On Monday 12^th October Bundaberg Campus held a ceremony for 102 graduating STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies) students, affectionately known as "STEPPIES". Over 120 family & friends of the students attended the event with special guests including Head of CQUniversity Bundaberg, Professor Phillip Clift and Mayor, Councillor Lorraine Pyefinch.  

STEPS is an access program that aims to prepare potential applicants for tertiary study. The program attracts a wide range of students, mainly those who didn't complete year 12 or that have been out of the work force for a period of time. This year there were five classes of STEPS students at the Bundaberg campus instead of the usual four - two Extended groups and three Accelerated groups.  

While STEPS is designed to teach people skills like academic writing, referencing, research and use of computers, many students agree that the true value of the course lies in the confidence they gain. Tools such as the Hero's Journey, DeBono's Six hats, the Soloman Felder learning styles index and Keirsey's temperament types allow the students to reflect on their personal life and learn things about themselves... 
Photo (L-R) David Ebsary and Karen Seary (Director of Studies- Academic Learning Services) at the STEPS graduation.

For mature aged students who may have been out of the work force for a long time or who may have worked too long in a dead end job, STEPS allows them to rediscover their strengths and the passion for learning and striving to achieve goals. Friends students make during the course, and support staff at the Uni make the journey easier and more enjoyable, yet perhaps, harder to leave at the end.

One student who describes the program as ‘life changing' is David Ebsary who shared his story during a heartfelt speech on graduation night. Over the past 10 years David has suffered from a number of personal issues including battling cancer and the death of his wife. When David lost his job due to outsourcing in mid 2008, hard financial times gave him the push he needed to look for something new, and he applied for the STEPS program.

The program allowed David to look at his life in a positive light and to recognize the skills and abilities he already had. During the 12 weeks of the accelerated STEPS program, he gained not only a new confidence but also a new group of friends and mentors.

David has also been able to provide inspiration to his son Marcus, who will most likely be starting University in an Aviation degree next year as part of the SUN (Start Uni Now) program. David has already commenced his Bachelor of Digital Innovation and looks forward to studying with his son at CQUni Bundaberg Campus in 2010.

CQUniversity congratulates, wishes the best of luck to, David and all of the other "STEPPIES".

CQ University will hold the next STEPs information and assessment session in Building 1, Rm G.04, on 27th October between 9:30am and 1:00pm, CQ University campus Bundaberg