Bulletin Update (23 Aug 2005)
James Cook University will begin offering its courses in Brisbane next year under an exciting new partnership with Sarina Russo and the Sarina Russo Group. Managing Director of the Sarina Russo Group, Sarina Russo, and the Vice Chancellor of JCU, Professor Bernard Moulden, announced the partnership - to be known as JCU Brisbane - in Townsville today (Tuesday August 23).
"This means we will be exporting the successful JCU 'product' to Brisbane and beyond through this joint venture," Professor Moulden said. "It also means long-term benefits for JCU's campuses in Cairns and Townsville particularly from any increase in revenues and students proceeding to further study." JCU Brisbane will offer its students (initially international students and some post graduate courses for domestic students) quality education with programs directly from the parent campus with the same quality of university education and support. JCU's courses have been rated by its graduates as five star for overall satisfaction, teaching quality and acquisition of generic skills.
At the Townsville campus today, Ms Russo said the goal was to equip students with the knowledge and the skills they will need to undertake the wide range of challenges they will face as they pursue their chosen profession in the new, global economy. "Students will also have an efficient trimester study schedule which will allow them to complete their degree in less time," Ms Russo said. "One of the outstanding features of the JCU Brisbane campus is the relationship it will have with one of Australia's leading Job Access centres - Sarina Russo Job Access - which will assist students to find part-time work during their course," Ms Russo said.
The CEO of Russo Higher Education, Michael Barnes, said that personal career counselling, access to computer-based career guidance programs, assistance with resume preparation and the opportunity to meet industry professionals were just some of the highlights the new relationship with JCU would provide. "The campus is situated in the CBD of Brisbane and close to quality affordable housing, and will be like no other in Australia," Mr Barnes said. "The students will experience small class sizes, online library resources, accessible teaching staff, effective support services and personal attention. "These are exciting times for us and we welcome students from as many countries as possible to be involved in this new-age and innovative learning environment", Mr Barnes said.
Professor Moulden said that the agreement between Sarina Russo and James Cook University would ensure the growth of JCU across Australia allowing for further expansion into other major capital city locations and the development of overseas partnerships. "This partnership allows JCU to project the quality education we have developed in northern Queensland into Brisbane and beyond," he said. "With the softening in the international student market, JCU is constantly looking for new ways to bring such students to JCU and this venture with the Sarina Russo Group is a golden opportunity."
The unique strengths of both organisations will bring significant benefits to both Australian and International students. Ms Russo has been in the business of educating students for more than 25 years and has successfully built schools in English, Business, Hospitality, Tourism and Information Technology. Students are supported after graduation by Sarina Russo Job Access one of Australia's largest and most successful employment services providers. The winning combination of two of Queensland's premier educational providers means students will gain support in both career focused education and assistance in finding employment and work experience.