• Charles Sturt University has renewed the agreement with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) to provide University award education within the Islamic faith tradition
• Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, AC QC, Governor of New South Wales attended the agreement ceremony
• The agreement pioneered Islamic studies in Australia and made it the largest program in Australia

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, AC QC, Governor of New South Wales attended a ceremony today renewing an historic tertiary education agreement between Charles Sturt University and the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA).

The agreement was co-signed by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon and Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp the Director of the Charles Sturt Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation  (CISAC) on Wednesday 17 August.

“We are very proud of the long-standing partnership between the University and the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy that was launched in 2009, and the subsequent establishment of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation in 2011,” Professor Leon said.

“The CISAC provides a unique learning opportunity for our students - combining University award education within the faith tradition of Islam, with enrolment growth and course expansion over the past 11 years.”

Professor Ozalp said, “The CISAC is a leading national and international partnership between the University and ISRA (isra.org.au) which pioneered Islamic studies in Australia and made it the largest program in Australia, perhaps in the world; it’s certainly unique in the world.

“The CISAC is an example of research and teaching excellence, and it promotes cultural safety for all and supports our staff and students by encouraging an inclusive, equitable and healthy culture.”

The agreement renewal ceremony was held at the CISAC campus in Auburn, Sydney.