CQU’s Bundaberg staff headed out west recently to visit some of the region’s more distant feeder high schools – Monto, Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold State High Schools.

The purpose of the visit was principally to inform year 10 to 12 students about CQU, its programs and opportunities for accessing the university from school. The team set out to promote bridging programs such as Shadowing (an opportunity to shadow an experienced CQU student studying the program in which the high schooler is interested), and the TEP or Tertiary Education Program – specifically for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and offered through Nulloo Yumbah. “The visits are so important, some of these kids may rarely get the chance to visit a big city like Bundaberg and moving away from small rural communities is a large step that few of us will understand,” said Michele Palu, Support Services.

“We find that by making personal contact early enough with these students and letting them get to know some of the staff at the Campus we have a far higher chance of success,” she added.

Michele Palu was accompanied by Neil Wex, Equity and Diversity Officer, Graham McLoughlin, Campus Coordinator for Nulloo Yumbah and Sue Sargent, one of the Bundaberg Campus Community Relations Officers.

“The visits are a two way thing – we also get to learn far more about what the school students and staff need from us by way of support, whilst giving the students real options for their future,” said Sue Sargent.

All four were in total agreement that continuing the school visits was a vital component to maintaining both school and community confidence within the rural regions. “Without the visits, many of these students would simply just fall through the net,” Sue added.

(LHS) The graduating class of 2007 – creating real options for rural students.

(RHS) Students from Eidsvold SHS discuss Shadowing with Michele Palu, Support Services.