change of preference guide looking to change your future? Whether you received fantastic results and are reassessing your options or whether you didn t achieve the results you had hoped, it is not too late to change your course preferences or consider alternative pathways to university. The Change of Preference period allows you to reassess your choices and make changes to increase your chances of receiving an offer. At Flinders we want to help you make the right decisions for your future. CHAT TO US At Flinders, our team of Prospective Student Advisors (Ron, Lyn, Laura, Roger, Leah, Jordana and Natalie) are available to speak to you personally for one on one course advice and campus tours. Extended Opening Hours We will be extending our contact hours to be on hand to answer your enquiries. 17-23 December 2008: 8am - 6pm 24 December 2008: 8am - 5pm 5-30 January 2009: 8am - 6pm Phone: 1300 657 671 (local call cost) Email: success@flinders.edu.au Chat online through Instant Messenger at: www.flinders.edu.au/chat Visit us in the Student Centre at Flinders University. Web: www.flinders.edu.au/cop Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help with your choices when changing preferences. THE RESULTS I RECEIVED WERE NOT WHAT I EXPECTED, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Speak to a Flinders Prospective Student Advisor. There may be other opportunities for you to enter university and build a pathway into your preferred course. CAN I CHANGE THE ORDER OF MY PREFERENCES? YES! You can change the order of your preferences until 11:59pm ACDT on Wednesday 7 January 2009. Tip: Try to change your preferences during the day so if there are any problems or you have further questions we can assist you. Tip: It is always best to choose courses that you are passionate about and will enjoy as a career CAN I ADD NEW FLINDERS COURSES TO MY LIST OF PREFERENCES? YES! You can add and remove courses from your existing preference list. Tip: Be careful to check prerequisites for courses, if courses require additional material such as portfolios and the cutoff dates for this additional material. We don t want you to waste a preference.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY PREFERENCES? 1. Visit www.satac.edu.au 2. Click on the blue uni button; click on semester 1 2009; select services for current applicants ; 3. login to the view/print/change your preferences page. WHAT IF I DO NOT GET OFFERED MY FIRST PREFERENCE? If you receive an offer in January that is not your first preference you can respond to this offer using various responses. Response code A allows you to accept the offer. Response code AB allows you to accept the offer but be considered for higher preferences in the February offer round. Response code D allows you to defer the offer for one year. Response code DB allows you to defer the offer for a year but still be considered for your higher preferences. Response code R allows you to reject your offer and withdraw your application. Response code RB allows you to reject the offer but still be considered for higher preferences. If you receive an offer you do not want, please contact the Admissions/Prospective Students Office and we can discuss your options. I M GOING TO BE AWAY WHEN OFFERS COME OUT? You can respond to your offer online through the SATAC website at www.satac.edu.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you will not have access to the internet you will need to arrange for someone to respond on your behalf by the deadline or your offer will lapse. SHOULD I DEFER MY OFFER? Only if you do not wish to begin University study in 2009. A gap year can be a fantastic time for you to gain more life experience, travel or work. However, it is recommended that you consider the points below when deciding whether to take a gap year: Check that your course allows you to defer. Some courses are not deferrable (refer to the SATAC guide). Ensure you have a plan for the whole gap year and not just Christmas holiday casual work. Most university courses do not begin until the end of February and therefore there is plenty of time to relax before university starts. University is flexible and you do not always have to study on a full-time basis, particularly if you need to work. Most courses at Flinders allow students to take a leave of absence during their studies if students need a break. Study abroad options are available as part of many Flinders degrees. If you change your mind about taking a gap year, Flinders offers mid-year entry to some of our undergraduate degrees.
WHAT IF I WANT TO DO A COMBINED DEGREE? Flinders has a number of combined degree programs that allow students to combine in-depth study in combinations that aren t usually available in single degrees. These combinations give you an advantage for employment in a competitive and rapidly changing workplace. Possible combined degree options are shown in the SATAC guide, the Flinders 2009 course guide, on individual course brochures and on our website. Details on how to apply can be found at www.flinders.edu.au/courses/combined-degrees If you wish to change into a combined degree after you have completed the first year of your course, you can do so via SATAC. For example, you remain enrolled in a Bachelor of Justice and Society and apply for a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice through SATAC after your first year. Flinders offers all students the opportunity to combine a Diploma in Language with any Flinders degree. You can enrol in the Diploma in Language at the time of enrolment and do not need to apply through SATAC. ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS OF gaining entry TO A FLINDERS COURSE? YES! The information contained in this booklet outlines different pathways to Flinders courses. One of our Prospective Student Advisors will be happy to discuss this in depth and help determine which is best suited for your needs. PATHWAYS TO A FLINDERS COURSE HAVING A BACK UP PLAN It is always advisable when choosing preferences to ensure you have back up plans. Back up plans are courses that can be used as a pathway to transfer into another degree at a later date and often have a lower cut-off score for entry. Examples of great back up plans are generalist degrees which have a broad range of topics. In these degrees you can often complete many of the same topics as those in a specialist degree. Speak to one of the Prospective Student Advisors who can suggest courses that are great back up plans for your preferred course. CHANGING COURSES AT UNIVERSITY If you wish to change your course after you have started at university, you will need to apply through SATAC. If you have attempted more than one semester but no more than two years of equivalent full-time study at higher education level, you will be considered on the basis of either your university results or any other qualification which meets the university s admission requirements, such as a Year 12 score. If you have attempted a total of more than two years of equivalent full-time higher education study you will only be considered on the basis of your university studies. Internal transfers are only available mid-year for students who have enrolled in one year of equivalent full-time study or more. Not all courses are available for mid-year entry; so please contact the Admissions/Prospective Students Office for further information. FLINDERSLINK Flinderslink is a guaranteed pathway program for Flinders students who wish to change their course. Some applicants do not initially gain entry to their first preference. Others decide they want to change their career pathway. Flinderslink is an acknowledgement of these situations.
For example, if you don t initially get a place in Health Sciences, you are guaranteed a place in Health Sciences if you complete a year of full-time study or equivalent, in another Flinders course such as the Bachelor of Arts, and obtain a GPA of 5 or more. The guaranteed pathway program does not guarantee completion of the new course in minimum time, but you can tailor a program of study that maximises the benefit of your earlier studies. You also retain your place in your initial course. Note: this only applies to applicants transferring from a Flinders course. Requirements To qualify students must: complete a year or more of equivalent full-time study achieve the required minimum grade point average (GPA) satisfy any course prerequisites For further information see: www.flinders.edu.au/flinderslink unitest For 2009 Flinders University will continue to pilot a new entry pathway unitest. unitest recognises that the Tertiary Entrance Rank is not always the best indicator of aptitude or ability to undertake university studies. unitest builds on Flinders history of providing equitable access to university study. The test has been designed to assess the kinds of generic reasoning and thinking skills that underpin studies at university and that are needed for students to be successful. unitest assesses this reasoning and thinking across the two broad domains of mathematics/science, and humanities/ social sciences. The test is designed for current school leavers and complements existing selection criteria such as the Tertiary Entrance Rank. Flinders University will conduct a test sitting on Friday 9 January 2009, for Semester 1 2009 entry. For 2009, unitest results can be utilised for entry to the following Flinders courses: Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Disability and Community Rehabilitation Bachelor of Ecotourism Bachelor of Engineering Science Bachelor of Environmental Management Bachelor of Government and Public Management Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of International Studies Bachelor of Justice and Society Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry* Bachelor of Technology (Aquaculture) Bachelor of Technology (Forensic & Analytical Chemistry)* Bachelor of Theology Bachelor of Theology (Ext) * Prerequisite subjects apply; refer to the 2009 undergraduate course guide for details. For further information please visit our Change of Preference website or visit www.flinders.edu.au/unitest
FLINDERS FOUNDATION COURSE Over 3000 students have used the Foundation Course to move into bachelor degrees at Flinders. This course is open to everyone except international students and those who have previously studied at university. There are no prerequisites or entry requirements, however where applications exceed available places preference is given to students who have experienced educational disadvantage. The Flinders University Foundation Course allows you to experience university study, it teaches in clear terms how to be a successful student and introduces you to some of our major fields of study. For further details on the Foundation Course please visit: www.flinders.edu.au/foundation TAFELINK Flinders offers guaranteed entry to selected courses for applicants who have completed a TAFE/VET Certificate 4 or higher level qualification (provided the applicant meets the course prerequisite requirements). Your TAFE/VET qualification does not need to be related to your selected area of study at Flinders and with credit offered in most Flinders courses for holders of TAFE/VET qualifications, you can reduce the time required to complete your Flinders course. If you have completed a Certificate 3 or higher qualification from TAFE/ VET you are also eligible to apply for most Flinders courses. All you need to do is decide what course you wish to study and apply through SATAC. For further information see: www.flinders.edu.au/tafelink ADULT ENTRY Flinders University recognises that some students prefer to attend university later in life. At Flinders we welcome these students and provide opportunities for them to enter Flinders as an Adult entrant. A prospective student who is 21 on the 1st of January 2009 may be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Results gained in this test can be used as an entry pathway into courses at Flinders. For further information regarding eligibility and applying for the STAT please visit: www.flinders.edu.au/adult THE INDIGENOUS ACCESS SCHEME The Indigenous Access Scheme provides an alternative pathway into university for Indigenous Australians. The scheme is available to Indigenous people who have completed Year 12 or are over the age of 18 and may not have studied for some time. For more information, phone the Yunggorendi First Nation Centre for Higher Education and Research on (08) 8201 3033. FURTHER INFORMATION If you are looking for more detailed information about courses visit our courses and programs page at www.flinders.edu.au/courses or Match your interests to potential careers and study options at Flinders using the Course Navigator at www.flinders.edu.au/course-navigator (For detailed information on exciting topics you will study as part of your degree follow the links to your preferred course, click on What Will I Study and then click on the program of study.) For details on graduate jobs please visit: www.flinders.edu.au/careers/student
DID YOU KNOW? In 2007, Flinders teachers won awards for outstanding contributions to student learning in 9 out of a maximum of 10 Australian Teaching and Learning citations. This marks the eleventh time in as many years that Flinders has been honoured at this level. Flinders has long been known as the friendly university and is a warm, welcoming and diverse community. Flinders fosters strong links between teaching and research, consistently ranking among Australia s top universities on a per capita basis for research spending, and for the citation of our work in professional journals. Many Flinders courses offer a work based placement where students can meet potential employers. WHAT DO YOU DO NOW? After you have changed your preferences and ensured you have paid application fees it is now time to wait until offers are released in mid-january and early-february. Don t forget to respond to this offer through SATAC. Once you have accepted your offer Flinders will be in touch with further details about enrolling. We look forward to seeing you in 2009! KEY DATES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Wednesday 7 January 2009 Friday 9 January 2009 Thursday 15 January 2009 Thursday 5 February 2009 Monday 23 February 2009 Monday 2 March 2009 Monday 27 July 2009 Registrations close for unitest deadline for existing applicants to change their SATAC preferences to most courses and still be granted equal consideration. Test sitting for unitest 4.00pm January offer letters posted 6.00pm Offer information available on SATAC UniWeb 4.00pm February offer letters posted 6.00pm Offer information available on SATAC UniWeb Orientation Week commences Semester One commences Semester Two commences
TIPS ON HOW TO BE A SUCCESS AT UNIVERSITY Know your way around campus before you start. Take a campus tour during Orientation Week. Know who and where to ask for help. You are never alone at Flinders. We will help if you just ask us! Start by contacting the Transition Office on (08) 8201 3121. If you are struggling ask for help early. Balance your study and other activities. It s not just a matter of making time for study; it s just as important to ensure you eat properly, rest, exercise and have time for a social life. Attend your lectures, tutorials and practicals. Expect to spend at least 16 hours a week on these alone. Spend time getting to know other students. Make friends and build your support network. Use the student support facilities available. To find out how Flinders can support you socially, academically and financially please visit: www.flinders.edu.au/currentstudents/services Attend Start Smart (transition and orientation program) February 23-27. For further information on transition and orientation visit www.flinders.edu.au/getconnected HOW FLINDERS CAN HELP SUPPORT YOU Flinders University provides a wide range of services to help you effectively manage your transition to university and to develop strategies for success. Some of the ways we can help you are through: Transition Programs Student Learning Centre for additional academic support Information Technology support Disability Liaison Officer Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Health and Counselling Study Abroad programs Child Care Sports, social and religious groups Health & Fitness Centre Library support services Yungorrendi (for Indigenous students) Emergency financial assistance On campus parking Unibooks on campus Food and retail outlets Accommodation Scholarships Student representation and advice Equal Opportunity Unit Campus tours Further details can be found at: www.flinders.edu.au/current-students/services
2009 FLINDERS UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE COURSES BUSINESS, LAW, POLICY & POLITICS Business Commerce (Accounting) Commerce (Finance) Government and Public Management International Studies Laws and Legal Practice Media (Public Affairs) SOCIETY AND CULTURE Archaeology Arts Behavioural Science (Psychology) Creative Arts (Drama/Creative Writing/ Screen/Digital Media) International Tourism Justice and Society Languages Media (Creative Arts) Psychology (Honours) Theology HEALTH AND COMMUNITY Disability and Community Rehabilitation Health Sciences Health Sciences (Paramedic) Medical Science Medicine/Surgery (Graduate entry) Midwifery Nursing Nutrition and Dietetics Social Work and Social Planning Speech Pathology THE SCIENCES Biotechnology Computer Science Computing and Digital Media Engineering Biomedical; Civil; Computer Systems; Electronics; Mechanical; Robotics; Software. Engineering Science Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Information Technology Innovation and Enterprise Medicinal Chemistry Nanotechnology Science Science (Hons) - an enhanced program for high achievers EDUCATION Early Childhood combined with Arts Junior Primary/Primary combined with Arts or Science Middle School combined with Arts, Science or Health Sciences Secondary combined with Arts, Science or Health Sciences A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Applied Geographical Information Systems Aquaculture Biodiversity and Conservation Ecotourism Environmental Management Environmental Science Marine Biology The information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of publication: November 2008. Flinders University reserves the right to alter any course or topic contained herein without prior notice. CRICOS Registered Provider Flinders University CRICOS Provider No. 00114A INPRINT4485