Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Southern Cross University (SCU) have submitted a proposal to the Federal Government to undertake a feasibility study into the creation of a new national university based in regional Australia.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ian Goulter, said considerable work has been done since the announcement of the proposal late last year, and detailed discussions have been held with Southern Cross University and the Government to refine an appropriate scope for the study.

 

“Facilitated consultation has been incorporated into each stage of the process to ensure that our regional communities, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders would have ample opportunity to provide input into the study,” Professor Goulter said.

 

“The University will now wait to hear whether the Government will fund this study.”

 

The universities have submitted a proposal to the Government to undertake a study in three stages:

 

1. Needs Analysis: Examining the role of regional universities in meeting local and national labour force needs; assessing the future demand for distance education to meet national higher education participation goals; and examining gaps in the current arrangement and resourcing of institutions in meeting these needs. This stage will involve extensive consultation with regional communities, staff and other stakeholders to get an overall view of the issues and options. A report on the findings of this stage of the study will be published for comment and will determine whether further progress of the study is warranted (May 2009).

 

2. Modelling: The modelling stage will examine options for meeting future needs, in particular the formation of a new national university. It will involve a high level assessment of current institutional capacity and whether the different configurations of institutions, including integration of a third interstate university, would improve delivery, particularly for regional communities. This stage will also examine resource requirements to address the needs identified in stage one (August 2009).