The University of ߺ (UC) has officially launched a presence in ߺ’s south, with the UC Southside Hub (The Hub) unveiled today at Lake Tuggeranong College (LTC).
UC is proud to partner with LTC to establish this dedicated space, designed to strengthen tertiary pathways for students and the wider community in the Tuggeranong region. While based on campus at LTC, The Hub is an accessible service available to all college students and other prospective university students in the region.
Vice-Chancellor and President at the University, Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten, recognised the importance of this crucial first step in building stronger equity and opportunity for residents in ߺ’s south.
“We’ve heard the rallying call of the Tuggeranong community for better access to tertiary education, and UC is proud to now be in a position to deliver on this request and back the young people of south ߺ,” Vice-Chancellor Shorten said.
“Tuggeranong residents shouldn’t have to spend upwards of an hour each way on the bus to access advice and support on university pathways. The UC Southside Hub meets residents where they are.
“Because what we want is for students across the south side to be able to see and ask questions, because deciding what to study is a hard choice. There are no wrong doors to open after Year 12, but students should know what is behind each one before graduation.”
Now entering its second term of operation, The Hub delivers workshops throughout the school term.
“Here you can learn about how to finance your studies, what the early entry options are which take some of the pressure of exams off your back. As well as giving you the power to improve your portfolio presentation and increase your academic writing skills,” Professor Shorten said.
“And you do that from a person. Not an AI chat bot or algorithm but a UC staff member who is there to understand and support you.”
With workshops and drop-in sessions delivered on site by UC staff and faculty specialists, the Hub will support a smooth and successful transition for college students into higher education.
Workshops will cover key areas such as academic writing, financing university, portfolio entry, career planning and alternate pathways. The Hub also hosts intergenerational workshops, to foster connection, belonging and pathways conversations across generations.
LTC Principal, David Briggs, highlighted the vital role of the partnership in expanding university pathway opportunities for Tuggeranong's young people.
“A key strength of the Tuggeranong network of schools is the high value we place on the full range of post-school pathways for our students."
"This partnership builds on that foundation by bringing university information, support, and preparation directly to our students—ensuring a clear, viable, and accessible route to higher education."
Georgia Nelson, a former LTC student who currently studies a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Politics and International relations at the University, said The Hub represented a welcome step in enabling smoother access to university for local college students.
“As a first-year student, I’m already coming to see how university is shaping not just my education, but my confidence, personal skills and my career goals,” Georgia said.
“For many college students, the thought of attending university is an exciting new chapter but for some this time can seem overwhelming, stressful and out of reach.
“I know that as a student, that thinking about your future, applying for university and not knowing what to expect can feel very daunting, however, I truly believe that this partnership will help other students feel supported and guided as they plan for life after college.”