University launches Business Schools

The University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Business Faculty will launch its new Schools this afternoon (Thursday 28 June 2007).

The faculty has recently undergone a major restructure, and will now be organised within four schools rather than the previous seven departments.

High profile members of the community, including Toowoomba Mayor Di Thorley and State National MP Mike Horan, will join with the University to mark the significant milestone.

Associate Dean of the Business Faculty, Dr Geoff Cockfield, said the change would streamline program management and increase research.

'The faculty has moved to four schools - Accounting, Economics and Finance, Information Systems, Law, and Management and Marketing.

'Each school is now aligned with at least one undergraduate and one postgraduate program, and each School will also have a Professorial appointment as Head.'

Dr Cockfield said this change would boost the faculty's research and help increase the University's links with industry.

'The restructure will increase the efficiency of the faculty's programs and strengthen leadership roles in the faculty.

'The alignment of programs and schools will give most students, especially undergraduate, a more defined primary academic school identity.'

As part of the restructure the faculty has launched the new Law School and programs will commence from Semester One 2008.

Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Allan Layton, said the new law program was a wonderful development for the University.

'The Law program will provide a very valuable alternative option for those wishing to study Law.

'For local high school leavers in both the Darling Downs region and in the Springfield area, it means that instead of leaving to go elsewhere, they will now be able to stay closer to home.'

The Faculty of Business Schools Launch will commence this afternoon (Thursday 28 June 2007) in the USQ Refectory at 4.30pm.

Media are welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977