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CSU hosts 2016 RYLA conference in Orange

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will host the 2016 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference in Orange from Monday 11 April to Friday 15 April.

RYLA is a worldwide Rotary youth program organised by Rotary Districts to provide opportunities for community leadership development.

Manager of student initiatives in Residence Life (in the CSU Division of Finance) and member of host Rotary District 9700 Ms Joanne McRae said RYLA is about leadership, learning, communication, and confidence.

"The 2016 RYLA theme is Developing Your Leadership Potential, based on an Australian Leadership Capability Framework," Ms McRae said.

"The forum is for people aged 18 to 28 years who have demonstrated leadership, intelligence, and compassion within their local community, and seek to develop their skills further.

"RYLA is an intense program, challenging participants to activate their potential as leaders and to impact on their communities and the world. It includes top-class speakers and give delegates the chance to participate in an interactive adult learning environment."

Keynote speakers include CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, Mr Charles Tarbey from Century 21, educational leader and author Ms Pam Ryan and CSU academic Dr Michelle Evans. The 2016 RYLA conference is hosted and sponsored by CSU under its Community-University Partnerships (CUP) Conference Grants Program. Through this program the University provides in-kind contributions such as the use of CSU facilities to host community-based conferences, seminars, and events on its campuses.

B2B a learning experience for paramedic students at CSU

It's not just those on two wheels aiming for a personal best at the B2B (Blayney 2 Bathurst) Cycling Festival this weekend as Charles Sturt University (CSU) paramedic students put their training into action.

The 85 students will be providing first aid and helping with traffic control at the two-day event as part of their Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).

Associate lecturer at CSU's School of Biomedical Sciences, Ms Amanda Hlushak said it's an important learning opportunity for the first-year students. "This kind of community service helps students improve communications skills, empathy and professionalism while gaining a greater understanding of cultural diversity," she said.

"This is the third year Charles Sturt University paramedic students have participated as volunteers at the B2B and we are thrilled to be able to contribute expertise and time in support of this important community event."

The B2B Cycling Festival is a Cycling NSW sanctioned event, organised and promoted by the Bathurst Regional Council. It runs from Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 April. Proceeds are distributed to local charities with headspace Bathurst the major recipient.

Tips on exercise training, brain health and nutrition

Confusion surrounding what exercise is needed for older people will be unravelled during a public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 7 April.

CSU Professor of Exercise Science, Robert Robergs will introduce his Active Lifestyle Education Program and then talk about why certain exercise is preferable. He will discuss high intensity training, lifting weights, diet and medical issues.

Professor Robergs said, "Too many individuals become increasingly sedentary as they progress through 'middle' to 'older' age. We need to develop strategies and support systems to encourage our aging citizens to be more active.

"A good first step in this is to educate them as to why they need to be more active, and to support this with programs that assist them in quality exercise training. 

"We do this at Charles Sturt University with our Active Lifestyle Education Program."

Tips about Becoming A Better You; Exercise, Training, Brain Health and Nutrition is a free lecture from 6pm to 7pm in room 223, building 1292, near car park 7, CSU in Bathurst.

Professor Robergs is an exercise physiologist in the University's School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health in Bathurst. His research examines the role of exercise and physical fitness in disease prevention and rehabilitation in diverse special populations.

The event is part of CSU's Explorations Series and will be held from 6-7pm, with refreshments to follow, in room 223 of building 1292, near car park 7 at CSU in Bathurst.

Amazing Race at CSU for RDA

The second annual 2016 Amazing Race for charity at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst is about to leap out of the starting blocks.

Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, "Rain, hail or shine, there are eight teams ready to start on the first leg of six challenges at 3pm Wednesday 30 March.

"Teams can still be formed up to 2pm, and all funds raised this year go to the Bathurst and District Riding for the Disabled.

"This is a fun event for staff and students, and we need everyone's help to reach our target. So I urge the community to please donate now to support these wonderful students and staff who are giving their time and energy to help the cause."

Donations can be made directly at http://csuamazingrace.com.au. All online donations over $2 are tax deductible, and an instant receipt will be emailed to everyone who donates.

There will be a sausage sizzle outside Pulse (building 1414) from 1pm. Teams will assemble outside Pulse at 2.45pm for the 3pm start.

Professor Anyanwu acknowledged the role of former Head of Campus Professor Jo-Anne Reid who hosted last year's event and was central to the organisation of the 2016 Amazing Race.

A second Amazing Race event will be held on Wednesday 6 April at CSU in Bathurst.

Student awards and prizes from CSU Faculty of Science

High achieving students in the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Faculty of Science will be honoured with awards from the Executive Dean Professor Tim Wess as well as prizes during six ceremonies over the next few weeks.

The first of the ceremonies is on Wednesday 30 March from 2:30 to 4:00pm at CSU in Albury-Wodonga and the rest continue through April and May at CSU in Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

Professor Wess presents Dean's awards for students who have achieved a grade of Distinction or High Distinction in all subjects.

The awards and prizes include students from a range of degrees including agricultural business management, agricultural science, paramedics, nursing and midwifery, science, animal science, veterinary science, clinical science, health science, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, dental science and oral health.

For a full list of Faculty of Science Dean's Awards ceremonies read here.

Chifley Home brings history to life for students

History students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) this week stepped into the Chifley Home Museum and Education Centre in Bathurst to glimpse the life of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth.

CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences history tutor Mr Nathan Down said about 30 students visited the Centre because of its pertinence to the theme in the unit The Short Twentieth Century (One) which examined the interwar period.

"This subject explores major political, social, economic, and intellectual developments in world history, from 1914 to 1945," Mr Down said. "This week we focused on the importance of primary historical sources, particularly oral history. The subject examines methodological issues important to the applied study of history, and we decided to use the tangible nature and function of primary source material in our local 'backyard'.

"We are fortunate to reside in a city with so many historical points of interest that are accessible to both the public and the University. It makes perfect and practical sense that we introduce local history into our subject's learning outcomes and the discipline more generally. The Chifley Home visit allowed students to find, identify and classify different historical sources that highlight this period of the 20th Century.

"Current Charles Sturt University academic and past curator of the Chifley Museum, Mr Sam Malloy, provided a detailed insight into Ben and Elizabeth Chifley's longstanding relationship with the Bathurst community, and the Museum provided additional imaginative context."

Mr Down said the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will continue to engage with the local community, and upcoming historical field days will further strengthen the bonds between the University and the Bathurst community.

First 2016 writer-in-residence for Booranga Writers’ Centre

The first of four 2016 writers-in-residence at the Booranga Writers' Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga has been announced.

Adjunct senior lecturer in English in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Wagga Wagga Mr David Gilbey has confirmed that Mr Paul Daley (pictured) will be the first 2016 writer-in-residence.

"Paul Daley writes about Indigenous history, Australian culture, and national identity for Guardian Australia," Mr Gilbey said. "He has won a number of journalism prizes including two Walkley awards, the Paul Lyneham award for political journalism, and two Kennedy awards.

"Paul is also a novelist and his first novel, Challenge (Melbourne University Press 2014), has been well received. Through the protagonist Daniel Slattery, who Daley describes as 'a cross between Mark Latham and Holden Caulfield', Challenge examines problems associated with the dysfunctional and transparent lives politicians lead," Mr Gilbey said.

Mr Daley takes up his residency at Booranga Writers' Centre on Monday 28 March, and will present a public reading at the Historic Council Chambers in Wagga Wagga from 5.30pm to 7.30pm Tuesday 29 March. He will also present a seminar in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences current seminar series on Thursday 31 March, and a workshop at Booranga Writers' Centre on Saturday 9 April. Mr Daley is keen to work with Indigenous people while at Booranga, and will explore and draw inspiration from the wider Riverina region during his residency.

The next three Booranga Writers' Centre writers-in-residence for 2016 are Ms Jena Woodhouse, Ms Helena Pastor, and Mr Mohammad Ahmed.

Border community getting fitter for good cause

Albury-Wodonga residents of all ages can help address the health problems facing regional Australia while getting fitter for life.

Over the next 10 weeks, physiotherapy students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga will offer classes in spinal health for participants of all ages, and strength and balance for seniors, at CSU's Community Engagement and Wellness (CEW) Centre.

Program coordinator Ms Rebecca Piazza said that the classes provided important practical experience for the final year students as they prepare to embark on their physiotherapy careers.

"Many of our students are from rural backgrounds, and are likely to continue to care for those living in regional Australia," Ms Piazza said.

"These community exercise groups are one way we educate and nurture these students in their role as 'health ambassadors' for their communities."

In the Smiling Spine program, students supervised by qualified staff, will help participants strengthen their backs for good spinal health, or to recover from previous injuries.

The group class will run from 1 to 2pm each Monday, starting Monday 21 March, and will incorporate pilates, yoga stretches and swiss ball exercises.

Students will also help seniors who have previously fallen or suffer from muscle weakness, walking problems, or poor balance, in the Falls Prevention Class.

The class will run from 11am to 12 noon each Monday, starting Monday 21 March, and will include exercises to improve strength, balance, fitness, endurance and awareness.

‘Nerd Nite Wagga’ back for fifth event

The popular 'Nerd Nite' presented by Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD student Mr Wade Kelly is back for its second season and fifth main stage event in Wagga Wagga on Thursday evening 17 March.

Mr Kelly (pictured) is a PhD candidate in the CSU School of Information Studies in Wagga Wagga and he described Nerd Nite as "like Discovery Channel with beer".

"The format is simple," Mr Kelly said. "People gather in a bar to watch three nerdy, and highly engaging, presentations on a range of topics, interspersed with trivia, games, and drinks. It's informative, entertaining and fun.

"For this fifth Nerd Nite in Wagga Wagga we'll have some special surprises to celebrate St Patrick's Day in style and, as always, three nerdy presentations and a drink or two."

Nerd Nite was started in Boston in 2003, followed by an iteration in New York. It has since spread to over 90 cities worldwide. Mr Kelly helped establish Canadian iterations in Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Banff, and in Harare in Zimbabwe. He brought Nerd Nite to Wagga Wagga in 2015.

"Wagga Wagga is the smallest city in the world to host Nerd Nites, and most events are near sold-out, with audiences of about 120," Mr Kelly said.

The three Nerd Nite presenters tonight include Professor of Information Studies at CSU, Professor Lisa Given (topic: All the World's a Text); Ms Simone Eyles (topic: Dreams are easy, execution is hard; the joy and heartache of being an entrepreneur), and Mr Peter Dickinson (topic: Siri! Make me a sandwich! Siri! Siri?). Find out more about the presenters and their presentations for Thursday 17 March, and previous events, here.

Nerd Nite is an over 18 years adult general admission event held at The Union Club, 122 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga. Tickets are $10 pre-booked or available at the door; doors open at 7.30pm.

Understanding student needs through learning analytics

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange will host nearly 50 learning technology experts for a workshop on analytics and adaptive learning and teaching on Thursday 17 March.

Director of Learning Technologies in the CSU Division of Student Learning Associate Professor Philip Uys said the workshop is organised by the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and e-Learning (ACODE) and will provide insight into learning analytics as a barometer for student needs, strategies and technology to ensure adaptive teaching is possible and productive.

"Charles Sturt University has a strong learning analytics program and I'm pleased to say we were one of the first universities to establish an institutional strategy for learning analytics," Professor Uys said.

"As an institution we are excited about the potential for learning analytics to enhance learning and teaching, so we hope workshop participants will leave Orange feeling the same way."

ACODE workshops provide a professional development forum for those involved in learning and teaching in the tertiary education sector. Participants engage with the latest information, exchange ideas and make contacts, with a focus on enhancing policies and practices for learning and teaching enabled by technology.