on campus
campusreview. com. au
First impressions keep
Award-winning student accommodation focuses on the critical initial six weeks.
Michael Heffernan interviewed by Antonia Maiolo
A partnership between a university and a student accommodation specialist, formed to help first-year students start off on the right foot, has received international recognition. Griffith University Village is owned and operated by Campus Living Villages( CLV) on the Griffith University Gold Coast Campus. The partnership took home the Housing Operator of the Year Award in April – the first time a private housing operator has ever received the honour.
The award, in its third year, recognises“ the important contribution of residential communities to the student’ s experience while studying in higher education and the value they add to a university as a whole,” Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers( AACUHO) president Edwina Ellicott said.
The partnership was selected by judges for its V1 First Year Uni strategy, designed by CLV in consultation with the university to ensure a successful start to students’ experience.
CLV chief executive Michael Heffernan says the program“ focuses on tailored welcome experiences, daily orientations, exclusive events and dedicated support through the entire first-year journey”.
Students connect with the village well before their first day on campus – interacting through the First Year Uni website and private Facebook groups.
Since the implementation of the strategy in 2014, the village has experienced a 93.5 per cent retention rate, a 92 per cent customer service score and 97 per cent overall satisfaction rating.
Here, Heffernan speaks with Campus Review about the program, and what role the on-campus living experience plays in helping retain students.
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