Welcome back message

Friday, 18 January 2013

With our University quickly gathering speed again after the Christmas and New Year holiday period, I am pleased to welcome you all back and wish you a fulfilling, healthy and happy 2013.

Although most of us (myself included) were able to enjoy a restful break, I acknowledge that not all members of our University community were able to rest. To all of our colleagues who continued to provide services to our future, new, current and graduating students, and to our IT, maintenance, security staff and others who were on hand to provide continuous service to fellow staff, students and their families and visitors, your contributions are valued. I thank all of you for keeping the cogs turning so smoothly during the Essential Student Services Period.

Staff at ECU are very well regarded for the support they provide for our students. Not just in Western Australia, but the world over, support provided to students is a key factor to their success, especially those who may lack some confidence.

In a relatively recent interview, the famous Bill Gates said that the IT revolution alone is not going to be the answer for everyone with respect to their educational needs.  In essence, those providing education need to be good at two things. First, creating expectations that are individualised, and second, providing support so that students can realise their potential.

Here at ECU I am very confident that the culture of our University projected by staff, both academic and professional, is to create high expectations for our students and to provide the support needed for them to have the best chance of realising their potential. The late Edith would have been impressed.

I wish you a year of continuing success.

Professor Kerry O. Cox
Vice-Chancellor
vc@ecu.edu.au