Charles Sturt University (CSU) students have rated the University significantly higher than other Australian universities in a range of key areas related to work integrated learning.

On the eve of his address at the Australian Higher Education Congress in Sydney tomorrow (Tuesday 18 March), CSU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ian Goulter, confirmed the results of the latest independent survey of Australasian student engagement by the Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd (ACER).

"CSU is extremely pleased with the survey results," Professor Goulter said. "It confirms that CSU is a national leader in the critical area of work integrated learning."

The survey found that students rated CSU significantly above other Australian universities in a range of key areas related to work integrated learning:

• explored application of learning to the workplace (+ 13 per cent above the Australian university average);
• undertaken or undertaking practicum, internship, fieldwork or clinical placement (+ 11 per cent above the Australian university average);
• undertaken or undertaking placement or work experience (+ nine per cent above the Australian university average);
• acquiring job or work related knowledge (+ seven per cent above the Australian university average).

Work integrated learning is every form of activity that combines professional work experience with classroom studies, including clinical rotations, cooperative education, industry attachments, professional work placements, service learning, internships, research, teaching practicum placements, and work abroad.

In his address to the Higher Education Congress, Professor Goulter will call on the Federal Government to invest more in supporting universities and employers to engage in work integrated learning.

"I urge the Minister for Education, as part of her review of higher education announced last week, to include engagement in work integrated learning as one of a range of meaningful indicators of performance that are relevant to advancing the national interest," he said.

"Business keeps telling me that in a highly competitive environment, they need graduates to enter the workforce better prepared for the reality of modern professional practice. Integrating work and learning is vital for educating work-ready professionals for the modern global economy and to enhance the sector’s contribution to national economic productivity and prosperity.

"CSU prides itself on providing practical, employment focussed courses that ensure our students graduate with the attributes and workplace skills required to step confidently into new employment opportunities," Professor Goulter said.

More than 80 per cent of all undergraduate programs at CSU have a professional practice component, and more than 83 per cent of CSU's graduates find full-time employment within four months of completing their degree.

"The University has invested heavily in its commitment to work integrated learning through the establishment of the Education for Practice Institute and the Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education," said Professor Goulter.

"CSU has listened to the views of business and has worked hard to ensure our programs meet the highest academic standards, as well as prepare our graduates more successfully for employment."

Professor Goulter is also President of the World Association for Co-operative Education (WACE), an international organisation of academic, government and corporate leaders from 48 countries examining the impact of work integrated learning on global workforce development.

The Australian Higher Education Congress is a significant gathering of university executives and administrators from across Australia, with invited international guest speakers.