Bridging & Access Programs
CQU Connections
CQU Connections provides special access and support for people who have experienced difficulty because of their low income or social circumstances. The three aspects of the CQU Connections program are ACCESS, SUPPORT and OUTREACH.
This service is not available to international or off-shore students.
The ACCESS component assists people to gain entry to CQU programs. This may entail giving special entry for students who have not attained the required OP for their preferred program because their circumstances have impeded their academic progress. CQU ensures these students have the academic ability to succeed.
The SUPPORT component aims to improve the participation and success rates of CQU Connections students while they are at CQU. Financial support assists students with the initial costs of textbooks because this outlay can often be a deterrent to economically disadvantaged students beginning university. Several Residential Scholarships are also offered to assist students who have to live away from home to study. A one-day orientation program is conducted especially for CQU Connections students to assist their transition to university life. CQU Connections also have computers that students can borrow for up to 12 months.
The OUTREACH component aims at assisting school students and mature age people to consider university as a viable option by giving timely course and career information. Life planning and career sessions are also offered to year 12 students. The CQU Connections University Experience is a four-day residential program conducted to give year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to find out first hand about university study and lifestyle.
For information, email o.mallory@cqu.edu.au, or telephone 07 4930 9691. Website is http://studentservices.cqu.edu.au/cqucon/cqucon_index.htm.
Skills for Tertiary Education and Preparatory Studies (STEPS)
STEPS is a preparatory program for mature age students who do not have a tertiary entrance qualification. Applicants must be aged 19 years or over and be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or holder of a humanitarian visa.
Innovation and practicality are the essence of the program, which has been designed to provide those who lack educational prerequisites with the knowledge and confidence to succeed at tertiary study.
The program is offered internally at the Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton campuses.
The program may be undertaken in an accelerated mode (12 weeks) in Term 1 or Term 2 or in an extended mode (24 weeks) in both Term 1 and Term 2.
STEPS covers academic communication, mathematics, computing, independent learning skills, study skills, research and library skills.
Applicants must undergo an entry test to establish their mathematics ability and their reading and writing skills. They will also be expected to attend an interview during which they are asked to show their commitment to and suitability for the program.
For more information please visit the Handbook entry for STEPS at: http://handbook.cqu.edu.au/pages/steps.html
Ph: 07 4150 7149
Email: STEPS-admin@cqu.edu.au
http://www.cqu.edu.au/edserv/steps/steps.htm
Indigenous Tertiary Entry Program (TEP)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Entry Program (TEP) is offered and delivered by Central Queensland University's Indigenous Higher Education Centre called Nulloo Yumbah. TEP is designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people develop skills to enter undergraduate university programs at Central Queensland University. It is for people who did not finish high school, or they have left school some time ago and want to refresh their learning, or who do not feel confident about beginning tertiary studies.
The program is delivered over a full academic year and is a full-time load. It not only prepares people for successful participation in tertiary education, but also addresses cultural issues. The program covers computing, mathematics, science, academic communication, independent learning, culture and learning, communications, study skills, research and library skills, Indigenous history and politics and Australian law.
For further information contact Nulloo Yumbah on 07 4930 9250 or by toll free number 1800 651 891 or visit the website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/nullooyumbah
Alternate Entry Provision
Nulloo Yumbah hosts an Alternative Entry Program for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have the skills necessary to succeed without meeting the general entry requirements. Based on assessment criteria, recommendations are made to Central Queensland University to accept students who qualify for Alternative Entry. Students who take part in the program are still required to apply through QTAC.
Women in Computing (WIC)
The Women In Computing (WIC) Program is based within the Faculty of Informatics and Communication. It supports and encourages women to study and pursue a career in computing. This service is not available to international or off-shore students. Program and career information and advice is available to female school students and mature women. A bridging course, designed specifically to assist female students to develop basic computing skills, is available for purchase.
This course enables students to successfully make the transition to tertiary studies. Both on-campus and distance students are encouraged and supported via an electronic mail discussion list, wicnet@student.cqu.edu.au. On-campus students participate in network activities from time to time. For further information about the WIC Program, contact 07 4930 9685.
Women in Engineering
ENGender Change is an initiative that has been established within the James Goldston Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems by the Women in Engineering Committee, to effect cultural change which will encourage recruitment and retention of female students within a supportive environment. This service is not available to international or off-shore students.
Its purpose is to enhance the participation of women within engineering, and to examine ways in which the engineering environment and curriculum can be more inclusive for women.
The initiative is a holistic approach to encourage women's participation in the non-traditional area of engineering. It is a cohesive strategy of recruitment, retention, promotional and supportive activities.
An email network is available for students, and individual initiatives are conducted on a needs basis at campuses outside Rockhampton. For information, email women-engineering-enquiries@cqu.edu.au or telephone 07 4930 9733.
Women into Science & Technology (WIST)
WIST is a unique access program to encourage and support more women to study and pursue a career. It is a home-based self-paced study program which enables women to establish a study schedule at their own pace, and gently deal with making the transition into university education. The program is open to women of all ages and assumes no formal educational requirements. Women can enrol at any time during the year. This service is not available to international or off-shore students.
Courses available are Introchem, Transition Mathematics I, Transition Mathematics II, Introphysics, Introbiol, Communication Pathways into University and Introductory Computing Skills and Introducing the Internet. These can be studied separately. WIST offers help and encouragement through a bi-monthly newsletter, personal and academic contact, student support network and workshops on specific issues and self-development. The coordinator also travels throughout Queensland and provides careers information. Women in rural and remote areas are encouraged to access this program. Information can be accessed through the WIST web page at http://www.ahs.cqu.edu.au/schools/wist/what.htm or contact the coordinator on 07 4930 9341.