Celebrating five years of supporting local students
Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast is celebrating five years of supporting local students to access higher education
Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast is celebrating five years of supporting local students to access higher education, and the community is invited to help mark the milestone at its upcoming Open Day in March.
Located in Wonthaggi, CUC Bass Coast offers a free study and learning space for individuals pursuing degrees, diplomas or Certificate IV qualifications through any Australian university or higher education institution.
The centre is one of four affiliated Regional University Study Hubs in Victoria, alongside Wangaratta, Swan Hill and Hamilton, and is part of a national network of 56 hubs supporting more than 15,000 regional and remote students across the country.
Research shows that people living in regional and rural parts of Australia are 50 per cent less likely to engage in higher education. Country Universities Centres were established to address this gap by bringing higher education support closer to home.
To celebrate five years of operations, the centre will host an Open Day on Thursday March 5, from 10am to 2pm. Members of the public are invited to tour the facilities, meet staff and students, and enjoy complimentary coffee and cake to celebrate the centre’s fifth year of operations.
Centre Manager Sarah Bourke encouraged anyone considering higher education — now or in the future — to visit and learn more about how CUC Bass Coast supports students to live and study locally.
“Our centre is a positive and welcoming place for students, offering an additional space beyond home and work where people feel connected to their learning community,” Sarah said.
“For many years, regional students have had to leave home or give up on further study altogether. CUC makes it possible to study locally while continuing to work and live in our region, which is incredibly important for both students and the broader community,” she said.
CUC Bass Coast Board Chair Martin Keogh said the centre is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment for regional students.
“We believe in creating a space where regional students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed without leaving their communities,” Martin said.
“We have an incredible team that provides academic support to develop the core skills needed for successful independent learning at university.”
CUC Bass Coast is a dedicated local learning hub that collaborates with schools, tertiary partners and other educational organisations to expand opportunities for students throughout the region.
Students have access to the centre seven days a week, with high-speed technology, academic mentoring and a network of like-minded students, creating a strong community learning environment.
To date, the centre has supported more than 500 students on their higher education journeys, connecting them with resources, community, and tailored academic support.
For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au
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