SI Rockingham On Track – August 2011

SI Rockingham “On Track” Scholarship recipient for 2011 Ms. Christine Wilkins, with Ms. Penny Lois, Murdoch University On Track Regional Facilitor for Peel and Ms. Tahnee Maslin, SI Rockingham “On Track” recipient for 2011, pictured at the August Dinner Meeting of SI Rockingham. “On Track” is a 14 week, fee free programme that is offered each semester, aimed at introducing individuals to University life who have had an interruption to their studies. It enables students to know what their goals are, provides academic skills and can be a pathway onto undergraduate studies. The entry requirement is for applicants to complete a workshop that shows their ability and a need to show also their ability to study. Students attend 3 days per week (considered to be classed as full-time for 14 weeks). Students who for whatever reason don’t graduate get support to continue at a later stage.

Murdoch University has a long and solid tradition of alternative entry options targeting new potential students who have experienced some form of disadvantage to their education. This can be the result of disrupted education, disability, low income or English as a second language. “On Track” is the present iteration of Murdoch’s enabling programme.

One of the key projects that SI Rockingham has implemented is the funding of a scholarship for women from the local communities of Rockingham, Peel and Kwinana in partnership with Murdoch University. Fundraising activities such as sausage sizzles and raffles have enabled the club to provide these scholarships that have been offered to several women over the past 2 years.

The recipients for 2011, Christine Wilkins and Tahnee Maslin both expressed their thanks to SI Rockingham for their scholarship which has helped to support them with their books and fees. Their enthusiasm for their Nursing Course and the skills they acquired through “On Track” and with ongoing study has made them both confident and mature students capable of obtaining their final degree.

The scholarships were presented by SI Rockingham, President Helen Makeham at Murdoch University Regional Awards ceremony in July.