University welcomes five-star rating

Southern Cross University has received the maximum five stars for entry flexibility, access by equity groups and Indigenous participation, and four stars for research intensivity in the Good Universities Guide 2013.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the results demonstrated the University’s ongoing commitment to flexible learning options and providing a supportive learning environment.

“We are also delighted that we have received four stars in research intensivity, a fantastic result for a University of our size and age. We have placed renewed emphasis on building our research expertise, which has flow-on benefits for our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

“Southern Cross University has moved into the category of a Research Intensive University, according to the Sustainable Research Excellence Assessment, another indication of our research success.”

Professor Lee said the University was committed to providing educational opportunities and raising the aspirations for people across the region, regardless of their background.

“For many people in our region, from the Mid North Coast to the southern Gold Coast, they will be the first in their family to attend University and we want to ensure they have a supportive environment.

“We are providing a range of programs and pathways into education including SCU Head-Start for high-achieving high school students.”

Professor Lee said the University’s lower ratings in the areas of getting a job, graduate starting salaries and graduate outcomes were a reflection of the geographic location and the region’s employment opportunities.

“These ratings also do not provide a full picture of our graduates. These ratings are based only on the salaries of graduates aged 25 years and under who are in their first fulltime job four months after graduating. The average age of our students is 25, so many are not being captured in these ratings.

“We also have many students who have been in fulltime work before they come to us, and graduates who choose to take up part-time or casual work because of their desire to stay in our region. Again this is not reflected in these ratings.”

Photo: Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee.