Explore Flinders’ themed orientation and transition weeks, with practical opportunities to connect, succeed and support your wellbeing throughout the semester.
If you joined Flinders recently (or are able to think back to your first year), you’ll know that Orientation extends beyond O’Week.
Thanks to the Orientation planning team (shout out to them!!), there are now themed weeks (Connect, Success & Wellbeing), spread throughout the semester that support students to develop the knowledge and skills for a good university life (and a good life in general).
These themed weeks are more than a calendar of events. They create opportunities for students to experience belonging, build useful skills and connect with the people, places and support available at Flinders.
The themes aren’t random. They were informed by a 2006 paper “Designing an Orientation and Transition Strategy for Commencing Students” by Alf Lizzio which encouraged universities to create experiences for students that support the development of five “senses” that support student success: connection, capability, purpose, resourcefulness and academic culture.
In practical terms this means that during these weeks, extra attention is paid to giving students (through resources, events, seminars and more) instruction on how to enhance their university experience. The goal is to create experiences that are enjoyable in their own right, such as meeting someone new or discovering a part of campus, while also supporting students’ learning and adjustment.
The weeks are generally designed with commencing and first-year students in mind:
- O’Week: Discover Flinders, prepare for study and find your way around.
- Connect Week: Meet students and staff, explore clubs and groups and become involved in university life.
- Success Week: Develop academic, personal and career skills and connect with services that support your progress.
- Wellbeing Week: Build habits and skills that support your wellbeing.
Students are obviously encouraged to participate while the weeks are running. On-campus activities can make the university feel welcoming and vibrant, but current students can also benefit from reconnecting, exploring opportunities and accessing practical support.
And good news – activities are increasingly available beyond the Bedford Park campus. Many elements, including guest lectures, seminars and workshops, are available to students studying online. And smaller campuses are increasingly coordinating local events during these weeks.
If you miss the week itself, don’t assume you have missed the opportunity. The respective pages are updated each semester and often contain ideas, activities, events and resources that remain useful throughout the year.
Explore the themed weeks:
🧭 O’Week
🤝 Connect Week
🚀 Success Week
💚 Wellbeing Week