SESSION OVERVIEW
The Faculty of Arts and Social Science’s Toolkit for Success engages commencing students before orientation by prompting reflection on their academic, personal, and financial confidence, while explaining where and how to access support. Individual student needs are identified, and an optional callback request is provided for targeted support. Co-designed with FASS student leaders and aligned to University strategy, the Toolkit has evolved since 2018 to support undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts. More than 18,700 students have completed it, with over 1,900 follow-up calls facilitated.
Session Outcomes:
While developed within the Faculty and University of Sydney context, the presentation will focus on transferable design principles, lessons from sustained delivery, and opportunities for adapting this model of early student engagement and targeted support in other contexts.
PRESENTERS
Surya Urs is a Student Experience and Engagement Officer and has been with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Student Affairs and Engagement team at the University of Sydney for over five years.
Andrew Russell is a Student Success Senior Coordinator who has been with the University of Sydney for over 8 years, and with the Student Affairs and Engagement team for the last 4 years.
The Student Affairs and Engagement team focuses on developing students’ academic, professional and personal success with tailored programs, activities and resources to build their skills and experience, develop their career, offer advice, and connect students within the FASS community.



