By Deanne Jeffers
AROUND 130 students will begin their studies at Shepparton’s La Trobe University this week. Students were welcomed to the campus last Wednesday for orientation day, providing opportunities to meet fellow students, familiarise themselves with the campus and educators ahead of semester.
“It’s exciting,” said head of campus, Elizabeth Capp, adding, “It really feels like the first year back since Covid lockdowns that there’s no apprehension. We can welcome students back for a full year of learning and activities on campus.”
La Trobe University has seen strong demand for its’ education degree and pathways, which have seen enrolments roughly double. Two of those students are Bethany Gray who is enrolled in an Associate Degree of Teacher Education and Tilly Male, enrolled in a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary School).
“I want to be able to change kids’ lives. It seems motivational but it’s a cool thing to see how they learn and grow and then being able to shape them into the best person they can be,” said Tilly, who works locally as a teaching aid.
“I really like the face-to-face learning they do at La Trobe. I like that I can just come in and ask a question, go to the library and check out books and it’s not all online.”
“It’s really exciting this year because they’ve opened up all new pathways and all different access to education and it’s really good to have this all locally. I grew up around the Shepparton area and it’s great that I can stay here,” said Bethany.
Exceeding the university’s expectations, over 2,000 international students are on track to enrol in courses across its eight campuses in essential areas like teaching, nursing, allied health, dentistry, pharmacy and more.
