Senior executives from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and North Coast TAFE (NCTAFE) will sign a Heads of Agreement at CSU in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 27 November to formalise the existing relationship between the organisations. CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Garry Marchant, said both organisations share a commitment to improving participation and success of students in higher learning and supporting the skills needs of the region. “Charles Sturt University wants to help build sustainable regional institutions and communities. Our collaboration with North Coast TAFE to build effective pathways to higher education for residents on the Mid North Coast builds on our organisations’ individual strengths and provides real opportunities for the region to prosper,” Professor Marchant said. “The development of educational pathways is a proven approach to improving higher education participation and attainment. Our partnership with North Coast TAFE sits alongside relationships we have with a number of TAFE institutions in regional Australia. Each partnership is different, but they all reflect the commitment of each organisation to improving success in higher learning.” The Institute Director for North Coast TAFE, Ms Elizabeth McGregor, applauded the value of the partnership for existing and prospective students, saying that the signing of the agreement was another important milestone in increasing higher education options and access for the Mid North Coast communities. “We at North Coast TAFE believe that educational partnerships and collaboration like this are essential in delivering prosperity and sustainability to the region,” Ms McGregor said.