Clear expectations. High-quality learning. Consistent experiences – wherever students study.
At Charles Sturt University, we want every student to know what to expect from their course – how learning is delivered, how they will engage and how assessment supports their success. MEA is about bringing greater clarity, consistency and quality to the student experience, while supporting academics to focus on high-value teaching.
MEA is a key initiative in Charles Sturt University’s 2026–28 Strategic Plan. It provides a structured, University-wide approach to designing and delivering courses that strengthens student experience, teaching quality and operational sustainability. With MEA, courses will align to one of three defined Models of Engagement. These models give students consistent expectations about how their course is delivered, how they engage in learning and how assessment supports their progress — no matter where or how they study with us.
The characteristics outlined below reflect Version 6 of the Models of Engagement. These models will continue to be refined as course transitions progress and insights are gained through implementation.
| Model | Key features | Staff role | Student impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Online | 100% online, flexible | Prepare online learning, tech readiness | Independent learning, flexible schedule |
| In-Person Immersive | Campus-based, cohort learning | Facilitate immersive experience | Hands-on, collaborative |
| Combined | Mix online & campus | Ensure blended coordination | Flexible with some face-to-face |
MEA is now in active implementation. With approximately 210 Course Transition Plans in development from late April 2026, DLT is working directly alongside faculty teams to make this transition clear, guided and well-supported.
In 2026, DLT is:
We publish a quarterly MEA update to share progress, key milestones and what’s coming next. You can find previous updates below. If you don’t currently receive these emails and would like to, please contact us at MEA@csu.edu.au
This update provides an overview of the MEA initiative as it moves into its next phase, with a focus on faculty decision-making, transition planning and the continued expansion of supervised assessment.
This update marks a significant milestone for MEA, including ELT endorsement of the proposal and the shift from design into preparation for implementation. It outlines what this means for staff and students, key priorities for 2026, and how the work will progress toward early course transitions from 2027.
This update highlights strong progress across the MEA initiative, including extensive staff engagement through roadshows and CAEN workshops, early testing of the models through Pathfinder courses, and continued development of the MEA business case. It also outlines the growing focus on AI in assessment and what’s coming next as the models move toward refinement and broader consultation.
Please refer to the detailed FAQs below, which address common questions about MEA and supervised assessment.
Get in touch if you have any additional questions or feedback about the initiative.
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