The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, will tomorrow (Tuesday 24 November) attend an historic signing of an agreement which will increase exposure to Islamic issues among Charles Sturt University (CSU) students and staff.

 

The agreement, between the University and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, will take place at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C), in Canberra, which is operated by Charles Sturt University.

 

The Governor-General is attending in her role as Patron of the ACC&C.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter said that under the agreement the Foundation will make available suitably qualified academic staff to teach subjects in Islamic Studies as part of CSU’s courses, in particular its professional degrees.

 

“The agreement demonstrates the University contributing to important national priorities, especially diversity and social inclusion. It will help equip CSU students in professions such as teaching, nursing, social work and policing to work in our diverse society. We believe this is the first development of an Islamic Studies program in Australia specifically for professional education,” Professor Goulter said.

 

The agreements will be signed by CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrence Willet, AO, and Affinity Intercultural Foundation President, Mr Mehmet Saral.

 

The event will also launch the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia, which the Foundation has established.

 

Event:	Signing of an agreement between CSU and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation and the launch of the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia in the presence of her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (Her Excellency will also deliver a short speech)
When:	From 10am to approximately 11.15am, Tuesday 24 November 2009
Venue:	CSU’s Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton, ACT