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USC is Thriving on Change
11 March 2006
There is little doubt that educational arrangements are changing
right across the board, from pre-school to university postgraduate
studies. The last few months have seen a plethora of changes either
implemented or foreshadowed.
The change of name from CSIT to Sunshine Coast TAFE is the
latest with local impact. Under its new Director, Mike Anderson,
links with TAFE and the University have increased markedly and will
continue to do so into the future, for the benefit of students,
many of whom increasingly want to benefit from both
organisations.
This level of cooperation between universities and TAFE has been
occurring across Australia over the last decade or so, and only the
older, elite 'sandstones' seem to be reluctant to move in that
way.
The so-called GO8 'sandstones' seem to be more concerned with
developing their world class status, with general undergraduate
programs and then highly specialised postgraduate professional
training subsequently.
Associated with these changes are escalating debts for students
studying for long periods in high cost courses, many of which will
be out of the reach for those students from lower socio-economic
backgrounds or from regional Australia.
There is a clear move to invest in centres of excellence in
major capital cities, seemingly supported by all political parties,
often at the expense of major investments elsewhere. This is a
cause for concern for those who deeply believe in equality of
opportunity being a hallmark of Australian education, and a 'fair
go' for all, wherever they live.
There are signs that a highly stratified system of higher
education is emerging.
It has been suggested that this process will disadvantage
regional universities most, as they will be starved of Government
research funds, in particular. Many regionals will undoubtedly
suffer.
Despite that trend, I am completely optimistic about the future
of USC and its ability to compete and grow.
Up until 2004, we went through the toughest of times, with
minimal funding. We started as the worst-resourced university in
Australian history, yet we have come through that to be Australia's
fastest growing university with new opportunities for further
growth opening up every week. In fact, our major problem is
deciding which of the many opportunities to run with.
In the rapidly growing region, with huge increases in student
demand, massive community support guaranteed future student places,
one of the best qualified staff in the country, and our leanest
years behind us, the future of USC is assured, however much the
educational environment changes.
Absolutely nothing can now obstruct our development
momentum.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast