Through the Science and Engineering Indigenous Pre-Program, Indigenous students familiarised themselves with student life before beginning their engineering courses.
The annual Science & Engineering Indigenous Pre-Program (SEIPP) at UNSW is a vital initiative offering a holistic pre-entry university experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program aims to introduce students to courses in Science and Engineering, while also emphasising a culturally supportive setting. This environment is designed to familiarise students with university life and to provide a space to meet their future cohort, ensuring students are well-prepared from day one of their degree.
In 2023, the SEIPP was held from held from November 20th to December 8th. Throughout the three-week program, students engaged in a variety of activities. These included coursework in Engineering design, computing for Engineers, wet labs experiments, and Science data analysis classes. Alongside these academic sessions, students were introduced to UNSW services such as the Psychology of Wellbeing and Academic skills programs. They also received guided tours of their selected engineering school which included The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing and The School of Computer Science and Engineering, in which they had the opportunity to have coffee chats with one of the professors.
Cultural inclusion was an integral part of the program, this was highlighted in activities such as the On-Country Day, featuring the Waranara Tour and the Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour. Students also had the opportunity to attend Industry talks by Indigenous Professionals, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths. Additionally, a panel discussion with current Indigenous students provided firsthand accounts and advice.
SEIPP Academic Lead Sarah Grundy said, "The SEIPP is a great program that offers Indigenous students a dynamic pathway into their first-year Engineering courses at UNSW. It's more than just an academic program, it's a way for students to forge lasting connections with their peers, meet supportive staff, experience University life all while being introduced to Science and Engineering introductory level concepts."