Central Queensland University is leading local innovation and providing new learning experiences to increase development and support people who benefit from Central Queensland's growing natural resources and services sector.

Courses are becoming more integrated with industry, including opportunities for work placements which contribute to CQU's national reputation for student satisfaction and employment success.

Some of the employers hiring local graduates and actively pursuing CQU students include Anglo Coal, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, Microsoft Australia. Rio Tinto, Xstrata, Stanwell, Ergon, Queensland Rail, Queensland Magnesium, NRG Power and Bundaberg Sugar plus local schools, hospitals, councils, tourism operators and more.

The University also offers more flexible opportunities for people already in the workforce so they can upgrade their skills and acquire university qualifications without having to give up their jobs.

More than 100 programs and degrees are available in fields including built environment and design; business and tourism; creative and performing arts; education; engineering and technology; health and recreation; humanities and social sciences; information technology; primary industries and environment and sciences. Details are available via 1300 360 444  or http://handbook.cqu.edu.au/

The University maintains its reputation for quality and teaching excellence, with staff in Rockhampton, Mackay and Bundaberg receiving national recognition for the roles they perform in supporting students on their learning journey. Four individuals and a teaching team received Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, as part of the 2007 Carrick Australian Awards for University Teaching. The University received 2 Carrick Awards in 2006, including a major $25,000 award for  the Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op)/Diploma of Professional Practice (Engineering) program.

CQU has recently launched new international programs in Wellington, New Zealand, and a new support centre in Noosa for its many students based on the Sunshine Coast. Both initiatives reinforce the University's history of leadership in international education and distance education.

This year the University also expanded its level of service to high schoolers and adults in the community who otherwise may never even consider university as an option.

CQU and The Smith Family - a national, independent, social enterprise that supports disadvantaged Australian children to create a better future through education - formed a partnership in May in Rockhampton to encourage more disadvantaged students to consider university, working together to support students in achieving their educational and life ambitions.

CQU also expanded its pre-university services, offering about 100 additional places in its preparatory programs known as STEPS, WIST and TEP. The programs, which can run from 12 weeks to a year, are designed for people who want to change their lives for the better through university study but who may feel that they are not suited to participate in a university education. Together the programs have helped over 10,000 people overcome their doubts and led to successful university study, new careers and a better future. All the programs are free, including the supply of study materials. Students, featured in the University's advertising, are enthusiastic supporters of the programs which have enabled them to succeed despite challenging circumstances. As they say, CQU has given them keys to the future. You can read the amazing stories of 3 students at www.cqu.edu.au/keys.

Now in its 40th year as an institution, CQU also celebrates 20 years of nursing education this year. Since its first induction of nursing students, CQU has produced thousands of outstanding nurses, many of whom are now working in clinical positions in Central Queensland, as nursing directors in major hospitals or as influential academics in nursing and health faculties.

On the research front, CQU has recently announced one of its key research flagships as 'Resourcing Queensland' .

‘Resourcing Queensland' integrates several CQU research centres: the Centre for Rail Engineering, the Process Engineering and Light Metals Centre, the Centre for Environmental Management and the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development.

ENDS