Award Finalists Showcase – Best Orientation Initiative

 

Campus Compass was created in response to UNSW student feedback that many struggled to navigate university systems beyond O-Week. Piloted in 2023 as a staff-led booth, it relaunched in 2025 as a peer-to-peer program prioritising accessibility, empathy and early intervention. Volunteers engaged students through stalls and roaming conversations, with new elements like Speedfriending and workshops on “How to Make the Most of Uni.” Engagement rose 621% from 2024, with 3,635 interactions in T1 and T2, reflecting Arc@UNSW’s commitment to inclusion and early connection.

QUT Guild – Bock Party

 

The QUT Guild Block Party has become a cornerstone orientation event, introducing students to clubs, services and campus culture from Day 1. In 2025, more than 700 students gathered at Duhga-ba for live music, free food, creative activations and brand partnerships. Safety and inclusion were prioritised with Auslan interpreters, dietary options and first aid support. The event rebuilt purpose around student feedback, expanded sponsorships, and fostered meaningful connections, cementing itself as one of QUT’s largest and most anticipated social activations.

Southern Cross University – SCU Orientation & Transition Program 2024-2025: A multi Model, Student Centred Experience

 

Southern Cross University’s Orientation and Transition Program shifted in 2024 from a single day to a six-week model, meeting the needs of a diverse, largely online cohort. Supporting first-in-family, regional and international students, the program aligned with SCU’s Student Success and Retention Framework, emphasising flexibility, early intervention and belonging. It delivered consistent content across campuses, improved preparedness, and ensured students felt confident and connected from Day 1.

University of Canterbury Students’ Association – UCSA ORI’25

 

At the University of Canterbury, ORI ’25 responded to changing student behaviours with safe, social alternatives during the first week. New events like Fresher 5 and The Foundry Beer Garden, alongside 19 activities including 11 alcohol-free and cohort-specific welcomes, encouraged early engagement. The program exceeded ticket sales, delivered a $100,000 surplus, and created a student-focused orientation that prioritised connection, safety and fun.