Newsletter - December 2023

Dear members,

I hope our final newsletter of the year finds you well.

Strategy Session  

Earlier this week, the Executive Committee held its annual strategy workshop. 2023 has been, we agreed, a very fruitful period in UCA's history. We have contributed to an ongoing public conversation about the future of higher education, increased our member base significantly, and developed programs that have grappled with numerous topics (from artificial intelligence to governance). I am proud that we have been able to do this and grateful for your contributions and engagement.

This trajectory of growth will continue over the next 12 months. There are many things on our agenda, such as:

• Releasing the report of our inaugural census;

• Updating our existing respectful relationships framework;

• Rebooting the Deans & Deputies Network;

• Growing our Conversations With Colleagues series; and

• Continuing to work with the government on the design and development of a national code that will regulate our sector.

You will receive a copy of our 2024 strategy in the new year.

Census

Thank you for your participation in our National Census of University Colleges, Halls, and Other Residences, which is the largest research project UCA has undertaken to date.

In the new year, you will receive a deidentified report that will be shared with our members, the Department of Education, and other interested stakeholders.

2024 Forum Organising Committee 

The Chair of the 2024 Organising Committee, Dr Eleanor Spencer-Regan, is pleased to invite expressions of interest from colleagues who wish to join the UCA Forum 2024 Organising Committee. The Forum will be held in Adelaide in the week of 23 September 2024.

All Heads, Deputies, and Deans are warmly invited to respond to ensure diverse representation from all levels within our institutions. Ideally, we are looking for a committee of between 8-10 members.

We will aim to have an initial meeting via Zoom in early February to confirm a Forum theme, identify key areas for focus, review feedback on the Forum 2023, and consider potential venues.

Subsequent meetings will be on Zoom every 2-3 weeks during March – September. Meetings will typically last no longer than one hour.

Please send expressions of interest to principal@jch.unimelb.edu.au (subject header – ‘UCA FORUM 2024’) no later than Friday 19th January 2024 or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Thank you all for a wonderful year. I wish you a restful break and look forward to working with you in 2024.