20,000 UNE students
STUDENT numbers at the University of New England (UNE) have reached new heights.
The university celebrated a huge milestone last week, when student numbers reached 20,000.
UNE Chancellor Richard Torbay welcomed the news.
“Never before in the university’s 58-year history has it had this number of students,” he said.
“This achievement is on the back of growth in student load of more than 20 per cent over the past three years.”
Vice-Chancellor Jim Barber said the achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of UNE’s staff.
“Our excellent teaching quality and great student support staff, coupled with industry relevant courses and innovative use of online technology, are all factors in UNE reaching this milestone,” Professor Barber said.
“This achievement comes as UNE once again maintained its unrivalled record for graduate satisfaction in the Good University Guide.”
In the Guide’s 2013 edition released last week, UNE gained five stars – the maximum rating – for overall student satisfaction.
“That’s a rating we have received for 13 out of the past 14 years,” Professor Barber said.
“UNE’s record for ‘five-star’ student experience sets it apart from other universities.”
Professor Barber said given that 80 per cent of UNE’s students were external, the university focused less on the traditional lecture style of teaching and more on making personal connections with its students.
Aaron Montgomery, was the 20,000th student to enrolled in UNE. He has enrolled in a bachelor of psychological science, part time externally.
“I choose UNE because their flexible study options fitted in with my busy lifestyle,” Mr Montgomery said.
At an event held in Sydney last Wednesday night Professor Barber and Mr Torbay presented Mr
Montgomery with a certificate, merchandise and a $1500 Apple Store voucher to assist him prepare for his upcoming studies at UNE.
