Central Coast community asked for views on the University of Newcastle

Wednesday 23 August 2006

The University of Newcastle is inviting the Central Coast community to have its say on the University's future at a community forum to be held on Monday 28 August.

The forum, to be held at the Mingara Recreation Club between 12.30pm and 2pm, will ask members of the community their thoughts about the development of the University in Newcastle over the next five to 10 years.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the University's Ourimbah campus, Professor Stephen Crump, said it would be an important opportunity for the University and the Central Coast community to share their views.

"Community engagement of this type is vitally important for the University to shape its future. The Central Coast community is best placed to tell us what it feels is important for the area," Professor Crump said.

"In discussing and determining priorities for its future and for its role in the region, the University is seeking feedback on questions including:
What must the University start doing?
What must the University stop doing?
What must the University do differently?
What must the University sustain and develop?

"The University will continue to strengthen in the Central Coast region over the next 10 years, working with community partners.

"It will strive to better contribute to regional economic, social and cultural development and as having community engagement as a defining feature of its teaching and research programs."

For more information visit www.newcastle.edu.au/strategicplanning or phone 02 4921 8762.

For media comment: Professor Stephen Crump, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director, Ourimbah campus on 02 4348 4014.