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Last week I (Amanda, the Student Success and Engagement Mentor at BRUC) attended the Eastern Australia Regional University Centre Partnership (EARUCP) Widening Participation Forum in Canberra. This was a gathering of people who care deeply about making university study more accessible, especially for students in regional, rural, and remote communities. Across three days of presentations and discussions, one message came through clearly: Regional University Study Hubs (RUSHs) change lives because they serve and empower the community.
Speakers talked about the many ways hubs support students beyond coursework. Yes, we offer quiet study spaces, technology, and a place to join online classes -- but the value runs much deeper. Hubs help students built the confidence to take on new challenges, navigate transitions, and see themselves as capable learners. They do this through relationships: steady, familiar faces, who understand local life and the needs and passions unique to our areas.
I heard stories of hubs running school holiday programs, career expos, on-country learning days, and even immersive trips to university campuses. These programs aren't about recruiting students for specific universities: they are designed to help people in our communities explore possibilities, meet new role models, and imagine futures that feel both exciting and achievable. A recurring theme was that early engagement matters -- when primary-aged children get to see what learning after school can look like, their sense of what is possible expands.
What struck me most was the emphasis on belonging. Many speakers described how stepping into higher education can feel daunting, especially if you're the first in family to go to further study. Hubs work hard to make that step feel less overwhelming. We offer practical advice, emotional support, and a place where students and their families know they won't be judged for asking questions, or needing help Over time, hubs become trusted parts of the community -- places where students, parents, and teachers feel welcome.
Another insight from the forum was how much hubs support students' whole lives, not just their studies. Many students juggle work, caring responsibilities, health challenges, or complicated commutes. Hubs recognise these realities, and help students find study rhythms and supports that fit their lives. We also create opportunities to meet other students locally, which can make online or external study feel less isolating.
Overall, the forum highlighted just how vital regional study hubs have become. They help students imagine new pathways, build skills and confidence, and stay connected to their communities while pursuing their goals. RUSHs (Barossa Regional University Campus included!) believe in regional students, not just as future workers, but as people with stories, strengths, and ambitions.
