Interactive launch of “Deakin at Your Doorstep”
Media releaseUsing the state-of-the-art interactive electronic and video learning technology that supports its delivery, the Deakin at Your Doorstep project was officially launched on Monday 28 June by Deakin University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Walker, at four different locations simultaneously.
Deakin at Your Doorstep is an innovative Associate Degree program designed to increase access to tertiary education.
The Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences is currently offered at Deakin's Warrnambool Campus and at Deakin Learning Centres in partnership with three Victorian TAFE Institutes - Sunraysia, East Gippsland and Chisholm.
Students engage with lecturers and each other through interactive electronic and video learning technology and it was this capability that enabled the launch to be celebrated at the four locations.
Speaking at Deakin's Warrnambool Campus, Professor Walker said that the Deakin at Your Doorstep project reflected Deakin's core commitments to rural and regional engagement, access and equity and flexible teaching programs. Professor Walker emphasised Deakin's commitment to working in partnership as evidenced by its Strategic Plan, Delivering Effective Partnerships.
"Our partnerships with our TAFE colleagues are authentic and meaningful; they are based on mutual respect and common objectives," Professor Walker said.
"Deakin at Your Doorstep leverages Deakin's expertise in relation to the use of technology and its good relations with TAFE partners. Deakin at Your Doorstep provides new opportunities for regional and isolated people.
"The program provides a start for those wishing to proceed to further university study and may be used by others to enhance their skills and, in so doing, provide a skilled workforce for regional Australia."
Deakin's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Rural and Regional), Professor Sue Kilpatrick, said that the program was exceeding expectations.
"Student numbers in the first year of Deakin at Your Doorstep have exceeded our expectations. I am delighted that so many regional Victorians are taking advantage of this opportunity to give university studies a try."
Professor Kilpatrick said the Associate Degree program would assist in meeting the target for higher education participation announced earlier this month in the Victorian Regional Blueprint of a 10 percentage point increase in the number of 25 to 34 year olds in regional Victoria with an undergraduate degree by 2025.
Deakin at Your Doorstep is funded by an $8.2 million grant from the Australian Government's Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund.