Andrew Murdoch
After expanding its course offerings to include more than just the WA School of Mines courses for the first time last year, Curtin University says it devoted much of its time on “marketing activities” and “partnership development”. Last year the university increased the courses on offer at its Kalgoorlie campus to include education, health sciences and commerce in addition to the mining engineering and metallurgy courses already offered at WASM.
In 2016, 374 students studied on campus, that figure dropped to 294 students in 2017, however an additional 114 students from the region studied Curtin courses online. Vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said introducing new course offerings to a new market always required a period of marketing activities and partnership development. “This was the main focus in 2017 and considerable progress has been made,” she said.
“We have had good interest from the community and pathway organisations have embraced the opportunities to work in partnership with enthusiasm.
“Throughout 2017, Curtin engaged meaningfully with the community in order to identify collaborations and raise awareness of new course offerings.”
The expanded course offering came about after a 2015 report commissioned by the Goldfields-Esperance Tertiary Education Alliance indicated the existence of unmet demand for higher education in the region.
Professor Terry said Curtin’s decision to expand courses in Kalgoorlie reflected the importance of educating and retaining a skilled regional workforce.
“It is hoped this will assist in lift- ing higher education attainment levels across the Goldfields-Esperance region, allowing students to study without leaving their community,” she said.
“Curtin’s vision for the Kalgoorlie Campus is to strengthen the operations and position of the Curtin WA School of Mines and facilitate greater participation in higher education.
“Expanded course offerings will also ensure that the campus’ excel- lent facilities are used to their opti mum and to the maximum benefit of the community.”
Curtin’s first Kalgoorlie Open Day in May was a soft launch for new course offerings and was attended by more than 100 people. An information session in September targeted prospective students
The history of the Western Australian School of Mines Alumni (WASMA) reflects the ups and downs of the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and the role it has played in supporting graduates in a range of activities and events. It also describes the important role that graduates have played in ensuring WASM remains in Kalgoorlie. Learn more.
