DEHub/Research Portfolio/The Flexible Learning Institute, Charles Sturt University (CSU)



= Lead Researcher =

Professor Mike Keppell, Professor of Higher Education, Director, The Flexible Learning Institute
=Charles Sturt University=

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is an Australian multi-campus university, with campuses located in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Canberra], Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Ontario (Canada). CSU also has a specialist centre in Manly (Sydney), and Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne.

CSU is committed to achieving excellence in education for the professions and to maintaining national leadership in flexible and distance education. Of the 33,000 students who study at CSU, more than 20,000 choose to study by distance education both within Australia and from around the world.

While encouraged to develop and demonstrate autonomy through self-motivation and self-direction, CSU distance education students receive the support they need to ensure a high quality learning experience. An Australian leader in the provision of distance education, CSU brings higher education to students all over the world through its comprehensive online communication system, which enables access to online forums, wikis, blogs, podcasts, library resources (including distance education dedicated staff) and online assessment submission. Every subject has a CSU Interact site providing a range of learning activities, communication tools and resources.

CSU is well known for its extensive range of online-supported distance education courses. CSU degrees are accredited with relevant government and industry bodies, and these organisations work hand in hand with the University to guarantee CSU graduates are industry-ready. This is evidenced by CSU consistently ranking highly for graduate employment in the Good Universities Guide.

CSU’s courses are taught by lecturers with substantial experience in their fields, and curricula are continually updated to meet the needs of today’s workplace and community expectations.

A distinct advantage for CSU distance education students is the ability to visit one of the campuses to attend the library, tutorials or lectures, access the facilities, or simply meet with lecturers and fellow students. Many courses studied by distance education include residential schools held on campus. Described by many students as the highlight of their course, residential schools are ideal for sharing learning experiences with fellow students an academic staff. These sessions provide the opportunity to undertake relevant practical work, discuss study topics and assessment requirements in depth and clarify any issues students may be experiencing.

Charles Sturt University is committed to excellence in research, and to identifying and supporting areas and projects that allow the University to undertake internationally competitive research and research training. The University invests its resources in areas of proven and potential strength, offering quality research and research training opportunities to staff, students and communities, including partners in industry, the professions and the communities of inland Australia.