By Jessica Anstice
Federation University will embark on a major re-development at its Berwick campus following a $40.7m injection from the Federal Government.
The university has been investing in the campus since early 2017 and a new phase, approved by the University Council this week, sets out an ambitious works program for 2019 to 2022 to accommodate increased student numbers.
“We can now invest in the campus with more confidence and we can meet the communities needs and the governments supporting us in that,” Berwick campus director Greg Jakob said.
“We can now look at other courses that we can bring into the campus that might not have been able to be considered for a number of years.”
The campus will consider introducing broader healthcare courses in areas of midwifery and paramedicine, a broader arts program such as visual and performing arts and sports management and recreation.
There are currently around 1600 students enrolled at the Berwick campus. Mr Jakob said there is likely to be around 3000 students by 2022.
FedUni received the highest amount of funds under the regional universities funding allocation.
“This is a great endorsement of the university and its capacity to engage with its local communities, to listen and deliver courses, facilities and graduate outcomes for the Berwick community and beyond,” Vice-Chancellor and president professor Helen Bartlett said.
“Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood was instrumental in advocating for the Berwick campus and wholeheartedly supporting the university’s vision.”
New developments at the Berwick campus will include:
· A third Nursing Clinical Learning Environment (CLE) to support increased nursing student enrolments.
· An additional science laboratory to expand science teaching capabilities at the campus.
· Additional academic, technical and professional staff work areas to accommodate projected increase in staffing.
· Expanded library and learning support areas to incorporate additional learning spaces for increased student numbers and provide for emerging research student work area.
· Reorganised foyer entrance to enable improved customer service and relocation of student support services
“We’ve got a really fast growing area with heaps of potential students and I just want to make sure students have the opportunity to go to a university near them,” Mr Wood said.
“When I visit the university it’s very welcoming. It’s been a breath of fresh air to work with the university.
“For the current students there will be that buzz of excitement around.”
