This information was current in 2006 and may now be out of date. Please refer to the latest handbook.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
Welcome to James Cook University. This Handbook is an important reference guide to the administrative and academic services provided by the University. Please take time to go through it carefully as it contains not only details of all the essential procedures and information necessary for undergraduate and postgraduate enrolment but also information on how to make the most of JCU's services and facilities.
As a dynamic university in a unique region of Australia, JCU has a great deal to offer students embarking on or continuing a tertiary education. It has developed a well deserved national and international reputation for its teaching and research programs, while taking a leading role in the social and cultural life of the northern Queensland community.
To assist you as much as possible during your studies the University offers a range of student services, including counselling, guidance for overseas students, assistance for people with disabilities, financial assistance and career advice. Contact details for these services can be found in this Handbook.
Currently there are more than 1300 staff working at the Douglas Campus and Vincent Centre in Townsville and the Cairns Campus to serve the needs of more than 14,000 students.
The University's outstanding growth in recent years has opened the way for a diverse range of new courses previously unavailable in Australian regional centres such as Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Thursday Island and Mount Isa. In addition the University's research opportunities have been enhanced through involvement in eight of the nation's Cooperative Research Centres.
What you make of the opportunities presented to you in the coming years is very much in your hands but there is no doubt that a university education will give you distinct advantages and open up many career possibilities which you may not previously have even imagined.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to tackle a wide range of challenges that you may face as you pursue your chosen profession. I invite you to make the most of the outstanding facilities and resources available to you at James Cook University and I wish you every success during 2006.