Three Queensland Ministers attended the launch of CQU’s new service to improve the education environment and motivate students.

Ministers Pat Purcell, Mike Reynolds and Rod Welford witnessed the launch of a two-part customer care program designed to enhance learning and improve outcomes for all students.

The program, Managing the CQU Student Journey, is specifically designed to provide academic support and supplementary learning opportunities to students when and if they require it.

The Journey program also focuses on CQU staff and is designed to improve teaching and course curriculum.

Three former CQU students spoke about their life, study and career pathways, praising the University for its commitment to helping students succeed.

“University is certainly challenging and the learning journey can be overwhelming at first. This is a premium service and through this initiative we will identify students encountering study problems, intervene early, and provide assistance that will increase their chances of successfully completing their courses and programs,” explained Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Research) Professor Jim Mienczakowski.

CQU will survey and monitor students’ performance in an effort to “flag” people who may need extra help. Staff will then work with students to increase their ability to work independently and excel.

“We recognise and appreciate that each student journey is unique – some are more challenged than others. But in the end they all need to have worked independently and achieved the same standard. That’s what this program addresses,” Professor Mienczakowski said.

This CQU Student Journey complements other CQU services including the CQU Student Mentor and Leadership Program, which links first-year undergraduate students to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students during the orientation. Student mentors show incoming students “the ropes” by sharing their experiences and providing “insider” information about CQU.

“We have a duty to ensure our students acquire the skills necessary to work better. Equally, we must always be looking at ways to teach more effectively and enhance the learning experience,” added Professor Mienczakowski.

Photo: (from left) Participating in the launch were Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell, CQU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski, CQU graduate Mark Greenaway, Child Safety Minister Mike Reynolds, Education Minister Rod Welford, CQU graduate Mick Amedee and CQU graduate Kevin McNulty.