Central Queensland University’s School of Social Work & Welfare Studies has attracted two new staff to continue its work of producing career-ready graduates in 2004.

The School has welcomed Associate Professor Jane Maidment as the new head of school. Associate Professor Maidment has come to CQU from Deakin University. Also joining the team is Kim Laffoley, who has until recently been employed by Community Health Services in Rockhampton.

Ross Munro, who joined the School last year, will be staying for another year, while Jo Mensinga will also remain with the School.

The team heads an innovative, integrated social work education program which is offered entirely through distance education. The program has received top marks from the Graduate Careers Council, displaying huge success rates in the latest graduate destination survey.

Social work received a 92% graduate employment rating, compared to the national average of 79.5%.

Assoc. Prof Maidment said the CQU social work degree teaches student using problem based and experiential learning.

“The School has developed community focussed learning which, in line with the University’s aims, is designed to encourage students to learn both from experience of, and participation in, the problems which confront their communities,” she said.

Photo: New Head of the School of Social Work and Welfare Studies, Associate Professor Jane Maidment talks over the school’s aims for 2004 with school staff Ross Munro, Kim Laffoley, Jo Mensinga and administrator Vedette McGuire.