August 8, 2016

UOW powers ahead with SW Sydney Campus preparations

UOW’s South Western Sydney campus, recently announced by NSW Premier the Hon. Mike Baird MP, is fast becoming a reality with construction underway, staff recruitment commencing, course offerings confirmed and strong interest from students.

Renovations and fitout of the campus’ temporary home in Liverpool City Council’s Moore Street building commenced on 18 July with construction company FDC Projects selected for the project after a comprehensive tender process.

The 2400 square metre temporary campus facility is spread across the building’s ground and first floors, which were previously occupied by NSW Police.

Designed by Wollongong-based architectural firm ADM, the innovative design includes five fully-equipped multipurpose teaching rooms, two IT labs, student consultation and collaborative learning spaces, office facilities, a prayer room and a cafeteria. It will also feature a 1,000 square metre outdoor terrace with synthetic turf, plants and outdoor seating for students, faculty and professional services staff.

Construction and fit out of the temporary campus is expected to be completed by the end of the year, ready for the start of the 2017 academic year. Planning for the permanent campus is due to commence in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the University has begun recruiting campus staff, with the first two administrative roles advertised this week.

Further professional services roles will be advertised in the coming months while recruitment efforts begin to fill academic teaching positions.

When it opens early next year, the interim campus will initially directly employ 18 staff to teach and support an expected 200-strong student cohort. Additional economic benefit will also be created among local suppliers and contractors.

The campus is expected to grow to 7000 students by 2030, delivering a projected local economic impact of up to $175 million.

COURSE OFFERINGS ANNOUNCED

UOW has also announced its initial course offerings for the new campus.

The initial undergraduate courses will be Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Information Systems, Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Information Technology.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management and Master of Health Leadership and Management will make up the initial post-graduate course offerings.

UOW College is also offering several sub-degree programs including the Diploma of Business, Diploma of Information Technology and Diploma of Legal Services.

Applications are now also open for UOW College’s University Access Program (UAP), which is being offered free of charge for 2017. Successfully completing the UAP can provide guaranteed admission into a range of UOW undergraduate degrees.

The 14-week course is specifically designed for students aged over 21 years and develops the fundamental skills required for university-level study to help maximise their chances of success.

STRONG STUDENT INTEREST

The initial response from prospective students has been positive.

UOW has received hundreds of enquiries at careers fairs, school visits and via phone and online specifically about the new South Western Sydney Campus and is seeing encouraging numbers of early admission applications across all courses, especially the Bachelor of Business.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joe Chicharo, who is overseeing preparations for the new campus, says he is very pleased with the progress so far.

“Our new South Western Sydney Campus is a significant development for UOW and for Liverpool.

“We are very excited as we see the facilities take shape and as we prepare to use them to deliver a strong academic program in our first year.

“The positive response from prospective students is encouraging and the University Access Program being offered free by UOW College in 2017 will provide even more opportunities for local students to begin their university education,” Professor Chicharo said.

For more information about the South Western Sydney Campus including campus facilities, courses or UOW College’s University Access Program visit www.uow.edu.au/swsydney or call 1300 367 869.