First Nations Student Support

If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can check out Ask Aunty, your go-to support hub whether you're studying on campus or online.

Through Ask Aunty, you can:

• access helpful resources and support services across UniSQ
• get personalised academic and student support from the College for First Nations (CFN)
• chat with the First Nations Student Success Officers for quick help with study-related questions.

Need a hand with something?

You can chat directly with the First Nations Student Success Officers, they’re here to support you with anything study-related, Monday to Friday between 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Cultural Connections is a friendly and supportive program created by UniSQ’s First Nations Student Success Officers. It’s designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students - whether you study online or on campus - to help you feel connected, supported, and confident at uni.

Through this program, you’ll:

• meet other Indigenous students at UniSQ
• get to know UniSQ staff and support teams
• learn about the services available to help you succeed
• experience student life and build strong connections.

Travel, meals and accommodation

If you live outside Toowoomba, College for First Nations will arrange and cover your travel, accommodation, and meals so you can attend the program in person. All bookings will be made on your behalf.

When and how to join

Cultural Connections is held at the beginning of each semester, aligned with Orientation Week. You’ll receive an invitation and details from the First Nations Student Success Team.

As a First Nations student at UniSQ, you’re supported every step of the way. Our First Nations Student Success Officers are here to help you reach your study and career goals in a space that’s culturally safe, welcoming, and built for you.

You can get personalised support with things like:

• Choosing your program and enrolling
• Finding a tutor or getting academic help
• Accessing counselling and wellbeing services
• Applying for scholarships or financial assistance
• Finding accommodation
• Exploring career opportunities.

Whatever you need, we’ll help you connect with the right people and services across UniSQ.

Contact us

Email: cfn.support@unisq.edu.au

Freecall: 1800 005 137

Looking to connect with other First Nations students at UniSQ? The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Association is a student-led group where you can:

• raise ideas and issues that matter to you
• get involved in social events and activities
• fundraise for community projects
• support each other through your uni journey.

It’s a great way to meet people, share experiences, and make your voice heard.

Want to join or learn more? Email: usqindigenoustudentassoc@gmail.com.

Students can access a student study space that includes access to computers from Monday to Friday.

Locations

UniSQ Ipswich - Q Block Level 1, Q112C

UniSQ Springfield - A Block Level 1, A101

UniSQ Toowoomba - T- Annexe, TA114

When you complete your degree, you’ll be invited to a Cultural Sashing Ceremony to celebrate your achievement as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduate. At this special event, you’ll receive a graduation stole to wear proudly at your official graduation ceremony.

It’s a moment to honour your journey, connect with community, and celebrate your success.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation, or contact us if you’d like to learn more.

As a First Nations student at UniSQ, you can access up to 2 hours of tutoring per week, per subject during the teaching period. If you need extra help to prepare for exams, additional hours may be available - just reach out and ask.

Tutoring is usually one-on-one, but small group sessions can be arranged if that suits you better. You and your tutor can choose a time and place that works for both of you. Sessions can happen:

• on campus
• over the phone
• by email
• online (e.g. Zoom).

If you're meeting on campus, you can use the College for First Nations tutorial rooms and computer lab. These spaces are available by booking, just make sure to book ahead so they're ready when you need them.

To be eligible to apply for ITAS, you must be:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Enrolled in an undergraduate course at UniSQ
• Assessed as being in need of supplementary tuition by College for First Nations academic staff.

If you are an Honours or Postgraduate student seeking tuition, please contact the College: CFN.support@unisq.edu.au, 1800 005 132, or 07 4631 2133.

If you’d like to access free tutoring through the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS), you can register your interest for your study period by completing the ITAS Student Application Form*.

Once you apply:

1. The College for First Nations will review your application.
2. If approved, you’ll be matched with a tutor based on your learning needs.
3. You’ll receive a written confirmation with:
   • Your tutor’s contact details
   • The course name and code
   • The number of tutoring hours you’re approved for (per week and per study period).

*Please note: Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee tutoring support. Your application will be assessed based on things like available funding and finding a suitable tutor for your needs.

At the end of each study period, you’ll be asked to complete an ITAS Student Evaluation Form. This helps us understand how tutoring is working for you and how we can make it better.

The form will be emailed to you near the end of the study period. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your feedback is really important.

Please note: You’ll need to submit your evaluation form before any new tutoring hours can be approved for the next study period.