CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Garry Marchant, said, "We are conscious that students studying by distance can sometimes feel isolated and uncertain of where to turn for support.

"The DE Outreach Centre gives students in the Sydney area a face-to-face option for assistance with their studies, in addition to the online and phone support we already offer," he said.

"In just two weeks the Centre has already had over 110 students visit, which is a promising start for the new initiative."

The CSU DE Outreach Centre was made possible through funding from the federal government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).

The Centre provides opportunities for one-on-one and group appointments, as well as networking with fellow students. The DE Outreach Officer can help students with:

• orientation to CSU and distance education studies;
• finding the right staff and contacts;
• study skills, and preparing assignments;
• time management, and online learning;
• building support networks and connecting with other students;
• other questions about studying by distance education at CSU.

The Centre will also be used as a venue for course and discipline-specific seminars for distance education student groups.Distance education students can make bookings online via theDE Outreach website

, over the phone or by email. For more information contact Ms Nuala Grundy, coordinator, DE Outreach Centre – Sydney on (02) 9752 9021 or deoutreachsydney@csu.edu.au