Five years ago, a shiny, striking building was unveiled as a new centrepoint for UTS. This series of blog posts explores the innovations, challenges and opportunities of this grand space, from its sustainable food courts to its collaborative classrooms. In the second part of this new series, Tess Hobbis reflects on the diverse and effective program of activities and support that brings students together at the Student Learning Hub.
This year marks 5 years since the opening of UTS Central and the Student Learning Hub – a one-stop-shop designed to deliver the right information and assistance to students at the right time in their university journey.
Building upon the milestones and learnings from the past 5 years, the Student Learning Hub is a pivotal part of life as a UTS student and demonstrates the value of connecting academic support and social aspects in a positive, wholistic experience.
A central space for connection
The Student Learning Hub’s location on level 4 of UTS Central makes it a perfect meeting point for students across campus. Students use the space to study, meet with friends, take a break between classes to charge their phone and find out what events and meet-ups are happening that week from the What’s On wall calendar.
Social mixers hosted by the Hub, as well as student-led clubs and societies hosting their own events and meet-ups have played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging among students. These events provide opportunities for students to meet, interact, and form lasting friendships. From casual coffee meet-ups to themed events and cultural nights, inviting students to make the space their own strengthens the student community and students’ individual sense of identity.
Supporting students when and where it counts
The Student Learning Hub is committed to providing comprehensive support to all students at the most relevant point in their university journey. Over the past five years, the Student Learning Hub has continually expanded its support services to meet the evolving needs of the student body in alignment with the Support for Students Policy and the DVCES Student Experience Framework.
Bridging the gap between student uncertainty and accessing support, the Hub connects students with university-wide services including study groups and digital skills workshops, are designed and delivered by the Student Learning Hub to help students achieve their academic goals. Mental health and wellbeing initiatives, such as mindfulness sessions and referrals to counselling, have ensured that students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Additionally, career support services, including resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and networking events, have equipped students with the skills and confidence to succeed in their professional lives. The Student Learning Hub’s holistic approach to student support has created a nurturing environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.
A standout success in recent years has been the introduction of the hugely popular study planners, which come with an array of playful stickers. These planners have been a hit not only among students but also staff, providing an invaluable tool for organisation and time management.
The Student Learning Hub’s peer-to-peer support model has evolved over the last 5 years and is key in engaging with students in a welcoming, judgement-free environment. Casual activities such as games, craft, or food break down barriers in communication between Hub Guides and students. A service enquiry is instead a conversation where students can feel heard and understood. This is demonstrated in Study Groups, a 6-week program run at the start of session that connects commencing students with experienced Hub Guides and other students starting university at the same time to learn healthy study habits and insider tips about being a UTS student.
Welcoming new students to UTS
The Student Learning Hub has become a focal point for integrating new students into university life at Orientation as well as giving future students and their families a taste of the UTS student experience at Open Day.
The Hub provides a dynamic platform for showcasing UTS’s comprehensive student support services through engaging information booths, interactive workshops, and an ever-expanding roster of clubs and societies. Success in these events can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of UTS services and student organisations, which come together at the Student Learning Hub to create an inclusive and dynamic experience.
Looking forward
In the last five years, the Student Learning Hub has made a significant impact on the lives of UTS students. The achievements and milestones of this period are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Student Learning Hub’s staff and collaborators.
As we look to the next five years, the Student Learning Hub continues to evolve with plans already in place to further enhance the services and opportunities on offer. In the landscape of ever-changing technology and the tenacious discussions around Generative AI, we’ve set goals to enhance digital literacy and proficiency and improve student’s digital capabilities.