Distance students converge on UQ Gatton

More school leavers than ever are enrolling to study by distance education at The University of Queensland Gatton Campus.

Year 12 graduates joined mature age students from around Queensland and interstate in getting a glimpse of what UQ Gatton has to offer during a special Orientation Day ahead of the start of the 2004 academic year.

Distance Education Manager for the University’s Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Karen Mundt, said about 1200 students were enrolled for external study. They included mix-mode students who undertake tertiary studies on and off campus.

Ms Mundt said distance students were enrolled across the full range of three-year degree and diploma courses offered at UQ Gatton.

More school leavers were now electing to study externally, she said. Typically, students were mature-aged and juggling work commitments with study.

“We get professional people who are looking for career changes and enrol to gain the necessary academic qualifications,” Ms Mundt said.

She said the flexibility of self-paced learning seemed to be as attractive to students living near the campus as it did to people in isolated areas.

The distance education program also catered for overseas students studying offshore, and some students intending to visit other countries elected for the portability to avoid interrupting their studies.

Ms Mundt said that the Orientation program for distance education students was a valuable opportunity to meet lecturers face-to-face and learn about the facilities available.

Students learned to use services available through the Internet, for example remote access to library resources. And a special tertiary learning course also equipped mature age students with valuable skills.

Media: For more information about distance education options, contact Karen Mundt (telephone 07 5460 1120).