A recently launched NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) Nursing program will see high school students from Orange, Bathurst and Oberon step on Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Orange as enrolled university students this week. The HSC Board Endorsed Nursing Course, in collaboration with the Health e2 Schools, CSU and TAFE, is a link for HSC students interested in pursuing a career in nursing at CSU. “The HSC Nursing program allows Year 12 students to complete two subjects in CSU’s Bachelor of Nursing,” says Susan Bragg from the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. “Upon successful completion, students will gain entry to the Bachelor of Nursing and be given credit for the two subjects.”

Communities and regions where mining occurs will be severely affected by the downturn in the Australian mining sector due to the global financial crisis. Mr Tom Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Research Institute (WRI) at Charles Sturt University at Bathurst, says that with the current contraction of the Chinese economy, the largest customer for Australia’s mineral resources, Australia will face increasing and probably prolonged reduction of revenue from mining. “Our studies indicate that mining jobs create economic multipliers of four to six in surrounding community economies, or more in some instances,” he said. “That means for each mining job lost you can have four to six other jobs lost in a community. This is because mine wages and local spending are so high. Other industries typically have multipliers of around two to three or even less, so mine jobs are very hard to replace.”

Charles Sturt University (CSU) continues to expand with the construction of new student residences set to commence on the Orange Campus. Joss Construction began works associated with the new residences on 30 January so all major earthmoving will be finished before Orientation week. “Student numbers are constantly increasing at CSU,” said Head of Campus Professor Kevin Parton. “With the introduction of the dentistry degree this year, and more courses planned, the new accommodation will be a pleasing addition to the campus.” The new accommodation will house 40 students and will include study bedrooms, kitchens, common rooms and male and female bathrooms. “Our aim is to enhance the university experience for each student by offering all first year students on campus accommodation,” Professor Parton said. The new accommodation is designed to allow the easy addition of up to 60 more study bedrooms as student demand increases.

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the most significant advancements in our understanding of the natural world, according to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Professor Nick Klomp. “This breakthrough in scientific understanding still affects many facets of modern life, despite first being published 150 years ago.” CSU will lead the regional scientific communities in celebrating Darwin’s 200th birthday during the week commencing Monday 9 February. Professor Tom Frame in Canberra can discuss Darwin’s life and travels in Australia, including his visit to Bathurst, and his influence on society, while Professor Ben Bradley in Bathurst can discuss Darwin’s seminal work, On the Origin of Species, which was published in 1859. CSU scientists will also be available on the University’s Bathurst and Orange campuses to discuss how Darwin’s theories have influenced their work and the modern world, including Professor Frank Marino and the role of evolution in being able to run faster and longer and Professor Geoff Gurr on evolution and insect management.

Year 12 is a time when most students decide on their path for the future. Everyone wants to be successful and to make the best choices, but accessing the right information at the right time is not always easy. That’s where Charles Sturt University, (CSU) Southern Cross University and the University of New England can help. These universities recognise the importance of helping students select the right study options. That’s why they go direct to local students via the Regional University Road Show. Now in its eighth year, the Regional University Road Show visits 110 schools, sharing information with around 4500 students. As CSU Prospective Student Adviser Ms Katy O’Brien explains, the Regional University Road Show provides senior high school students with accurate and timely information regarding university education. “By pooling resources, CSU, SCU and UNE are able to provide excellent advice to students in one visit, maximising the study options presented to students while minimising the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.” Orange Christian School Careers Adviser Ms Melissa Brown says the Regional University Road Show is a wonderful opportunity for her students as well as students from other local high schools. “Our students are able to hear from three different universities in the one session which enables them to consider a number of options for future study. Often regional students have difficulty attending university open days, so here the universities come to them. The sessions are very informative and give lots of time for questions about both the study options and the admissions process." Next week, the Regional University Road Show will be in Orange, visiting Orange Christian School, Orange High, Kinross Wolaroi and James Sheahan. Students from Canowindra and Molong will be travelling to Orange host schools to take part in the presentations. In a world of endless possibilities, it’s difficult to determine the best course of action for your future. The Regional University Road Show will help you find a study option to suit you.

The planned State visit to Australia and to Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Saturday 14 February by His Excellency the President of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta, has been postponed due to the ongoing natural disasters in Australia, including the devastating bushfires in Victoria. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of CSU, Professor Lyn Gorman, said that the University has been advised by representatives of the President that, after consultation with the Office of the Governor-General of Australia, the visit will be postponed to a mutually convenient time later this year. Professor Gorman said, “We fully understand the position of the President and thank him for his wishes for the victims of the Victorian bushfires. We thank the President for his commitment to reschedule his visit later in the year and look forward to welcoming him at that time. Given that this visit was to be the inaugural event of CSU’s 20th anniversary year, the celebrations will now begin with the Official Opening Ceremony at CSU at Wagga Wagga on Thursday 12 March.”

Two high level delegations from universities in China and South Korea will visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Monday 16 February to consolidate links with the national university of inland Australia. The Acting Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Lyn Gorman, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers, will each host one of the visiting delegations from Dali University in China, and from Hannam University in South Korea. Professor Gorman said, “The University welcomes the opportunities these visits present to build on existing linkages and extend CSU’s involvement in international education with partners in China and South Korea.” The Dali University delegation will discuss a range of issues relating to areas of cooperation with CSU, including research, academic staff visits, as well as a specific articulation arrangement in Information Technology. Hannam University officials will explore ways in which CSU can enhance the courses and teaching at Hannam University. Professor Chambers said, “CSU has had a long-standing relationship with Hannam University since 2003, and this visit builds on that relationship. We will discuss programs for teachers of English, and doctoral programs in theology.” This will be the first visit to CSU by the new President of Hannam University, Dr Hyungtae Kim.

The national flag of China will again fly at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Thursday 12 February when a high level delegation from the Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE) in Kunming, China visits the University. The Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Business, Professor John Hicks, said the visit is an important link in the further development of relations with the tertiary education sector in China. “CSU is well placed to provide its expertise across a range of courses, particularly in business, and this visit will help strengthen the excellent relationship that the University has already established with YUFE,” Professor Hicks said. “Despite the global financial crisis, China remains an important trading partner for Australia. China has a dynamic higher education sector, and both CSU and YUFE benefit from the partnership that has been established.”

Jane Mills, a media practitioner with extensive industry experience, has joined the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Communication as Associate Professor in Communications, Research and Teaching. The Head of School, Associate Professor Rod McCulloch, welcomed the appointment of Professor Mills, saying it is a major step in the development of the School’s higher degree programs and adds considerable depth to the professional and practical experience the School brings to its research and teaching. “Jane’s teaching experience includes film, television, digital media, documentary, radio and journalism, an interdisciplinary approach that will be fundamental to her teaching role within the School,” said Professor McCulloch. Dr Mills’ career roles include Head of Screen Studies at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, arts program presenter for Granada Television in the United Kingdom, and a producer for BBC and Channel 4. She has also been a freelance journalist for The Guardian, The Daily Mirror and The Sunday Times.