Bond University now offers the broadest range of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Accredited programs in Australia, after being welcomed as a Partner University by the internationally respected professional body.
Head of the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, Professor George Earl, says the accreditation of the School’s Bachelor of Property and Sustainable Development and Masters Programs will catapult the School to the international stage.
"RICS Accreditation is recognised as the premier accreditation by the profession world wide and it is the ultimate stamp of approval for our sustainable development programs," he said.
"We now have the broadest base of accredited programs in the country, and are the only University between Sydney and Brisbane that offers this level of professional accreditation.
"Our graduates will be immediately recognised internationally as being part of the property, construction and quantity surveying industry, and will be a part of the largest family in that area globally."
Professor Earl said students of the new School, which opened in September 2006, are already in high demand by a development industry looking to address its critical skills shortage.
"Employers are regularly coming to us looking for students to undertake work placements, and in some cases, students have been approached with part-time scholarships, enabling them to combine work with study."
He is predicting a 100% job placement rate for graduates of the School, and says; "It’s not a question of will they get a job, it’s just a matter of who they will choose to work for".
"With API (Australian Property Institute), and now RICS Accreditation, employers internationally will recognise Bond University’s sustainable development programs as top in their class.
"It is a sound acknowledgement of the comprehensive structure of our programs, the quality of our Academic staff – in terms of their superior qualifications, research output and teaching skills - and the high level of satisfaction among our current students," Professor Earl said.
Chair of RICS Oceania, Mr Stephen Ellis, said Bond University and its sustainable development programs were subjected to a rigorous assessment process before the University was welcomed as a RICS Partner University, and accreditation granted.
"Success in this achievement will directly benefit those graduating from the accredited programs.
"When recruiting, the RICS qualification is highly sought after by major global employers, and, with the globalisation of our property markets, this could not be more appropriate," said Mr Ellis.
Sir Richard Branson, head of international brand Virgin, flew into the centre of the Bond campus for an hour-long question and answer session on Sunday 30 March.
The Honourable Justice Michael Kirby AC of the High Court officiated the April 11 launch of Bond University's new Centre for Forensic Excellence - the first forensics research centre in Australia that draws together the inter-disciplinary fields of science, law and criminology.
Bond University and the Asian Development Bank have partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat to deliver a Public-Private Partnerships Leadership Program (from April 7 – 12) to senior government officials from developing Pacific nations, designed to improve cost savings and efficiency in public service delivery in the region. 
Family businesses are fast becoming a powerhouse to be reckoned with, according to Bond University Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Family Business, Dr Justin Craig.
A team of outstanding Bond University students has taken out fourth place in the Global Management Challenge international final in Bucharest, Romania, held April 15 – 16.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland branch), with the support of Bond University, is offering half a million dollars worth of grants to Queensland high school students for excellence in academic work, sporting and community contribution. 
Our achievements and accolades this month range from MBA students representing Australia on the world-stage in global business planning competitions to Law staff and students contributing to the successful petition for a re-hearing of Graham Stafford's case to try and overturn his 16-year-old murder conviction. We also recognise the efforts of Mrs Dee Leadbetter, Professor Patrick Keyzer and students Bridie Jabour, Sarah Flomersfeld and Jessica Golding. 
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