USC receives $1.51m for learning and teaching excellence
The University of the Sunshine Coast has earned a $1.51 million Federal Government grant in recognition of its excellence in learning and teaching.
USC was ranked equal 15th of 38 universities Australia-wide in the competitive Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF) 2007 grants announced last week by Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training Julie Bishop.
USC ranked higher than all other universities in Queensland, having again performed strongly in the key area of student satisfaction, and improving its results for graduate employment outcomes and for student retention.
The $1.51 million grant is triple the amount the University of the Sunshine Coast received in the previous round of LTPF grants in December last year.
USC Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the University’s strong LTPF performance confirmed that it provided an educational experience that matched the best available nationally.
“It indicates that we are achieving strong results in learning and teaching quality and that students rate their education at USC very highly,” he said.
Professor Hill said the positive student experience at USC also was highlighted recently by the Good Universities Guide 2008 and by the Australian Universities Quality Agency.
He said further sector-wide recognition was likely as USC continued to introduce new degree programs.
“Over the past three years, we’ve offered a string of new professional degrees and this trend will continue in 2008 and beyond,” he said. “These degrees will improve our employment outcome scores and also will reduce attrition rates.”
Professor Hill said the LTPF funding would enable the University to further develop the overall educational package it offers to its students.
– Terry Walsh