Campus Development

New Learning Commons

The Orange Campus library has recently been extensively renovated as part of a $25 million building and expansion project underway at the campus to cater for the new dentistry course and future courses in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The new 'Learning Commons' boasts a 24-hour space equipped with Internet and study facilities; an assistive technology space for students with sight impairments; a parents' room for students with young children; a range of individual and group study spaces; extensive computing, printing and copying facilities; vending machines; and light, comfortable casual reading and informal seating areas. The new building is roughly twice the size of the original library and there is plenty of space to allow for the growth of the library's collection.

The refurbished building is significantly more energy efficient than the original. It brings substantial benefits to students and staff, as well as local residents through a community borrowing scheme.

Dentistry Buildings

Work was completed in early 2010 on new, state-of-the-art dentistry buildings at the Orange Campus. The buildings cater for students and staff in the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, following the introduction of a dentistry program at the Orange Campus at the start of 2009. The new facility features theory-based learning areas, as well as a simulation laboratory for hands-on, practical learning. It is equipped with the most advanced dental equipment and clinical software available.

New Student Residences

One-hundred new student accommodation units were completed in early 2010 to cater for increased student enrolments on the Orange Campus. The introduction of the dentistry degree in 2009, as well as new degree courses in Physiotherapy and Health and Rehabilitation Science being offered from 2010, has resulted in a significant increase in demand for on-campus student accommodation. The project involved the construction of four new accommodation blocks, featuring study bedrooms, kitchens, common rooms and male and female bathrooms.

Wiradjuri Garden

A 'Wiradjuri Garden' is being established within the grounds of the Orange Campus. The plan for the garden has been developed in consultation with local Aboriginal leaders, highlighting the developing relationship between the Orange Campus and the Indigenous community of the region. The garden will feature local species that have demonstrated utility for example as food or medicinal plants. As well as enhancing the amenity of the Campus grounds, the garden will help showcase Indigenous culture, through a series of signboards explaining to visitors the significance of various aspects of the broader landscape to Indigenous heritage.

Oval/Sporting Facilities Upgrade

A Federal Government grant, approved in 2006, has funded substantial improvements to sporting facilities at the Orange Campus. The money has been used to resurface the main sporting oval and upgrade its watering system, as well as purchase soccer nets and goalposts. Some funds will also be used to upgrade the lighting on the main oval, install lighting for a netball court and renovate the amenities block/change rooms adjacent to the oval.