‘FedFest’oncampus to welcome students for new yearatChurchill

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

MORE than 3000first year students across all Federation campuses got to experience anew world as ‘FedFest’ was in full swing last week.

Federation University celebrated students getting back to campus with food, music, art and sport activities. ‘FedFest’ activities were being held to welcome back students and help first years settle into university life.

Roaming performances, free food trucks, art and sport zones, and the opportunity to engage with student clubs and leaders from local industry were all available.

New students received ataste of what their programmes have to offer in orientationweek, (held the previous week) with course overviews and campustours, studentget-togethers, and peer mentor support.

Federation University also offer the ‘FedReady’ program, where students can undergo ashort, non-awardcourse to help develop the academic skills needed to get started at university.

Eighteen-year-oldirst year nursing and midwifery student, Kate Girvan, moved from Sandringham to Gippsland to gain confidence, new experiences and enjoy the openness of regional life.

“I was feeling alittleisolated with lockdown,” said Ms Girvan.

“I had alot of social anxiety before Icame here. There’s been alot of meet and greets and you meet alot of people and especially of different ages.”

Federation University vice-chancellor and president, Professor Duncan Bentley, welcomed thenew students.

“FedFest is afantastic way to help students settle into university life by connecting with their peers, theservices available to them and the local industries with astrong heritage of partnership with the university,” he said.

Gippsland’s interim head of campus, Professor Andrew O’Loughlin reiterated these sentiments.

“Universities are about social engagement,” he said.

“Great to have people back through the doors.”

Semester1classes at Federation University are currently under way.

Gippsland is one of fiveFederation campuses, alongwithBallarat,Berwick, Horsham and Brisbane.

Study: Kate Girvanislookingforwardto working in acaring industry.