An orphaned foal born prematurely at the Veterinary Clinical Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga is receiving round-the-clock care from dedicated veterinary, equine and animal science students. Affectionately named Tim Tam, the foal was born by caesarean section in early August when it was clear his mother would not survive irreparable bowel damage. Since his birth he has received 24-hour attention from a team of veterinary and nursing staff at CSU, ably assisted by over 30 students rostered on six to 12 hour shifts. Students were only too happy to be involved in his care, which has included respiratory support, intravenous feeding, medication and two hourly turning. Senior Lecturer in Equine Medicine at CSU, Dr Sharanne Raidal says the mare in foal was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Centre with severe colic, as it was one of the only facilities in the region that could provide the immediate care needed. “Not only does the foal receive excellent care at the centre, it provides our veterinary science students with hands on experience that is invaluable in their training to become rural vets. We are very proud of the enthusiasm and dedicated care demonstrated by staff and students,” said Dr Raidal.

A tutor and a student at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst have been nominated for awards at the annual 2009 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA). Ms Janeen Hosemans, a tutor in commercial radio and advertising in the School of Communication at CSU has been nominated in two categories; Best Talk Presenter and Best On-air Team. Ms Hosemans hosted the popular Morning Wireless Program on local Bathurst radio station 2BS. She co-hosted the weekly ‘Fishy Friday’ segment with Mr Peter Harrison. “This is the toughest category of the awards and the other nominees are all men in state capitals,” said Ms Hosemans. Mr Charles Croucher, a student in his final semester of the four-year Bachelor of Sports Studies/Bachelor of Communications (Journalism), offered through the Schools of Human Movement Studies and Communication, also works at 2BS and B Rock FM at Bathurst. He has been nominated for Best News Presenter.

As part of National Science Week being celebrated at Charles Sturt University (CSU), NASA astronaut Ms Megan McArthur from USA will give a series of lectures on her unusual workplace: space. Ms McArthur’s latest activity was on the shuttle mission to the repair the Hubble space telescope in May this year. “The telescope is a large, space-based observatory which has revolutionised astronomy by providing unprecedented deep and clear views of the Universe, ranging from our own solar system to extremely remote fledgling galaxies,” said Border Stargaze co-ordinator Mr David Chandler. “The May mission completed by Ms McArthur and the team extends the telescope’s operational life an extra four years, allowing even more spectacular images to be recorded. Ms McArthur was responsible for the fragile operation of the robotic arm to capture the Hubble Space Telescope and then release it again once the repairs were complete.” The lectures will be co-hosted by the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga and CSU on Wednesday 19 August in the University’s Nowik Auditorium, Guinea St, Albury.

The popular image of the soldiers of the first Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) during World War I is of high-spirited larrikins. This will be challenged by historian Dr Peter Stanley when he delivers the third Theo Barker Memorial Lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst on Friday 14 August. Dr Stanley, who is Director of the Centre for Historical Research at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, says memoirs, battalion histories and biographies are full of stories that reinforce the idea that Australian citizen soldiers in World War I behaved like naughty boys, and that their antics were harmless or benign. “But there was a dark side to the AIF's wrong-doers,” he says. “Though little acknowledged, the AIF included many men who contravened military law. They stole, answered back, refused to obey orders, got drunk, wounded themselves to get out of the war, and went absent or deserted, and in huge numbers,” said Dr Stanley.

Does cramming really help students prepare for the HSC? With many starting their HSC trial exams today, students are discovering what study methods work best for them. Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer Dr Deb Clarke believes a well prepared study plan is a great start to study and suggests a visit to NSW HSC online for inspiration. “NSW HSC online explicitly follows the syllabus content and has a range of activities for students to complete that can be used to refine and rehearse their knowledge of HSC content,” said Dr Clarke. With so many resources now available online, Dr Clarke advises students to find government-supported sites that provide accurate material. For more information on NSW HSC online visit here.  

International trends for grains, oilseeds and pulses will be discussed at the annual Asia Today Forum 2009 on Thursday 13 August in Parkes. Following the successful forums on beef in 2007 and lamb in 2008, the Asia Today Forum 2009 will focus on cereals, oilseeds and pulses and their outlook for Asian markets. “While the focus of the forum will be on Asia, it will also broaden the view towards the relevant underlying developments and driving forces of today's agricultural and grain markets,” says Director of the Asian Agribusiness Research Centre at CSU, Dr Claus Deblitz. Speakers will include Professor John Chudleigh from Analysing Agriculture and representatives from Emerald Group, the Bread Research Institute, Buckwheat Enterprises, Lachlan Commodities and MSM Milling - Manildra.  

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is giving young people the opportunity to have an input into the challenging issues such as homelessness, teen suicide, drugs, poverty and crime. The Making a Difference (MaD) competition is now open and submissions close on Monday 5 October. “By writing a story, poem or script that addresses any issue of social justice, entrants are in the running to receive one of four $250 cash prizes,” explains CSU coordinator Mr Bill Anscombe. “In addition, Charles Sturt University will donate $250 to the charity of the winners’ choice.”  The School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Social Justice Innovation Award is eligible to anyone aged between 15 and 21 and are in Years 10, 11 and 12 at high school or studying at TAFE. Judging will take place in October, with the winners announced early November.

Reflecting Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) continued support for students who wish to study and gain their professional qualifications in regional Australia, a new application process for entry into the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree will commence in 2010. In addition to lodging an application with the University Admissions Centre (UAC) by Wednesday 30 September 2009, a ‘Supplementary Application Form’ and interview process has been introduced. These changes will allow applicants to demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to, rural Australia, a career in pharmacy and the overall health of the rural population. “By showing an understanding of the unique issues that confront pharmacists and other health workers in rural and remote Australia, Charles Sturt University is ensuring students are prepared for an education and possibly a career in regional Australia,” said Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Associate Professor Lyndall Angel.

Primary teacher student Ms Emma Wagner returned from the United Kingdom to Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst in July to complete her studies after her fortnight long fully paid overseas trip. Ms Wagner from Sydney was one of 20 Australian and New Zealand students to win a place in the inaugural myOE University Tour, organised by the company My Overseas Experience. “There was a great mix of planned and unplanned moments as we travelled in a Kombi from London to Newcastle, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bath, Brighton and many other destinations in between,” said Ms Wagner. “We toured old buildings, castles, art galleries, museums, churches and other sights all on foot and sometimes even on bikes. Summing up my trip as ‘amazing’ doesn’t even come close to describing how wonderful the trip was. As a soon-to-be teacher, travelling gives you knowledge and skills that you can’t just read about and learn from a text book. I would recommend starting these travel experiences now to all students.” Ms Wagner also travelled to South Korea in 2008 through CSU Global.