An agreement between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Avondale College of Higher Education will provide new opportunities for students of both institutions.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said many of the programs offered at Avondale College aligned with those offered by the University.

 

“Avondale has a long tradition of providing quality education and programs,” Professor Vann said.

 

“Its mission and activities resonate with our values and priorities.”

 

Established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1897, Avondale offers undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational courses that “seek to develop the whole person,” according to president Professor Ray Roennfeldt.

 

Professor Vann and Professor Roennfeldt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions which should help the College seek self-accrediting status.

 

CSU will act as a mentor and advisor to the college, assessing and benchmarking Avondale’s governance, learning and teaching and research quality and standards and sharing resources on a cost-for-services basis.

 

The agreement will allow college students to enrol in any units of study, including majors and minors, with CSU if the courses are not offered by Avondale and staff members will find it easier to collaborate in research, supervision and teaching exchanges.

 

Professor Roennfeldt said CSU students will also be able to enrol in Avondale’s courses which, along with collaboration between staff members, should build relationships between CSU and other Adventist Church entities.

 

This would include Sydney Adventist Hospital, at which Avondale will negotiate clinical places for CSU allied health students.

 

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Garry Marchant will sit as an external member of Avondale’s Academic Board.