Places are still available for a new course directly addressing the shortages of doctors and dentists in inland Australia. Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) new Clinical Science degree, launched by CSU in 2006 and offered from the University’s Orange Campus, allows students to complete a degree specifically designed to prepare students for graduate entry into medicine or dentistry. Under a collaborative agreement signed with the University of Sydney (USyd), a number of rural and regional students from this course are eligible for facilitated entry into dental and medical degrees at USyd. Course coordinator Dr Debbie Burton said the course will see regional would-be doctors and dentists begin their training in regional Australia. "This is a great opportunity for suitable regional people to access a career path that they might not have previously considered," Dr Burton said. Further details on the CSU Clinical Science degree are available from Dr Burton on (02) 6365 7828.

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.”

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.

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 Bathurst Campus, O Week starts on Monday and Tuesday with information sessions about courses, enrolment and living both on and off-campus. New students can learn about CSU’s online services, electronic communications, library and Student Services on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are Meet The Staff and learning skills workshops days. At CSU Orange Campus, Orientation Week begins on Tuesday 20 February. As well as the usual welcome ceremonies and information sessions, there will be a special ’meet and greet’ for students beginning the new Clinical Sciences degree on Wednesday 21 February. Student coordinators and leaders will wear orange shirts with paw and claw prints to reflect the 2007 Safari theme. Paul Shaw, Senior Program Coordinator said CSU staff look forward to a busy week. “It is a very mad week - in a good way.”

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”.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Indigenous Employment Program is proving an effective vehicle for positive change and equity. Melanie Shea is one shining light to emerge from the program that offers ten traineeships a year in the University. She is now employed at the CSU Learning Materials Centre (LMC) as a full-time despatch assistant and has gained invaluable workplace experience with the full support of the CSU Indigenous Employment Coordinator, Karen Kime. Mel began a twelve month traineeship in Transport and Distribution at the LMC just one week after completing her Higher School Certificate. “I believe on-the-job training is a great door opener for people to gain confidence, knowledge and qualifications. The new skills can then be applied in any workplace. I am so pleased to have been a part of the program,” Melanie said.

Earlier this month the Australian government announced it would set aside more than $1.7 million for projects under the Defeating the Weed Menace program, including nearly $280 000 for research on Parkinsonia, one of Australia’s worst weeds and ranked number one on the list of the 20 Weeds of National Significance. Dr Anantanarayanan Raman, senior lecturer in Ecological Agriculture at Charles Sturt University’s Orange Campus, said Parkinsonia is a problem throughout the tropical world where it spreads rapidly by seed. “Currently only integrated pest management and grazing by camels are being explored in Australia to control Parkinsonia. Biological control appears as a strong possibility to me, especially by using seed-feeding insects. One species of Asphondylia is known to infest Parkinsonia flowers and feed on them, which could lead to the total degeneration of the flowers. This species and other seed and flower-infesting insects need to be surveyed for their potential,” said Dr Raman.

Almost 1 000 new students were officially welcomed yesterday to Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus. The commencement ceremony included messages from Bathurst Mayor Norm Mann, representatives from various students’ organisations and Wiradjuri elder Mrs Gloria Rogers. “I’m pleased to be part of this important day and I am sure the new students will enjoy their time here,” said Mrs Rogers. Head of the Bathurst Campus Associate Professor Greg Walker said he hoped that CSU would extend the life experiences of the new students.The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter said he clearly remembered leaving a small town to start university, as well as being a parent taking his own children to begin their tertiary education. “It is a moving experience and a big step,” he said. His advice to the new students? “Be open to new challenges.”