Laying the foundations
Monash College offers a range of programs and facilities to assist students
Monash College will soon open the doors to a brand new facility in the heart of Melbourne to deliver its highly regarded Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program of study.
The MUFY program is a generalist, pre-university course designed for international students seeking to transition into tertiary education in Australia.
Currently the popular program is delivered to more than 2000 students annually in Australia and in Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka
Up until July 2011, the MUFY program will continue to be delivered in Australia by Taylors College, but once the new campus in Melbourne is completed, Monash College commence delivery of the program locally.
Monash College has been preparing students to successfully transition from their home school to Monash University and other Australian universities for more than 20 years through a range of programs.
The new Monash College campus is located in Bourke Street, Melbourne and is conveniently located near public transport, the State Library of Victoria, shops and cafes.
Within the campus, student needs have been top-of-mind throughout the design process, with four large shared spaces for eating, sharing a coffee or catching up with classmates included.
As well as 42 purpose-designed classrooms and four fully equipped science labs, the campus also contains student breakout areas, which are designed in clusters throughout the building for group study.
The campus has a fully equipped and spacious library and students may also make use of the facilities at the State Library of Victoria following a partnership that will allow students access at the library after campus hours.
The care of students is top of the agenda for the MUFY Director, Ms Anne Bright with a range of pastoral care activities undertaken to ensure students feel comfortable in their surroundings and settling in well to study.
"Every student is assigned to a home group, in which a full pastoral program will run weekly for students," Ms Bright said.
"The pastoral program is comprehensive and aims to assist the students with social and well-being support, as well as advice on study skills, exam preparation, careers programs and learning consultations.
"Students are also encouraged to engage with each other and with Melbourne through cultural and city experiences and a range of group and recreational activities," Ms Bright said.
In addition, a fortnightly electronic reporting system will be put in place to allow students to gain feedback from teachers and also for teachers to identify students who may be struggling and require additional support.
Students are able to make use of a range of accommodation options while studying at the campus including city-based accommodation and home stay options.
Building works continue on the new campus and the best and brightest school teachers are currently being recruited to deliver the program.
The multi-million dollar investment is testament to Monash College's ongoing commitment to education, particularly to the education of international students.
With education continuing to be a top export for the Victorian economy each year and contributing significantly to employment in Victoria in the education sector, Monash College's commitment to the new campus will enhance Victoria's reputation as a ideal location for international students to study.
Monash College Pty Ltd is a wholly owned company of Monash University and offers pathway programs to assist students in their transition to university and to the workforce. Its offerings include higher education diplomas, the Monash University Foundation Year, English language courses and internships. More than 4000 students undertake its programs annually across six countries.