CUC Mudgee Region connects high school students with University

CUC Mudgee Region is connecting local high school students with the world of university study through two recent grant-funded events.

“University 101” and “Studies in Sustainability” brought classes from local high schools into the
Centre to explore university life, sustainable futures, and the many study possibilities available to
these regional students.

The two events reflect CUC Mudgee Region’s mission of building a better future locally by opening up
educational opportunities for regional people.

“University 101” brought together a day’s program of presenters to introduce students to the REAL
experience of university – everything universities don’t include in their brochures and roadshows,
from student life to study skills.

The day was designed to give local high school students an approachable introduction to tertiary
study.

“University can be intimidating for regional students, especially if they’re the first in their family to study. It can feel impossible if your family hasn’t studied, you’ve never been to a campus, and you can’t imagine yourself in that environment,” said CUC Mudgee Region.

Students heard from Charles Sturt University representatives, current students, a university lecturer,
and a psychologist specialising in stress.

Together, the presenters provided a broad introduction to university, from online study to campus
social activities, from excelling in assignments to managing stress.

The contributions from four current CSU university student ambassadors and CUC Mudgee Region’s
student ambassador were a particular highlight of the day, providing a real and relaxed perspective
on student life both on campus and studying remotely.

“Studies in Sustainability” brought UTS lecturer Dr Milena Bojovic and sustainability consultant
Amanda Choy to Mudgee to explore sustainability with local students.

Students worked together to plan sustainable cities of the future, learned about the United Nation’s
Sustainable Development Goals, and looked at sustainable choices and changes in our own lives.
The event gave students a taste of sustainability as a study pathway, drawing on the introductory
lessons Dr Bojovic would give her first year Sustainability students at UTS.

“This inspiring event highlighted the importance of sustainability in all fields and encouraged our students to think creatively about their role in building a greener future,” said Mudgee High School Careers Advisor Jason Nicholls.

“University 101” was made possible through funding from the Nutrien Community Grants Program
from Nutrien Ag Solutions and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal. “Studies in
Sustainability” was made possible through funding from the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program from
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

“It was clear that every element had been organised with great care, with students truly at the centre of everything, which made it such a positive and engaging experience”.