University to host community forum in Port Augusta

Port Augusta. Photo by Royston Rascals, from Flickr.

Port Augusta. Photo by Royston Rascals, from Flickr.
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Tuesday, 17 July 2012

The University of Adelaide will host a community forum in Port Augusta on Thursday 26 July to outline its plans for expanding into the Upper Spencer Gulf and recruiting more students from the region.

Community input will be sought to determine the region's tertiary needs and the right strategy to engage more local students in higher education.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Adelaide, Professor Pascale Quester, says the University is committed to a long-term presence in Port Augusta, looking at educational opportunities suited to the community's needs.

"We are keen for the local community to have a greater say in what they want from the University so we can tailor our offerings accordingly," Professor Quester says.

As a first step, the University is launching a program this month targeted at Year 9 and 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Port Augusta which raises awareness of university options and career pathways.

Thirty-five Indigenous students from Port Augusta high schools are enrolled in the First Generation program, which will give them an opportunity to experience university life and study through regular visits to the North Terrace campus, including the upcoming Open Day on Sunday 19 August.

Study skills workshops, transition activities, mini lectures and mentoring from inspirational role models all form part of the First Generation program.

"Hopefully, this program will make local students realise that university study is not only attainable, but a means to build self-confidence and options in life," Professor Quester says.

Two forum sessions will be held on July 26 in Port Augusta - at 12pm and 5.30pm - to cater for as many participants as possible.

A number of senior staff from the University will be present at the forum, including Professor Quester and Professor Lester Irabinna-Rigney (Dean, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: Wilto Yerlo).

WHAT: Port Augusta community forums
WHERE: Regional Development Australia Far North Head Office Training Room, 2A Stirling Road, Port Augusta
WHEN: Thursday 26 July, 12pm-1.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm

 

Contact Details

Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762