The Phoenix Award
Students who participate in social, cultural and sporting events, undertake voluntary work and contribute their time as members of committees or organisations, will now be recognised formally with the launch of the USQ Phoenix Awards.
An initiative of the USQ Student Guild, the program was launched internally at a morning tea at the Toowoomba Refectory on Wednesday 1 August 2007.
"The USQ Phoenix Award is a non-competitive award that recognises a students' involvement on campus in the community," said General Manager of the USQ Student Guild, Kevin Stapleton.
As part of the Award rules, students must accrue 1000 points and complete a 3500 word reflective journal to qualify for the Phoenix Award.
"The primary aim of the Award is to assist students with their personal development and help them to become a well-rounded student. Given this registered students must choose activities which will assist them in developing their USQ Graduate Qualities and Employability Skills List, as developed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce."
To date 20 students have either expressed interest in or signed up for the Award.
Third year Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) student, Amanda Rowen, was one of the first students to sign up for the Awards.
"I was having trouble finding a job without experience, so I have signed up for the mentor program and now the Phoenix Awards to make myself more attractive to prospective employees," said Amanda.
"I am also hoping the points system and reflective journal will help me complete selection criteria for jobs, as its hard to think of specific examples to demonstrate skills such as teamwork and communication."
Kevin is urging USQ staff to identify and recommend students to participate in the Phoenix Awards.
"We are hoping to have some students complete the program by the end of the semester, so we can present them with their Award in November," said Kevin.
"We expect to roll out the program to Fraser Coast and Springfield in 2008 and to distance education students by 2009."