“Being able to chat to the course coordinator and hear about his experience and what he has done in the field had a huge influence in my choosing Charles Sturt University (CSU),” says CSU first year Communications student Mitchell Shaddock.

 

“I didn’t know much about the University but I had my mind set on coming here because I liked the sound of the course. Going to iDay really confirmed my thoughts.”

 

CSU will again showcase courses in advertising, commercial radio, journalism, public relations and theatre media at the second-ever iDay at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney on Saturday 26 August. The courses are part of the flagship School of Communication, and are amongst the most popular and highly sought-after within the University.

 

CSU’s first iDay last year was an outstanding success, with standing room only at the sessions, according to Rod McCulloch, CSU Senior Lecturer and Advertising course coordinator.

 

“We chose the Powerhouse because we wanted something a bit different, but still central. Attendance was excellent. We must have had 180 students and their parents as well. We were so buoyed by that response, this year we decided to do it again,” said Mr McCulloch.

 

For iDay06 the School of Communication in Bathurst will be joined by its sister school Visual and Performing Arts in Wagga Wagga, bringing the total number of courses on show to 15, including the high profile television production course, as well as acting, fine art, graphic design, jewellery, photography, multimedia and animation.

 

Mr McCulloch says this kind of showcase is extremely helpful because “there is a considerable amount of confusion as to the courses that are out there and who is offering what. The opportunity for us to talk with potential CSU students and their parents often helps them to make an informed choice about which university and course will help shape their futures.”

 

At least seventeen first year Communication students attended last year’s iDay. As a potential student Mitchell Shaddock says not only did talking “one-on-one with the course coordinator and hearing how the course would benefit me in the long term” help him to choose CSU, but the course “has lived up to my expectations, I’m enjoying it thoroughly. And by the time I finish I know I will be able to go out into the workforce, into the sort of place I would like to be.”

 

Rod McCulloch says it is important that parents and students alike recognise what Charles Sturt University has to offer. “I believe that CSU is a great university where students will receive not only an academic education but where they will enjoy a great life experience as well.”

 

“They want to hear about what the university is actually like. At iDay they can. The Communication courses are amongst the most high profile at CSU. We have the best rankings across the board for teaching quality, overall satisfaction and graduate employment in the 2007 Good Universities Guide. Our current and former students are our strongest advocates.”