Student Experience Excellence Award Finalists
Recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution individuals or teams have made to enhance the quality of the student experience beyond the formal teaching environment.
Defence Pathway Project Team
Nicole Garske, Laura Hudson, Peta Purcell, and Amy Hayden
It is well-documented that Australian Defence Force veterans experience poorer social and emotional outcomes after transitioning to civilian life. For veterans choosing to transition into university, the challenges can be even greater. The Defence Pathway Project addresses these challenges. By developing Defence-specific supports and positioning The University of Newcastle as a safe and supportive institution for Defence students, the Defence Pathway Project has transformed the student experience for new and current students with a military background. The program launched the University’s first Defence Student Association, strengthened industry partnerships, and created tailored supports fostering belonging. Enrolments increased from 26 in 2024 to 44 in 2025, with 59 applications received already for 2026. This level of uptake demonstrates lasting institutional change and helps position the University of Newcastle as a safe and supportive institution for Defence students.
Student Living – ResLife Orientation
Ashleigh Milne, Cass Brown, Madeline Stokes, Jessica Schuhmacher, Jamie-Lee Costa, and Joshua Blacklock
The first few weeks of university life are pivotal for new residents moving into on-campus accommodation at Student Living. In 2025, the team revitalised the ResLife Orientation program through inclusive events, wellbeing initiatives, and consent education. This helped to deliver a meaningful, connected, and supportive start for more than 800 new student residents. Through partnerships with UNSA, Wollotuka Institute, and Consent Labs, the program achieved a 75 percent increase in event participation, 530 completions of consent training in three days, and a 45 percent reduction in early terminations.
Dr Karen Mickle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Dr Karen Mickle is recognised for outstanding, sustained contributions to undergraduate Exercise Sport Science (EXSS) students in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (SBSP). As part of a Centre For International Studies (CSI) Australia initiative, Karen has led four student mobility visits to the Maldives, enabling students to complete more than 120 hours of supervised practical activities. Through cultural experiences, knowledge exchanges, donations of time, skills and resources, students undertake unique learning and professional growth.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.