3 October 2011

Students now have access to a new $1.2 million-plus innovative learning facility at The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement Studies.

The state-of-the-art Student Learning Centre provides the School's 600 undergraduate human movement studies students with an outstanding environment in which to study, collaborate and discover.

"The new centre will have a powerful impact on student learning and life at the School; providing students with not only a world class study environment, but a facility where they can relax and meet with other students," Head of School, Professor Doune Macdonald said.

The centre offers a variety of creative and inspiring learning environments and spaces, some of which are open and interpretive with flexible furniture and others with enclosed study rooms for small group collaboration.

"The space features bright, open, technologically rich, barrier-free spaces for individual and collaborative study which accommodates the individual and collaborative learning tasks in our programmes," Professor Macdonald said.

"It also provides our students with a welcoming, accessible, digitally connected space that is available for independent and quiet study."

With full digital support, the Student Learning Centre will foster learning success and help promote a culture of collaboration and creativity among HMS students.

"The Student Learning Centre is partly funded by The University of Queensland Enhanced Student Charge program fund; this contribution represents more than just putting money into a building; it is creating a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit hundreds of students for years to come," Professor Macdonald said.

The centre is located on the first floor of the School of Human Movement Studies building which was severely affected by the floods back in January.

"The centre was scheduled to open in March 2011 however the damage sustained during the floods set construction work back significantly; we are thrilled to finally open the doors," Professor Macdonald said.

The new centre will be complemented by an upgrade of new teaching and learning facilities including a biomechanics and exercise science teaching laboratories and a research laboratory for athletes with disabilities which is scheduled for completion early next year.

A gala opening event for the new centre and teaching and learning facilities is scheduled early next year and will be attended by industry, academic and community leaders.

Media: Caroline Day (07) 3365 6764 or caroline.day@uq.edu.au