Milestones 1996 - 2000
1996
Planning President Professor Paul Thomas became the inaugural Vice-Chancellor on January 1.
The University's first academic year commenced on February 26 with 524 students attending classes in the faculties of Arts and Business.
The University was officially opened by Queensland Governor Leneen Forde, AC on April 26. The opening celebrated the success of community efforts over two decades to establish a higher education institution on the Sunshine Coast.
The first Strategic Plan (1996-2000) was implemented by University Council.
The University's inaugural Open Day, held in September, attracted more than 4,000 people.
1997
The Faculty of Science was established and the first students enrolled.
The Faculty of Business launched Australia's first online Master of Business Administration.
Stage 2 of the University, the Library, was officially opened on November 4, and shortly after was awarded the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award for the best public building in Australia.
The University Club was officially opened on December 3 by the Queensland Ministers for Emergency Services and Sport.
Construction of Stage 3, the Science Building and Brasserie, was completed in December.
1998
The University established the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) Centre, later known as the English Language Centre.
The University partnered with QANTM to provide its Diploma in Multimedia on campus. The Diploma was articulated with the University's programs in Computer-based Art and Design.
In October Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie visited Shanghai and signed inter-institutional agreements under the Shanghai-Queensland Sister State/Municipality relationship.
The Regional Education Cluster was formed, with the Vice-Chancellor as Chair, to coordinate regional education initiatives.
The Gifted and Talented Scheme, aimed to enable gifted high school students early entry into university was established, with the University signing an agreement with pilot school Matthew Flinders Anglican College in October.
The University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 was passed in Queensland Parliament on November 19, formally legislating the independent status of the University.
The international-standard athletics track and playing field was completed.
The A$6 million Arts Building was completed in December.
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1999
The University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 took effect on January 1, and the University's name changed from Sunshine Coast University College to University of the Sunshine Coast.
The University's new logo was launched on February 19.
The University joined the coalition of 'New Universities for the 21st Century', convened by the California Post-Secondary Education Commission.
The University's first graduation ceremony was held on April 13, with 131 graduates receiving their testamurs.
At the Graduation Ceremony Ian Kennedy, AO was installed as the University's Chancellor, taking over from inaugural Chancellor Justice GE (Tony) Fitzgerald.
The Faculty of Arts secured a grant from the Cassarmarca Foundation to fund a lectureship in Italian for three years. This was the only grant awarded to a regional university.
The Faculty of Business established a collaborative Master of Business Administration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Singapore Institute of Materials Management.
In December the University participated in the preparation of Maroochy Shire Council's urban design plans for Sippy Downs, planning an integrated university township for more than 50,000 people.
2000
Olympic athletes from Israel, Latvia, Slovenia, Jamaica and New Zealand lived and trained at the University in the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Games.
The Faculty of Arts was renamed Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to reflect the scope of courses developed by the faculty.
The new position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor was filled by Professor Paul Clark in March.
The University's first in-country study opportunities for students were established in Japan and Italy through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
The University was awarded the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' President's Award in recognition for its contributions to architecture.
The University received funding from local, state and federal governments for the establishment of a business incubator as the first stage of a technology park for the Sippy Downs township.
The University was granted membership of the Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee (AVCC).
The Bachelor of Business (Marketing) was rated by DETYA as the best of any public university in Australia, on the basis of graduate feedback.
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