* A complex, dynamic, practical exercise for new CSU student engineers * Annual demonstration of team-building and problem-solving * Also celebrates the mathematical constant 3.14 on ‘Pi Day’It’s time again for the dominoes to fall for the launch of the annual Rube Goldberg Machine Day at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Thursday 14 March.Foundation Professor of Engineering Euan Lindsay (pictured) explained that this is the annual demonstration of the first team-building and problem-solving exercise for new first-year student engineers at CSU Engineering.“In at the deep end, building a Rube Goldberg Machine sets a complex, dynamic and practical exercise for our new student engineers,” Professor Lindsay said.“The ‘machine’ features numerous elements or steps that interact and combine as it snakes through the engineering building to complete a single task.“This year’s machine will need to incorporate a pig (it’s the Chinese ‘Year of the Pig’) and recycled items from previous years’ machines. The final step (ultimate goal) of the machine is for it to open a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-sponsored report to be read.”In 2018, the MIT-sponsored report named CSU Engineering as one of the top four emerging engineering schools in the world.This year the special guest who will push the first domino to set the ‘machine’ in motion is Professor Bill Oakes, the Co-Director of the EPICS Program and a member of the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University in the state of Indiana, USA.Professor Oakes’s presence and involvement is also significant because it was Purdue University that in 1987 initiated in the US the first annual National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest.Professor Lindsay said Thursday 14 March is also ‘Pi Day’, which celebrates the mathematical constant 3.14 (3/14 in the month/day calendar format).“We chose this later time of 4pm this year to encourage more school children to come along to experience the buzz of the machine activation and inspire the next generation of engineers to change the world,” Professor Lindsay said.“Our student engineers will also be selling sausage sandwiches on the day to help raise money for our regional engineering scholarship program.“Come along and be dazzled by this year’s Rube Goldberg Machine, and support our student engineers and the engineering scholarship program.”The annual Rube Goldberg Machine Day is at CSU Engineering (building 1305, Village Drive) at CSU in Bathurst, with the machine activated after 4pm on Thursday 14 March.

Engineering industry lacks gender equalityCSU Women in Engineering Network to support regional female engineersNetwork is open to all female engineers

* CSU blood donations save lives * CSU topped Red Cross 2018 corporate blood donation challenge in NSW central west * New blood donors always needed and welcomeStudents and staff at Charles Sturt University (CSU) have the opportunity to save lives and improve on last year’s campus tally when the Red Cross Blood Donation Service mobile van comes to the campus from Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 March.The Red Cross hosts several different categories of blood donor ‘Challenges’ annually, with differing durations.In 2018 CSU staff and students topped the Red Cross’s 2018 Red25 corporate blood donation challenge in the NSW central west region when they made 225 individual donations which the Red Cross estimates saved 675 lives.Red25 group organisations include five regional councils (Bathurst, Cabonne, Cowra, Mid-Western, and Lithgow) major enterprises (such as banks and power companies), government departments, businesses, schools, and services providers (eg SES, police).In addition, in the Top10 Red25 groups for NSW / ACT in 2018 CSU ranked fifth behind NSW Police, the RAAF, the Australian Army, the RAN, and was the top university for blood donations.Student liaison officer at CSU in Bathurst Mr Scott Hatch said, “This is an outstanding contribution to the community by Charles Sturt University donors.“The blood donations by our students and staff embody the University’s values of being inclusive and impactful.“I thank all our donors, and encourage new students and others to consider becoming blood donors.”New donors can make an appointment at www.donateblood.com.au or by calling 131 495.Mr John Feist, NSW/ACT Community Relations Officer with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, said, “We say a massive thank you to all the students and staff at Charles Sturt University for their fantastic efforts donating blood in 2018.“The 225 individual donations at campuses in the central west saved an estimated 675 lives.“Furthermore, blood donations across the whole University helped to save over 7,200 lives, which is an amazing achievement and everyone involved should be extremely proud.“The patients and their families that have been helped by those donations will be forever grateful.“We look forward to your continued efforts in 2019. Let’s see if we can save even more lives together this year!”Mr Feist noted there is currently an appointment shortfall for the mobile blood donation unit’s visits to Lithgow, Bathurst, and CSU in Bathurst in March (Monday 11 to Wednesday 13), so potential donors are encouraged to contact the Red Cross to make an appointment.In the 2018 intercampus Challenge CSU in Bathurst came second (425 donations) to CSU in Wagga Wagga’s 1,000 donations.All CSU staff and student donors are asked to check with Red Cross staff when next they donate to ensure that they are allocated to a specific CSU campus tally - no matter where they make their donation - for the 2019 Intercampus Challenge which runs from 1 March to 1 July.CSU students and staff made a total of 2,415 blood donations in 2018, saved 7,245 lives, and CSU was the fourth largest blood donation university in Australia.

* Students who complete the program achieve an average 75 percent progression rate. * Majority of students completing the program offered CSU course placement. * Program assisting more Indigenous students into university. The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Indigenous Access Program is assisting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders into tertiary education.The five-day program that will be held at CSU in Bathurst from 4 to 8 February kicking off with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony followed by a range of activities aimed at building confidence and providing students with practical steps they can take to gain access into their chosen course.CSU Indigenous Programs Officer Lesley Lyons said the Indigenous Access Program provided a successful transition to university.“90 percent of students who completed the program stated they were confident in their ability to succeed at university compared to 76 percent pre-program,” Ms Lyons said.Describing the program Ms Lyons said the students were given assessments against their preferred course to understand their strengths and what needed to be improved.“Students are either offered a placement or are given an alternative pathway into their chosen program,” Ms Lyons said.CSU Manager of Indigenous Student Centres said the program provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the support and access to the University’s Indigenous study resources to help them succeed.“The Indigenous Access Program provides students support throughout their university life and connects them with the full range of services and support we offer Indigenous students.“Access to these resources can be particularly helpful for students who are the first in their family to study at university,” Mr Dunn said.The Indigenous Access Program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students both mature-aged and school leavers, future dates will be posted to the Indigenous Access Program website.

CSU student Shannon O’Mara will graduate with a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) / Bachelor of Business Studies this Thursday 13 December in Bathurst Has been offered a full-time position at Sefiani Communications in Sydney STRIVE leadership program assisted in further growth as a leader

* CSU student Meaghan Kempson will graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) this Thursday 13 December in Bathurst   * Has been offered a Department of Education Rural and Remote Teaching Scholarship * Extra-curricular offerings and social life shaped Ms Kempson’s all-round CSU experience Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Meaghan Kempson (pictured) will graduate this Thursday in Bathurst ahead of commencing her first teaching role in a rural or remote school as part of being offered a Department of Education, Rural and Remote Teaching Scholarship. Originally from Orange, Ms Kempson moved to Bathurst and lived on campus to study a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education). A course selection, Ms Kempson said “to help improve the current health and wellbeing status of young people throughout Australia.” “Undertaking an occupation in education allows you to play a positive role in shaping the youth and empowering them to one day exert control over their health and support the wellbeing of others around them,” Ms Kempson said. “Education is ultimately the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and reducing the burden placed on the health care system.” With a passion and love for sport, the recent Department of Education scholarship recipient took on many extra-curricular activities during her time at CSU, each with an emphasis on sport and leadership. These included being an Australian student ambassador at the International University Sports Federation (FISU), participant, medal-winner and captain in five University games events, President of the CSU Football Club in Bathurst, President of the CSU Sports Council and soccer captain. Ms Kempson said that her greatest sporting achievement at CSU was being part of the CSU University Nationals team who took home the Tom O’Sullivan Spirit Award for displaying the values and foundations that embody Australian University Sport.  Crediting the extra-curricular and social life at CSU, Ms Kempson said this shaped her university experience by creating an immediate sense of comradery, support and pride. “Throughout my degree, I felt valued and respected by all staff. I can certainly credit my academic success to the personalised and somewhat intimate nature that comes with attending a regional university,” Ms Kempson said. Continuing her interest in sport and leadership outside of teaching, Ms Kempson will be travelling to Russia in February as a result of her achievements at the 2018 FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy, and will be representing Australia in a volunteer capacity at the Winter Universiade in Siberia. Ms Kempson will be allocated her teaching position in 2019 in a rural and remote area that is yet to be advised.

* Thousands to visit Bathurst for six 2018 graduation ceremonies on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 December * Approximately 755 students will graduate from 22 Schools in three FacultiesCharles Sturt University (CSU) will host six graduation ceremonies in Bathurst on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 December.These are part of the wider graduation season during December across all main campuses as well as in Parramatta (for School of Theology) and the Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne.The season starts on Monday 10 December in Wagga Wagga and concludes in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 19 December.Approximately 755 students will graduate across all ceremonies at CSU in Bathurst, and thousands of family members and friends will celebrate the achievements of the students.Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) and Acting Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Ms Jenny Roberts (pictured) said, “We congratulate our graduating professionals with their friends and families on the successful completion of their studies.“Charles Sturt University takes pride in producing job-ready professionals who enter the workforce very insightful, making a positive impact, creating an inclusive society, and inspiring others.“More than 750 graduates will receive their testamurs from the University in Bathurst this year.”Paramedicine graduate Mr Alki Pazpinis from Kensington in Sydney will graduate from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the 6pm ceremony on Friday 14 December. He said, “Charles Sturt University has taught me how to be a leader of the future through a variety of different leadership courses and opportunities to practice what I have learnt in order to better my practice. All these skills are transferable to my chosen career of paramedicine.”Thursday 13 December:Bathurst at the CD Blake Auditorium (the gym), building 1220 at CSU9.30am - 167 graduates from various Schools in the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences; School of Computing and Mathematics, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Psychology, School of Policing Studies, the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, the Centre for Law and Justice, and the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security. The Occasional Address will be delivered by NSW policing expert Mr Tony Trichter, who will join CSU in an academic role in 2019. 2pm - 164 graduates in the Faculty of Arts and Education; School of Teacher Education, School of Education, and School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Occasional Address will be delivered by psychologist Dr Michelle Mulvihill who grew up in Bathurst and attended MCAE before furthering her studies elsewhere and moving to the Southern Highlands.A graduate of note at this ceremony is Dr Ben Pham from Vietnam who will graduate with her PhD in speech pathology. Dr Pham studied at CSU in Bathurst and was involved in the VietSpeech project.6pm - 113 graduates in the Faculty of Arts and Education; School of Communication and Creative Industries, School of Indigenous Australian Studies, School of Information Studies, the Division of Student Learning, and the Academic Success Unit.Friday 14 December:Bathurst at the CD Blake Auditorium (the gym), building 1220 at CSU9.30am - 43 graduates in the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences; School of Management and Marketing. The Occasional Address will be delivered by current Head of the CSU School of Management and Marketing, Associate Professor Mark Frost.2pm – 136 graduates in the Faculty of Science; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Community Health, School of Environmental Science, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.6pm – 132 graduates in the Faculty of Science; School of Biomedical Sciences, and School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health (formerly the School of Human Movement Studies). The Occasional Address will be delivered by CSU alumna and exercise physiologist Ms Shannon Short. Her business, BODY FX Exercise Physiology Services, is based at the Ochre Health Medical Centre at CSU in Bathurst. Three PhDs in exercise science will be conferred at this ceremony.

* Next Stage Growth program helps refine products and develop business skills * Expert guidance and fellow businesses provide insights and refinements * Program offers flexibility and potential to seek export marketsCharles Sturt University’s (CSU) CenWest Innovate has helped a former farmer develop his technology company through the Next Stage Growth program.Mr Hamish Munro is an unlikely tech entrepreneur, coming to it from a life on the land, but alongside business partner Mr Robbie Scott, the two are growing a business with eyes fixed on offering cloud-based technology solutions.With their business based in Central West NSW, Mr Munro found out about CenWest Innovate and decided to apply for the Next Stage Growth program to help him refine one of his products and to develop his business skills.“Coming off the farm I needed to understand marketing, social media, networking, customer management and even human resources ,” Mr Munro said.“We launched Zipmin and two other products which we are still trying to get off the ground but because it is expensive to tweak the products, I decided to apply for the program to help guide me in refining them.”Six months on and after completing Next Stage Growth, Mr Munro said it helped him evaluate the business model he was operating with and to “smooth out the rough edges”, especially when he turned his attention to the other less developed products he was offering.During the program Mr Munro and others completing it would meet on the first Thursday evening and full-day first Friday of each month so they could talk about a particular issue.“Over the eight-hour workshop a speaker would talk to us in-depth about a topic, like pricing or consumer insights, that I could apply to the business.“I struggled with pricing in the past, so now I am toying around with different models to find the one that gets the greatest acceptance,” Mr Munro said when talking about one of the topics that stood out for him.“On top of the mentoring we also got to know one another’s business and were comfortable in offering advice or a perspective that we may not have considered.“People spoke freely. Someone would throw in an idea or decision they thought of doing in their business which the collective thoughts of the group could then refine,” Mr Munro said.An added benefit of the program according to Mr Munro was its flexibility, and that it had the potential for helping him look at export markets.“As we offer a cloud-technology product we aren’t restricted to the Central West or Australia,” Mr Munro said.CenWest Innovate program coordinator Ms Christine Sweeney who is involved in Next Stage Growth program said Mr Munro was a great example of the type of people and businesses who benefit from the program.“Hamish had an innovative product but didn’t have the knowledge or the confidence needed to promote and sell it,” Ms Sweeney said.Next Stage Growth works well in these situations because business owners can tap into the resources and network made available to fill the gaps and build the confidence they need to promote their business.”Ms Sweeney said the CenWest Innovate incubator had been developed with the NSW Department of Innovation and funding from the NSW Government.“The Next Stage Growth program works with a variety of businesses, from small, to large manufacturers, construction, and machinery, and small tech.“Businesses in the regions are even more reliant on innovation for growth than those in metropolitan areas because the stakes are a lot higher if they lose a customer or income stream,” Ms Sweeney said.Ms Sweeney said CenWest Innovate and the program had received state funding for two years and that it had been extended another two through to 2020, its success and the confidence in the program.Aside from CenWest Innovate, CSU operates an AgriTech Incubator in Wagga Wagga, and the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship program.

* Six small schools and 125 students expected to participate * Presentation assembly will recognise students’ 2018 sporting achievements across the small schools * Day will feature indoor and gymnasium sports and a barbeque lunchCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will host the annual 2018 Small Schools Gala Sports day on Friday 30 November.Participating schools are from Sofala, Wattle Flat, Rockley, Black Springs, Meadow Flat and O’Connell.Approximately 125 students, 10 teachers and 20 parents are expected to attend.The students, teachers and parents will be welcomed to CSU at the presentation ceremony by Mr James Brann, Director, Engagement, in the CSU Division of Student Services.Mr Brann said, “Charles Sturt University has a long standing reputation not only in Bathurst, but across its footprint for working with local communities, forming partnerships and encouraging an interest in higher education. What better way to do this by inviting primary school students onto our campus and be exposed to the University through a key unifier of participation in sport.”Program for the 2018 Small Schools Gala Sports Day:* 9.45am – School students arrive at CSU in Bathurst* 10am - Presentation assembly recognising sporting achievements across the small schools for the year. Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country by Mr James Brann from Division of Student Services atCSU; held in building 1292, lecture room 223.* 11am - Recess* 11.15am - Ball games held in the CD Blake Auditorium (the gym, building 1220)* 11am - 12.30pm - Sports rotations, in the gym or on the oval.* 12.30pm - 1pm - Barbeque lunch held behind the CD Blake Auditorium* 1pm - 2pm - Sports rotations, in the gym or on the oval* 2pm - Event concludes