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USC on the world stage
08 December 2007
I’ve this week returned to the University after a three month period of sabbatical leave, proposed and approved by University Council. During that time I have been travelling through Europe visiting universities and technology parks to gauge where USC is placed internationally, and also to gain insights into how we might improve further into the future.
The most encouraging aspect of the period was that I saw no university anywhere that possessed so attractive a campus, or that was more committed to and engaged with its region. No ancient or modern university was deliberately contributing more to regional advancement, when scale differences are taken into account, than USC.
This was evidenced at a major OECD Conference in Spain to launch “Higher Education and Regions, Globally Competitive, Locally Engaged”. It is a publication in which USC, along with thirteen other universities from around the world, is featured, following independent scrutiny of the University by an OECD team over a year ago.
On a range of features USC was more impressive than many older and wealthier universities. There was considerable interest expressed in both the University and the Sunshine Coast region, and I felt that we were really emerging on a world stage.
But there was no case whatever for complacency because there is still much to be done, academically, physically and in terms of services. Most universities have got a long head start on us, and in a competitive sector we have to continually improve if we are to continue our success that ultimately benefits this region.
Apart from the changes in the political scene with which we have to come to terms, I’ve returned to some very practical issues, the major one being parking – which is another worldwide problem for universities.
The rapid growth and success of the University brings new challenges, and if we are to safeguard this beautiful campus, and continue to be a magnet, we have to resolve the access issues. A topic in itself for another week.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.