20 April 2021: The University of Canberra will officially celebrate the first cohort of Master of Speech Pathology students who all secured employment at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as graduation ceremonies return from today.
Speech pathologists have expertise in the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing difficulties. The Master’s degree was first launched in 2018 and gives students the knowledge and credentials to lead, work, educate, guide and influence change in policies and procedural activities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, community health clinics, schools, disability organisations, and private practices.
This course allows students who live in Canberra, and surrounding regional and rural areas, to study speech pathology closer to home. Previously, they were required to make the move to bigger cities to undertake the course. This proximity further increases the possibility that students will practise speech pathology where they live, and help address shortages of speech pathology services in regional areas.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Michelle Lincoln said it was exciting to be able to formally recognise the first graduating cohort after their graduation ceremony was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the graduation of our first group of students from the Masters of Speech Pathology, we are making an important contribution to the ACT and regional NSW speech pathology workforce,” said Professor Lincoln.
“During the pandemic, speech pathology has been identified as one of the most in demand and resilient health professions and we are proud to be able to offer students the opportunity to gain skills in this field.”
Graduate, Michelle Sofo was among the first cohort of students to study the degree but will graduate this year after completing the course part-time over three years, instead of two.
“It is a gift to enjoy the work we do, and it’s an amazing feeling to go into a family’s home and work with them to improve their quality of life, not just for the child but for the whole family,” said Ms Sofo.
The University is excited to be able to give graduating students in both 2020 and 2021 the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their certificates in person after last year’s formal graduation ceremonies were cancelled due to COVID-19.
Just over 1,500 students will formally transition from students to alumni in 12 ceremonies to be held from 20-23 April at the National Convention Centre Canberra.
“Graduations are the culmination of every students’ success,” said Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Paddy Nixon. “This round of graduations is momentous as we celebrate the resilience of a cohort who overcame a disrupted final year of study and achieved success.
“A distinctive student experience starts with a dream for the future, a tenure of study, a celebration of academic success, and continued into a lifetime connection.”
In keeping with COVID-safe measures, these graduation ceremonies will follow strict protocols in keeping with ACT Health requirements.
WHAT: University of Canberra Master of Speech Pathology Graduation Ceremony media opportunity
WHEN: Wednesday 21 April 2020, 9.30am. Ceremony begins at 10am
WHO: Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Michelle Lincoln and graduating student Michelle Sofo
WHERE: National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue