DEAKIN MEANS BUSINESS

(Thursday 21 February). Deakin University today further cemented its place in the $12.5 billion international education export industry when, Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria, officially opened Deakin University's new $65m International Centre and Business Buildings (ICBB) at Deakin's Melbourne Campus at Burwood.

The state-of-the-art teaching and learning precinct houses Deakin University's English Language Institute (DUELI) and Deakin's partner, the Melbourne Institute of Business Technology (MIBT), in the International Centre building. The International Centre provides a range of support services to the many international students who study at Deakin each year. This ensures that each student is made to feel welcome at Deakin.

The Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Sally Walker, said that latest figures showed education exports contributing up to $12.5 billion to the national economy. "Education is now Australia's third largest export industry. The ICBB will help to maintain Deakin as a key contributor to this growth."

"Many Deakin international students use pathway programs, such as those offered by MIBT, as a stepping stone to higher education. Demand for these programs continues to grow," she said. "Deakin has a core commitment to enabling people who might not otherwise enjoy the benefits that flow from higher education to participate. Support for pathways helps Deakin to fulfil this commitment".

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Deakin University, Professor John Rosenberg, added, "Having MIBT and DUELI on Deakin's broad-based and multicultural Melbourne Campus at Burwood offers students insight into university life and facilitates access to the University. The environmentally sustainable design of the ICBB will add to the supportive environment for international students and further contribute to the positive student experience at Deakin."

Business Learning Hub

The adjoining building in the ICBB precinct will become a learning hub which brings together undergraduate, postgraduate and research business students and academic staff in a contemporary learning environment. The global nature of business education is reflected in basing Deakin University's MBA program – one of Australia's largest and the first distance program of its kind - in the new precinct.

The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Professor Philip Clarke, said "Deakin's ICBB business learning hub will extend the boundaries of business education at the University. Deakin has close relationships with business and professional associations, education providers and universities, industry, employers and government - across Australia and internationally. Students and graduates from our MBA program also work around the world in the corporate and community sectors. The ICBB precinct will enhance opportunities for students and researchers alike," he said.