac, receiving a Karl Morris Scholarship was about much more than the financial benefit. ‘It also sets a really good example for giving back to the community,’ he said. ‘There’s a lot of opportunities that come from studying at Griffith University and the networks this scholarship opens up are a case in point.’ Denis is looking forward to a career in financial planning, describing it as a dynamic industry. ‘You never stop learning, which is something I’m looking forward to. I don’t think I’ll ever have a boring day at the office.’

Denis VukovacKarl Morris Scholarship (Bachelor of Commerce)

‘There’s a lot of opportunities that come from studying at Griffith University and the networks this scholarship opens up are a case in point.’

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MentoringGriffith’s award winning Industry Mentoring Program provides opportunities for students to learn from and connect with leaders in industry, government and the community. Depending on their study area, students may be able to be paired with a mentor who can give them insights into a particular job, company or industry.

UniTempsGriffith UniTemps is a temporary staffing service providing work opportunities that fit with students’ studies on campus and with local businesses. Griffith students can register with UniTemps to access a broad range of general and degree-related vacancies. These can help students support themselves through their degree and gain valuable skills to improve their employability before and after graduation.

Student accommodationOn-campus student accommodation is available at the Gold Coast, Nathan, Mt Gravatt and Logan campuses. Griffith can also provide information on how to find off-campus accommodation. For more information visit griffith.edu.au/accommodation

Overseas studyGriffith offers students a variety of global learning experiences to diversify their degree and enhance their graduate outcomes. Students can spend as little as one week, or as long as one year overseas with opportunities such as student exchanges, global internships, short courses, placements, research practicums, volunteering, international conferences and workshops. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/go-global

Griffith Honours CollegeThrough the Griffith Honours College, high achieving students have opportunities to enrich their study with mentoring, international experiences, leadership roles and community engagement activities. Applicants must have a minimum OP result of 1–3 (or equivalent ATAR or Selection Rank). Griffith Honours College graduates are highly sought-after with the specialist knowledge and broad management skills needed to become leaders in their fields. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/honourscollege

Griffith Sports CollegeGriffith has one of the highest number of elite athlete students in the country. As part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) network, the Griffith Sports College enables student athletes to perform at optimum levels in both their chosen sport and their studies. They are also eligible for a suite of unique benefits and flexible study arrangements and receive personalised expert support and advice from highly experienced staff to ensure their success. For more information, visit�griffith.edu.au/griffith-sports-college

Unique student opportunities

Griffith Honours College student Janet Turner capped off her Bachelor of Design Futures studies at the Queensland College of Art by designing the official emblem for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Village. Janet created six unique elements representing the six residential zones of the Games Village which came together as one piece of art. Her membership of the Honours College also opened many avenues of opportunity to meet with like-minded people from different degrees and access career-orientated activities such as leadership workshops and mentoring. ‘In choosing my area of study and to major in visual communication, I was influenced by its focus on how design can influence social change.’

Janet TurnerBachelor of Design Futures

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Our six thriving campuses in South East Queensland each have distinct areas of expertise, and are deeply engaged with their local communities. Students have access to diverse study options and unique learning opportunities, leading to exceptional outcomes upon graduation.

Gold CoastOur most comprehensive campus, the Gold Coast offers teaching and research across nearly all disciplines, supported by a range of state-of-the-art facilities. Co-located with the Gold Coast University Hospital it is the most exciting education precinct in Australia.

NathanNathan, our foundation campus, is situated in tranquil, native bushland on the edge of Toohey Forest. It offers degrees across a range of disciplines and is home to world-class expertise in the environment, corporate sustainability, Asian studies and the emerging biosciences.

Campuses

South BankLocated in Brisbane’s cultural heart, the South Bank campus is renowned for excellence in the creative and performing arts. The campus encompasses the Queensland College of Art, Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith Film School and Griffith Graduate Centre.

LoganLogan, our community-focused campus, is recognised as a national showcase of social inclusion in higher education through innovative partnerships, industry engagement and degree pathways. It is a leader in flexible learning options and has strong connections with the local community, hosting numerous sporting and cultural events.

Mt Gravatt Adjacent to Nathan campus with panoramic views to Brisbane, our Mt Gravatt campus is also situated on the edge of the Toohey Forest. This campus is a leader in its focus on crime prevention and intervention and is the base for research and teaching in criminology, education and psychology.

DigitalOur Digital campus offers an extensive range of degrees 100% online, through a virtual community that provides the flexibility to study, learn, and connect anywhere, anytime. With 40% of Griffith students currently studying at least one course through our Digital campus, it’s our third largest and fastest growing campus.

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Degree structureAt Griffith, students learn in and out of the classroom, with teaching methods tailored to suit the needs of each degree. Here’s a general overview of how a typical Griffith degree might be structured.

Foundation: 1st year The first year of study is foundational. Students explore the core skills and concepts relating to their chosen study area. It’s also a great time for students to get to know their peers—the students they’ll study alongside for most of their degree.

Specialisation: 2nd year onwardsFrom second year onwards, students focus on their chosen specialisation or major. They also have the chance to put what they learn in the classroom into practice. This could be through work placements, overseas field trips, industry projects for real clients, or laboratory studies in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Capstone: Final year (3rd or 4th year)In their final year, students continue to advance their knowledge and skills in their area of specialisation. Some degrees include a fourth year of study, in which you conduct research. Students work closely with a supervisor on a research project relating to their specialisation.

Study optionsDouble degreesGriffith double degrees combine industry-related areas to prepare students for opportunities in a fast-changing world. Students can choose from a range of combined degrees in related fields to become a specialist, or from different areas of interest to multiply their options.

Double majorsSome degrees offer the option of choosing two areas of specialisation, known as majors. This is called a double major. Students still graduate with one degree, for example, a Bachelor of Business, but they have the knowledge and expertise from two majors, for example, Marketing and Management. Students can use a double major to become a specialist by combining two similar areas, or choose two different areas and broaden their options.

Online studyFor almost two decades, Griffith has been offering online study. We are one of Australia’s leading providers of online education and a founding member of Open Universities Australia. Almost all our degrees have some online components, offering students flexibility in their learning. Depending on their degree, students may be able to study online, on-campus, or a combination that suits their needs.

Choosing a degreeExplore our websiteYou can help your son or daughter find a degree by encouraging them to search our degree and career finder to see what’s on offer at Griffith. Search by degree, career or course and find out everything you need to know, from prerequisites and course options to fees and how to apply. Visit degrees.griffith.edu.au

You can also register to receive email updates about our degrees, events and key dates. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/study

Talk to usFind out more about our degrees and meet the people who teach them at events such as Open Day and TSXPO (Tertiary Studies Expo).

Students can also talk to us at any time of the year to find out more about studying at Griffith, including student support and scholarships.• Phone: 1800 677 728 (toll free)

If you’re an international student, contact our International Future Students team.• Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 6425• Email: international@griffith.edu.au

Open DayOpen Day offers the chance for students to explore our campuses and find out more about opportunities at Griffith.

Visit�us�at�Open�Day�on�Sunday�12�August�at�our�Gold�Coast,�Nathan�and��South�Bank�campuses.

Find out more at griffith.edu.au/openday

OnlineFind news and information about our degrees, campuses, teaching, research, students, staff and graduates.• griffith.edu.au/study• Search frequently asked questions:

griffith.edu.au/ask-us

facebook.com/griffithuniversity

linkedin.com/company/griffith-university

twitter.com/griffith_uni

instagram/griffithuniversity

youtube.com/griffithuniversity

#Griffithuni

Other resourcesA range of other resources can help students choose the right degree and right university for them.• Explore career opportunities for

different industries at myfuture.edu.au• Learn more about student fees and

tertiary options at studyassist.gov.au

Find out more about the application process and key dates at:• Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre

(QTAC): qtac.edu.au• University Admissions Centre

(UAC, for NSW students): uac.edu.au•� griffith.edu.au/apply-to-study

Study at Griffith

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Tips on deciding what to studyIt’s common for high school students to be unsure of what they want to study at university. Here are some questions that might help your son or daughter start thinking about what degree might suit them.

What subjects do you like at school?University study offers the opportunity to focus on an area of interest in more depth than high school allows.

What interests do you have outside of school?There are more options at university than at school, giving students the chance to pursue other interests they may have picked up through sport, casual work, volunteering, art, music—or other extracurricular activities.

How do you like to work?Students who enjoy working in a group might want to consider a career where they can work with people, such as teaching or healthcare. Independent workers might find that working in areas such as business or law will suit them. Lots of jobs involve a bit of both.

Do you have an ideal job in mind, or are you thinking more of a general area you’d like to work in? Some degrees can lead to a specific job title—for example, teacher, doctor, architect (this sometimes involves further training in order to meet accreditation requirements). Students who don’t have a specific job for their future career in mind might find studying a more general degree, like arts, business or science, can be helpful, as they’ll get to learn about different areas before choosing a specialisation and be prepared for work in a wide range of industries.

Don’t panic!It�can�be�helpful�to�remind�your�son�or�

daughter�that�if�they�change�their�mind,�or�if�they�don’t�get�into�their�first�choice,�there�are�usually�options�to�change�their�

degree�after�they’ve�started�at�university.

Get help choosing a career Future job clusters describe someone’s natural interests and abilities and can help students to pre-think their future career goals. Rather than being specific to a career, they are transferable across a range of different jobs. Students can use these clusters to help them work out what career path they might take.

The My Path future job clusters were developed by the Institute for Working Futures (IWF) and the Centre for Leadership Advantage (CLA) in partnership with the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Visit qtac.edu.au/atar-my-path/my-path for more information.

Right. Chelsea Mclachlan, Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Digital Media, and her father Jason Mclachlan

6A guide for high school parents |

The information in this guide relates to applying for university as a domestic student. This includes:• Australian citizens• Australian Permanent Residents (holders

of all categories of permanent resident visas, including Humanitarian Visas)

• New Zealand citizens.

How to applyStudents can apply for most Griffith degrees through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Applicants for Gold Coast degrees can apply through QTAC or the University Admissions Centre (UAC, for New South Wales applicants). • QTAC: qtac.edu.au• UAC: uac.edu.au

Ordering preferencesStudents can list up to six preferences on their QTAC or five preferences on their UAC application. They’ll receive an offer for the highest preference they’re eligible for. Here’s a guide on how to order preferences:

1st�and�2nd Desired�degrees—These are the degrees that students really want to study, and have a reasonable chance of gaining entry to.

3rd�and�4th Preferred�degrees—These are degrees that students want to study and have a good chance of gaining entry to.

5th�and�6th Pathways—These are degrees or diplomas that will help students upgrade to one of their desired or other preferred degrees.

Useful tips• Nominating a degree for all six preferences using the guide above gives students the

best chance of being offered a place at university.• Students applying for a double degree should also list the two component single degrees

as preferences because these are usually easier to gain entry to. Students may have the chance to upgrade to the double degree after a year of study.

• Students applying at the Gold Coast campus can apply via either QTAC or UAC, but not both. Students will still receive an offer with us if they are eligible and save on application fees.

Changing preferencesAfter they have submitted their QTAC or UAC application, students can change their preferences. This can help if they change their mind, or if they don’t get the OP, ATAR or Selection Rank they were hoping for. Visit the QTAC or UAC websites for more information and important dates.

Getting into Griffith

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Submitting other applicationsAs well as their QTAC or UAC application, students may have other applications to submit, such as scholarships or accommodation. Online application forms and due dates can be found at:• accommodation:

griffith.edu.au/accommodation• scholarships:

griffith.edu.au/scholarships

Applications for Queensland Conservatorium audition and admission are made through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). Visit griffith.edu.au/conservatorium-auditions for further information.

Accepting an offer and enrolling Year 12 students may receive an offer as soon as results are released in December, to assist with organising accommodation, changing preferences or seeking admission pathways.

Offers to some degrees are only made during the mid-January offer round. To check degrees and their offer round dates, visit qtac.edu.au�or�uac.edu.au. We recommend students accept their offer and enrol as soon as possible to secure their place. They can then select classes and create a timetable.

Deferring—taking a gap yearWe offer deferment for most of our degrees. This allows students to delay the start of their studies, while still securing their offer. Deferment is not available for all degrees and cannot exceed 12 months.

Taking a gap year gives students a chance to have a break between school and university. They might use it to travel, gain work experience, or save money. Even if your son or daughter is thinking they’d like to take a gap year, it’s still a good idea to put in a QTAC or UAC application for university while they’re in Year 12.

Admission pathway via Griffith CollegeGriffith College offers two-trimester diplomas that provide an admission pathway to Griffith University if students don’t get into their chosen degree. After completing their diploma, they’ll be eligible for entry to second year* of a Griffith bachelor degree, so they’ll lose no time in graduating. Griffith College programs are equivalent to university-level study, and are delivered in a supportive and specialised learning environment to better prepare students for success in their bachelor degree. Griffith College is situated on-campus at the Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt, which means students have full access to university facilities and are part of the Griffith community from day one. Find out more at griffithcollege.edu.au

* Entry into second year is dependent on successfully completing the Griffith College program and meeting degree admission requirements. Students must complete in their second or third years of the degree any first year core courses for which credit has not been granted.

‘For six weeks I’ve been doing real-life experiments, using the techniques which I would not be able to perform during my Bachelor degree.’

Talina started her journey at Griffith studying a Diploma of Biosciences at Griffith College. After two semesters she graduated with a GPA of 7 gaining her entry into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Talina was in her first year when she heard about the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Summer Research Scholarship. Immediately she had her sights set on it and describes it as her best student experience so far. ‘For six weeks I’ve been doing real-life experiments, using the techniques which I would not be able to perform during my Bachelor degree. That made me feel more comfortable in a lab and helped me figure out what I want to do in my future.’ Talina has also been an Orientation Week Leader and Griffith Mate and loves being able to meet friends at uni events around a busy study schedule.

Talina BayelevaDiploma of Biosciences/ Bachelor of Biomedical Science

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Visit griffith.edu.au/ask-us�for more frequently asked questions, or phone 1800 677 728 to talk to our expert staff.

How are applications assessed?University applications made through QTAC or UAC are assessed on eligibility and merit.

EligibilitySubject�prerequisitesSubject prerequisites are subjects that must be completed, and a minimum grade achieved, in order to be admitted to a degree. English is a prerequisite for all of our degrees and some degrees have additional prerequisites. Maths (A, B or C), Physics, Chemistry and Biology can be listed as ‘assumed knowledge’, which means it is not compulsory for students to have studied these subjects in high school (or equivalent) to be eligible for an offer. However, if your child is applying for a degree with assumed knowledge, it is highly recommended that they have undertaken these subjects or bridging courses, as it will improve their chances of success.

MeritOP,�ATAR,�IB�and�Selection�Rank�An Overall Position (OP) is the tertiary entrance rank assigned to eligible Year 12 students in Queensland based on their performance in senior secondary school subjects.

An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the rank assigned to eligible Year 12 students in other Australian states and territories. Some high schools also offer the Diploma of the International Baccalaureate program.

If a student doesn’t have an OP, ATAR or a Diploma of the International Baccalaureate, they can still receive a Selection Rank on the basis of bridging courses, tertiary admissions tests or work and life experience.

Selection RankA competitive Selection Rank is required for students to be eligible for an offer into a degree. Offers are made to applicants’ highest eligible preference. If a student’s Selection Rank is equal to or better than the Selection Rank for that intake, and all other entry requirements are met, they may be eligible for an offer. Eligibility can also depend on whether the program is open and whether places are available for the intake.

Selection Ranks are an indication of the demand for a degree, and do not necessarily reflect the level of academic difficulty. Indicative Selection Ranks are not available for new degrees. Selection Ranks can change from year to year and should be used as a guide only.

Additional criteriaSome degrees, in particular ones offered at the Queensland Conservatorium, require applicants to attend an audition and/or submit a folio of work. Specific information about these requirements is available at degrees.griffith.edu.au

Moving from OP to ATARFor students seeking entry to degrees from Trimester 1, 2021, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will replace the Overall Position (OP) for Queensland Year 12s. For further information, visit qtac.edu.au/atar-my-path

What if a student doesn’t get the Selection Rank they need for their preferred degree?If a student doesn’t achieve the OP, ATAR or Selection Rank needed for their preferred degree, they may choose to study a different degree that they do meet the entry requirements for and then upgrade to a different degree after a year of study at university.

They could also choose to complete a diploma through Griffith College, TAFE or a private VET provider to gain a Selection Rank. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/admission-pathways

Frequently asked questions

What if a student doesn’t meet the prerequisites for their preferred degree?If a student hasn’t studied the prerequisite subjects for a degree, or studied them but didn’t pass, they may be able to complete a bridging course or enabling program at Griffith University, Griffith College, TAFE or a private provider. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/bridging-enabling-programs

What if a student changes their mind about what they want to study after they’ve started their degree?If a student changes their mind about what they want to study, or decides they don’t like their degree, they may be able to apply for an internal transfer to change to a different Griffith degree.

How much does university cost?Most domestic students who are studying undergraduate degrees are recognised as Commonwealth supported students. This means they pay a student contribution each trimester and the majority of the cost of their education is met by the Australian Government. The amount students are required to pay for their student contribution depends largely on their field of study. The Australian Government groups different areas of study into ‘Bands’, and sets a maximum amount higher education providers (such as Griffith University) can charge for a full-time study load. Student contributions cannot exceed the maximum rate set by the Government, and most universities and other providers charge the maximum rate. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/fees-charges or visit studyassist.gov.au for more information on student contribution bands.

What financial help is available?Deferring study costs with HECS-HELPMost domestic students can defer their study costs with HECS-HELP (the Higher Education Contribution Scheme-Higher Education Loan Program). HECS-HELP is a government loan that, depending on a student’s citizenship or residency status, allows them to defer the costs of their study and pay their student contribution through the tax system when they are earning more money. Deferring costs with HECS-HELP debts means that other than study materials such as textbooks, students have no up-front costs for their degree.

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ScholarshipsWe offer scholarships for students from different backgrounds at different stages of their university career. Visit griffith.edu.au/scholarships to find out what your son or daughter might be eligible for.

Financial assistanceOur welfare and student liaison officers can help students plan budgets, apply for loans and equity schemes (if eligible), and explore other financial options, such as Centrelink payments. Visit griffith.edu.au/welfare for more information.

How many hours do students need to dedicate to university study?A standard full-time study load is four courses (subjects) for Trimesters 1 and 2, with study in Trimester 3 optional for some degrees. This means that for most degrees, full-time students will complete eight courses per year. Part-time study is typically two courses for Trimesters 1 and 2, or less than 75% of a standard full-time load. Generally, students will have three hours of scheduled classes per course per week, which may include lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. This means that full-time students will spend around 10–15 hours on campus each week. They will also be expected to commit additional time to their studies outside of class to complete course-related activities such as assignments and weekly readings. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week.

Students are encouraged to attend as many of their classes as possible to enhance academic success. Some courses do require a minimum attendance to avoid academic penalty—this is outlined in course profiles.

What support is available for students?We offer a wide range of support services across all our campuses to help students settle into university and succeed in their degree.• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

students—the GUMURRII Student Support Unit offers a safe, supportive and culturally appropriate learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/gumurrii

• Career advice—our Careers and Employment Service helps students kick start their career from first year, offering students support to find a part-time job while they’re studying and providing them with tips for landing their first graduate job. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/careers

• Disability support—we provide dedicated support to enable students with disabilities to access and participate in our learning environment. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/student-equity-services

• Learning support—the library offers free workshops, self-help resources and personal consultations to help students develop their academic, computing and research skills. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/library/study

• Personal support—welfare, counselling, chaplaincy, health and equity support services are available to help students manage their life while they’re studying. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/student-services

Right. Participants at Griffith’s Future

Leaders Retreat, a three-day program

designed to help outstanding students

entering Year 12 develop leadership skills.

A guide for high school parents | 10

Griffith University uses paper from responsible sources

Key datesApplicationsQTAC applications for 2019 admissions open 2 August 2018UAC applications for 2019 admissions open 1 August 2018Scholarship applications open (closing dates vary) 20 July 2018QTAC�and�UAC�Early�Bird�applications�due�� 28�September�2018

EventsGriffith�University�Open�Day�� 12�August�2018

Visit griffith.edu.au/key-dates for information about events, including ones for specific degrees held on-campus throughout the year, and more details about application dates.

Getting the best start at GriffithOrientationStarting university is exciting, but it can also feel just a little daunting at first. To help students get settled and enjoy success at university, we hold Orientation Week, or O-Week, the week before each trimester starts. It’s a great way for students to find out more about their chosen degree, meet their classmates, get familiar with our campuses, sign up for clubs and societies and find out what Griffith has to offer. As well as practical tours and information sessions, Orientation Week includes fun activities and social events, plus live music, food stalls and giveaways. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/orientation

Family and friendsWe offer a range of support services to help new students familiarise themselves with university, balance work and family commitments with study, and feel confident and succeed in their degree. We also offer free seminars for family and friends of new students to provide information on:• managing the transition from school

to university• supporting a student’s aspirations,

well-being and development• succeeding at university.You’ll find information about events and useful resources for parents at griffith.edu.au/family-friends

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E‘We looked at other universities but Griffith just felt right, and made Erin feel very welcome and included.’Left. Erin Condrin, Bachelor of Psychology with Honours, her assistance dog Lacey, and her mother Kerri-Ann Condrin.