CUC celebrates its 500th student

CUC North West has registered a significant milestone – registration of its 500th student.

Justin Baxter, studying a Bachelor of Laws at Charles Darwin University, is the 500th to register since the Centre opened in 2019.

CUC North West chair, Narrabri’s Cathy Redding is proud of the achievements of CUC North West and of the students utilising the centre.

“The centre is successfully supporting our local students to achieve their goals and how exciting is it that we have supported 500 people,” she said.

CUC North West currently has 194 students utilising the centre studying through 63 different universities and training organisations.

Fifty per cent of students are the first in their family to study at a tertiary level and the three most popular areas of study are education, health and business.

As part of the CUC network of regional university centres, CUC North West has continuously surpassed targets set by key funding partners, with registered student numbers climbing well beyond projections each year, Cathy Redding said.

“It is great to see the local community utilising our wonderful facilities.”

CUC North West opened its doors in July 2019 offering high tech facilities to anyone studying online.

The main function of the CUC North West is to offer support and a quiet study space designed specifically for students taking up an online course.

Centre manager, Cathy Walters, Narrabri, recalls many examples of students appreciative of the facilities at CUC North West.

“We’ve had students register who were ready to give up on their studies and some who come and see us wanting to study but not knowing how to enrol in a course.

“We’ve also recently had a number of high school students using the centre for before and after school study,” she said.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to be a support for all of these different students, and it is even more gratifying to see many deciding to stay living and working locally.

“The registration of 500 students is such an exciting milestone for us, and we are really proud of the part we have played in supporting their learning journey.”

CUC North West welcomes anyone to register who is studying online or via distance education who are enrolled in courses at universities, TAFEs and registered training organisations across Australia, Cathy Walters said.

“In addition to supporting local students, CUC North West has also been able to support visiting students from other towns, studying in areas such as medicine, nursing or teaching while they have been in our community on placements.

“The Doyle Street, Narrabri, centre provides study facilities including dual-screened computers equipped with webcams for video conferencing, fast internet, private study and exam rooms, a larger training room and fully equipped kitchen. Students can receive personalised general academic support from the highly qualified centre staff.

“Registration is free and students can have access to the centre with their swipe card at a time that suits their own lifestyle – the centre is open for registered students from 5am to midnight, seven days a week.”