Dr Alison McIntosh is confident the model for Taree Universities Campus (TUC) will help address an abysmal completion rate for students studying online.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Following last week's update on the progress of the campus, the deputy chair revealed just 18 per cent of Australian students finish their online courses.
"It's a known fact when studies are purely online the rate is going to be very unsatisfactory," Dr McIntosh said.
"A lot of students these days are studying completely online. We've got to do better than that for the Mid Coast."
TUC will utilise online learning as well as face-to-face tutorials when it launches early next year.
Dr McIntosh said the project continues to be supported by the community. Many locals will be called on as tutors across a variety of disciplines such as business, engineering and health.
"Local industry and businesses are going to be so crucial," Dr McIntosh said.
The campus, which will be situated in the Stacks Finance building on Pulteney Street, will ensure students can work together to complete their studies.
"The campus collegiality is going to be an incredible plus where you've got students not only mixing with other people doing the same course but with others in other disciplines as well," Dr McIntosh said.
"We think it's going to turn this part of the CBD into a really buzz place."
Dr McIntosh said Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie was a key figure to get the project off the ground.
The board named Donna Ballard as the campus chief executive. She will start in her new role in the coming weeks.
"Given her work experience, academic background, qualifications and strong community involvement, the board feels Donna is the best candidate to take on the CEO role to build support for the TUC among the many stakeholders at community, industry and government level," Dr McIntosh said.
Dr McIntosh is in the deputy chair role for now but the chair position could be in her sights. The role was recently vacated by Dr John Howard, who has returned to Sydney for work opportunities.
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Manning River Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
