Shiron Kirkman, Maddi Ramponi and Luke Wright are part of an expanding staff at the Griffith CUC. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A learning facility in Griffith and Leeton that enables students to complete university degrees remotely has expanded its academic staff due to growing student numbers.
The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina was established in 2019, providing students enrolled in courses at tertiary institutions, TAFEs and registered training organisations all over Australia with access to a campus-like facility with computers, internet access, academic advisors, programs, social events and mentorship.
What started as a small venture with just 40 students has expanded rapidly.
“Last semester we had 253 students and we’ve just started registering for the second half of the year,” centre manager Shiron Kirkman said.
“It’s the most we’ve ever had. In total, we’ve had 789 in the four and half years we’ve been in operation. We have about 20 who are graduating at the end of the year; we’re going to have a big ceremony.”
The centre has therefore bolstered staff numbers.
“At the end of 2023, we saw a really high increase in first-year students, it was ridiculously high, which saw the need for a specialist first-year advisor,” academic advisor Maddi Ramponi said.
“So we now have Luke Wright here who is an advisor for post-graduate students.”
Ms Ramponi focuses on first-year students, while Amy Brown helps mid-degree undergraduates, as does Leeton-based Christie Talbot. Filomena Pingiaro has also been recruited to widen participation.
“We do all sorts of things. We give scholarship support, providing feedback on applications. There’s a lot out there, but often people don’t know how to find them,” Ms Ramponi said.
“We also make people aware of the different universities and courses and what might be best for them.”
Giorgia Ceccato is close to obtaining a teaching degree without leaving Griffith, thanks to CUC. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Mr Wright says he tailors his approach to a different demographic.
“A lot of what I do is focused on thought clarity and study management. It’s generally an older group. It’s also about building confidence as they may have been out of study for a long time and want a third person perspective,” Mr Wright said.
“A lot of post-graduate students are still reluctant to reach out to lecturers or chat groups – we can help them with that. We can also help with time management and academic skills.”
Ms Kirkman said she was most proud of bringing academic study to those who otherwise wouldn’t have considered it.
“Forty-six per cent of students are the first in their family to go university.
“Traditionally in the regions, attrition rates are high, because they haven’t felt engaged in university life. But we can see attrition rates falling where CUCs are, so the model is obviously working. It’s because they feel part of something; you’re not sitting at home alone trying to bash out a degree.
“There’s never a deadline for us. You can sign up anytime you want. The first step in the process is going to our website and clicking ‘register here’. There is no cost.”
Ms Ramponi summed up what the team did.
“I try and reiterate to people that the world is your oyster. There is always a way to overcome barriers to education. We are here to make your life easier,” she said.
Anyone interested in studying a degree remotely from Griffith or Leeton can get in touch with the Country Universities Centre Western Riverina.
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