We can help you with all aspects of your studying with culturally safe support and advice from dedicated First Nations staff.
Whilst our services refer to First Nations students, we respectfully acknowledge that students identify in a range of ways, such as with one or more Nations or language group names, as Indigenous, as Aboriginal and/or as Torres Strait Islander. If you have any questions, feedback or suggestions, please contact us at firstnations@csu.edu.au
We’re here to walk with you on your journey. By registering with First Nations Student Connect you will have access to dedicated support services and resources to help you succeed.
Connect with a First Nations Students Advisor to find out how we can offer assistance.
After you register with First Nations Student Connect services, we can provide general advice and advocate on your behalf within the University.
We can connect you with other specialist teams if you need special consideration, adjustments, counselling, and assistance with library resources or services. We can set up introductions to these services or be part of your first meeting if you request it.
We regularly hold events with our Connect Sessions (academic and culturally) at our First Nations student centres or online for connection with fellow First Nations students. We appreciate receiving feedback on your experience at Charles Sturt. As an enrolled student, you will be provided with ongoing communication monthly with upcoming Connect Sessions.
Set yourself up for success with support from an expert tutor!
As a First Nations student registered to First Nations Student Connect, you are eligible for up to 10 hours of content-specific tutoring per enrolled subject. This can assist you when assignments are due, when preparing for exams or just when you need help.
How to register
Help us find you a good fit – request what works for you. Whether that be face-to-face tutoring, using the same tutor you’ve had success with before, or something else.
Step one: Register for First Nations Student Connect if you haven't already
Step two: Request a tutor
Postgraduate students can request content-specific tutoring by emailing firstnations@csu.edu.au.
Once you’re matched your tutor will contact you to discuss your tutoring needs.
All First Nations students are eligible for membership to Grammarly. Grammarly automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in your writing. It’s easy to use:
Once you have received an invitation to Grammarly, you can access the service from any computer.
After you register for First Nations Student Connect services, you can access support from a First Nations member of the Academic Skills team.
You can choose to:
You can book an appointment to yarn with Academic Skills Advisers about your writing, referencing, and other study needs. We have a specialist First Nations Adviser available within the team, though you can opt to access any of their team of Advisers if you choose. You can access 25 minute Zoom, email, face-to-face, or phone appointments with other Academic Skills Advisers. However, the specialist First Nations Academic Skills Adviser is not able to meet you face-to-face, so you should select an email, online, or phone appointment.
You can access prompt advice on structure, grammar, expression, spelling, and punctuation. This service does not include proof-reading your writing or comment on subject matter.
Ask questions about your study needs through our live chat service run by Studiosity.
There are a number of scholarships available specifically for First Nations students at Charles Sturt. Ensure you regularly review these as they can provide much needed financial support. Additionally, ensure you check out scholarships available for all students.
The Away From Base Program provides financial assistance for meals, travel and accommodation for eligible students while attending compulsory intensive (residential) schools and/or professional placements in eligible courses. Eligible courses include the following when studied online:
A resource is available for First Nations students, offering an online place to connect with people, information and resources to help you with your research and study.
Yalbilinya Ngurang (Yal-bil-in-ya Nu-rang) means 'Place of Learning' in Wiradjuri language.
Tell us what you need or how we can improve our support to you.