Over 1 000 school students from across the Central West of New South Wales will descend on the Bathurst Campus of Charles Sturt University (CSU) later this month for FACTS Tertiary Information Day 2007. Organiser Denis Behan said the Day is designed “specifically for Year 12 students. They come from Lithgow, Molong, Blayney and Orange as well as Bathurst, from government and non-government schools. We have 60 different exhibitors including all NSW and ACT universities as well as private providers, TAFE and other agencies who help students.” Nicholas Williams was Captain of Kelso High last year and attended the 2006 FACTS Day. He is now studying the CSU double degree in psychology and secondary teaching. “There were a huge number of stands and a lot of information. I found it very helpful. You go away with something to think about.”

A ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Friday 25 May will honour Mrs Sheila Swain, AM, by naming the School of Nursing and Midwifery complex on the Bathurst Campus The Sheila Swain Building. Among her many distinctions, Mrs Swain was appointed to the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education (MCAE), which became part of CSU, in 1980 and was elected Chairman in 1984. Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Elaine Duffy, said the University continues to be enriched by Mrs Swain’s contribution.  “As well as her service to what was then Mitchell College, Mrs Swain has maintained her links with CSU and has generously funded five scholarships to assist female nursing students experiencing financial hardship while completing their studies. Mrs Swain is an inspiration and an outstanding role model for all women, and especially for female nursing students, and that is why we chose to honour her in this way,” Professor Duffy said.

Theatre/Media students at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Communication will stage a production of the classic Greek tragedy Medea, by Euripides, at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) from Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 June. Twenty five third year students are involved as cast and crew for the production which is being directed by CSU lecturer Ms Annabel Scholes. “Medea was first performed in 431BC and I chose it because of its timeless relevance to modern audiences,” Ms Scholes said. “Medea is a tragedy, a story of betrayal and terrible revenge. It is a challenging script for the actors, and because no copyright applies, it allows us to modernise and retell the story in an innovative way. With support from industry professionals, students produce the entire show, including set design, costume, sound, lighting, stage management, production management, assistant directing, multimedia and publicity.”

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Internet Marketing students will pitch their internet marketing plan to Bathurst Regional Council (BRC) next week. Victoria Jackson, BRC’s manager of marketing and communication, says BRC has launched two new web sites. “This is really just a starting point - you have to get the look and feel right. After that it is about how we manage those sites. So we are tapping into where the students are – at the forefront of what is going on in the industry. They are looking for a project, and we are just starting out – it is a nice synchronicity.” Andrew Mashman from CSU’s School of Marketing and Management says the class has been broken into eight teams working on two briefs. “The first is focusing on attracting more tourists to Bathurst for short and medium term stays, while the second is looking at bringing investment to the town.”

Charles Sturt University (CSU) will welcome visiting representatives of the British Council (Australia) on Thursday 7 June. Lecturer in the School of Communication Ms Fiona Green will highlight CSU’s features and student talents to Council representatives Mr Christopher Wade and Ms Grainne Brunsden during a tour of the Bathurst Campus. “The British Council wants to make the educational opportunities they’re offering to talented young Australians more widely understood so more people from right across Australia can take advantage of them,” Ms Green said. “They know many of the future cultural leaders of Australia are studying and working outside the coastal cities so their visit to CSU is part of a drive to get more of these people to apply for their scholarships and awards.”  Included are a $30 000 postgraduate award in the creative industries for someone aged 30 or below, and six ‘Realise Your Dream’ UK mentoring opportunities worth $10 000 each for 21 to 28 year olds studying or working in the creative industries.

It was a long, hot, dry summer for Bathurst residents, who had to cope without a public pool. That is set to change in September when Bathurst Regional Council (BRC) unveils the new $12.5 million Aquatic Centre, and Charles Sturt University (CSU) project management students are keen to help with celebration ideas. Andrew Mashman from CSU’s School of Marketing and Management explains 30 students have divided into five teams, to work on launch plans that will “engage the community or specific target markets in events surrounding the opening of the pool – it is important to get everyone from all walks of life to the Aquatic Centre in the first weeks”. Victoria Jackson, BRC’s manager of marketing and communication says Council was “looking for launch ideas and now the students have a chance to throw their ideas into the ring. As an added resource for our events team, it helps to have fresh eyes.”

A seven-week pilot project at Masterfoods in Bathurst will expand into a larger study later this year, according to Dr Rob Duffield, lecturer in the School of Human Movement (SOHM) at Charles Sturt University. Twenty shift workers participated in an exercise training program with predictable results – improved fitness and weight loss. As well, the participants reported lower stress levels, less fatigue, and clearer on-the-job decision making. There was even “a small trend in improved absenteeism and reporting of sickness,” said Dr Duffield. Sport and exercise psychologist in the SOHM Dr Les Podlog interviewed the participants about their on-going commitment to the program. He identified camaraderie amongst the group and enhanced self-confidence as key contributing factors. In addition, “shift workers require convenient scheduling times to ensure sustained participation, and it is important to mix people who already get along,” Dr Podlog said.

Schools and other institutions around Australia, including Charles Sturt University (CSU), will burst into song – the same song – at 11am Thursday 30 August. Life is a Song has been especially written for the project entitled Music, Count Us In, which is an initiative of the Federal Department of Education, Science and Training. CSU choir master and music lecturer in the School of Teacher Education Dr Christopher Klopper calls the project “fantastic” and confirms that Life is a Song will be performed on CSU’s Bathurst Campus. He says the timing of the project also coincides with his fourth year student’s practicums, so they will take the project into schools around New South Wales. “This is an opportunity for everyone in Australia to be learning one shared song. It will raise awareness of music education and, if it is successful, could become an annual event.”

Dean of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Business Faculty Professor John Hicks has been appointed the new Head of the Bathurst Campus. He will commence in the position on Friday 22 June when the current Campus Head, Associate Professor Greg Walker, retires. Professor Hicks has had an extensive academic career and has worked as a senior economist in the private sector. He joined CSU in 1993. His current research interests include the application of macroeconomic policy at regional and national levels – especially in relation to China, the economics of education, the application of economics to business strategy and the economics of terrorism. Professor Hicks paid tribute to a job well done by Professor Walker. “Greg has done an outstanding job of engaging with the Bathurst community. And I want the University and community to continue to work together to achieve even greater outcomes.”