Springfield students get their first taste of Law studies

Former Ipswich Grammar School student Matt Skinner was among the Law students who attended the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) inaugural School of Law Welcome Reception today (Tuesday, 4 March 2008).

This is the first year that USQ has offered the law program, and as part of orientation week the faculty hosted a lunch and information session where students got the opportunity to met lecturers and familiarise themselves with the University.

First year student, Matt Skinner, will complete combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees over the next five years.

'I decided to do Law and Commerce after completing my work experience and spending time at a courthouse observing cases,' Matt said.

'I just really enjoyed being in the courtroom, listening to what was going on around me and learning.'

'I am leaning towards a career in industrial relations or economics at this stage, but it is still early days and I may find that another area is of more interest down the track.

Matt, who was the recent recipient of a Faculty of Business Law Scholarship said he owed a lot to his parents who sacrificed to give him a great education.

'I am the first person in my family to go to university and I am grateful for the opportunity, I really have to thank them.

'The scholarship will be fantastic as it will take some of the pressure off my parents and me while I am studying.

'I chose to come to USQ at Springfield, because it is a smaller campus, close to my home at Peak Crossing and the staff and students have a really positive attitude.

'I was looking forward to the reception today as it was an opportunity to learn a bit more about the year ahead and meet my lecturers and other students.'

Head of the School of Law, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said enrolments in both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs had exceeded their expectations.

'We are thrilled with the overwhelming response we have received for both the Bachelor of Laws and the Juris Doctor programs,' Prof Mackenzie said.

'It was great to finally meet our new students at the law welcome reception and information sessions on Tuesday.'

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979