TODAY marks the next step for Ballarat’s higher education, with Federation University Australia officially opening.
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The new flag was raised at the Mt Helen campus, the headquarters for the new university.
Acting vice-chancellor Rowena Coutts said the flag was symbolic.
“We first had to lower the old flag, of the University of Ballarat, before raising our new one of Federation University Australia,” she said.
“The history of the university isn’t lost in its new name and branding, with the same colours bordering the flag.
“There isn’t a loss of identity, rather it’s a piece becoming part of a bigger whole.”
Ms Coutts said FedUni would ensure there were the same educational opportunities for people in the regional areas as were in the metropolitan areas.
“Merging with Monash University’s Gippsland campus shows that FedUni will be more than a university for a specific region, but a regional university,” she said.
“It will service more than just western Victoria.”
Matty Chaps has enrolled to study a bachelor of food science (nutrition) to start this year.
The 30-year-old had been looking to return to study and wanted to pursue his growing interest in health.
“I was looking at different locations and I love Ballarat and decided I wanted to stay here.
“I then looked at the courses and was surprised to see that there were eight different courses with different specialties I could choose between.”
Mr Chaps said he was looking forward to returning to study and experience FedUni.
Bachelor of arts honours student Angela Kern said after doing her bachelor at UB, she had confidence in what FedUni would bring.
“I’ve had a fantastic experience so far, so it was a natural decision for me to stay based here.
“Not many students get to study at both UB and FedUni, so it’s a pretty special position to be in.”
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au