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Agreement leads to greater educational choice

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Monday July 19th marks a new era in higher education for North East Victoria.

Mr Paul Culpan, GOTAFE CEO and Professor Ross Chambers, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from CSU signed an agreement detailing partnership arrangements to provide pathways to higher education for GOTAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma students in 2011 and beyond.

The partnership will enable students completing a range of GOTAFE Diplomas/Advanced Diplomas, in areas such as Equine, Agriculture, Dairy and Nursing (Health), to receive guaranteed entry and/or credits into related Degree programs offered by CSU.

In signing the agreement Paul Culpan acknowledged the high level of collaboration that has occurred in negotiating the pathway arrangements. "I acknowledge the hard work that has been undertaken which has culminated in signing this agreement today. This is just the beginning of a relationship that will lead to increased higher education opportunities and quality education provision in North East Victoria," explained Mr Culpan.

"Our two organisations have an absolute alignment that will release very exciting educational opportunities for regional students and employers."

CSU has a strong history in working in partnership with TAFE organisations, which is reflected in 26% of CSU students being TAFE graduates. Professor Chambers described the relationship with GOTAFE as "unique and special due to GOTAFE's excellence in rural industries". Professor Chambers stated that he is impressed by the professionalism and strategic thinking of GOTAFE, particularly in the development of the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and National Centre for Equine Education (NCEE). Professor Chambers foresees that the signing of the MoU will also create research opportunities, particularly in rural industries, along side innovative teaching models and new educational pathways.

While the initial MoU will target pathways for GOTAFE Nursing (Health), Equine, Animal Science, Agriculture and Dairy graduates, it is anticipated that articulation arrangements for other qualifications will be available in the near future. Both CSU and GOTAFE are committed to exploring the opportunity to deliver selected CSU degree programs from the GOTAFE Docker Street and Rural Industries Campuses in Wangaratta.

GOTAFE is also developing innovative partnerships with other Universities, such as Deakin, La Trobe and Melbourne Universities and the University of Ballarat to provide supported pathways and transition into a range of Degree programs for GOTAFE students across the Goulburn North East Region.

Partnerships with a range of universities enables GOTAFE to provide University pathways in the diverse range of fields of study that it offers and to students studying Diplomas at each of the GOTAFE campus locations.

For further information regarding the range of articulation arrangements available please contact GOTAFE on 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468 233).

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