USQ Springfield's first student

The first local student to enrol at the University of Southern Queensland's new Springfield Campus will commence classes on Monday.

Lindsay Dale, who is married with a teenager and 11 year old child has decided to study a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) after a six year study break.

He said after being made an offer at USQ Springfield he was looking forward to returning to University life and engaging in a subject in which he has a deep interest.

"I see the psychology program as enabling me to pursue a career in something that I have a real passion for," Lindsay said.

"Over the past four years I have been facilitating recovery and support groups at my church, Kruger Parade Baptist.  Through these courses I have really enjoyed working with people and helping them to find ways to reach their full potential."

Lindsay said with his wife returning to full time work and the new Campus opening at Springfield, the time was right for him to pursue a change in career.

"With the new Springfield Campus close to home it will be much easier to balance family and study commitments.

"I have a number of nieces and nephews who have studied and are studying through USQ at Toowoomba and they are extremely happy with the level of support the University has given them.

"The Psychology program has the smallest quota of the Psychology programs at other institutions I was considering, which will make the classes more personal and will enable good relationships to develop between the students and also with the staff," he said.

"I was also attracted to the promise of working with local businesses in the program."

More than 330 offers have been made for places at the USQ Springfield Campus in Education City.

Of the 330 offers made, more than 220 students have already accepted and enrolled, with student numbers expected to increase right through to the end of Orientation Week at the beginning of March.

USQ Springfield Campus Director Doug Fraser said enrolments for Semester One were on track.

"Overall the demand for student places at USQ Springfield is very strong and we will exceed the government allocated HECS places for the Campus, however all domestic undergraduate students will still be able to receive HECS support," Mr Fraser said.

"We expect students to continue to enrol up until and during O'Week." 

Fiona Taylor, 07 4631 2559, 0423 808 462, taylorf@usq.edu.au