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Another Major Growth Phase for the University
29 July 2006
Further strong Commonwealth Government support was given to the
University by Minister Julie Bishop this week. There has been a
significant increase in student growth places for 2007 and
beyond. The allocation has excited more national interest in the
success of USC.
These places reconfirm USC as one of Australia's most rapidly
developing universities. USC received the sixth highest allocation
nationally and the second in Queensland. The few universities
marginally ahead of us, unlike USC, are predominantly multi-campus,
so it is impressive growth for our Sippy Downs campus.
The disciplines in which we have the places include nursing,
mental health, education, social work and computer science.
The heavy emphasis on nursing and health places, coupled with a
newly registered USC nursing program for 2007, means that we can
make an even more concerted contribution to the international
shortage of health professionals - an issue which will confront our
society throughout the 21st Century.
To accommodate this growth we are in the throes of a major
building program. Our nurse education facilities for example, are
among the best in the country.
Consistent with the emphases in the Forster Report we will
continue to work closely with allied medical and health
professionals to ensure synergies for mutual advantage.
Across many courses important new relationships are being
developed with professional and business partners to broaden a
range of practical undergraduate experiences that increasing
numbers of students expect and deserve.
Other facilities are also being developed to provide more
leisure opportunities for students.
The demand for USC is soaring, and outstripping many
universities, some of which are experiencing severe downturns. The
combination of innovative courses, highly qualified and supportive
staff, increasingly impressive resources and recreational areas,
and a beautiful environment, are combining in the minds of
prospective students to make USC so attractive. It is now the first
choice University for most of our students, which speaks volumes
for all the dedication that has been shown by staff across the
board in our first ten years.
The growth and impact continue.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast