Models of Engagement: Key characteristics

Discover our three distinctive learning models designed to promote students as active participants in our learning community, each drawing on Charles Sturt University's strengths and regional focus.

These models are actively being refined through collaboration with university stakeholders. The characteristics outlined below represent our current framework, which will continue to develop as we progress through this initiative.

Our three Models of Engagement

Discover the models below by clicking each card to learn more.

Fully Online

Your learning, your way

A flexible and supportive online learning experience that moves with you - designed to connect you with others, immerse you in purposeful learning and prepare you for your career, wherever you are.

In-Person Immersive

You have to be there!

A connected in person learning experience where you learn face to face, build lasting friendships and professional networks, and gain real world experience that prepares you for your career - all in inspiring regional campuses and community settings.

Combined

Learn online, connect in person

A balanced and integrated experience that blends flexible online study with immersive in-person learning - supporting your progress, your connections and your career goals, wherever you are.

Standards that apply to all models

All three models maintain consistent high standards across these critical areas:

Accessibility and equity

All modes apply inclusive design and provide reasonable adjustments for disability, caregiving, work, and regional/remote contexts.

Cultural safety and First Nations knowledges

Culturally safe practices are upheld across curriculum, environments, assessment and support. First Nations knowledges are embedded with appropriate consultation and consent, and First Nations ICIP rights are respected.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) and accreditation

WIL design and delivery align with university policy and relevant accreditation and industry requirements in all modes.

Assessment integrity and identity

Assessments follow identity verification and academic integrity safeguards appropriate to the mode.

Educational technology and infrastructure

All models are underpinned by centrally supported fit-for-purpose ed-tech, with published student requirements, staff development and an enablement stream that maps capabilities, addresses gaps and ensures integrity, accessibility and scale.

Digital access and connectivity

All modes state minimum and recommended device and network specifications per course/subject, and how to access help. All technology tools are centrally supported and compatible with assistive technologies. Low bandwidth, offline and downloadable options are available for all core learning.

Fully Online

Your learning, your way

A flexible and supportive online learning experience that moves with you - designed to connect you with others, immerse you in purposeful learning and prepare you for your career, wherever you are.

Image is decorative

Course Structure

  • Entirely online across all course years.
  • At least 90% asynchronous workload, up to 10% planned synchronous.
  • No single-campus requirement.

Assessment & Feedback

  • Early assessments unweighted; programmatic feedback integrated.
  • Authentic, career-linked assessment twice yearly.
  • Secure authentication technologies as required.

Learning Experience

  • Strong teaching presence via sequenced interactions and media-rich content.
  • Focus on practical skills, industry relevance, peer collaboration, and cultural safety.
  • Tailored onboarding for digital confidence.

Staff Experience

  • Dedicated PD in online pedagogy and large cohort teaching.
  • Appropriate staff–student ratios for scalable online delivery.
  • Analytics to inform student progress and enable early intervention.

Technology & Access

  • Consistent LMS and collaboration tools.
  • Tools for virtual activities and simulations.
  • Embedded e-portfolios.
  • Inclusive design supporting diverse needs.

Support & Engagement

  • “Virtual campus” experience.
  • Dedicated online wellbeing program with proactive outreach.
  • 24-hour response to student queries.
  • Peer, course-based, and industry mentoring.
  • Virtual social events to counter isolation.

In-Person Immersive

You have to be there

A connected in person learning experience where you learn face to face, build lasting friendships and professional networks, and gain real world experience that prepares you for your career — all in inspiring regional campuses and community settings.

Image is decorative

Course Structure

  • In-person learning across all years and levels of the course.
  • Max. 25% online enrolments (e.g. electives).
  • ESOS/CRICOS compatibility.
  • Single campus location with regional and community focus~3 hours weekly scheduled synchronous activity per subject (more for lab-based subjects).

Assessment & Feedback

  • Aligned assessment across in-person and online components.
  • Authentic, career-linked assessment with attendance incentives.
  • Twice-yearly programmatic assessment with e-portfolio integration.
  • Scaffolded feedback and professional skill documentation throughout the course.

Learning Experience

  • Practical, clinical, and place-based teaching aligned with accreditation requirements.
  • Peer collaboration, cultural safety, and professional skill development prioritised.
  • Experiential learning using specialised facilities and VR/AR/AI technology.
  • Cohort building and onboarding to foster academic skills and belonging.

Staff Experience

  • PD focused on in-person pedagogy and large cohort strategies.
  • Staff–student ratios appropriate to hands-on learning.
  • Analytics used for early intervention and personalised support.

Technology & Access

  • Consistent LMS and ed-tech tools with BYOD support, reliable Wi-Fi, and device charging.
  • Industry-leading facilities designed for sustainability and student-centred learning.
  • E-portfolios embedded for professional development.
  • Lecture recordings used with care, not a substitute for attendance.

Support & Engagement

  • On-campus wellbeing and community-based activities integrated into student life.
  • Library central to support delivery, plus informal learning spaces.
  • Industry mentoring embedded on campus.
  • Social events and community-based activities to foster connection.

Combined

Learn online, connect in person

A balanced and integrated experience that blends flexible online study with immersive in-person learning — supporting your progress, your connections and your career goals, wherever you are.​

Image is decorative

Course Structure

  • In-person during set teaching periods, plus online study (discipline specific).
  • ESOS/CRICOS compatibility as appropriate.
  • Single campus, with options for intensives, fieldwork, remote sites.
  • Blend of async materials,  scheduled face-to-face sessions and workshops.

Assessment & Feedback

  • Aligned assessment across in-person and online components.
  • Authentic, career-focused tasks.
  • Twice-yearly programmatic assessment with e-portfolio integration.
  • Scaffolded feedback and professional skill documentation throughout the course.

Learning Experience

  • Intensive workshops with practical, hands-on learning.
  • Online group work, projects, peer review.
  • Place-based and community-based learning.
  • Specialised facilities and immersive tech (VR/AR/AI).
  • Cohort building and onboarding for in-person elements.

Staff Experience

  • PD in both in-person and online.
  • Staff–student ratios as appropriate.
  • Analytics used for early intervention and personalised support.

Technology & Access

  • Consistent LMS and ed-tech tools.
  • Technologies to support appropriate practical learning in online components.
  • E-portfolios embedded for professional development.
  • Lecture recordings used with care, not a substitute for attendance.

Support & Engagement

  • Wellbeing program for both on-campus and online.
  • 24-hour response to queries.
  • Course mentors for all students.
  • Intensives and industry engagement to build community.
  • Proactive online wellbeing support.

Ready to learn more?

These models are designed to support diverse learning needs and teaching approaches. As we continue developing them, your feedback is invaluable. Contact us to discuss any of the models, share your thoughts, or explore how they might work in your context.

Contact us