SCU's MOVE TO TAFE MEANS BETTER STUDENT SUPPORT

The relocation of Southern Cross University's Grafton Centre to the library at Grafton TAFE is an innovative move designed to provide students throughout the region with better access to tertiary educational facilities, according to SCU's Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Delves.

Professor Delves was commenting on the University's decision to close the existing Centre on 29 July, 2001 and launch the first of a planned region-wide collaboration between Southern Cross and TAFE.

"It is envisaged that SCU Learning Access Centres will be established at up to fourteen of the existing North Coast Institute of TAFE campuses, with the specialised facilities being enhanced progressively as student demand increases," she explained.

About half of SCU's total 10,000 students are enrolled on an external basis, the majority of them living in the NSW North Coast area. The new Access Centres will be particularly valuable to those wishing to use computing equipment, printers and photocopiers, as well as going online to access the world wide web and email.

"The library at the Grafton campus of TAFE is open from 8.45am-7.00pm, Monday-Thursday, and on Friday from 8.45am to 1.30pm," Professor Delves said. "There are eleven PCs that can be used for up to two hours at a time, and no prior bookings are necessary. TAFE staff suggest that from 4.00-7.00pm is the best time slot. Students won't need passwords, and they can enjoy full internet access and the Office 2000 suite of software.

"There is a seminar room adjacent to the library for students who want to hold group sessions or form study groups. There is no charge for this service."

Orientation sessions involving staff from the University and TAFE have been held at the Library to introduce students to the new facilities.

For further details, please contact:

Professor Angela Delves, (02) 66 20 3432

or Mr Robin Osborne, Office of the Vice-Chancellor,

Phone: (02) 6620 3039 Mobile: 0418 431 484