CQU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Glenice Hancock this week used a meeting and videoconference links to update staff on recent developments within the University and throughout the higher education sector in Australia.

Referring to a range of significant achievements, Professor Hancock stressed that CQU was well-positioned for the new era expected for the higher education sector.

These include hosting of participants in a major women’s research conference, a national conference on salinity and an international IT gathering; launch of the Process Engineering and Light Metals facility and a new headquarters for Plant Sciences; and involvement in studies of Woongarra Marine Park and St Bee’s Island koala colony.

Achievements in the area of teaching and learning include new web-based tools like the access-grid video wall and the ‘Blackboard’ course management system, as well as progress in establishment of inter-disciplinary awards. CQU has also won another regional export award and has garnered seven 5-star ratings in the latest Good Universities Guide (including those for student experience and graduate outcomes).

Professor Hancock said additional progress had been made with a major review of international operations, introduction of a system of faculty reviews and establishment of a new long-term research strategic plan.

“These achievements are a direct result of the commitment and leadership of our staff, who have ensured that students and their programs of study continue to develop strongly in a period where there is much change inside and outside the University,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

“As we approach 2004, we are well placed to ensure that CQU continues to prosper.\" Professor Hancock said there would be significant leadership changes at CQU. The University’s long-serving Chancellor Hon. Justice Stan Jones will retire in March 2004. Experienced University Council member Mr Rennie Fritschy, who has a successful business background, was recently announced as Chancellor Designate to succeed Justice Jones.

The Vice-Chancellor is scheduled to retire at the end of July 2004 and this position is currently under recruitment. Two of the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors have resigned in recent months and the University is currently in the process of identifying their successors.

Professor Hancock said the systematic and staged replacement of the senior leadership team of the University would allow for new approaches to be developed and new opportunities to be pursued.

The Vice-Chancellor also briefed staff on the major recommendations of a recently completed review of its international operations, with the focus being on improved systems and growth of international program opportunities.

She said this review was timely to keep pace with the increased demand from international students.

The importance of achieving amendments to the Higher Education legislation that will be presented to the Senate on Monday, November 24, was also stressed.

Professor Hancock outlined the success that the Vice-Chancellors and their peak body, the AVCC, have already had in gaining Minister Nelson’s agreement to amending the current legislation in ways that will make it less intrusive into the autonomy and operations of universities.

However, she pointed out the need to keep pressing for further amendments that would decouple access to major funding increases in 2005 from workplace relations reforms and national governance requirements.