SCU College offers Associate Degrees

Innovative Associate Degrees in business and health will be offered through Southern Cross University’s newly established SCU College from June this year.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed today (March 15) with North Coast TAFE paves the way for cooperation in the delivery of the Associate Degrees, opening up new opportunities for gaining entry to University.

SCU College, which is wholly owned by Southern Cross University, has been established to encourage greater participation in higher education across the region, from Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast, by providing additional pathways into university.

Courses will be offered at Southern Cross University campuses, and ultimately delivered at other regional sites, through the provision of teaching, learning and videoconference support services at North Coast TAFE campuses. Following today’s MOU signing, these services are expected to be rolled out progressively during the next 12 months with Grafton, Murwillumbah, Ballina, Casino, Grafton and Maclean, and Kingscliff the potential TAFE sites.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the University was looking forward to working with North Coast TAFE in delivering the Associate Degrees.

“SCU College will provide access to higher education for a cohort of students who may have the ability but not have had the level of preparedness to access university,” Professor Lee said.

“Students will be able to exit with an Associate Degree or continue on into a full degree course at Southern Cross University.”

Southern Cross University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Bill MacGillivray said SCU College would provide a stepping stone in to higher education.

“SCU College will provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment, with dedicated College staff and staff from TAFE.”

North Coast TAFE Institute Director Ms Elizabeth McGregor, who signed the MOU with Professor MacGillivray, welcomed the agreement.

“As the region’s largest education provider, North Coast TAFE is pleased that the new SCU College has chosen to partner with us to extend university pathways to communities and groups of students who have previously not had access.”

Dr Jane Thomson, who has recently been appointed director of SCU College, also attended the event.

Dr Thomson has extensive experience in developing pathways to higher education and was awarded a Commonwealth Centenary Medal in 2003 for services to higher education.

The headquarters for SCU College will be built at the Gold Coast campus, following an announcement of $32 million in funding through the federal government’s Structural Adjustment Fund. SCU College will also be working with Gold Coast Institute of TAFE in the delivery of courses.

Photo: Signing the Memorandum of Understanding are, from left, Professor Peter Lee, Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor, Joy Corben, North Coast TAFE Director of TAFE Services, Elizabeth McGregor, North Coast TAFE Director, and Professor Bill MacGillivray, Southern Cross University Deputy Vice Chancellor.