University provides more than just a degree for students

Dr Janet McDonald and Dr Darryl Chalk

When USQ Head of Creative Arts Dr Janet McDonald talks about preparing her graduates for life after University, you can hear the passion in her voice.

'University is not just about giving our students degrees, there has to be more than that,' she said.

'You have to give them the life skills – especially instil them with an intrinsic appreciation for life-long learning - so that they can walk into any job, it’s imperative for them to be employment ready beyond their professional skills.'

Dr McDonald’s comments follow concerns that students are often ill-prepared for their professional life after tertiary study.

'Students must be ready for what their industry expects, and in Creative Arts it is particularly important that our graduates know how to treat other people with dignity and respect.

'Just as important is that our graduates are ‘change-able’. That means they are not only able to adapt to any situation, but know how to expect and initiate change in their sector/discipline, communities, and their own career-pathway.

'These are things that we try to teach our students while we immerse them in very hands-on learning experiences. Their resumes are very impressive when they leave the Bachelor of Creative Arts.'

This dedication to her students was recently recognised when Dr McDonald and fellow USQ Creative Arts academic Dr Darryl Chalk last year received an Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) citation for their outstanding contribution to student learning.

'Darryl and I have been teaching this way for so long so it is nice to receive this recognition,' she said.

'If we can engage our students in rich potential of change and problem solving that accompanies the practice of working in the Creative Arts, then no matter what job they have our efforts won’t have been wasted.'

As part of USQ’s Learning and Teaching Week this week Dr McDonald will address the University on her successes tomorrow (Tuesday February 2).

'If our graduates are not engaging with us as colleagues by the end of their degree, then there’s something wrong.

'We want our students leaving here as good people who are creative agents for change in their communities can be successful both professionally and personally.'

USQ’s annual Learning and Teaching week, which runs from today (Monday February 1) to this (Friday February 5), showcases exciting developments in teaching and learning practice and highlights staff excellence at the University.

Contact Details:
Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429