Central Queensland University
Encyclopedia : C : CE : CEN : Central Queensland University
Central Queensland University (CQU), is Australia's largest public funded regional university. The main campus of CQU is located in North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. With many regional and international campuses, CQU prides itself on its multiculturalism.
History
CQU started out as the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education in 1967, and after two years as University College of Central Queensland (UCCQ), in 1992 became an official university under the name University of Central Queensland (UCQ). Two years later in 1994 it adopted its current name (possibly due to confusion with UQ, the University of Queensland). CQU received seven five star ratings from the Good Universities Guide [link] in 2003, giving it the most top ratings of any regional university in Australia.In 2005, according to Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training – Teaching Performance Rankings August 2005 [link], CQU rated in the bottom 4 (out of 37) universities in Australia. Only University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, and Charles Darwin University rated lower.
Campuses
In addition to Rockhampton, major regional campuses exist in Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Noosa and Emerald, dating back to the old Institute of Technology days. In 1994, CQU developed a partnership with Campus Group Holdings (CGH) to open campuses in metropolitan Australia and internationally. Since then, CQU/CGH has established CQU international campuses in Fiji, Hong Kong and Singapore, and several campuses elsewhere in Australia that specifically cater to international students. These Australian International Campuses (AIC's) are located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. CQU also has a considerable number of students enrolled via distance education. In 2001, Premier Peter Beattie awarded the school with the Premier's Export Award for having the largest contigent of international students in any Queensland tertiary education organisation.Major Areas of Study
CQU runs courses in a wide range of disciplines, with focus placed on Business, Engineering, IT, and Economics classes. However, classes and courses exist in the areas of health, life and chemical science, psychology, sociology, the arts, performing arts and more.CQU students are represented by the CQU Student Association. Postgraduate representation is provided by the CQU Postgraduate Student Organisation, a member of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations.
Criticism
The University has come under criticism by students both for lecturer incompetence as well as bias towards international students, who have claimed that they were forced to take subjects unecessary for the completion of their degrees.Other criticism focuses on the iniversity's administrative practices - charging exhorbitant fees for services such as "Student Administration" criticised for not performing it's duties.
External links
- [Central Queensland University homepage]
- [Failed uni students threaten hunger strike]. The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 2006.
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