Media Contacts:
Sandeep Varma
Georgia McCabe
National Media Officer
National Communications Adviser
Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic
University
Tel. (03) 9953 3851, Mob. 0407 845 634
Tel. (02) 9739 2091, Mob. 0418 849 615
sandeep.varma@acu.edu.au
georgia.mccabe@acu.edu.au
ACU: National leader in preference increases
18 November 2008: National preference reports confirm that Australian Catholic University (ACU
National) shows a sector leading increase in both first and overall preferences, a greater percentage
increase than any university in Australia.
Across all six ACU National campuses, first preferences are up. Nationally, the university saw a
28% increase in first preference choice and a 23% increase in overall preference. In Brisbane,
both first and overall preferences were up 40%. In the competitive Melbourne market, the
university showed a 38% increase in first preference choice. In Canberra, the campus saw an
especially large rise, with a 165% increase in overall preferences.
Vice Chancellor Professor Greg Craven attributed this success to the commitment of staff
members to providing a quality and responsive learning environment.
“We are hard at work creating a university environment focused on the student experience. Years
of dedication have resulted in this excellent outcome and an institution clearly poised to adapt to
Gen Y and beyond.”
“In an increasingly competitive university sector posed on the brink of the Bradley Report tidal
wave, we have demonstrated our responsiveness. We know how to surf.”
Three years ago, ACU National decided to focus on its core values of service and intellectualism
and on giving students a personalised academic experience, redoubling marketing efforts and
building nationally recognised courses.
“Our flagship education and health programs and our growing research reputation have
propelled us into the minds of students across the country,” said the Vice Chancellor.
This year, ACU National launched its innovative Early Achiever’s program, making it the only
university in Australia to consider community service as part of the acceptance process. To date,
over 1000 high calibre students across the country have applied to this program.
“The message that service is a core part a student’s identity and of a university education
resonates strongly with students. We simply gave potential students an opportunity to show what
service means to them, and we have been amazed by the result. Once again, our message hit
home.”
Australian Catholic University (ACU National) – established as Australia’s only Catholic, national,
publicly funded university – is open to all. The University empowers its students and staff with a
strong sense of social responsibility and concern for the moral and ethical dimensions of their
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