Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury Wodonga will host a free public lecture aimed at increasing awareness of the Islamic faith. The lecture on Friday 28 November by Islamic Chaplain to CSU, Dr Recep Dogan has been organised in conjunction with the Islamic Society of Albury Wodonga. CSU Ecumenical Chaplaincy Co-ordinator Rev Judy Redman said "The rise of Islamic extremists has prompted a lot of misunderstanding and fear in the wider community about what being a Muslim means, this lecture is an opportunity to hear from a leading scholar, Dr Dogan about the foundations of the faith and hopefully to dispel some of the misconceptions." A lecturer in traditional Islamic studies at CSU's Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Dr Dogan is a prominent Muslim scholar, author and a respected community activist. "Extreme groups can deceive young minds through all forms of media and the only way to prevent their harm is to hold such events to educate and open minds," said Dr Dogan. "The biggest misunderstanding about Islam is often that it is associated with terrorism, this is great mistake as the majority of Muslims are against all kind of terrorist activities."

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie Hastings Council hosted a farewell afternoon tea yesterday for retiring CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett, AO. The farewell was jointly hosted by Professor Ross Chambers, the Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie, and the Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Councillor Peter Besseling. Professor Chambers said, "As Chancellor of Charles Sturt University for a decade, Mr Willett was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the University on the Mid North Coast. During his time at the University there has been significant growth and development across all campuses, and his commitment to rural and regional Australia will leave a lasting legacy." The farewell was held at Port Macquarie Hastings Council Chambers, corner of Lord and Burrawan Streets, Port Macquarie, at 3pm Monday 24 November. Guests included Councillors, business and community leaders in Port Macquarie.

Senior Indigenous students will attend the 2014 ABC Indigenous Career Links Camp at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 November. Approximately 15 students in Years 10 and 11 from high schools and central schools partnered with the Future Moves program will attend the three-day residential camp to stimulate their interest in university study linked to careers in film, television, theatre, and communications, in particular with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Mr Ben Morris, Program Coordinator with CSU Future Moves, said, "This exciting concept and partnership with the ABC will lead the students through the process of conceptualising, researching, writing, developing, producing and promoting media for film and television. It will give the students a taste of what university study and life is like, as well as connect, network and explore a future career model for working in the film, television, communications, and creative industries." Future Moves staff and volunteer undergraduate leaders will support and coordinate the activities for the students with the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries during the three days.

A tool to help grape growers plant healthier vines, developed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) PhD student Ms Helen Waite, has been released as a free mobile phone App. The Fit Vine risk assessment tool aims to reduce trunk disease transmission in grape vine rootlings. Ms Waite said "Un-healthy vines are less productive and produce poorer quality fruit so it's important growers have as much information as possible about the vines they're planting." The Fit Vine App is available for free on iTunes here.  Read more about Ms Waite's research through the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga on CSU News here.

Students who studied the Diploma of General Studies with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2014 will attend a farewell afternoon tea at Chifley Home Education Centre in Bathurst on Wednesday 19 November. Ms Sandra Fisher, Pathway Program coordinator in the CSU Office for Students, said, "These students complete their studies too late to attend a University graduation ceremony at the end of the year, so this event celebrates and recognises their achievements. The Pathway Program has been increasingly effective in preparing students for university studies, and provides guaranteed entry into most Charles Sturt University degrees in 2015. This event has been organised by Mr Sam Malloy, who is currently teaching in the Diploma of General Studies and was the former manager of the Chifley Home in Bathurst." The students will tour the Chifley Home at 3pm to be followed by a farewell celebration at 4pm. Senior representatives of CSU and Western Institute of TAFE, stakeholders in the course, have also been invited to attend.

Long serving staff members at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will be presented with service medallions at a ceremony today, Tuesday 11 November. The Vice-Chancellor of CSU, Professor Andrew Vann, will present the medallions to two staff who have worked at the University for 30 years (another is unable to attend), and to 11 staff who have worked at the University for 20 years (four others are unable to attend). "I have remarked previously that while Vice-Chancellors come and go, it is the long-serving staff who outlast them who really drive the University forward," Professor Vann said. "I commend and thank these staff members for their dedication and contribution to the development of Charles Sturt University." Recipients for 30 years service include Ms Sarah McCormick, Ms Dale Smith, and Ms Susan Theobald. Recipients for 20 years service include Dr Barbara Hill, Dr Joy Wallace, Mr Grant Brunton, Ms Lynnette Flynn, Ms Sue Jones, Ms Sandra Martin, Ms Dianne Thurling, Ms Robyn Waddell, Ms Ronda Tester, Mr Peter Morgan, Ms Karin Smith, Mr Graeme Lasky, Ms Catherine Newell, Ms Anne-Maree Hill, and Ms Kylie Bennett.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie will host the Mid North Coast Science Festival on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November. The Festival is a partnership between the Mid North Coast Regional Science Hub and the Australian Museum. It is designed to educate school students and the wider community about the benefits science brings, its important role in everyday life, and the diverse career opportunities available in the field. Additional activities will be held at St Columba Anglican School and Port Macquarie High School. Mr Johnathan Hewis, medical imaging lecturer in the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences and MNC Regional Science Hub spokesperson, said, "I believe the Science Festival is a wonderful collaborative initiative to showcase science within the local community and will act as a springboard for the Science Hub to promote and encourage interest in the areas of science, engineering and technology, through future community events." Students will participate in activities such as the Ruben the Surfing Scientist Show, hands-on experiments, Indigenous science, chemistry, 'Winnysaur' (a four-metre life-size dinosaur puppet), and multiple science workshops. The general public can visit the Science Festival from 9am to 3pm during the two days.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) Future Moves program will host a Skill Fix workshop in Dubbo for Year 11 students from five regional high schools on Tuesday 11 November. Students from high schools in Peak Hill, Dubbo (Senior), Trangie, Trundle, and Wellington will attend CSU in Dubbo to learn tips and tricks for study and HSC/university preparation. Ms Kristie Daley, school outreach officer at CSU in Dubbo, said, "The workshops typically include sessions about learning styles, writing skilfully, effective internet research, stress management, note taking, exam preparation, and time management. This on-campus experience reinforces that tertiary education is a realistic goal and helps to consolidate preparation done within the school, as well as adding insights into tertiary level preparation. Student leaders reflect on their own journey from Years 11 and 12 through to university, the approaches that worked, and the challenges and hazards that may have impacted on their studies." The Skill Fix days are part of CSU's Future Moves program. Future Moves was developed to encourage aspiration for higher education among students in rural and remote NSW. By introducing young people to the world of university study they are able to connect with the benefits of a higher education and are then encouraged to engage in school for a more successful transition to a further education.

A new program designed to support the individual exercise needs of the Bathurst community has started at Charles Sturt University (CSU). The newly-developed Active Lifestyle Education Program (ALEP) is free for people of all ages to engage in community spirit and cooperation, and participate in exercise programs designed for each individual's needs. Professor Robert Robergs, the Research Professor in Exercise Science at the CSU School of Human Movement Studies, said, "The scientific evidence is enormous and clear; one of the best ways to live a long, healthy life is to improve your physical fitness. There are no magic cures, no secret diets, no miraculous exercise contraptions, and no short cuts. The ALEP will assist people to improve their understanding of the importance of being physically fit to benefit their overall health and well-being, and will provide support, based on individual needs, to become more physically active." The CSU component of the ALEP will commence at 8am Tuesday 18 November, and sessions will run from 8am to 9am each Tuesday and Thursday. Interested individuals should contact the CSU School of Human Movement Studies on shms@csu.edu.au or phone 6338 4064 to gain further information and inform their likely participation.