CQUni Connect Enabling Program

CQUni Connect: Inspiring transitions to higher education for young people in regional Australia.
Four students smiling and laughing on Cairns campus esplanade

Description 

The CQUni Connect enhancement review introduces targeted improvements to maximise program impact and engagement for students across regional Australia, with a structured approach for evaluating effectiveness. Key initiatives include: 

  • Curriculum Modernisation: A comprehensive curriculum review will ensure content relevance and engagement, with periodic assessments to align with evolving student needs and industry trends. 
  • Enhanced Lesson Planning: Improved module structures are designed to boost student engagement and learning outcomes, with pre- and post-module evaluations to measure knowledge retention and satisfaction. 
  • Audience-Centric Content: Tailored, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive content will better serve our diverse student body, with feedback loops in place to monitor inclusivity and cultural alignment from Years 7 through 12. 
  • Resource Efficiency & Accessibility: Streamlined resources, combining face-to-face sessions and online microcredentials, will be evaluated for accessibility and student reach, ensuring resources are both efficient and effective. 
  • Focused Facilitator Training: Specialized training will enhance facilitator skills for impactful engagement, with regular performance reviews and student feedback to assess facilitator effectiveness. 

By addressing these key areas and embedding evaluation measures, CQUni Connect aims to strengthen educational outcomes, employability, and inclusivity for students and communities in regional Australia.

For further information please visit our CQU Connect Program page.

Impact Statement 

The CQUni Connect enhancement review is strategically designed to significantly improve the educational experience and outcomes for students across regional Australia. By modernizing the curriculum, enhancing lesson planning, tailoring content to diverse audiences, optimizing resource accessibility, and investing in facilitator training, this initiative aims to foster greater student engagement, knowledge retention, and satisfaction. Ultimately, these improvements will contribute to enhanced educational attainment, increased employability, and a more inclusive learning environment for students and communities in regional Australia, aligning with the broader mission of promoting access, attainment, and well-being through education.

Partner

Project Lead

Headshot of Dr Corey Bloomfield

Dr Corey Bloomfield is a lead researcher and cluster leader of Learning and Innovation for Equity in Education (LIFEE) within the Centre for Research in Equity and Advancement of Teaching & Education (CREATE), Corey’s work focuses on student engagement, educational transitions, online learning, and equity in education. His research employs qualitative methodologies, including critical ethnography and critical participatory action research (CPAR), to enhance educational outcomes for young people who are often marginalised or labeled as vulnerable learners, particularly those in regional, rural, and remote communities.

Sustainable Development Goals

At CQUniversity we are committed to embedding sustainable practice in our operations, interatctions and relationships underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability is on of our strategic pillars within our Strategic Plan 2024-28. 

This project aligned with the following SDG Goals:  

  • 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.