The importance of engaging students in their first year of higher education is the focus of a forum at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga this week that has attracted staff from across the institution. The experience of first year undergraduate students has been identified as a priority for the University as part of the new Transition Project, which supports a Federal government priority to increase participation in tertiary education. “We want to increase the participation of students from various backgrounds including Indigenous students and those from rural and regional Australia,” Transition Project Director Ms Liz Smith said. “We must ensure that our students are successful and autonomous adult learners by the start of their second year of study.” The Student Engagement Forum started today, Monday 20 September and continues until 12.30pm on Tuesday 21 September at the Convention Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga.