RMIT UP Tops National Survey for Outstanding Orientation Experience

RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) has achieved top honours in the 2024 English Language Barometer Survey, recognised for its outstanding face-to-face orientation that fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for international students.

Orientations are a crucial first touchpoint for students embarking on the first steps of their educational journey with us here at RMIT.

This marks the third instance in two years where the RMIT UP Student Experience and Wellbeing team, who run the orientations, has been acknowledged for its exceptional work.

The team received the 2024 RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Award for Courage for developing essential mental health resources and safe spaces for young LGBTQIA+ and international students. They were also awarded the ISANA International Student’s Nomination for Outstanding Support Program in 2023.

The English Language Barometer Survey is an online English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) student survey conducted across Australia every two years. 

The 2024 results reveal that RMIT UP scored the highest in this category among 17 Australian English language centres, in a competitive field including 15 university-based centres, seven from the Group of Eight.

The RMIT UP Student Experience Team delivers nine English for Academic Purposes orientation days and two Foundation Studies orientation days per year with anywhere from 50 – 200 attendees per session. 

Student Experience Manager Matt Cox says what makes RMIT UP orientations stand out is the focus on support services and helping students build connections with other students.

“Our orientations are designed with the knowledge that for many students, it’s their first time away from home and their support networks,” he said.

Student Experience Manager Matt Cox and Ziggy the Therapy Dog

“We offer a highly personalised experience that places a strong emphasis on making students feel welcome and included. This goes a long way towards easing anxiety or stress. But if you asked a student what their favourite bit was, they’d probably say the food!”

RMIT UP orientation days blend essential compliance information with community-focused activities.

Beginning with sharing important information such as support services, program details, teaching staff, and support networks, students participate in small group activities and campus tours, followed by lunch and a social event to help them feel at home and more confident in navigating RMIT and Melbourne.  

"We want students to know they've made the right choice with RMIT," Matt said.

RMIT UP English Deputy Director Nick Philippou, whose team coordinated the survey roll out, says RMIT UP scored well across all aspects surveyed, with students reporting they were "very satisfied" and would recommend it to others. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the whole organisation for their contributions, which have been reflected in these latest International Student English Language Barometer Survey results,” he said. 

“We have dedicated ourselves to improving the experience of all students, and it’s humbling to see this rewarded in this way.” 

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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RMIT UP Tops National Survey for Outstanding Orientation Experience