The Centre is a significant boost to ECU's existing network of regional learning hubs.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has unveiled its latest commitment to higher education in regional Western Australia.
Located in the heart of the South West, on Peel Terrace, the ECU Learning Centre Busselton is providing regional online students with greater support and a physical location to learn, socialise and engage.
"The facility will provide more than study support services for our regional students completing their degrees online," ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd explained.
"The vision for the centre is that students relate to the space as a key part of building their student and professional network, participating in activities and events and coming to the centre to socialise, engage and support one another."
The new facility provides the more than 300 ECU Busselton and surrounding catchment areas students, of which almost three-quarters are enrolled online, access to open-plan collaboration spaces, dedicated meeting rooms with conferencing facilities and a large training room.
It's a significant boost to ECU's existing network of regional learning hubs, which are currently operating in Collie and Mandurah.
Supporting growth
ECU is committed to growing regional student numbers and providing equity in services and support for regional, rural and remote students.
"With student growth of approximately 50% in the Busselton region since 2010, it made sense to establish a centralised learning and education support facility that could engage with the community and industry, providing pathways to local employment opportunities for students as they graduate," Professor Rudd said.
- Weekday reception and Learning Advisor staffing
- Face-to-face appointments and workshops with academics and learning support staff
- Drop-in support service
- Independent study spaces
- Access to ECU's entire library collection
- Conferencing facilities
- Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) short courses and intensive workshops
Collaborating for success
The City of Busselton and ECU South West have executed a Memorandum of Understanding. Already in action, this MoU will see ECU WAAPA students activating the City's Cultural Precinct, supported by the City's co-funding a Performance Innovation Fund.
Australia's first Regional Education Commissioner, the Hon. Fiona Nash commented; "This ECU Learning Centre will contribute to ensuring that all people in regional, rural and remote areas can access the education they need to reach their full potential. I commend ECU's focus on improving access, participation and attainment for those in the South West through a significant investment in improving student support services, locally."
City of Busselton Acting Mayor Paul Carter said, "The City of Busselton is excited to welcome Edith Cowan University into our community. It's been an aspiration and strategic goal of Council to have a tertiary education presence for many years.
"This achievement supports the City's vision to diversify industry and increase sustainability, jobs and investments that support a vibrant and liveable lifestyle," he said.
Building regional participation
Minister for Regional Development Don Punch congratulated ECU for building on its long-standing commitment to building regional participation.
"I welcome the expansion of ECU's footprint in the South-West region through the opening of this facility, which connects the university more deeply with the local community.
"I'm looking forward to seeing more industry-ready graduates, becoming part of the skilled local workforce in the South-West."
"We are thrilled to expand our regional learning opportunities and expect to see greater business and industry collaborations through this new centre," Professor Cobie Rudd explained.
"There will also be additional opportunities for work-integrated learning and improved employment opportunities for ECU students and graduates in across Western Australia."
