ATTENTIVE staff, quiet learning spaces and adequate resources at Country Universities Centre Mallee made a career shift into nursing possible for student Tracie Tants.
Ms Tants said studying her Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University remotely with the support of CUC gave her the space to prioritise her learning, while working night shifts in aged care and being a parent and grandparent.
“I came and checked it out and I just thought it was perfect,” she said.
“There’s none of the distractions of being at home, with TV, food, cleaning, family commitments, I don’t have to worry about anything else but my study here.
“Having the facilities accessible 24 hours a day makes it really easy to fit study in around my work schedule. I can come here if I’m still feeling a little bit of adrenaline and actually smash out a few more things, or I can have a bit of a sleep and come in, or I can come in later on at night.”
For Ms Tants, the staff are as much of an asset as the facilities.
“They make everyone feel like a priority, stop what they’re doing and ask how they can help, and what you need,” she said.
“It’s very reassuring, especially as a mature age student, because even though there’s a lot of young people around, they’ve made me feel very welcome.
“The learning services advisor has been magnificent in taking the time to go through my work with me and explain where I need to get back on track, which is so helpful with the research assignment I’m doing now.”
Now that she is coming to the end of her studies, Ms Tants is considering her new career options.
“I don’t know what the future’s going to hold, but it’s opened so many doorways and pathways,” she said.
“I can go anywhere now, and having the CUC has facilitated that.
“Definitely come on in, check it out, there’s nothing they won’t help people with.”
CURRENT and future university and TAFE students are invited to the Country Universities Centre Mallee open day on September 18 to discover flexible learning opportunities.
CUC offers services to make tertiary education accessible to rural and regional communities, both providing a place to study and receive educational support and guide students along their education journey with enrolment and course advice.
Like many of the staff at CUC, engagement coordinator Stacy Sellek has experience studying remotely, currently earning a Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Community and Health through Federation University in Bendigo.
“I definitely understand the stress around starting study and enrolling but also being a working student and managing my course load,” she said.
“I can make those calls to the universities on behalf of people looking at their study options, filter through the information and help look at their options and tailor their studies to their lifestyles and requirements.”
Ms Selleck also assists finding the right paperwork and understanding the pre-study requirements to ensure that enrolment goes smoothly.
“When that enrolment is done and if they’re interested, we’ll register them as a student here and they can use the space as need be,” she said.
“You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do and already be enrolled to use our centre; we can offer that guidance.”
The open day will provide the opportunity to have a tour of the facilities, meet the staff, and engage with education providers such as Murray Mallee LLEN, Murray Ace, SuniTAFE and Latrobe University.
