Curtin begins building business links

Curtin University has unveiled the first phase of a new multi-million dollar business education precinct, made possible through a $1 million sponsorship from Wesfarmers.

Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder was on hand at Curtin today to officially open Wesfarmers Court, the first of several precincts planned at the university’s Bentley campus designed to promote student engagement.

Wesfarmers Court includes a digital stock ticker and an LED screen to provide an outdoor learning environment linked to the Curtin Business School’s Trading Room, which includes 20 Bloomberg terminals.

Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder.

Curtin University vice-chancellor Deborah Terry said the interface between business and education was driving a transition from traditional university campuses to integrated precincts.

“It’s an engaging learning precinct that gives us a glimpse of what university campuses of the future will look like,” Professor Terry said.

“How we deliver university education is undergoing dramatic change.

“Traditional large lecture theatres are rapidly becoming museum pieces; we certainly won’t be building any more on this campus in the foreseeable future.

“But that doesn’t mean that students won’t want to, or need to be on campus.

“Our challenge is to ensure that the value-add of the campus experience is clear, and in this context, spaces such as this new Wesfarmers Court will be absolutely critical.”

The second stage of the business education precinct will provide more space for students, staff and the broader business community to be able to interact in a range of education, social and business activities.