Uni backs proposed Regional Services Hub in Moranbah
Published on 02 December, 2009
CQUniversity backs the development of a Regional Services Hub in Moranbah as proposed by Moranbah and District Support Services.
The Hub would be a shared multi-purpose space used by different local service providers, including CQUniversity which said it could use the facilities on an as-needed basis to help deliver learning and research services to Isaac residents.
"Moranbah has 3 schools, a TAFE, a hospital and good local services. This would make CQUniversity far more accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds and bring about a level of community-university engagement that we haven't had here before," said Gai Sypher, Operations & Project Manager based at CQUniversity's Emerald learning site.
"The project has the potential to enable people here to have timely access to their local University, its staff, products and support services, when required.
"CQUniversity is Moranbah and Isaac's University. There are 20,000 people in the area and most of us can and should benefit from a relationship that we can each have with the Uni," said Christine McFarlane, Project Officer of the Hub steering committee.
"Around 40% of the local Isaac population is directly employed by mining industry. Mining and natural resources management is a big area of research and instruction for CQUniversity so it's very appropriate - and important for us - to have a presence and base of operations in Moranbah," added Professor Peter Smith, CQUniversity Professor of Organizational Systems.
With the Hub in place, over 1000 local high school students will have a preferred University at their doorstop, with access to programs such as SUN, CQUniversity's Start Uni Now program for 10th, 11th and 12th graders who take uni courses whilst they study as school.
In addition, adults will acquire better access to CQUniversity's 4 free bridging or enabling programs which prepare people to take on university-level education.
Professionals, those with degrees and those seeking qualifications, will also have access to scores of CQUniversity's distance education degrees in areas such as Accounting, the Arts, Aviation Technology, Biomedical Science, Building Design, Building Surveying & Certification, Business, Construction Management, Creative Enterprises, Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Exercise & Sport Sciences, Financial Planning, Geo-science, Health Promotion, Hospitality Management, Human Movement Science, Information Systems and Technology, Learning Management (Education), Mine Operations Management, Mine Technology. Multimedia Studies, Nursing, Occupational Health & Safety, Professional Communication, Property, Psychology, Science, Social Work and more.
"The great thing about CQUniversity is that we're inclusive and we want everyone to know they are welcome and that they can participate in many different programs right here, in their homes and at work. With the right support and attitude they can achieve great things," explained Ms Sypher.
CQUniversity Acting Vice Chancellor Angela Delves, who recently signed a letter supporting the Hub proposal, commended Moranbah District Support Services for its leadership in bringing together CQUni and others to promote practical answers to our shared goal of maximising regional engagement.