Dear Members,
I hope that this monthly UCA newsletter finds you well. Below you will find some exciting updates from the UCA Executive.
I look forward to working with you throughout the year.
Kind regards,
Lisa Sutherland
President
University Colleges Australia
The year ahead |
Just before Christmas, the UCA Executive Committee met to discuss the year ahead. We are delighted to share a summary of the plan that emerged from this important conversation: As you will see, the projects on our list include:
If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. |
Census |
By now, heads of colleges should have received a link to our National Census of University Colleges, Halls, and Residences. To ensure that all members are aware of this project, I wanted to share a few important details about it. Given that UCA is now working closely with governments to shape policy and develop novel programs, knowledge about who we are and what we do is more important than ever. The new Census will enable us to obtain this knowledge. All responses provided by heads of colleges will be used to prepare a detailed but deidentified report. It will answer questions such as:
If you have any methodological or other questions, please contact our Executive Manager, Will Cesta, who is leading the research project. |
2024 Forum |
I would like to remind you that 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. Also, a quick reminder that last year’s Forum photos can be accessed here: https://www.2023-forum.universitycollegesaustralia.org/ |
The Universities Accord |
I would like to remind all members that UCA is continuing to work with the Department of Education on the Universities Accord process. The President has been — and will continue to be — involved in shaping the details of the action plan for accommodation providers. We are committed to promoting meaningful change within the higher education sector and will keep members informed as the ongoing conversation progresses. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. |
Jobs Board |
Thank you for your ongoing contributions to UCA’s Jobs Board. To streamline the process, we have created a submission form. Submissions will be uploaded within 3 days of receipt. The form link can be accessed here: |
Appointments |
We are delighted to share that Alex McKenzie has been appointed as the 10th Principal of UCA member organisation Burgmann College. Alex was born and raised in Tamworth in country NSW and has been a member of the Burgmann Community since 2016, initially as a resident, then student leader, and as an alumnus, and later returning as Dean, Deputy Principal, and most recently, Acting Principal. We are thrilled that he has now been promoted to the top job — congratulations, Alex! If you know of any other appointments that UCA would be interested in sharing, please let us know! |