Emma Johnston died of complications from cancer just after Christmas – she was still working weeks prior for her University of Melbourne, launching Resilience, a “refreshed roadmap for the second half of the decade.”
Writing then, Vice-Chancellor Johnston stated the plan was inspired by her marine science research.
“Resilient ecosystems in nature resist threats and adapt to new conditions. They thrive because they have high connectivity and high diversity. Universities are no different.”
The plan points to four “interconnected focus areas for change” to guide actions and resourcing:
- “Empower people and performance … by continuing to pursue and demonstrate the highest standards of scholarship we will maintain the confidence of our students, staff and communities.”
- Improve student experience: “through our distinctive curriculum, underpinned by an outstanding on-campus experience, our students will take charge of their own learning, and develop the analytical skills and mindset needed for a rapidly changing world.”
- “Partner for impact:” “we can co-create solutions to future challenges.”
- “Lead with a future-focus” “we must ensure our financial and operational sustainability.”
The plan mentions, but does not specify, performance metrics. However, the university community will not need to look far to identify external measures for teaching and learning, the national QILT surveys, which have reported low satisfaction among the university’s students for decades.