Student Checklist

Before the semester starts:

• Buy your textbooks at the USQ Bookshop or online at the Bookshop website (http://bookshop.usq.edu.au/). Bookshop locations are:
  • Toowoomba campus – R Block
  • Springfield campus – Level 6, USQ Building A
  • Fraser Coast campus – Student Guild, A Block
• There is also an option to buy your books through the Student Guild’s second hand books website (http://www.onlinebooks.com.au/).  Ensure you buy the correct edition of your textbook!
• Logon to UConnect and have a look around the Study Desk before your course starts.
• Write down the name of your lecturer and tutor and their contact details so you can contact them if you require any help – this information is usually provided during your first class or on the Study Desk.
• Log in to UConnect and familiarise yourself with your UMail account.  This will be the main form of contact between you and your lecturer.
• Read your course specification and assessment details.  Make sure you contact your lecturer if you don’t understand something.
• Open your study package and read through the Introduction Book and first module before class starts.
  • (If your study package has not arrived yet – the same content can be found by logging into UConnect and it is located under ‘Course Content’ on your Study Desk)
• If this is your second Head Start course make sure you pay your invoice when it is due.
• Plan what time you will be able to set aside for your university study using the Study Schedule for your course as a guide.  This is found in your introduction booklet (also found on the Study Desk under Course Content).
• Note key dates for the semester (http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current/impdates.html).

During semester:

• If you would like to withdraw from the Head Start program for any reason contact the Head Start Administrator, on (07) 4631 1736 or email headstart@usq.edu.au. This must be done before the last date to drop (Census Date) so you don’t receive a Fail grade on your academic transcript.
• Log in to UConnect regularly to check for course updates.
• Read your course discussion forums in UConnect.
• Make sure you know when your assignments are due and start them early.  Ask your lecturer if you don’t fully understand what you are required to do.
• Print off your exam timetable as soon as you can.  This can be found via (Uconnect > Udo > Student Centre > Exams > My Exam Timetable).  This will allow maximum time for you to revise and arrange time off from school to attend the exam. A reminder email will be sent to remind you of these steps.
• Read the Umail email updates from the Head Start Administrator throughout the semester reminding you about key dates – it is important to understand that you are responsible for your studies.  If you need help make sure you contact the Head Start Administrator (headstart@usq.edu.au).

After semester:

• If you would like to do another Head Start course, you will have to apply again like the first time with a new report card attached. All fields must be filled in and check the application due dates on the Head Start website (usq.edu.au/headstart). You will receive a bill of $395 from the university if you decide to study another Head Start course.
• A graduation ceremony will be held after the release of your results.  Details will be posted and emailed to you approximately 10 days prior to this event.

Guaranteed entry into a related program will be awarded if you successfully complete a Head Start course and meet the program pre-requisites (e.g. completion of Year 12 and 4 Sound Achievements in English)*.  You should check the USQ Handbook (http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current) to determine program pre-requisites. You will still need to apply via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and put a related USQ program as your first preference.

Download the Head Start Student Checklist (PDF 249KB)