Thank you for your commitment to the Narrm Scholarship Program. As a University of Melbourne priority, the Program is providing unparalleled opportunities to students of high potential from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. We are grateful that our supporter community has recognised the importance of the Program and has given so generously to transform the lives of these students.
As the first cohort of Narrm Scholars conclude their first year at university, we are pleased to share some highlights of their journey so far through the Enrichment Program.
Of the inaugural cohort of 588 Narrm Scholars, 233 attended the Narrm Scholarship Program pre-orientation camp in February. A key event in the Enrichment Program calendar, this camp provided students with the opportunity to explore the campus and university life before the hustle and bustle of semester began.
Several colleges located in College Cresent provided accommodation for the students. The curated activities for the three-day camp included a scavenger hunt, the Student Support Expo, a costume party and the Academic Skills Workshops.
These activities allowed the students to take their time in meeting one another and recognising that they weren’t alone in their new environment.
One student reflected, "Although I was nervous, the camp gave me the chance to meet the other Scholars and even make close friends before we all started university."
Another stated,
I personally had an excellent experience with Narrm Camp. Although I was initially a bit nervous about meeting my group, we eventually became a lot more comfortable having conversations with each other. I really appreciated the way a lot of the activities were thought out to help us adjust to student life and learn things, and I had an absolute blast during the Student Support Expo and costume party.
Student and Scholarly Services representative Justin Park noted the boost in student confidence.
"By the end of the weekend, the students clearly felt safe and comfortable enough with each other that they were able to speak and share their thoughts and ideas in front of close to 200 people,’ he said. "In my experience, this is evidence that a real sense of community and group identity has been developed, leading them to feel both safe and empowered to speak."
A unique support program
A hallmark of the Narrm Scholarship Program is the tailored wrap-around Enrichment Program exclusively available to Narrm Scholars. Social events like the pre-orientation camp, group lunches and end of semester costume party are central to promoting belonging and fun in campus life.
The Student Access and Success team coordinates a balanced Enrichment Program for the Scholars to thrive socially, academically and professionally. In their first year, Narrm Scholars have access to tailored workshops and drop-in sessions targeting their needs during the early stage of their university experience, as well as additional support in applying for on-campus job opportunities.
Time management and writing programs have been delivered in Week 4 and pop-up services during exam periods provided Scholars with a dedicated space to concentrate on their studies.
"After delivering a workshop supporting students with their first assessment, I coached a student who was feeling quite stressed about their first semester. They were concerned about keeping up with new content while preparing for assignments. We discussed strategies such as goal setting and prioritising tasks by urgency and importance," said staff member Tim Lin.
Ultimately, they were reassured when they learnt that other students experience similar challenges and that there are many avenues of support they can lean on here at the University. Because of the Enrichment Program, this student left with the resources and confidence to tackle the rest of their first semester.
Career Lab drop-in sessions have been offered throughout the academic year, and numerous Career Lunch and Learn sessions have been focused on the discovery phase of career conversations.
The Careers Lab is keenly endorsed by the Narrm Scholars themselves.
"I would absolutely recommend seeking help from the Careers Lab!" testified one student. "They are incredible with advice and support in fine tuning and improving your resume and building cover letters and it was definitely their assistance that got me a position as a Student Ambassador. So, if you're ever interested in a role here at University, head down to the Careers Lab!"
The Enrichment Team is currently planning for a work-shadowing program to be offered in conjunction with industry partners commencing in 2025.
Students participating in a Narrm Scholarship Program event .
Fostering a sense of community
Feedback from Scholars already demonstrates that the Narrm Scholarship Program is providing them with an increased sense of belonging and community.
"Most students want to give back to the Program," noted Catherine Harris, Senior Design Lead. "Across all workshops, students shared their gratitude for the Program and how they would like to be part of the Program as volunteers, mentors and in other functions where they could help other students navigate the challenges of transitioning from school to university."
"Students reflected that the camp eased their transition as it prepared them for orientation with knowledge of the city, the campus and a network of Narrm friends," she said. "Multiple students reflected that orientation would have been overwhelming without the camp. The camp experience was particularly valued by those moving to Melbourne."
You’re inspiring Scholars to give back
Student and staff reflections reveal that Narrm Scholars are excited to be part of the University of Melbourne community and are looking for ways to give back to those in similar circumstances to them.
We deeply appreciate your support in enabling these exceptional young people to accept their place at the University of Melbourne without hesitation.
Thank you for your belief and dedication to supporting the Narrm Scholarship Program.
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