Two years after taking over as Uni Melbourne chancellor Jane Hansen was formally installed last week – at Government House.
She got straight to selling, using “three particular initiatives” to make the case for the university’s social licence to operate and “draw on public funds.”
- “strengthening social cohesion”” Ms Hansen spoke at length about the university’s Anti-Racism Action Plan and the many challenges to implementing it. ”This forms part of our important ongoing work to create a positive student experience for all, grounded in identity and belonging, campus life and co-curricular opportunities,” she said,.
- ”Equity and access:” The chancellor pointed to scholarships providing “financial and academic enrichment” and expanding staff diversity as ways aligning, “our values as a responsible educational institution .. with those of the broader community and national interest.”
- She also cited examples of the university’s commitment, “to meaningful indigenous recognition and reconciliation,” which “further addresses our social licence in relation to a vital collective concern in Australia today – made even more urgent given the setback in the recent referendum”.
Plus there is the “centrality” of university research in “critical areas” – she specified, climate, health, infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, AI, citizenship and statelessness.
And the university must “engage constructively with government, to inform and contribute to national policy”.
As to paying for it – she mentions partnerships, philanthropy, commercialisation pathways, “and unlocking value in our fixed asset base.” The university briefing notes mention the Chancellor’s “long career in investment banking.”
