Completing the Central Queensland University STEPS program is highly regarded as a strategy for achieving success in undergraduate study.

The Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program aims to give prospective students the skills they will need to have a successful undergraduate experience at university.

According to Central Queensland University Mackay STEPS co-ordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith, students who have completed the STEPS program prior to enrolling at university have a more positive experience during their first year of study, have a higher chance of success and are more likely to remain in their chosen program.

"This is rigorous preparation for people aged 18 years or over, and ensures they are totally prepared, university aware and equipped with the generic skills they will need for university study”, said Lyn.

The 12-week Accelerated or a 24-week Extended program which can be completed externally, covers academic communication (assignment writing and referencing), mathematics, computing, independent learning skills, study skills and library/information literacy skills, all designed to equip future university students with the skills they will need to achieve success in their chosen degree program.

According to Head of Mackay Campus, Professor Phillip Clift, “The CQU STEPS program has been rated in the top three among similar programs on offer across Australia, and is an excellent way to prepare for the demands of university study or study of any kind".

This year over 60 people have completed the STEPS program at CQU Mackay and Lyn Forbes-Smith is very proud of each and every one.

"It really is a remarkable achievement for some of our STEPS graduates”, she said. “This is a group of highly committed and dedicated people, some of whom have confronted various challenges in their personal lives in order to take this important step for their future".

To celebrate the successful completion of their STEPS program, the students will attend a special completion ceremony on Tuesday October 11 at the CQU Mackay campus.

“Of the 60 people who will attend this year’s completion ceremony, over 90 percent have already enrolled for university study next year,” said Lyn. “Some have never contemplated university study before, and now it is a reality for most.”