Services and Support

male and female student sitting at table

Everything you need to succeed

Use our comprehensive services and support to maximise your student experience and achieve your goals. We've got you covered from the moment you accept your offer through to graduation:

Our commitment to ensuring you succeed in your study with us is detailed in the Support for Students Policy.

First Year support

What does success look like for you? We are here to partner with you, particularly in your First Year as you move into life as a student. We have a range of services specifically designed to help navigate this transition and achieve your success.

First Year Advisers

A dedicated and proactive First Year Adviser will help you navigate your first 8 units. They will contact you in the days leading up to the start of your first term.

First Year Induction

Complete the First Year Induction Module (FYI). The FYI Module is a step-by-step guide to getting started at SCU.

- Oriana Watts standing in front of building

Transition workshops

A range of essential transition workshops are available in the FYI Module. These workshops boosted the confidence of 98% of students, who attended, and assisted them in the transition to university life and study.

Student sitting at Green room with laptop

PALS - Peer Assisted Learning Support

Available in most first-year units PALS offers students 1:1 check-ins with a student who has previously completed the unit.

SCU Mates

SCU Mates mentoring program connects you with a more experienced student who can share their experience, tips, and advice and help you settle in.

Learning and academic skills support

Learning Advisers

Individual or small group appointments

Self-help learning

Resources including Quick guides and How to... videos

Academic integrity

Learn honest academic practice

Inclusion support

Equitable access for students with disability

Library

Help with searching, referencing, and studying

Technology Services

Wifi and tech support

Careers and Employability

Careers advice

Faculties and Colleges

Find information and contact details

Wellbeing support

Counselling

Experienced and compassionate counsellors, dedicated to helping you with mental health and wellbeing.

Health Clinics

SCU students at Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast and Lismore have access to SCU Health Clinic Services.

Safety and welfare

We are proactively building a safe and supportive community through education, resources and reporting. We also provide support for individuals whose safety or wellbeing has been compromised, including those affected by family and domestic violence, survivors of sexual assault and individuals who have experienced sexual harassment.

Crisis support

If you or someone else needs urgent help outside of business hours, or on public holidays you can call or SMS the After Hours Crisis Counselling Support Line. The free and confidential service will link you to a qualified crisis support worker.

Self-help

Here, students can access a rich array of information, resources, self-guided tutorials, and connections to external support groups and organisations, all designed to aid students in their academic and personal growth.

Embedded in this hub is a selection of specific e-learning modules designed to increase students’ understanding of contributing to a respectful and inclusive academic, social, and cultural environment.

Respect@SCU Understanding Gender and Sexuality Diversity eLearning Introduction to Disability Awareness

Personal support

Accommodation

Services to help you find on- or off-campus accommodation.

Ally Network

Join or contact the Ally Network and learn more about gender and sexuality diversity supports

Hands together with rainbow painted on back

Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS)

Support and guidance for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying, or looking to study at SCU.

Student Advocacy Service

Free and confidential advocacy in relation to the academic and procedural rules and regulations of the University.

SCU Student on laptop in Lismore Campus Library

Student Equity

Supporting the participation and success of students with diverse and intersectional identities.

Two students with Japanese flags and origami

Student loans

Small interest-free loans are available to currently enrolled students who can demonstrate genuine need and whose continued attendance is in jeopardy due to financial hardship.

Ways to get involved

UniLife offers a range of sporting and special interest activities that give you the chance to stay active, have fun and find balance alongside your studies. Whether you’re into fitness, adventure, casual fun or competition, there’s something for everyone.

UniLife

Find your community and connect with people who share your interests. Browse our existing groups or get a group together and start something new!

Clubs and societies

Are run by students and are a great way to meet peers, participate in social events and benefit from free and discounted services they provide. Join the Student Association that is the right fit for you!

Student associations

Southern Cross University’s Ally Network is a university-wide commitment to the inclusion, success and celebration of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ+) students and colleagues. We believe that students and staff should be able to bring their whole selves to their study and work. Each Ally contributes to raising LGBTIQ+ awareness at the University by making support for gender and sexuality diversity visible and, if necessary, challenging homophobic and transphobic attitudes and behaviours.

Ally Network

Are you a student needing help?

Security and support services

1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357