A special Completion Ceremony was held recently to congratulate 60 students who completed their Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) at Central Queensland University Mackay.

The students, who embarked on a 12-week accelerated or a 24-week extended program, have been undertaking studies in academic communication (assignment writing and referencing), mathematics, computing, independent learning skills, study skills and library/information literacy skills.

CQU Mackay STEPS coordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith was full of praise for the graduates and is thrilled with the number of students who have chosen to enrol for university next year.

"Of the people who completed their STEPS program, over 90% have already enrolled for university study next year,” said Lyn.

Friends and family members were also invited to the Completion Ceremony to help the students celebrate their success. Drinks and nibbles gave everyone the opportunity to mingle before the formal ceremony commenced.

Guest speaker Robyn Taylor, Concept Training and Management, inspired the audience with accounts of her life stories in management, consultancy and marketing combined with the ancient science of yoga and meditation. Robyn also reminded students of the importance of celebrating and sharing personal biographies and stories.

Robyn congratulated the students and spoke of the sense of achievement experienced by mature-aged students when completing studies such as the STEPS program.

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

According to Lyn, 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.

We wish all STEPS graduates success with their chosen path.

Photo above: From left, Elvira Bates and Vikashni Prasad, with Maths Lecturer Nadine Adams, were very excited to attend their STEPS Completion Ceremony at CQU Mackay last Tuesday evening.

Photo left: Guest speaker Robyn Taylor (right) from Concept Training and Management with Mackay STEPS Coordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith (centre) and Karen Seary, Head of STEPS at CQU Bundaberg.