Did you know that on 19th July, Charles Sturt University is turning thirty-one?!!
Foundation Day is held on the Wednesday closest to the day of founding. This Foundation Day, we’re celebrating what’s great about being part of the Charles Sturt community.
It’s been a challenging year, but let’s not lose sight of everything we’ve achieved – if you’ve adapted better than you expected to online learning, scored your first HD, landed a job in your field or passed a subject you found really tough, those things are worth celebrating!
On Foundation Day, we remember our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to the future. Get involved on social media to share your favourite Charles Sturt moments, join the fun virtual activities from the comfort of your home, or learn more about where a Charles Sturt degree could take you.
In celebration here are five facts that you may not already know about our uni!
Founding Day
In 1989 Charles Sturt University was established by an Act of Parliament, merging Mitchell College of Advanced Education and the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education. This decision came about after tense negotiations and compromising.
Naming of Charles Sturt University
Before Charles Sturt University was named there were a number of possibilities. These had included, the Western University; the Murray Darling University; the Australian Inland University; the William Farrer University; the Thomas Blamey University and the Southern Cross University. At the first reading of Charles Sturt University in parliament it was labelled as university xyz.
It was decided that the university will be named after Charles Napier Sturt. An explorer conducting expeditions across the Australian continent. Sturt charted the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin where the campuses of Charles Sturt were located.
Students On-Campus and Around the World
Did you know that Charles Sturt has over 170,000 Alumni from around the world. With graduates earning an average of $67,000, based upon the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey from 2019, once they have completed their studies.
In-depth data from 2018 reveals that there were:
- 16,308 students from rural and remote areas.
- 16,198 students from metropolitan.
- Over 11,000 students from overseas.
- With 18,935 students being on campus and 24,684 students online.
Making our learning an enriching and rewarding experience with students from different backgrounds coming together with similar learning interests.
Online Learning
Interact2 is the name of CSU’s online learning environment. Interact was launched in 2007 for a pilot of 30 subjects. Then in 2013 trials were held in preparation for Interact2. Moodle and Blackboard was considered again, more than a decade after those early discussions. In 2015 Interact2 was launched using the Blackboard platform. This platform helps bring together tools to assist you by staying connected with other students, submit assessments and engage with course material.
University Projects
Over time Charles Sturt University has been involved in so many projects, involving students, staff and the community. Here are some occasions where Charles Sturt University was involved.
- Olympic Games
In the year 2000, two campuses were involved in the Olympic Games. At Bathurst more than 2000 musicians from 17 countries used campus facilities in the lead-up to the Games opening to rehearse for the Opening Ceremony. In Wagga Wagga, the then recently upgraded equine centre was used over for 18 months to train 30 horses for the Modern Pentathlon event.
- Policing Education
In 1998, the former Goulburn College of Advanced Education precinct was established as a University campus with the signing of contract with NSW Police Service to provide policing education.
- Environmental Sustainability
Charles Sturt University is the first university to be certified as carbon neutral tertiary institution and is a university that incorporates sustainable practices within Graduate Learning Outcomes. Charles Sturt has also established one of Australia’s largest rooftop solar energy systems in 2019.
- Community Engagement
Charles Sturt supports the development of surrounding regions through the Community-University Partnerships (CUP) Community Grants Program. This aims to build higher education aspiration and awareness among young people. Among many activities, Charles Sturt University also seeks and promotes opportunities for speakers to share knowledge and opportunities with the community.
Take a moment to reflect upon your own experiences at Charles Sturt University; the people you’ve met, friends you’ve made and the knowledge you have discovered.
