During March, Charles Sturt University (CSU) is hosting information evenings for parents of high school students in Years 11 and 12 who hope to attend university when they leave school.The information sessions in CSU’s six main campus cities will help families to navigate the higher education system and prepare family members for university study.CSU prospective student adviser Ms Katy Fardell said, “Charles Sturt University presents parent information evenings in our campus towns to provide parents of high school students with great information to help them prepare for university.“We will be providing information on how to research and prepare, as well as how to support your child through to a successful start at university.“Whether it be for parents of students who are the first in family to attend university, or if you just need a refresher, the information provided will be helpful for all parents of children looking at attending university in the next few years.”The information evenings are free events. Participants can find out more information and will need to register at csu.edu.au/parents for these sessions:Orange – 5.30pm Tuesday 13 March, at Orange Ex-Services Club (Tobruk Room), 231-242 Anson Street, Orange;Bathurst – 5.30pm Wednesday 14 March, at Bathurst Panthers Club (Panorama Room), 132 Piper Street, Bathurst;Wagga Wagga – 5.30pm Tuesday 20 March, at the Commercial Club (RJ Hall Function Room), 77 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga;Albury-Wodonga – 5.30pm Wed 21 March, at Commercial Club (Stanley A Room) (Elizabeth St entrance), 618 Dean Street, Albury;Dubbo – 5.30pm Thursday 22 March, at Dubbo RSL Club (Starlight Room), 178 Brisbane Street, Dubbo;Port Macquarie – 5.30pm Thursday 22 March, at Charles Sturt University, 7 Major Innes Road, Port Macquarie.

First-year Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Ms Elicia Dearsley is one of over 200 students to benefit from a new program that assists on-campus students to become job-ready and connect to local employers.Having recently moved to Bathurst from the NSW South Coast to study a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Ms Dearsley (pictured) secured two casual jobs through the Earn As You Learn (EAYL) program.“The program helped me prepare to find a job while studying by helping me create the best version of my resumé I could,” Ms Dearsley said. “They talked me through what employers would be looking for in a resumé and also in an interview situation so I could tailor my resumé to be more suitable for the work I was looking for and had some handy tips to take into my interviews.”EAYL Coordinator in the CSU Division of Student Services, Ms Georgina Stuart explained that EAYL is a pilot program that assists new and current on-campus students at CSU in Bathurst to prepare for and find work that fits around their study schedule.“The program is free and aims to alleviate any financial concerns students may have around starting university”, Ms Stuart said. “They simply register online and we meet with them one-on-one to find out about their skills and interests. We review their resumé and experience. We then match students to local employers registered in the program”. Bathurst local Ms Olive Lockett, a second-year Bachelor of Business (Marketing) student, already had some part-time work at a local supermarket but was looking for some industry-related experience that would give her the skills she needed for graduate employment. Through the EAYL program Ms Lockett has secured a job managing the social media accounts for a new fashion boutique that has opened in Bathurst, ‘Sunday Thistle’.Ms Lockett said, “EAYL has given me the opportunity to gain a job that is relevant to my degree and in an area I’m genuinely passionate about. The program has been an amazing help to my overall career, having the opportunity to sit down and perfect my resumé for my line of work.“I would highly recommend signing up for EAYL if you are looking for job that is going to help you gain experience and earn money while at university.”Owner/manager of Sunday Thistle and Ms Lockett’s new boss, Ms Shylo Land, is impressed with the program and with Ms Lockett’s marketing skills.“The EAYL service has worked perfectly for me. The friendly team provided me with potential candidates the same day that I lodged my request and I was able to recruit Olive immediately. I would highly recommend this service to other businesses in Bathurst looking for casual employees,” Ms Land said. The ‘Earn As You Learn’ program will be trialled in Bathurst initially, with the aim to extend it across the University.Students can learn more at: http://student.csu.edu.au/services-support/careers, or by contacting earnasyoulearn@csu.edu.auBackground for employersLocal employers also benefit from the EAYL program by gaining:- free access to local job-ready students looking for casual and part-time work;- a shortlist of suitable candidates from CSU’s database of job-ready students;- the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective in their workplace, fill short-term contracts, provide holiday backfill, or cover for busy periods;- access to the specialty skills of CSU students, such as marketing and communications, accounting, and IT.Employers have to be within 50 kilometres of Bathurst, and can only log jobs of up to 20 hours per week.Employers can find out more here: http://www.csu.edu.au/contacts/promote-jobs-to-csu-students/earn-as-you-learn

First-year student engineers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst are facing their first challenge this week in problem solving and team work.The annual Rube Goldberg event challenges the 18 students to build an overly complex solution to a simple problem – this year, it is to cut a cake with a large knife.“Working in teams of three, the students have to design and build at least four steps in the machine,” said CSU Professor of Engineering, Euan Lindsay.“This year they have incorporated tambourines, Jenga blocks, a party popper and a flying dog into their project.“They have to work together with the rest of the group to make a single machine, building a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation in the group to make the machine work.“The Challenge embodies the non-traditional, problem-based approach of the Charles Sturt University course. We are committed to developing student engineers who have entrepreneurial communication skills and understand the power of diversity.”Last year, the CSU Engineering degree was recognised by the leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a world leader in engineering education.This year’s completed ‘machine’ will be activated by a global leader in engineering education, Professor Anetta Kolmos from the University of Aalborg, Denmark.The machine will ‘go live’ at 3pm on Thursday 8 March in the foyer of the award-winning CSU Engineering building, CSU in Bathurst.

At the recent Orientation Week Market Day at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst, new students signed up to become blood donors in time for the annual 2018 CSU Inter-Campus Blood Challenge.During the Inter-Campus Blood Challenge from Thursday 1 March to Sunday 1 July, eligible students and staff at all CSU campuses compete to donate the most blood.In 2017, CSU staff and students made a total of 768 donations, with the most donations (n = 348) from CSU in Wagga Wagga, while the highest proportion of donations was from CSU in Port Macquarie (17.5 per cent of staff and students donated).Mr John Feist, Australian Red Cross Blood Service NSW/ACT Community Relations Officer, said this was a great effort but more blood is always needed and he urged all CSU staff and students to donate blood.“The Australian Red Cross Blood Service appreciates every blood donation it receives, and thanks all its donors for taking the time to donate,” Mr Feist said.“Each donation can save three lives, so the University’s donations in 2017 saved over 2 300 lives. That’s outstanding.”The Red Cross mobile blood unit will be at CSU in Bathurst from Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 March.CSU in Bathurst student liaison officer Mr Scott Hatch said, “Wherever students and staff donate, as long as they are registered as a member of the ‘CSU Bathurst’ Red25 group then their donation will count in the challenge. They can register online at the Red Cross website or via staff at the mobile unit on the day of donation.“To book an appointment students can call 13 1495 or go to www.donateblood.com.au. If they can’t make the visit on campus, the mobile unit is in Bathurst every month at the McDonald’s car park on Durham Street, and will be back on campus in May.”

Senior executives of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst welcomed His Excellency, Mr Kwok Fook Seng, High Commissioner of Singapore, for a visit on Monday morning, 19 February.His Excellency was met by Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst, Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu, who introduced Mr Kwok to Professor Heather Cavanagh, Pro Vice Chancellor, Global Engagement (Research and Partnerships).Professor Cavanagh and His Excellency held a private meeting at The Grange Chancellery to discuss higher education and international relations. “I was delighted to welcome His Excellency on behalf of the University, and to exchange views about furthering higher education opportunities in Australia and Singapore,” Professor Cavanagh said.“I thank the High Commissioner for his interest in the higher education sector, and specifically for his interest in the role of Charles Sturt University in delivering education to students in rural and regional Australia, and to international students.”At the conclusion of the meeting, Professor Cavanagh escorted His Excellency on a walking tour of the campus in Bathurst led by Dr Shevahn Telfser, manager of CSU Global (Global Engagement).

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will welcome 667 commencing students when Orientation Week (O Week) activities start on Monday 19 February.CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said, “The start of the new academic year at the University is always an exciting time, particularly with the arrival of new students on campus for Orientation Week activities, followed by the return of continuing students.“I welcome all new students, whether they are studying on campus or online. Charles Sturt University is committed to providing the best possible student experience, and sharing the University’s values so students become graduates who are insightful, inclusive, inspiring and who make a positive impact in their communities and professional disciplines.”Key points:Across CSU there are 2 785 new on-campus students in 2018667 new on-campus students will start at CSU in Bathurst (does not include online students)Welcome Ceremony at CSU in Bathurst at 10am on Monday 20 FebruaryAcademic classes for new and returning on-campus students start on Monday 26 FebruaryHead of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, “Orientation Week is a fun, happy and hectic time for all involved – new students, their parents and carers, and our staff – because as there is much to learn as students consider their new lives in higher education and in a new environment.“For our new students, it is vital that they meet our staff, and ask questions in order to find the resources that will make their studies at CSU a success, while also enjoying a rewarding and eventful life.“Students can use a wide range of services and support to improve their chances of success. For example, we have free after hours and weekend tutors ready to help students in various areas.“During their time with us we hope students will adopt the Charles Sturt University ethos of Yindyamarra Winhanganha – the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in.”O Week activities at CSU in Bathurst include a Welcome Ceremony for students and their families and supporters at 10am on Monday 19 February at the CD Blake Auditorium (building 1220). This will be followed by a Market Day and barbeque on the library lawn. Throughout the week students will attend meetings with course coordinators and lecturers, workshops, tours of the campus and facilities, and social activities.There are more than 40 000 students who study at CSU, of which 21 per cent are international students from 120 countries studying on campus in Australia and overseas through partners or online.Session One classes for on-campus students commence on Monday 26 February.

A diverse range of Australian artists will display their works in a new exhibition to open at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Dubbo on Saturday 3 February.The ‘A Feast of Artists’ exhibition features works by 29 artists and is curated by Ms Tamara Lawry, visual arts and photography teacher with the Dubbo School of Distance Education.CSU in Dubbo campus development manager Mr Bart Sykes said, “Charles Sturt University is delighted to again host an outstanding exhibition of art works by a range of leading and local artists.“The evolving 2018 program of art exhibitions highlights the University’s commitment to and engagement with the community and a range of organisations as a vital resource ‘for the public good’.“We have committed to stage specific exhibitions up until end of July, and an Expressions of Interest process for exhibitions for 2018-2019 will commence in June this year.”Exhibition curator Ms Lawry said, “The 29 artists come from Sydney, Kiama, Canberra, Broken Hill, Coolah, Dubbo, and Bathurst, and will exhibit artworks in a variety of forms - painting, drawing, printmaking, video, photography, sculpture and sound.“This exhibition celebrates the inaugural A Feast of Artists event held in October 2017, which brought together 40 Australian artists and curators to share their artmaking practice with 380 visual arts students from 29 high schools.Entry is free to the Feast of Artists exhibition at CSU, Tony McGrane Place, Dubbo, and the exhibition runs from Friday 2 February until Monday 26 March.Photographs documenting the A Feast of Artists event and guest speakers in October 2017 will also be on display.

One of Australia’s leading legal figures will deliver a free public lecture and workshops for law students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Wednesday 31 January.Acting Director for the CSU Centre for Law and Justice Dr Kath McFarlane said, “We are delighted that The Honourable Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, (pictured) will present a free public lecture at the University.“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Bathurst community to hear from one of the most influential legal figures of our age.“It is also a tremendous privilege for CSU’s Bachelor of Laws students, who will participate in specialised workshops facilitated by Justice Kirby. “Through exposure to great legal thinkers and advocates, the Centre for Law and Justice aims to create change-makers, skilled legal professionals who can work at the heart of regional communities, driving advocacy and improving access to legal representation across the country.”Upon his retirement from the High Court of Australia in February 2009, the Honourable Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest-serving judicial officer. Throughout his stellar legal career he served on various national and international bodies, including as President of the International Commission of Jurists, UN Special Representative for Human Rights in Cambodia, and the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights. More recently, he was appointed to the Advisory Council of Transparency International, the Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in North Korea for 2013-2014, and the UNAIDS/OHCHR’s panel on the overreach of criminal law.Dr McFarlane said, “The Charles Sturt University Centre for Law and Justice works closely with and learns from the professions, creates change-makers, and is committed to social justice and our regions. It connects its students with leading national and international thinkers. “The University’s Bachelor of Laws is an internationally unique undergraduate law degree. As well as teaching the traditional law curriculum, our course incorporates Indigenous Australian content, embeds cultural competence, and offers a range of specialised regional law topics.”The free public lecture by The Honourable Michael Kirby, AC, CMG, is from 10.30am to 1pm on Wednesday 31st January in building 1411, room 347. A light lunch at CSU Engineering (building 1305) will follow the event. To RSVP please contact Ms Kristy Larsen on (02) 6338 4087 or klarsen@csu.edu.au or register here.

Student requirements for textbooks and supplies has changed very little over the years, however the impact of online retail and changes in technology have affected students purchasing preferences.After many years of operation Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been advised that the Co-op bookshop, which leases shop space on the Bathurst campus, will close its doors on Friday 15 December as it moves its services online.The Co-op is Australia’s largest member-owned retailer and supplier of textbooks, educational, development and learning resources.Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students), Ms Jenny Roberts, said, “Charles Sturt University is working very closely with the Co-op bookshop management to ensure minimal disruption to students purchasing their textbooks for next session, and ensuring the online and delivery services are still accessible and convenient to our students”.“We thank the management and staff of the Co-op bookshop for their many years of service to the University community in Bathurst”, Ms Roberts said.Key points about the closure:-There will be a sale at the Co-op bookshop at CSU in Bathurst this week up until close of business this Friday;-The Co-op will consolidate text listings and online supplies for all campuses and distribute orders in the New Year from the Co-op bookshop located at CSU in Wagga Wagga ;-Queries regarding member accounts or textbook information and orders can made by contacting the Co-op via: oEmail: store2320@coop.com.auoOnline portal: https://www.coop.com.au/textlist/manageroCustomer Care Team: 1300 61 71 81 / customercare@coop.com.auThe management of the Co-op have been engaged in discussions with the University prior to today’s announcement, and staff and students of the University were advised of the Co-op closure via internal news in an online statement on Monday 11 December.