A New Framework for Growth
9 October 2004
Over the last few months we have had an independent consultant
work with the University in reviewing our strategic directions in
the light of the growth that the University will certainly
experience in the years ahead.
He is an experienced and highly regarded academic who has
previously chaired the Academic Board at University of Queensland,
and has been involved in the national auditing program for
Australian universities.
Professor Lister has interviewed over 120 people, both internal
and external to the University. Earlier this week he provided his
findings to the University Council, and a newly formulated planning
framework is emerging, although the pervasive emphases of regional
alignment and engagement that have been so strong in our earlier
plans, remain, and have strong support.
There is a view in the community at large, however, that
although the University rhetoric emphasises 'engagement', and that
there are some within the University that consistently give
expression to that emphasis in practical ways, that there are some
staff who remain aloof from contributing directly to regional
engagement. That is an issue we shall have to address concertedly
before USC is audited by the national body or there could be
funding consequences. If we state a priority we should live it in
our work.
There is also a widespread view both internally and externally
that we should increase research outputs. This has full support
from the University's leaders and staff, but we have been
experiencing difficulties with operating within funding schemes
that support established track records of research in universities
that have decades of start on USC. The research output is growing
and new professorial appointments will accelerate the level of
research activity in the next few years.
Students feel that they would like better sporting and cultural
infrastructure at Sippy Downs, as well as access to improved public
transport. We fully agree, and have been working consistently for
years to secure the funds that would allow us to proceed with those
features that students and the local community generally want to
access.
Another issue that has arisen is over the differing views that
exist about the University's presence throughout the region. Most
students seem to want better connectivity to an enlarged campus,
whilst some other interests want small learning centres spread
around the region. It is an issue which we continue to actively
investigate.
The consultations will undoubtedly result in a plan that will
take the University to a new stage of development and an exciting
period of now guaranteed growth for which all of us have worked so
hard.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast