Greater access to higher education and relief from skills shortages in the health sciences could be outcomes of an initiative being explored by ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» of Queensland.
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» is calling for expressions of interest from education providers to set up and run a university college based at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Ipswich.
While subject to University Senateβs final approval, a university college would provide an alternative pathway for students to access higher education by offering two-year associate degrees that would articulate to ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» programs.
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the initiative would broaden educational opportunities in one of Australiaβs fastest-growing urban corridors.
βThe college will give a wider range of people access to the high-quality education for which ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» is renowned," Professor Greenfield said.
βNo proposal will pass muster unless it includes clear agreements about quality assurance.
βThe university college model is a new model for ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» but it is has shown great success at other leading universities such as the University of California in the United States and Monash University in Victoria."
He said the business structure would be separate from the main operations of ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³». Initially, the university college would use existing facilities at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Ipswich and focus on programs in health, business and human services, eventually expanding its program offerings to service the whole of the University.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Alan Rix said the Ipswich Campus looked forward to hosting this new development.
βIt will provide additional options in developing the health workforce, and in addressing skills shortages in a range of disciplines essential to supporting the new growth in the Western Corridor,β Professor Rix said.
Copies of the Information Memorandum for Expressions of Interest can be obtained by calling the Ipswich Campus on 07 3381 1002 or emailing ipswichoperations@uq.edu.au Expressions of interest should be sent to ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» of Queensland by February 6.
Media: Professor Alan Rix (07 3381 1002), Fiona Kennedy (07 3365 1384/0413 380 012) or Tegan Taylor at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Communications (07 3365 2659).
