Be Ready: giving students the tools to start strong
CQUniversity’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory (STEPS) course has introduced a new initiative aimed at removing common barriers students face when beginning their studies.
The Be Ready Equity Packs initiative first emerged as an idea in 2025, after staff within the School of Access Education observed that many students were starting their studies without basic stationery or essential technology. These gaps—often linked to financial hardship—can make the early weeks of term significantly more challenging and have a lasting impact on student confidence and academic success.
By Term 1, 2026, the first Be Ready Equity Packs were distributed to STEPS students, marking a major milestone in supporting students right at the beginning of their learning journey.
As Australia’s first and only social enterprise university, CQUniversity continues to embed social innovation, community impact and social justice across its operations. While searches did not identify a comparable program offered by another Australian university, there is no definitive confirmation that CQUniversity is the first institution to adopt this specific model of support; however, the Be Ready Initiative appears to be unique in both scope and structure.
Each Be Ready Equity Pack delivers practical resources designed to reduce financial and logistical pressures on new students. Packs include a laptop, essential software, USB drives, headphones, a study or laptop bag, a scientific calculator, a water bottle, a diary and calendar, and a full set of stationery such as notebooks, pens and highlighters, with additional items tailored where needed.
These resources directly support learning preparedness. Laptops and software enable access to online classes and assessments; headphones assist students studying in shared or noisy environments; scientific calculators support maths-based units; and tools such as diaries, stationery and water bottles help students organise their study and maintain healthy routines.
One recipient of a Be Ready Equity Pack, Shauntae said the impact was immediate and deeply meaningful.
“The fact that this initiative even exists is everything. As a single mother of two young children, I have recently faced an unexpected and difficult time following the end of my employment. Receiving this pack could not have come at a more meaningful moment. It is not just a collection of resources—it's a powerful reminder that there are people and organisations out there who believe in individuals like me and want to see us succeed.”
CQU Program Leader Dr Trixie James said the initiative was inspired by the recognition that financial hardship can be a significant barrier to accessing university education.
“Too often, students are ready to learn but lack access to basic tools like laptops and study materials. I believe every person deserves the opportunity that education provides. Through enabling programs, we offer a pathway, but we must also remove the barriers that stand in the way. The Be Ready Initiative is about ensuring students can begin their journey equipped, confident, and ready to succeed—so that potential, not circumstance, determines their future.”
Students in need are identified by Access Coordinators within the School of Access Education and must meet specific eligibility criteria. Funding for the packs is provided through philanthropic grants, donations from generous organisations and individuals, and contributions from CQUniversity staff through the workplace giving program. Each pack costs approximately $600 to assemble, with 100 per cent of every donation going directly toward purchasing the included items.
CQU Program Leader Kristin Freeman said being involved in the initiative has been both inspiring and humbling.
“I hear stories of people facing enormous challenges, yet I see them working tirelessly to create better lives for themselves and their families. Sometimes all it takes is one small opportunity to help them break through the barriers holding them back. This initiative has the potential to positively impact so many lives, and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it.”
The Be Ready Initiative will feature as part of the 2026 CQUniCares Appeal, across 11–15 May 2026. CQUniCares reflects the University’s continued commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities by enabling life-changing education, research, growth and social innovation. By supporting the Appeal, donors can help reduce barriers and provide essential support to students who might not otherwise be able to access these resources.
CQUniversity staff can also contribute to the Be Ready Initiative through the workplace giving program, providing another meaningful way to directly support student success.
From its initial concept in 2025 to the delivery of the first packs in 2026, the Be Ready Initiative represents CQUniversity’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and student success. Through this initiative, staff and supporters across the University are helping ensure that financial circumstance does not limit a student’s ability to begin their studies with confidence.
