Vice-Chancellor’s Briefing
2008 - A year of opportunity and growth
Welcome;
2008 is proving to be a dynamic year of opportunity and growth for Charles Sturt University (CSU) and an extremely important year for Australia's University sector with the much anticipated ‘Bradley Review’ underway.
Announced in March this year by Education Minister, Julia Gillard, ‘The Bradley Review’ is part of the Rudd Labor Government’s promised ‘Education Revolution’ which will examine and report on the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy and the options for ongoing reform.
In a nutshell, ‘The Bradley Review’ aims to ensure there is a vision for Australian universities for the next 15 to 20 years.
Terms of Reference [PDF].
For CSU, ‘The Bradley Review’, chaired by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC, is also crucial in determining how funding will be delivered to universities. It will also define the substance of compact funding arrangements, how they will be delivered and how diversity in higher education will be driven.
A discussion paper, which was released in June, identifies nine key challenges and issues confronting higher education in Australia over the coming decades.
Discussion Paper PDF | RTF
Already it is clear though, the CSU Strategy and Plans and the Government’s vision for higher education are closely aligned.
CSU has already committed to the quality provision of flexible delivery of learning and teaching, which in essence, ensures an ability of all Australians to be able to aspire to go to university and have a fair chance of doing so. The University, indeed is conducting strategic and applied research that makes a difference to our lives and provides distinctive education programs, giving Australians the skills they need for the professions that will continue to enhance our communities throughout this century.
CSU will continue to support the aspirations and needs of regional and inland communities, and make a positive contribution to the evolution of higher education in Australia, through a detailed and considered submission to ‘The Bradley Review’ before July 31 2008.
An interim report will be delivered to Government in October and CSU is anticipating the release of the final report, which is due at the end of the year.
The discussion paper and information about the consultation process can be viewed at www.dest.gov.au\HEreview.
CSU’s Plan for AUQA Round Two
Things have moved more quickly in the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit area than the University anticipated.
AUQA is an independent, not-for-profit national agency that promotes, audits, and reports on quality assurance in Australian higher education. It is the principal national quality assurance agency in higher education with the responsibility of providing public assurance of the quality of Australia’s universities and other institutions of higher education, and assisting in enhancing the academic quality of these institutions.
CSU has now received a request from AUQA to provide a statement on themes to be considered for the audit; a "desk review" of CSU’s compliance with "National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes" and a range of supplementary information such as the CSU strategic Plan, its latest Institutional Assessment Framework report from DEEWR and its contacts in relation to administration around the audit.
Given the nature of the University, the audit outcomes from Round 1, and AUQA’s own emphasis and focus, it is clear that "International Activities" will be a theme. The University will propose "The Student Experience", "Blended and Flexible Learning" and "Education for Practice" for negotiation as the second theme.
We are currently seeking advice from AUQA on its expectations on the level of detail required of the ‘desk review’ and the use of the information provided in the later audit process, before conducting the task.
Recognising outstanding achievement
I was extremely proud to announce awards for outstanding achievement in research, teaching and team performance for 2007. Associate Professor Gavin Ash from the School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences was a worthy recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Individual Research Excellence.
The winners of the 2007 Vice-Chancellor's Team Award for Research Excellence are Associate Professor David Watson, Dr Ian Lunt, Dr Gary Luck, and Dr Peter Spooner from the School of Environmental Sciences, and Dr David Roshier from the Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS).
Charles Sturt University staff members have again demonstrated leadership in innovative thinking, and there were two Individual Awards for Performance Excellence in 2007, Carmen Frost, Finance Manager, Remuneration, and Karl Shead, Theatre Technical Officer in the School of Communication.
The Bathurst Catering Unit, managed by Brett Russell, won The 2007 Team Award because of its outstanding service to University clients.
I thank all staff who positively contribute to the overall student learning experience at CSU.