The University of the Sunshine Coast is now a big step closer to having a Fraser Coast campus following the recent signing of documents to enable the transfer of the University of Southern Queensland’s campus at Hervey Bay to USC.

The transfer of lease forms were signed by USQ’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas and USC’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Hill earlier this month but the handover of the campus is still subject to final government approvals.

These will give USC the green light to move into the Fraser Coast campus on 1 February 2016 in time for Semester 1.

Professor Hill said this was an exciting opportunity for USC, which is keen to continue the great work done by USQ in the region over the past 18 years.

“Like USQ, the University of the Sunshine Coast wants to deliver the best possible future for the Fraser Coast campus and the region’s students,” he said.

”We will be committed to servicing demand in the region for a diverse higher education offering to support future education, skills and workforce requirements.

“Because of regional proximity and its regional strategy, USC is well placed to maximise higher education opportunities at the Fraser Coast campus.”

About 250 people attended information events at Hervey Bay and Maryborough late last month to hear USC’s plans to deliver eight study programs, via face-to-face teaching, at Fraser Coast from Semester 1, 2016.

The programs are the Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Human Services, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Primary Education, Bachelor of Primary Education (Graduate Entry), Bachelor of Sports Studies and a bridging program called Tertiary Preparation Pathway. For details go to www.usc.edu.au/frasercoast.

Professor Hill said USC was keen to work with future students and employers in the region to determine the study programs needed to address the workforce and skills needs of the Wide Bay region.

USC was a platinum sponsor of the recent Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards, with University staff taking the opportunity to meet and chat with local industry leaders.

— Terry Walsh