A ‘think tank’ on early childhood education policy met with Professor Gordon Cleveland, a world-leading Canadian economist from the University of Toronto, at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus last week. Professor Cleveland, who specialises in early childhood education and care policy, contributed to discussions about the implications of current government policy towards early childhood education. Jennifer Sumsion, Professor of Early Childhood Education from CSU’s Faculty of Education, said, “The forum participants included academics from a range of universities and personnel from the non-government sector and unions. They agreed to identify a research agenda for investigating issues that need to be considered as a result of a market-driven approach to the provision of early childhood education and care in Australia.”

Almost 3 000 new students are expected to descend upon Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) six Campuses on Monday 19 February for the beginning of Orientation Week. At CSU’s Dubbo Campus, O Week starts on the Monday and new head of campus, Mr Gary Shipp has invited indigenous leaders to join new students at the welcome ceremony between 1pm and 1.30pm. This will be followed by a BBQ for students and family.  As well as social events, the week will include information sessions about courses, enrolment and living on and off-campus. New students can learn about CSU’s online services, electronic communications, library and student services. Student coordinators and leaders will wear orange shirts with paw and claw prints to reflect the 2007 Safari theme and, to compliment the theme, new students will visit Western Plains Zoo on Friday 23 February. Paul Shaw, Senior Program Coordinator said CSU staff look forward to a busy week. “It is a very mad week - in a good way.”

Almost 3 000 new students are expected to descend upon Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) six Campuses next week for the beginning of Orientation Week 2007. At CSU’s Albury-Wodonga Campus 500 new students will arrive on Monday 19 February. They will check into Thurgoona accommodation cottages and tour the campus and library. On Tuesday 20 February from 9am new students will meet with community services, government agencies, local businesses and University student clubs at the annual Market Day on the Thurgoona site. Official welcomes will also be held on the Thurgoona site for new education students at 9.30am, followed by health students and 11.30am and all others at 1.30pm. Academic advisory sessions will be held on Wednesday 21 February on Albury City and Thurgoona sites, as well as enrolments and library tours. Activities on Thursday 22 February include information sessions about study and library skills, student services and personal well-being for the new students. Paul Shaw, Senior Program Coordinator said CSU staff look forward to a busy week. “It is a very mad week - in a good way.”

One thousand new faces are expected to converge on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Wagga Wagga Campus from Monday 19 February for Orientation Week activities. New students will attend information sessions about courses, enrolment and living both on and off-campus. New students will learn about CSU’s online services, electronic communications, library and student services. Students will be given a formal ”Welcome to Country” by Wiradjuri elders at Joyes Hall from 2pm on Monday. An estimated 600 students will get a taste of CSU life at a huge barbecue on Tuesday from 2.30pm outside the Dining Hall. Social activities include a ’Dive-in Movie’ on Thursday night at the CSU Wagga Wagga Pool. For the first time Wagga Wagga City Council will provide Wagga Wagga City bus tours for new CSU students, running all day Friday.

A new initiative within the NSW Ambulance Service (NSWAS) has seen 22 Charles Sturt University (CSU) Paramedic graduates begin a one-year internship. Peter O'Meara, Associate Professor in CSU’s School of Public Health said previously the CSU graduates had to train all over again within the NSWAS three-year entry program. “This recognises our students’ skills and knowledge and it means they get out into practice more quickly. It is excellent for CSU and we hope to see it expanded in the future, with the ultimate aim of all entry into the NSWAS being by university degree.” Professor O’Meara explained that other states have phased out their own training programs altogether in favour of university graduates. And, he added: “We understand anecdotally that the students are doing very, very well and have made quite an impression.”

Prime Minister John Howard announced last month that “the existing Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs will become the Department of Immigration and Citizenship” adding that the new title better reflected “the pathway to becoming an Australian inherent in a vibrant immigration program”. In the UK, multiculturalism has been described by Tory leader David Cameron as a “wall of division that must be torn down”. Dr Rabiul Islam, lecturer in Psychology at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has a special interest in people’s perceptions of the word ’multiculturalism’. He agrees that multiculturalism can be seen to divide society into ethnic groups. “The concept of multiculturalism has been misinterpreted. I think a better word is diversity, as it conveys a purpose to unite the nation. It is important that different ethnic groups mix with mainstream Australians and understand Australian values,” said Dr Islam.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Professor of Human Resource Management and director of Research Development, Andrew Smith has joined eight elite scholars to be appointed as a Research Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM). ANZAM is the peak professional body for management educators, researchers and practitioners, representing about 500 individual and 50 institutional members, including most Australian and New Zealand universities. It aims to advance scholarship and practice in management education and research.  ANZAM Research Fellows, who are appointed for three years, act as mentors to doctoral students and researchers, helping develop their career and research profiles. Professor Smith says his appointment “is a considerable honour”.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is strengthening its ties with regional councils while also providing more accommodation for students through the Regional Shires Accommodation Scholarship Scheme (RSASS). The Berrigan, Jerilderie and Tumut Shires have demonstrated their commitment to the RSASS by each purchasing a room in the CSU’s new student accommodation cottages. Those rooms will be occupied by a student from each of those local government areas. CSU Chancellor, Lawrie Willett, AO will unveil door plaques for the Berrigan, Jerilderie and Tumut Rooms during Commencement Celebrations starting at 2pm on Monday 19 February at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus.  It is hoped that in time similar plaques will adorn the doors of all rooms in the Shires’ Cottage.