Who’s the first person you turn to for practical assistance with Curtin-related questions? If you’ve not been living under a rock during your time at university, I have no doubt the first name that popped into your mind—Curtin Connect.

Seriously, I know the benefit of their service firsthand. When I had a last-minute issue with my enrolment at the beginning of this year and feared that my studies would have to be postponed due to the encroaching end of enrolment, I called Curtin Connect, and had my problem (which I would never have been able to work out on my own) fixed in its entirety in under an hour. The same thing happened just 6 months prior when I ended up double enrolled in two separate degrees. I used Curtin Connect’s online enquiry system, and voila! My problem was fixed by a member of their friendly staff, just like that!

Whether you’re sending them an online enquiry, giving them a call, or visiting them on-campus, Curtin Connect has provided the Curtin community with the answers to their conundrums for decades. For those of us with common queries, Curtin Connect even provides a lengthy (and thoroughly organised) list of frequently asked questions from students across a spectrum of faculties. Seriously, I have no doubt that if you’ve not utilised their services, the person sitting next to you in your lecture has (and, most likely, the person sitting next to them, too). Prospective students and Curtin staff also get immense value, clarity, and assistance from asking Curtin Connect their questions!

Curtin Connect Officer, Jemma Scofield says that “Curtin Connect basically provides support for all students, future students, and even staff! We are the first point of contact for most questions you may have about Curtin, from applications to graduations and a lot in between! Not only do we answer enquiries, but we also print and process ID cards and official document requests.”

A vital service to our university community, Curtin connect covers a range of issues. Jemma divulges that “There is a large range of questions we receive! Curtin Connect also works in conjunction with other teams so if your question is complicated or difficult, we can guide you to the correct department.” She cites enrolments, admissions, graduations, fees, and student wellbeing as a few of the major topics covered by the service.

Since Curtin Connect is so widely utilised, it is valuable to understand which means of contact will most effectively and efficiently resolve your issue. Jemma offers some insight. “If you have a complicated question and if you need an answer quickly, calling or coming in-person is the best way as it allows the Curtin Connect Officer to understand your query when it may be difficult to put into writing. However, if you are a full-time worker or feel more comfortable contacting us online at curtinconnect.curtin.edu.au, that is still a good way to contact us and gets checked frequently.”

She adds that, “If you are calling, the busiest time is around midday as that is when [we] get a lot of lunchtime callers. I have noticed that the mornings are normally the least busy, both in-person and on the phone.”

To Jemma, the most rewarding part of her work with Curtin Connect is “… learning more about Curtin and helping solve student’s problems! It can be challenging especially at first finding the information to best help students or knowing when to refer them to other departments, but when you finally solve the problem it is really rewarding. I have also thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the inner workings of a university. The role definitely keeps you on your toes with frequent changes occurring at a large university such as Curtin but that’s what keeps it interesting.”

For those interested in getting involved with the team in the future, Jemma’s advice is to “Definitely consider it! There is a lot to learn but everyone is super supportive, and every day is different so there’s always a lot of variety. The team are all really friendly and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Curtin Connect thus far.”

If you’d like to reach out to Curtin Connect about any issues or queries regarding your tertiary education at Curtin (or you’re a staff member with a burning question!), they can be contacted via their online enquiry form, phone call (1300 222), or in person at Building 102. If you’re calling from overseas, please use the phone number +61 8 9266 5888.

Online enquiries can be made at any time, but phone and in-person meetings are only available Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 4:30pm AWST. Don’t forget that on Tuesdays opening hours shift to 9:30am to 4:30pm!