Regional Initiatives

RMIT University is building a greater range of services and infrastructure in regional Victoria. In response to the increased focus on regional Victoria, RMIT Business is developing a regional strategy focusing on market research, market entry strategies and the provision of services to regional communities. At present the Portfolio is concentrating attention on developing initiatives for rural centres in Hamilton and Bairnsdale.

In 2003, the Bachelor of Commerce was offered through the learning centre at the East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, Bairnsdale. While first year courses have been available for some time, 2003 was the first time that Gippsland students were offered the opportunity to complete their RMIT Bachelor degree without leaving the region.

Program Co-ordinator, Linda Capes, says this enhanced program benefits all Gippslanders.

"The ability for local students to complete a degree without having to leave the region is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Now that we are offering a complete degree program in Bairnsdale (East Gippsland Institute of TAFE) we are finding that there has been an increase in the number of mature-age students who were unable to relocate to Melbourne to finish their studies. These mature age students and the exit-year-twelve students all benefit from the mix of experience and enthusiasm in the program” says Ms Capes.

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