The University of Adelaide today
Bonython Hall
Dr Augustus Short’s founding vision for the University may still be traced beneath the multi-layered surface of its appearance today.
The University’s continued success in the preparation of educated leaders is demonstrated by its alumni who hold office: the present Lord Mayor of Adelaide, the current Premier of South Australia, and the existing Prime Minister of Australia. Over 150 of the University’s alumni and staff are members of Australia’s learned academies, with two having won the Nobel Prize in the past seven years.
The University continues to embrace a democratically broad student body. Undergraduate enrolments include some 60% of the brightest school leavers in South Australia, in addition to many students who have entered via an array of alternate pathways. There is a strong indigenous presence, and 14% of its students are of low socio-economic status—the largest such enrolment in the Group of Eight (G08) universities. Almost 30% of the student cohort are international students making it is also a highly cosmopolitan public university.
The University’s commitment to excellence in teaching has brought forth many learning and student experience initiatives, and results from the latest Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) undertaken by graduates, reflect the success of these programs.
The research environment is always challenging, competitive and full of opportunities. In recent years, the University has established five multi-disciplinary research institutes, where leading researchers from diverse areas work together on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today and in the future.
Mitchell Building
And the University’s importance to the community is still evident in the many public programs it presents, from the Research Tuesdays free lecture series, to academic forums, musical performances and concerts. Its continued commitment to engaging students from diverse backgrounds is demonstrated by its schemes such as the northern suburbs pathways initiatives and centre located in Port Augusta and its links with professional and industry groups are confirmed by the advisory boards and industry partnerships maintained.
