MORE than 100 tertiary students have registered to study at Country Universities Centre Mallee.
The CUC Mallee is a community-owned study hub, where students have free access to high-speed internet, computers, printing, a quiet place to study, and academic resources to support success in education.
The centre only officially opened last month, but already word is spreading about its popularity and success, and it’s not just younger people coming through the doors.
“You tend to think it’s younger people, which we do have, but it’s ages across a broad range, studying a range of subjects and degrees,” centre manager Hayden Hogan said.
“The fact registration numbers have jumped so quickly highlights the big need for this facility in the area.
“We have 100 people registered, and obviously not coming all at the same time … it’s a lot more than we initially expected or by this stage of its operation.”
Mr Hogan said while it was in a sense “surprising” that many local people utilised the facility, he knew anecdotally there were more out there who hadn’t tapped into CUC.
“The challenge is to get the message across to all about the facility, which is our aim in the coming months,” he said.
“I was speaking to a student the other day about how the centre is making an impact for them.
“It’s getting them out of the house, they are being more efficient, in a different head space in a quite space to work.”
Mr Hogan said the next step was to employ someone to provide assistance to students in terms of essay writing, exam technique and general academic support.
Mr Hogan said CUC Mallee had formed a partnership with La Trobe University as the nearest university.
“We are creating links with them, basically seeing how we can help each other,” he said.
“They have sent out information to students in the region who are studying at the uni about the centre and how it could help them.”
Mr Hogan said the centre was also helping locals connect socially, with its first meet and held this week.
“We also have networks with study areas, such as early childhood, social work, nursing and second round primary education,” he said.
“I have a student starting social work next semester and arranged for her to meet with students actually doing the course at the uni is looking at going to.”
The centre was also linking with local schools, community groups and businesses to help them source skilled people in vacant positions.
“It’s a positive role to be involved with because everyone is grateful to have the centre. It’s free of charge and basically it sells itself as soon as you walk through the door.
“It’s a positive place to be associated with.”
Anyone interested in registering to use the facility can do so online at www.cucmallee.edu.au
The CUC Mallee is located at 119 Curlewis St, Swan Hill
It’s staffed 9am-5pm and mobile app access is 7am-midnight.
