News

Blacktown Campus welcomes future students and their families

This year’s Open Day at ACU’s Blacktown Campus is making the journey to university less intimidating for local families – with the university launching a new dedicated parent lounge where mums and dads can find out how to navigate the world of higher education.

The parent lounge will offer informal Q&A sessions with university staff, student ambassadors and lecturers, and was created in response to feedback from the local community.

ACU Future Students Associate Director and Blacktown local Caroline Taouk said parents were keen to support their children’s education, but often didn’t know how.

“Many of our students at the Blacktown Campus are the first in their family to attend university, and their families may have never set foot on a campus before. It can be intimidating, so we’ve launched the parent lounge to break down some of those barriers.”

The initiative is part of ACU’s broader mission to increase participation from underrepresented communities in Western Sydney, an area with historically low tertiary education rates.

In addition to information on university pathways and scholarships, aspiring ACU students will be able to participate in hands-on activities, campus tours, information sessions and speak to ACU academics, current students and alumni.

ACU Blacktown Campus Dean Professor Valentine Mukuria said the university’s approach to Open Day reflected ACU’s wraparound support for new students and its commitment to equity.

“Education changes lives – not just for students, but for entire families,” she said.

“We want to make sure every young person, regardless of their postcode or background, feels that university is the place for them.”

For second-year midwifery student Cassie Lipari, ACU has offered her the chance to attend a local university with world-class facilities.

As the partner of a military veteran, Cassie accessed ACU’s unique Veterans Entry program as a pathway to university.

She is one of many students who will be on board at this year’s Open Day to guide prospective students through the new midwifery simulation labs and answer questions about life at ACU.

“Coming onto campus and being able to speak to students and lecturers gives you an amazing insight into life at university,” Cassie said.

ACU Blacktown Open Day will be held on Saturday 26 July from 10am–2pm. To register and plan your day, click here.