Cromwell College promotes a strong and supportive academic environment conducive to students achieving the best results of which they are capable.
This is evidenced by the Grade Point Average of Cromwell College students each semester being consistently above 5.
Academic results each semester are monitored, strong performers are recognized, and students with academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to request advice and support. All first year students are interviewed by either the Principal, Deputy Principal or Dean of Students early in the first semester and active follow up occurs if they are experiencing academic difficulties or if they are concerned about their choice of program.
An excellent tutorial program is offered at Cromwell College out of hours for students who are experiencing difficulty with their courses. For first year students, tutors can be either high achieving second, third, fourth year Cromwell students, or can be alumni or professional people from beyond the College.
For students above first year, tutors are generally sourced externally if they cannot be sourced from within the College. This is because the specialization at more advanced levels in some courses makes the precise qualifications and experience of tutors integral to the value-add for the student, hence the need to search widely for the best fit.
The tutorial program is organised by the Deputy Principal and the Senior Academic Tutor, and is provided at no extra cost to students. There is a high degree of correlation between higher academic results and attendance at tutorials. The College pays the tutors, but this cost is built into student fees.
Academic support at Cromwell goes well beyond formal tutorials. Students form informal study groups which meet regularly and there is the advantage of being able to consult at times of difficulty with later year students from the same program who may live just a couple of rooms down the corridor.
Faculty based Academic Breakfasts are held regularly, where industry professionals share a meal at the college with small groups of interested students. These events are invaluable for our students to hear of the challenges and successes of those a little further down the path of their careers. Formal Dinners held regularly, similarly allow professionals from the wider community to engage and inspire with our students.
Respectfully, in taking the step from school to university and college, it is important for new students to understand that although there are substantial support services here at Cromwell, students will deliberately not be treated like “Year 13”. Cromwell is a residential community of tertiary students emerging as adults, not a school. There is significant help available, but all students are encouraged and expected to take the initiative with their own academic progress, and to proactively seek out the many forms of assistance available as soon as they feel that issues may be arising. Early intervention is vital at this higher level of study.
The Academic Dinner is a formal occasion held annually, where academic excellence is recognized and celebrated throughout the whole College.
Academic Prizes
Academic prizes are awarded annually at the Academic Dinner.
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