AS THE end of the academic year nears, the University of South Australia Mount Gambier campus community proudly acknowledged fourth year education graduates on their last day of study this week.
“They have all had their highs and lows, but everyone has handled them extremely well,” UniSA Mount Gambier education coordinator Deb Hosking said.
“I am sure they were all thinking they were not going to make it, but they have and they are all here on their last day.”
With a small group of 16 newly-qualified graduates, their tight-nit community has flourished academically with the support of their peers.
“The great thing about studying within a local community is that you know everyone and we are all from the same background,” graduating student Ellie Rusden said.
“I have studied in both Adelaide and Mount Gambier and they are very different – in the city you just get pushed through, but it is a lot more personal here.
“We are close with our teachers and they actually care about you as a person.”
The campus has been creating opportunities for South East residents and people moving to Mount Gambier to study for over a decade, with the course offering continuing to grow.
“We initially shared a campus with TAFE Mount Gambier, so there has always been a face-to-face component of this facility,” Ms Hosking said.
“The campus building was created almost three years ago, which has made an enormous difference.
“It has given us visibility within the community and a place for our students to call home.”
She said the modern facility in Mount Gambier allowed people in the region to study the same courses as available in capital cities.
“With smaller classes and the ability to network with local schools and kindergartens, students make their own connections whilst studyintg,” Ms Hosking said.
Graduate Kaitlyn Dusty said the regional focus was likely to help the graduates secure employment.
“It helps when you go out into the field, as most of the time you know parents or someone that works at the school,” she said.
Meanwhile, the graduates had formed valuable connections which will continue beyond completing the degree.
“We are all one big family and it is that connection that is important,” Ms Hosking said.
“They can walk into any class and they will know everybody, whereas in Adelaide there can be up to 500 students and they may not know anyone.
“The same goes for the teaching staff, we have pretty much the same staff that work with them for the four years.”
Meanwhile, UniSA Mount Gambier management continues to work with industry to consider future course offerings to meet demand for employment skills.
