Towards 2024: Choices for the University of Adelaide

How should the University of Adelaide look on the eve of its 150th anniversary? The decade commencing in 2013 will take the University to the eve of its sesquicentenary in 2024.  What kind of university should it be by then?

To create a medium-term vision for the University, building on its strengths to respond to the coming challenges, will be the subject of our deliberations over the coming weeks. This Discussion Paper is being circulated to our staff and students, so we can take stock of where we currently stand, and reflect on where we would like to be in the years ahead.

Internationally higher education is being reshaped by globalisation and the digital revolution, while at home familiar patterns in the university sector are being remade by many pressures, including far-reaching intervention by government. Researchers are faced with complex, urgent questions from the public as well as a developing landscape of institutional players outside universities to navigate; potential students are faced with new choices and pressures.

To ensure it thrives in the changing environment, the University of Adelaide must think through its context and goals, and be clear about its intentions. In the text that follows, snapshots are provided of the University’s founding vision and values, of the coming Australian higher education and environment, and of our  current research, teaching and administrative aspirations. Questions are then posed, inviting your input about how we might respond.

To start the conversation, a group of 75 of the University’s Deans, Heads, central executives, managers, and student leaders attended a two-day Retreat on 30-31 July. A summary of views expressed at the Retreat appears in the Possible Responses sections which follow.

Consultation meetings will be held following the release of the Paper, and all students and staff are invited to respond by email to vice-chancellor@ adelaide.edu.au or add your comments on the Have Your Say page.

I would be glad to receive your comments by Friday 28 September 2012.

The results of this consultation process will inform the development of strategies and goals for a new ten-year strategic plan during October-November, for presentation to Council in December.

I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.

Professor Warren Bebbington
Vice-Chancellor and President