Building connection and joy at ECU South West's Learning Centre, Busselton

First published by Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University (ECU) South West is the ideal learning destination, providing flexible study options, a great student experience and dedicated support services across the South West region.

Students have access to ECU South West's Regional Learning Hub networks, including the latest ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, a dedicated space for online, regional and remote students to study, connect and socialise.

By providing academic support services and student community connection, the ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, is creating a more enriching and joyful student experience. The ConnectED Program was piloted at the ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, giving students the opportunity to build community, capability and connection through a range of activities during Semester 2, 2024.

Accessibility and joy of learning

The ConnectED Program pilot offered an enhanced learning experience for students by providing accessible study spaces and face-to-face support services, which included dedicated Learning Advisors, Peer Skill Advisors, Student Success Advisors and a Career Consultant, as well as wellbeing activities and social events.

An avid user of the ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, ECU Law student, Kathleen Fabre, said that the Centre makes studying more accessible.

"There's a sense of community and welcoming energy and the access to services like Peer Skills Advisors, Learning Advisors and the facilities is what I love most about the Centre," said Kathleen.

"It has made me enjoy studying again. It has made studying much more accessible and I feel much less isolated, being a regional online student."

ECU Nursing student, Ella Johnson, is making the most of the student wellbeing events offered as part of the Semester's ConnectED Program pilot.

"I love the community vibe where staff are so welcoming, the weekly activities like yoga and coffee activities and that the facilities and Learning Advisors are so accessible," said Ella.

"I actually look forward to getting up and going to the Centre for yoga or coffee. I also feel motivated to complete my studies afterwards."

Building community and connection

ECU Nursing student, Jared Speake, said that the ConnectED Program experience was amazing.

"It encourages you to meet other students and build a sense of community. It also provided great stress relief from studies, opening up conversations with other students and making you feel part of something," said Jared.

Ella agreed that she had met so many people through the ConnectED Program, which made her feel connected to the ECU community.

Fellow student Kathleen explained that the ConnectED Program had built a community of students ranging from first years to Masters students from all walks of life.

"It has been enjoyable, informative and incredibly valuable academically," Kathleen said.

Getting career ready

Not only does the ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, support the regional student experience, but it enhances learning to get students' career ready through professional development and networking opportunities.

"The Learning Centre in Busselton has made my uni life exceptionally easier; I feel like I’m ahead of everyone else because I get to use the facility," said Ella.

Kathleen said she had also gained significant learning benefits with the opportunity to access workshops and services, relieving some stresses that would otherwise take away from her ability to prioritise her studies.

The ECU Learning Centre, Busselton, continues to provide a dedicated and welcoming study space for ECU students to learn, socialise and engage, supporting them on their academic and professional journeys.

Find out more about studying at ECU South West.