New software database links community projects with university know-how

The UQ Ipswich Community Service and Research Centre (CSRC) has joined forces with a group of about 60 students in launching a town-and-gown project designed to match community and University interests.

Creating Learning Partnerships, an online software database, is being developed through CSRC and the Information Environments program run by the University's School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Students will develop the database as part of their coursework to provide a central point where organisations can post details of projects needing help - and students can apply for the "jobs".

Dr Denise Reghenzani, Manager Learning Partnerships, is leading the project on behalf of CSRC.

"This is furthering true learning opportunities between the campus and community while giving concrete help to a range of business, government and community organisations," Dr Reghenzani said.

"It will give students relevant experience; and I expect it will give meaningful support to the private and public sector, and to community-based organisations which often need this type of support."

She said learning partnerships would include cooperative relationships created within and outside the University. These gave students chances to find work on field placements, projects and practicums relevant to their formal coursework and studies.

Behavioural studies, social sciences and education students from the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences would be the first to take up the opportunity, with support and direction from a staff member.

"I am impressed by the students' willingness to embrace this project as a valuable learning experience," Dr Reghenzani said. "It shows the spirit of students on this campus."

CSRC Director Bruce Muirhead said the project was just one of several involving both the Centre and the local community, and more faculties would join the Learning Partnerships program as it came online.

"This is an exciting phase for us," Mr Muirhead said. "The positive response from students and staff, along with the support of senior staff members, means we can grow stronger together."

For more information, contact Ashley Jones, CSRC (telephone 3381 1542 or 0412 104 491) or Moya Pennell, UQ Communications (telephone 3365 2846).