Photo supplied by AUT
“Our Pacific people belong in universities” Jacoba Matapo/AUT Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific
In its eleventh year, the UniPrep programme once again set out to deliver its mission of helping bridge the connection for high schoolers transitioning into tertiary studies.
For Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific, Jacoba Matapo, this year’s cohort brings another year of eager Pasifika students who are destined to be future leaders.
“We’ve had more than 230 students complete the programme this year. So that’s a massive achievement that our students are coming through and being involved in this transition programme into university,” Matapo said.
“I think something that’s quite significant for us is continuing to strengthen UniPrep, in the way that it is culturally affirming the way that it’s a holistic programme.”
The programme focuses on mainly Pacific students runs for a set of five weeks, engaging students in different social programmes and university assignments and lectures.
Students are also able to use marks or grades accumulated from the programme to help kickstart their uni journey once it is in full swing.
The online programme has been a hit for many years, gaining much traction to its fun and vibrant approach to university studies, with students bringing their own flavour and vibe to their new academic journey.
It’s that unique approach that UniPrep has, in which Matapo credits to how it breaks down barriers for students and opens them up to networking and connecting.
“I was there welcoming the students for that first pōwhiri on the first day,” Matapo said.
“And that is when you realise that walking into a university campus can be daunting and it can feel massive. It’s quite different from your secondary school context. So there is a bit of nervousness.
“But to see the students open up and flourish and see confidence in themselves but also having a sense of belonging that they are meant to be a university student,” said Matapo.
A big focus from Matapo and her team this year to be emphasised for UniPrep, was having discussions with the parents and families of the students taking part in the programme.
The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” became a forefront for the programme making sure everyone was involved in the progress of the students through UniPrep.
“Throughout the process of preparing for the programme, we made sure that whanau had access to the information and what UniPrep is all about.”
“We really want to be honest, open and frank with the parents on just the level of commitment and dedication that is needed for a successful academic study. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone is on the same page.”
Jacoba Matapo/AUT Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific
Being a Pacific student at university is something that Matapo understands well.
Having studied at AUT from undergraduate to her doctorate studies, she has been able to plan and deliver such programs for the current students of AUT. It is a full circle moment for Matapo.
And now, it’s her chance to give back to these young future leaders who are part of this year’s UniPrep programme.
“I often reflect on my own experience, because I think you know, we all have a point of reference, and you know there are strengths, and there are also challenges and implications we traverse in our own education journey.”
“It might be about decolonising processes for some of us. But you know now when I look at it, I think our students are absolutely in a stronger position to be able to access programmes like UniPrep that can help them with their transition.
“That is what I want to do with our work here at AUT,” adds Matapo.
With the programme completed and students settling into the start of their semester, Matapo and her team will continue their work in helping support the students as they did in UniPrep.
Different services such as pastoral care and mentoring will be available for the students with the hope that they can get the best experience through the academic journey.
“Our pacific people belong in universities and we can also lead and serve in these spaces. I’m going to keep my eye on the horizon and watch these students as they transverse and progress through their journey as a university student,” said Matapo.
