UNE Begin: updates

Abstract

The University of New England (UNE) is committed to increasing enrolment and improving retention as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2021‚Äì2030. This plan charts a course for personalised learning journeys, empowered communities, and student resilience. The period between offer and commencement has been identified as critical for fostering a sense of belonging. While current efforts focus on supporting students’ post-enrolment, fewer resources are allocated to pre-commencement engagement. Addressing this gap, the UNE Begin Initiative aims to increase enrolment by connecting with students from the moment an offer is made.

UNE Begin brings together academic and professional staff to build early, meaningful connections between students and the University. Its goals include:

• Providing an engaging introduction to tertiary education
• Ensuring equitable access to support services
• Identifying students at risk of non-commencement or attrition
• Enabling early student success
• Reducing attrition by 1-5%