CQUniversity now has a new way to support students, thanks to a bequest of $100,000 from long-time supporter and former student Moya Gold ...

Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman and Student Support Centre Manager Mary McLeod this week announced that this generous gift will be entirely dedicated to helping CQUniversity students in need through a new fund called 'CQUni Cares'.

Mary McLeod address the CQUni Cares function

The gift along with the regular donations received from staff has formed a great foundation for the fund.

LINK HERE for more details about CQUni Cares or here for FAQs about CQUni Cares

CQUniversity students will now start to benefit from bursaries from CQUni Cares, which will provide emergency funds to students who find themselves in financial hardship.

CQUni will match dollar for dollar all staff donations to the fund for the next three years,

 making donations doubly important as they can have even greater impact. Visit http://www.donors.cqu.edu.au/

Ms McLeod said sometimes it took only a small cash boon to get a student through a period of hardship, through their program and into the workforce.

"It's the small things that often matter, like paying rent or electricity or buying textbooks. The idea is for the fund to be very accessible," she said.

Professor Bowman said that "getting a student over a hump" in the short-term could have a profound impact in the longer-term.

"It's a watershed that we've reached over $100,000 in our endowment ... and it's an endowment that will grow and grow," he said.

Mary McLeod address the CQUni Cares function

"Through CQUniversity's Workplace Giving Program, staff can give funds to charities outside the University but they also give to support to students who are experiencing hardship.  The fund provides a means for students to access funds quickly to see them through tough times, when they really need it.

"We have a lot of people from low socio-economic groups who can struggle and find it a bit tougher so it's great that we can help them out from time to time. If something is jeopardising their study then this is a way we can help them out.

"Staff are passionate about the University and about the students so this is a way they can help not just academically but also socially."

Community Engagement Coordinator Trinity Harris believes the funds will allow the University to be very responsive to students needs.

"Each case will be assessed purely on the basis of need. We realise that personal circumstances can have a huge impact on a student's ability to succeed in their studies, and CQUni Cares will be able to help our students complete the journey," Ms Harris said.

"We want to see as many of our students as possible succeed in their studies and give back to their communities. Supporting our students through CQUni Cares will hopefully give them the extra support they need to continue with their studies, and fulfill their potential."

CQUni Cares is a perpetual fund so only the interest will be used to provide bursaries to students, therefore the University will continue to seek support from staff, alumni and the community to help them reach the goal of growing the fund's capital.

As a University with around 45% of students from a low socio-economic background, the University can now provide even better support.

For more details you can contact Trinity Harris via 4923 2822 or t.harris@cqu.edu.au

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