Riawunna – Centre for Aboriginal Education<y><p><ebrk>Murina (Pathway to Higher Education) Program
Riawunna – Centre for Aboriginal Education
Murina (Pathway to Higher Education) Program
Course contact (faculty or school) (03) 6324 3386 (Ltn) or (03) 6226 2516 (Hbt)
Introductory comments
This enabling or bridging program is a non-award course which is offered at both the
Launceston and Hobart campuses of the University of Tasmania to Aboriginal people over
18 years of age. The program may be available by distance education in 2003.
Course objectives
The program is designed to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the
opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge for entry to undergraduate courses. The
program assists students to build confidence and offers a range of introductory and
preparatory subjects to facilitate progression to an undergraduate course of their choice.
As the Murina Program is a non-award course, it does not attract the Higher Education
Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees. However, students pay the University Entrance fee ($60
in 2002) and the Services and Amenities fee ($60 in 2002). Both fees include GST.
Course structure
The Murina program offers 2 stages of study and support.
Stage 1 which focuses on personal development and includes (a) Cultural Studies &
Development (Nuritinga Palawa, Family History), (b) Academic Skills and (c) Introduction
to University Studies.
Stage 2 which focuses on the transition to undergraduate studies and includes (a) Intro to
Aboriginal Studies (1 unit per semester), (b) Tertiary Learning Skills and (c) Plus two
electives from a range of Introductory subjects eg. Intro to Social Studies, Intro to
Teaching, Intro to Health; and/or one or two undergraduate subjects.
The Murina Program is offered over two 13 week semesters and provides a number of
study options:
Stage1 full-time for one year only
Stage 2 full-time or part-time for 1-2 years
Aboriginal students undertaking undergraduate studies may choose units in the Murina
Program to enhance their academic success and broaden their skills base. For more
information on these units, please contact the course coordinators.
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Riawunna – Centre for Aboriginal Education<y><p><ebrk>Murina (Pathway to Higher Education) Program
Riawunna, Centre for Aboriginal Education
Aboriginal higher education support units were established at the Hobart campus of the
University of Tasmania in 1985 and at the Launceston campus of the Tasmanian State
Institute of Technology in 1986. The amalgamation of the two units took place in 1992 with
the establishment of the new University of Tasmania, and became Riawunna, Centre for
Aboriginal Education.
Riawunna is both a Support Service for Aboriginal students and an Academic Centre that
offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree course units in Aboriginal Studies. The
Centre also conducts seminars, workshops and other public activities to promote
cross-cultural awareness of Indigenous issues. This section of the Handbook identifies the
student support services. For information on all units offered in the Aboriginal Studies
sequence of study (HAB units) see pages B-xx and C-xx.
Aboriginal Student Support Services
Riawunna assists Aboriginal enabling, undergraduate and postgraduate students with the
aim to successfully complete their study at the University through academic, social and
cultural support programs. These services include;
•
Course advice, academic and personal counselling and support
•
Tutorial assistance (ATAS)
•
Cultural activities, community workshops and meetings
•
Library resources
•
Computer Lab facilities
•
Private study facilities
•
Orientation week
•
Access to audio-visual and photocopy equipment
•
Refreshment and kitchen facilities
•
Community room
•
Lockers
Riawunna has indoor and outdoor space for Aboriginal students to relax and meet other
students in a culturally conducive and friendly environment on campus at both
Launceston and Hobart.
Orientation and Assessment (O&A) Program
The Centre conducts Orientation and Assessment Programs at Hobart, Launceston and the
North West campuses to encourage Aboriginal students to undertake university studies.
O&A is usually conducted over three days and aims to inform Aboriginal applicants of
course options and support facilities offered at the University of Tasmania. It also provides
Aboriginal people with the opportunity to be assessed for alternative mature-age entry
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University of Tasmania Course and Unit Handbook –Course details for 2003
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Riawunna – Centre for Aboriginal Education<y><p><ebrk>Murina (Pathway to Higher Education) Program
into University study. Please contact Riawunna Student Support staff at Hobart or
Launceston for further information about this program.
Contacts
Jo James
Coordinator, Aboriginal Student Support Services,
Launceston, ph: (03) 6324 3386, fax: (03) 6324 3486
Phil Kelly,
Assistant Director
Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education,
Hobart, ph: (03) 6226 2517, fax: (03) 6226 2575.
Other programs
Orientation and Assessment Program: Hobart, Launceston and North-West Centre; 19–21
February 2003 – contact Mr Greg Lehman, phone (03) 6226 2772.
Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme: Hobart, Launceston and North-West Centre; up
to 2 hrs weekly per subject for all or part of semester
Riawunna offers Aboriginal students enrolled at the University of Tasmania additional
tuition in essay writing, research and study skills, as well as in specific courses and units.
Students can recommend a tutor, or Riawunna can locate a tutor to suit a student’s specific
needs. The Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme is administered on behalf of the
Department of Education, Science and Technology. Students interested in additional
tuition should contact Phil Kelly, Hbt, phone: (03) 6226 2516 or Jo James, Ltn phone (03)
6324 3386.
Note: The following information is NOT included in the printed edition of the Course and
Unit Handbook
Contact
Hobart: ph 6226 2516 or ph 6226 2517
Launceston: ph 6324 3386
Additional Information
The following information answers some frequently asked questions.
Note, however, details should be confirmed with the appropriate authority
Responsible faculty or school | Faculty of Arts
Campus(es) offered | Hobart | Launceston | North-West Centre
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Riawunna – Centre for Aboriginal Education<y><p><ebrk>Murina (Pathway to Higher Education) Program
Mode of delivery| Full time | Part time | Distance Education
Course duration (1 semester)ì | 3 years maximum (6 semesters)
Costs (course fees only – annual) | HECS: NO
Approximate student-staff contact hours | up to 20hrs weekly 26
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