Western Sydney University’s Open Day on Sunday, August 15 will look a little different this year, as prospective students and their families learn more about the university, all from the comfort of their home.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, an in-person Open Day was not possible, however, prospective students, including this year’s school leavers or those looking for a new career challenge or to upskill, can still explore course presentations, gain course and career advice, chat one-on-one with current students and teachers, and get a feel for campus life.
Many helpful people will be on hand to welcome them like student Kristi Mclellan and graduate Sidharth Sondhi.
Ms Mclellan is an art therapy student and member of the university’s Student Services Hub, who help prospective students learn more about the university and all it has to offer.
She, along with a host of other support staff from across the university, will be online and ready to help at the university’s virtual Open Day on Sunday, August 15, from 10am to 2pm.
In addition, this year’s HSC students can learn about the university’s early offer pathway, HSC True Reward, which recognises that students are much more than their ATAR.
To acknowledge the disrupted year many current Year 12 students are facing, HSC True Reward will again give students the choice and flexibility of using their Year 11 results as part of their application, to take some of the stress out of applying for university next year and provide much-needed peace of mind.
Ms Mclellan knows from experience just how useful attending Open Day can be when it comes to making that all-important choice about university study, and how to make most of the university experience, both in and out of the classroom.
“I attended Open Day at the beginning of my undergraduate degree,” she said.
“It eased my concerns about what to expect and what my responsibilities would be for me. The chance to speak with other students, academics and staff left me super excited to start my studies.”
With Open Day going online this year, she says she is looking forward to assisting prospective students and helping them discover more about the university, its courses and facilities.
“I think with so much uncertainty in the current circumstances, being able to connect online and receive those answers will be so helpful to students looking to apply to university for next year,” she said.
Business graduate Mr Sondhi, who is also a team member of the Student Services Hub, said Western Sydney University provides a multitude of services and support to assist students throughout their studies.
“One of the reasons why Western Sydney University stands apart from others is our approach to the students – it really values the student experience,” he said.
“My experience at Western Sydney University has been incredible. I have never felt alone throughout my time here, and I take great pride in now helping others on their journey – especially now more than ever in these uncertain times.”
Highlights of virtual Open Day include:
- On-demand presentations and live Q&As with academics and current students.
- Immersive, virtual tours of the university’s world-class campuses and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Opportunity to connect with the wide range of student services and support on offer, including scholarships, counselling and wellbeing, childcare, and chat with our friendly admissions team.
- Entertainment including interactive games, trivia and fitness classes.
To register or for more information, visit the Open Day web page.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.