Student Intranet - My Studies

Research tells us that academic misconduct often happens when students are struggling with time pressures. Be AWARE of the hectic points such as:

• When multiple assessment tasks are due.
• When activities need completing including Group Task work.
• Your personal obligations, for example work and family.

Each semester take the time to complete a Semester Plan and use it.

Keep it close and ensure it includes:

• Lecture and tutorial commitments, including preparation time.
• All assessment task submission dates.
• Time to conduct research, critically read, note taking and pre-write/writing time.
• Your personal commitments such as work, family occasions etc.

Ultimately you want to submit your best work.

If you require help in completing your semester planner, contact a learning adviser in the Academic Skills Centre at any of the Campuses.

These include the following:

• Reading efficiently – target your reading.
• Being able to critically read and note-take.
• Referencing (both in-text and end-text).
• Paraphrasing and summarising.
• Using your academic voice.

Why not complete this Skills Audit.  The learning advisers in the Academic Skills Centre can help you create a plan and advise you how to access resources to develop the skills you are less confident in.

Understand the academic expectations for your learning and assessment tasks.  Completing a Semester Planner can help you identify the larger chunks of work and then divide them into smaller more manageable tasks.  Remember there will also be tasks that are regular and ongoing.

Include taking time to learn, it is not always about the Assessment Task!

This type of Matrix may help you prioritise and plan your semester workload:

For example:

1. The Unit exam is at the end of semester.  As this is the beginning of semester it is some time away and currently does not require any planning.  It therefore fits in the matrix of ‘Not due soon’ and ‘low level planning’
2. However the substantive 3,000 word essay assessment task due in Week 6 will require time for research, critical reading, note taking and pre-writing.  This task requires a high level of planning but is not due soon.

Working through the requirements of your learning and assessment tasks will provide you with a visual of where the ‘hot spots’ will be and enable you to plan and manage these.

NOTE: If you are a new student, then you might want to consider starting the Academic Integrity Module and have it completed before your workload increases.

It is important when researching for your assessment task that you use your time efficiently. This includes keeping track of the information you have found and will use in your assessment task, your critical reading, note-taking and referencing.

“We can’t act if we can’t think and, in my opinion, we can’t think if we don’t read” (Jennifer Bryne - Australian Journalist).

If you have completed the Skills Audit, prioritised your semester workload and created a Semester Planner then you may well have identified that you need some support to achieve the success you are looking for.

While you can seek the support of your Unit Coordinator or Tutor at any time, ECU offers a range of support services, that include supporting your learning, mental health and welfare, and help when things don’t go well.  These include:

Learning Support (for academic writing and STEM support)

The Academic Skills Centre is there to help you develop academic skills such as academic writing (paraphrasing, sentence construction, writing essays, reports etc.). This site includes a current list of workshops and how to meet with a Learning Adviser.

The Library is there to help you learn the skills to find relevant quality information for your assessment tasks. Visit the Library Guides for your subject specific needs or learn about essential library skills in the Library Essentials Library Guide.

Student Hub

The Student Hub team are here to assist you negotiate university life. They can assist with course information and advice, enrolment assistance, including assistance with pre-requisite waivers and setting up your timetable.

Student Success

The Student Success team offer one-on-one appointments where you can receive help to develop action plans to assist you be successful in your studies at ECU.  This includes providing relevant advice to international students.

Psychological Counselling Support

Psychological Counselling Support provides a free, confidential service to all currently enrolled ECU students residing in Australia to address any personal issues that impact your studies.

Careers and Employability Services

The Careers and Employability Services team can provide you with a broad range of resources and services to help you navigate your career journey. You can access a range of online career and job search information on CareerHub.

ECU Student Guild

The Student Guild ensures that the University is aware of student concerns and issues, and works to protect your rights as a student. They can also help by providing academic and financial support, and by offering assistance and opportunities throughout your time at University.

Laptop loans

Some laptops for loan and data-packs (wifi dongles) are available for loan through the Library. If you need a laptop or wifi dongle to assist you to continue your studies, contact the Library Services Centre Library@ecu.edu.au or call +61 8 6304 5525.