University Identification

How can we help students identify with being a ‘uni student’ and in becoming part of Western’s culture?

Get to know your students:

  • Check unit enrolment and demographics for information about your students via the Information Portal (WSU staff log-in required).
  • Use a brief survey (click here for a template) or an online Menti poll to find out about your students’ interests, hobbies, career plans.
  • Ask students about their expectations from studies and possible points of stress.

Engage in inclusive teaching and learning:

  • Help diverse groups of students feel welcome and comfortable in your tutorials.
  • When discussing issues or topics in class, include case studies and examples from real-world scenarios which your students can relate to.
  • Give students an opportunity to make connections between what they study and their real life experiences – e.g. ask students to share their own examples and experiences in class discussions.
  • This checklist provides more suggestions on how you can make your teaching more inclusive.

Support First in Family students in your class:

  • Did you know that over 62% of Western’s students are the first in their families to attend university? (2016, Office of Quality and Performance).
  • Being the first in your family to attend university can be challenging but also empowering. Check out this First in Family site for how you can support these students.
  • Read stories of First in Family students here.

Help students understand and value Western's culture:

  • Discuss what makes Western Sydney University unique.
  • Talk about your school’s research strengths, traditions, and achievements.
  • Discuss success stories of Western’s alumni from your discipline (available here).
  • Look at students’ testimonials of why they chose Western (available here).
  • Ask your students about the positive reasons they chose to come to Western.

Encourage students to see how the university is part of the Western Sydney region:

  • 70% of our students are from the Western Sydney region and our university is closely related to the region’s development.
  • Discuss any local industry and/or community partners your school has.
  • Include case studies and examples from the Western Sydney region when discussing topics/issues in your unit.
  • Invite students to reflect on how their learning and professional trajectories can make a difference in their local communities.

Campus life and the university community:

Practical tip

Many students demonstrate a willingness to improve their time management skills.

  • Encourage students to put assessment and other key dates for the unit into a weekly planner (a template is available here) or alternatively, their electronic calendars.
  • Create a calendar for your class (an example is provided here).
  • Encourage students to use an Assessment Calculator to plan assignments in advance.