b'An innovative programTo ease university transitions and forge lifelong connectionsOne of the most significant moments for Year 12The transition can feel especially daunting for students like ours leavers is the transition from school to higherat Carey Baptist Grammar School, because of our particularly education.Intheabsenceofwell-establishedstrong community focus. Through conversations with our Year friendship networks, combined with a need to12s, its clear that while they are excited about heading off to quickly adapt to a new learning environment,university, there is a degree of apprehension. They are not sure transitioningtouniversitycanbeextremelyhow they will be supported nor how they will experience a sense challenging. of community.In recent years, we have also seen a complete transformationCareyalumnihavealsotoldusthatthosefeelingsof ofhowhighereducationisdelivered.Thegrowinguseofapprehension can be attributed to the disparity between their technology and online learning has opened up a whole newexpectations versus reality.worldofopportunities.Butwiththiscomesasignificant challengeforYear12leavers.Morethanever,university students are spending less time on campus connecting withBridging the gaptheir peers. So, how can we, as a school community, help to bridge the gap between student expectations and student experience? Ideally, we want our young Carey alumni to feel connected, supported and better equipped to navigate life at university and beyond?Our concerns have resulted in an idea for an innovative new program. It is a program that fosters a partnership between schoolsanduniversities.OldCarey@Swinburneisapilot program we have developed to support our Year 12 leavers. It attempts to connect them with like-minded individuals who sharethecommonbondofattendingbothCareyBaptist Grammar School and Swinburne University of Technology.ConnectingWe know the first year of university is one of the hardest. OurideaistoconnectYear12leaverswiththosefurther along in their studies at Swinburne. Talking to someone who shares a common bond and has successfully navigated first year could help new students. The aim is to give them every chance to thrive in a university environment. For the Swinburne students who are further advanced in their course, it presents an opportunity to expand their academic and social networks while building mentoring and leadership skills. When we were contemplating the pilot program, it emerged that people who have graduated from both Swinburne and Carey may also benefit from this initiative. By including those who have gone on to forge successful careers, we could offer them the opportunity to give back to the Carey community by way of mentoring. For current university students talking to graduates may benefit their future careers in the form of networking, industry-based learning opportunities and career advice. 4 8 4 8 FACE 2 FACE MAGAZINE'