See if PACE is right for your business

We have put in place some important checks and processes to ensure your experience as a Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program partner is successful and mutually beneficial.

PACE partner qualities

The overall goal of PACE is to work with partner organisations who:

  • align with Macquarie University's ethical standards that promote the wellbeing of people and planet
  • share our vision to develop students' capabilities by providing engaging learning opportunities
  • share our values of respect and joint responsibility — ensuring respect for difference, proper consultation and duty of care.

To find out more about the legal and operational framework of PACE, download our Governance and Guidelines booklet.

How do I become a PACE partner?

We collaborate with your business to create workplace learning experiences that benefit organisations and students alike.

PACE students will apply academic theory to practicing a potential career. To succeed in this partnership, we ensure that organisations can provide structured learning experiences within a framework.

Here's what you can do to make the most of what PACE has to offer:

Arranging PACE activities involves a lead time between a few weeks and a few months, depending on your business needs and student availability.

We ask that you get in touch with us early to discuss your requirements and potential collaboration opportunities.

PACE is an integral part of Macquarie Bachelor degrees offered across a wide range of academic disciplines and differs from a traditional “work experience” model.

Consider how you can structure PACE activities that offer students meaningful opportunities and a chance to achieve the learning outcomes of their PACE unit (ie subject).

All host organisations must be able to offer a safe working environment and hold public liability insurance of at least $10 million.

For safety reasons we do not allow students to undertake a placement in a home office.

Organisations must have capacity to provide a dedicated supervisor who is not in a personal or family relationship with the student.

The supervisor will:

  • work with the student and provide them with guidance and feedback throughout their PACE activity
  • ensure that students complete the minimum placement hours and any necessary log books or assessments as part of the activity.

Students usually complete their PACE activity within a University session.

Our main session dates run from:

  • the end of February to the end of June (Session 1)
  • the end of July to the end of November (Session 2)
  • December to February (Session 3)

Let us know as soon as possible if you hope to host a PACE student activity outside of these dates. We will then explore whether we can arrange for the student to commence or undertake the activity before the session starts.

Our students possess the latest disciplinary knowledge, which the PACE activity allows them to apply to a real industry project. It also gives them a chance to develop their skills before they graduate and enter the workforce.

To make the experience successful we ask you to keep your expectations realistic and maintain open communication with the student and with PACE staff.

In return, students will bring their fresh ideas and innovative thinking, and will both surprise and inspire you!