For students of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Parkes, it takes away their access to resources, including: reliable computers, fast internet, printing and the ability to connect with other students.

CUC Parkes currently supports 47 students in their semester 2 studies across 18 different higher education providers.

Students are studying a range of subjects, including Agri-Business, Engineering, Psychology and Law, and at varied levels from Foundation Programs to Doctorates.

Centre manager Jacob Cass said that during this lockdown, CUC Parkes has put in place strategies to help students.

"We have invited students to participate in several virtual activities including daily 'Virtual Cuppas', an online trivia night for students and their families and a mental health workshop presented by Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman," Mr Cass said

"On a more practical front, we have offered one-on-one catch ups with students where they can get assistance with course work and no-contact printing services."

READ MORE NEWS STORIES:

- Record month for Ray White despite COVID lockdown

- Snap into action with Central West photography competition

- Police beat: locals fined for breach of public health orders

The feedback so far from our students has been positive. Cordelia Moon said that studying a CSU Pathway Course with CSU and attending the CUC virtual sessions has been refreshing and fun.

"It has been fun to have access to virtual connection in lockdown. It has been enjoyable and needed but kept me focused on the goal of my study," Ms Moon said.

"I attended the CUC virtual mental health session, and it was very helpful and it was so helpful to speak with other students and see that they have the same fears and stresses as me."

The Centre has also played a pivotal role in the life of a local year 12 student James Kirk.

James is completing his HSC at Knox Grammar, but cannot attend his school exams due to the lockdown.

The Knox Grammar school approached CUC Parkes and Parkes Shire Libraries to see if any assistance could be made available to James' during his exams.

Mrs Kirk, James' mother, said that they live in Condobolin, but currently live and work on a property in Baldry 43km from Parkes with limited satellite NBN services - which has created a real problem connecting to online education.

"Having access to the CUC has been a blessing, and the space has worked so well for James' exams," Mrs Kirk said.

To register, students can lodge an expression of interest at www.cucparkes.edu.au, call Centre Manager Jacob Cass on 0409 119 933 or email jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram