Charles Sturt University (CSU) is continuing to make tertiary education more available in regional Australia when it opens its latest Regional University Centre in collaboration with Goulburn Ovens TAFE (GOTAFE) in 2013. Head of CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Ms Sue Moloney, will formally announce the expansion today, Thursday 3 May, during the release of the Rural City of Wangaratta's South Wangaratta Urban Renewal Strategy at 10am during a Special Council meeting at the Council Chamber, Wangaratta Government Centre. “This initiative recognises the complementary and combined strengths of Charles Sturt University and GOTAFE, particularly in agriculture. Initially, students undertaking a GOTAFE diploma in dairy management can continue their studies with credits from their GOTAFE course to gain a CSU degree in agricultural business management. We are also looking to offer further opportunities for CSU courses through the Wangaratta centre, including postgraduate agriculture studies as well as nursing,” Ms Moloney said. The CSU Regional University Centre at Wangaratta will be established by CSU in collaboration with GOTAFE with the support of a Commonwealth Structural Adjustment Fund grant of over $7m.

The impact of recent floods in the Riverina on the welfare of dairy herds will be discussed during a workshop organised by Dairy Australia for farmers from 10.30am on Thursday 5 April. Veterinary scientist Dr Chris Petzel from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will lead the workshop to advise farmers on how to address problems associated with a wet and muddy dairy environment, including lameness and mastitis. Dr Petzel said, “The water logged paddocks and laneways can lead to hoof problems. When the cows lie down, the risk of mastitis increases dramatically. Through the workshop, I will give farmers advice on how to tackle these problems and encourage them to be proactive in handling what can become serious milk production issues.” A lecturer in cattle medicine in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Dr Petzel has a strong interest in production medicine. He has worked as a vet in Australia and the United Kingdom. The CSU academic will lead a further workshop with dairy farmers from Forbes in central west NSW on Friday 20 April. 

Students and graduates of the Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will shine when they attend an awards ceremony from 11am today Wednesday 21 March. Second year veterinary science student Ms Emma Lee from Cobargo on the far NSW South Coast will receive two awards for her academic achievements in 2011 from Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp. Second year veterinary science student Ms Siobhan Carson from Euroa in Victoria will receive a Dean’s Award as well as the Australian College of Veterinary Scientist Epidemiology Chapter Award for being the most outstanding student in animal disease management. Final year equine science student Ms Danielle Parker from Wagga Wagga will be a joint recipient of the Australian Society for Parasitology Prize for her achievements in the subject, parasitology. Ms Parker will celebrate her academic prize by attending the ceremony with her parents. The student has nearly completed her degree while undergoing chemotherapy for an auto-immune disease and dealing with spinal injuries sustained in an accident more than six years ago. A second ceremony will be held from 2pm on Wednesday 21 March for students and graduates from the same faculty enrolled in courses including oral health, pharmacy and nutrition.

The new Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Andrew Vann, is set to receive a warm Canadian welcome when he visits CSU in Ontario on Monday 19 March.  This is Professor Vann’s first visit to CSU in Ontario since he joined the University in January this year, and he will meet with staff and students during the short informal visit.  While in Canada, Professor Vann will participate as a member of the Australian delegation attending the meeting of the Wellington Group in Vancouver from Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 March. The Wellington Group is a meeting of senior members of the higher education policy community from the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) students about to teach their first middle shool classes will receive a good dose of enthusiasm from a Border teacher who has been around the world with her profession. Ms Rosemary Michalowski, who has a number of professional qualitifications in traditional and alternative teaching methods as well as German language, will address third year middle school students to provide them with tips on preparing for their first practice teaching periods in schools around NSW and Victoria. “In our school, the ‘Middle Years’ integrated curriculum engages students by making connections that are relevant to their lives while expanding their horizons and providing for diverse learning needs,” said Ms Michalowski, who leads Year 8 as part of the Middle Years program at Wodonga Catholic College. Coordinator of the preservice teaching program with CSU’s School ofEducation, Ms Liisa Uusimaki, said as an enthusiastic educator, Ms Michalowski is an inspiration to the CSU students. “Ms Michalowski is passionate and dedicated in her support of both young people and the teaching profession," Ms Uusimaki said. Ms Michalowski will address the students in two sessions on Tuesday 13 March at CSU in Albury-Wodonga.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff and students affected by recent flooding are being reminded to look after their emotional wellbeing.  The University is providing counselling to students both in person and via the telephone. Student Counsellor, Ms Katie Murrell-Orgill said she is expecting a demand for services once people are able to return to flood affected homes.  “It’s normal to experience a range of emotions in these kinds of situations and it can be really helpful to seek support to help process what has occurred,” she said. “With much of southern and central west NSW and northern Victoria affected by floods, the service is available to all students including those studying by distance education.”  Students can make an appointment for counselling by calling Student Central on 1800 275 278 while after hours support is available by phoning Lifeline on 13 11 14. Staff and members of their immediate families can access CSU’s Employee Assistance Program, which offers free short-term professional counselling services. Information is also available on the CSU 2012 flood website here.

Two US academics will fly into Wagga Wagga for the week commencing Sunday 4 March as guests of Charles Sturt University (CSU) to explore international study opportunities in nuclear medicine and radiography.  Professor Robert George and Associate Professor Debbie Wilkinson are from the four year nuclear medicine degree program at the Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) in West Virginia in the USA. In Wagga Wagga, they will meet staff and students from the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at CSU. “Charles Sturt University’s strong international profile in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging attracted their attention. Both universities want to bring international experiences and opportunities to their students who are studying for careers as diagnostic healthcare professionals,” said Dr Geoff Currie, a Senior Lecturer with the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences. “During their visit, we will explore the possibility of student exchanges between Charles Sturt University and Wheeling Jesuit University by 2013. One of our courses, radiography, is not offered by WJU so we are interested in examining how it could be offered to their students through Charles Sturt University.”