Celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Central Queensland University’s STEPS program will be held from 7.30pm on October 7, 2006, in the Student Refectory, CQU Bundaberg Campus.

The Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program is aimed at giving prospective students the skills they will need to have a successful undergraduate experience at university. The program provides a pathway into university study and has changed the lives of thousands of students over the past decade.

Previously, students have had to attend CQU campuses to complete the STEPS program, but the program is now available externally. It is believed to be Australia’s first external course of this type to be available free of tuition and textbook charges.

Karen Seary, Head of STEPS at CQU, said that STEPS opens a whole new world for people aged 18 years and older who may never have dreamed they would study at university. The program increases people’s confidence and skills to be able to cope with academic studies. “Confidence is an issue for most mature aged students who do have the prerequisite skills to enter university,” Karen Seary said. “STEPS bridges the gap for these people and has them prepared to take the next step into undergraduate studies.” This is an exciting time for all associated with STEPS. The 20th year celebrations mark a time when past students can congregate to share the successes they have gained since completing the program. “I am particularly excited about touching base with those past students whose lives have been changed in a very positive way because of their experience and success in the STEPS program.” Karen Seary said.

All STEPS graduates are being encouraged to attend the celebration to mark the milestone. Details can be found at http://steps.cqu.edu.au/celebration/.

All enquiries, please contact Karen Seary on 41507067 or k.seary@cqu.edu.au.