The challenge of taking on university studies as a mature age student, whilst continuing my fulltime position as Director of Development at Somerville House was a daunting task, not the least of which was the challenge of undertaking tertiary studies for the first time.

It assisted me to further develop essential research and critical analysis of the legal, taxation, governance, ethics, and management, marketing and fundraising principles so essential in the important area of philanthropic and nonprofit work.  The course provides the necessary education in strategies that link corporate, government and non profit practices.

As one of only two students from the Education Sector (A fellow student from the Tertiary Sector) who graduated from the 2002 inaugural course made available through the Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Queensland University of Technology Business Faculty, I learnt much, enjoyed the challenge, and made many friends in the third sector community.

During the course I was able to provide the lecturers with an insight into our fascinating role as fundraisers for education.   Many fellow students were unaware that Schools fell into the nonprofit category, so it provided me with the opportunity to share our work, ethics, professional organisation, our enthusiasm and determination for advancement in education.

This course recognises not only the professionalism of the sector, but also raises the notion of philanthropy to a higher level in the Australian community.   The program has developed a strong reputation for research and community service.  It has published over one hundred working papers, several videos and widely used manuals and handbooks. Its members are in constant demand as guest speakers at conferences and seminars.

The Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) comprises three core units and one elective, which together provide the basis for articulation to a Graduate Diploma comprising eight units.  Students wanting to undertake the Masters course can carry forward these units towards completion of the 12 units of the Master of Business.

The Graduate Certificate presently has 26 students enrolled, with 3 students completing the course entirely by flexible delivery. There are nine Diploma students and 3 Masters students. The first Diploma students graduated in February 2004.   Students have enrolled from as far a field as the Netherlands, USA and Malaysia.   The student’s backgrounds are diverse with some from the government, professions, fundraising, finance, CEO’s and senior managers.

The Course is now offered in flexible delivery mode. This allows students who cannot attend weekly lectures to attend for a weekend semester at QUT and complete the rest of their studies through email, telephone and the Internet.  Gone are the days of external studies meaning that a student receives just a text book and series of written notes.

From a professional perspective this qualification has reinforced the values I have for our profession and made an immeasurable impact on how I can better carry out the role of Fundraising in Education.  The increased benefits of online teaching, keeping up to date with IT methods, having access to an enormous knowledge base, resources and the expertise available, has left me enthusiastic for the advancement of our profession, philanthropy in general and the long term benefits for our young people.   I commend this course to anyone wishing to increase their knowledge and qualifications in this area.

Morag Hocknull     GradCertBus(Philanthropy&NpSt) QUT.   MACE     ADAPEF    AIMM
Immediate Past President ADAPE Queensland
Immediate Past President Philanthropy & Non Profit Studies Alumni Chapter QUT
The Australian Centre of Philanthropy & Non Profit Studies     www.cpns.bus.qut.edu.au