CQUniversity Australia
 

Engaging Indigenous people within Higher Ed

CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a visit from the Oodgeroo Unit of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at Rockhampton Campus.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, Director of the Oodgeroo Unit, and Lone Pearce, Project Officer, met with Office of Indigenous Engagement staff to discuss employment issues and best practice models for engaging Indigenous people within the higher education sector, including governance matters.

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George re-invents himself through STEPS  

Published on 05 February, 2008 

George Newton, like so many other STEPS graduates of Central Queensland University (CQU) Mackay, refers to enrolling in the STEPS program as a defining moment in his life.

PhotoID:5317, Frank Armstrong, lecturer in STEPS (left) congratulates George Newton for being accepted into university after successfully completing the STEPS program.
Frank Armstrong, lecturer in STEPS (left) congratulates George Newton for being accepted into university after successfully completing the STEPS program.

The 57-yera-old Vietnam veteran recalls the past 5 years as some of the lowest in his life, until he discovered STEPS which enabled him to change his destiny.

"I'd gotten to the point where I thought I've probably got 10 years left in me.  I didn't see life getting any better for me," said George.

A calling for ‘something', lead George to CQU Mackay to find out what help was available and within an hour of visiting the campus, he had completed an entry test and was enrolled in the STEPS program.

Graduating from the STEPS program last November, George reflects on the huge morale and ego boost he received by participating in the program.

"I discovered potential in myself that was well beyond my own ideas of what I was capable of," said George.

"I even realised that my experiences in life have been valuable and I was able to pass this on to other STEPS students."

University study was the next logical step for George and with the assistance of the STEPS lecturers; he applied to study a Bachelor of Social Work and was successful.

PhotoID:5322

"I couldn't have done any of this without the staff from STEPS.  They don't care about your education level, your socio-economic background or how old you are, they are willing to help everyone," said George.

STEPS is a preparatory program giving students the skills to succeed at university as well as a pathway into the university program students want to study.  STEPS can be studied internally over 12 weeks (4 days a week), or 24 weeks (3 days a week) or externally. 

The program is free and available to all Australian citizens over 18 and holders of humanitarian visas. 

Applications for study in term one this year, close on Wednesday February 6, so call 4940 7470 for more information. To obtain an application form, go to: http://www.steps.cqu.edu.au/