USQ develops closer ties with community

After two years of anticipation, the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) Learning Support Centre in Stanthorpe is open and ready to offer increased university opportunities and academic support to students in the Southern Downs.

The centre, located at Stanthorpe’s Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT), will provide students with enrolment and academic support, tutorials, counselling services, computer labs, printing services and classrooms.

USQ Vice Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove said the Learning Support Centre will encourage more residents in the Southern Downs to consider taking up a university degree and assist currently enrolled students with their university studies.

'USQ has a significant investment in the College and we hope to work with local businesses and professions to help service their professional and academic development,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'The QCWT has already established itself over the past four years as an innovative leader in forging enrolment pathways between secondary schooling, TAFE and higher education,' he said.

Professor Lovegrove said USQ will offer three new programs through the Centre: the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP), Bachelor of General Studies and a Diploma of Arts, delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching and distance education.

QCWT Chief Executive Officer John Neville said the new initiative demonstrated the University’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to students in remote and regional areas.

'It’s an important new service to assist local people interested in starting tertiary education,' Mr Neville said.

'The centre will make enrolments easier and provide a higher level of support for both new and current students.'

Mr Neville said the Wine College will continue to offer the same ongoing support and activities it has provided to the Stanthorpe region since it opened in 2007 but with the support of USQ will able extend its programs into the wider community to become a learning hub for a variety of education needs

The Learning Support Centre will be officially opened today (Friday, November 11) by USQ Vice-Chancellor Bill Lovegrove.

Contact Details:

Callum Johnson, USQ Media, 07 4631 1163