Demand for online-based university model tested

A more accessible university model could be a step closer for students in the region, as staff from Geraldton Universities Centre work towards bringing a similar campus to the Pilbara.

The Geraldton Universities Centre supports university courses in Geraldton on behalf of a range of universities including CQ University, Charles Sturt University and the University of Southern Queensland.

In addition to providing administration, student and pastoral support, this unique university model allows regional students the flexibility of studying online whilst being supported with face-to-face tutorials from highly dedicated, qualified and experienced local professionals.

Project officer Brendan Penzer said after successfully establishing the centre in Geraldton in 2010, GUC was currently surveying the community to see if a similar “community based” model was viable in the Pilbara.

“What we've got here in Geraldton is a base model which is working in our community and we are looking for a potential model which would work in the Pilbara,” he said.

“The Geraldton Universities Centre has distributed surveys to key Pilbara stakeholders who we met with in March and we will be up in May for the Careers Expo in Karratha to meet with the community.

“If there was enough interest and if the models prove to be viable, there could very well be a similar community-driven model in the Pilbara too.”

Mr Penzer said the educational model had many advantages for regional students currently studying university courses via distance education.

He added since adopting this independent model, GUC had grown supported courses and student enrolment substantially with 270 students studying across 10 different programs in a year.

“It can be very daunting for distance education students to tackle the technology, the isolation and studying by yourself can be difficult,” he said.

“Under such a model as GUC where students study face to face, retention and completion rates have been higher than that for students who don't have this sort of support.

“Our students are exposed to local industry networks within their professional fields from their first year of study through to their graduation and beyond.

“Graduates not only become highly skilled but highly valued as potential employees in local industries, building local community capacity and keeping some of the finest and brightest graduates in their region.”

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett welcomed the survey work being undertaken by Geraldton Universities Centre to look at community demand and higher education models in the Pilbara.

“Tertiary education and leveraging our research and development opportunities is something we have long aspired to,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing the results from the survey and workshops that the centre are conducting in the coming months.”

Community members are encouraged to participate in the survey online at [www.guc.edu.au/pilbara|www.guc.edu.au/pilbara] , attend the community discussion at the Karratha Leisureplex on May 11 at 5pm or the Careers Central Expo on May 12.

For further information please contact Brendan Penzer 9920 4400 or email brendanp@guc.edu.au .