About
This seminar series provides both a foundational overview and expert insights into key issues shaping the public policy and governance landscape of Australian higher education. Topics include the history and evolution of the sector, funding models, governance frameworks, and contemporary policy challenges. Sessions feature perspectives from experts and practitioners across the University of Melbourne. All sessions will be delivered in person only at the Parkville campus.
Suitable for
Academic and professional staff seeking to expand their knowledge of higher education policy, governance, and university management.
Schedule
Understanding Australian Universities and Policy Tuesday 30 June, 9.30am-11.30am This session explores the key features of the Australian higher education sector and how they have evolved over time. Questions addressed include: When were the first universities established in Australia? How has the sector changed? Are all Australian students charged fees? How does government regulate higher education? Has Australia always had international students? Providing an introduction to the seminar series, the session examines the history, structure, funding, and governance of Australian higher education, as well as the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This session is suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of higher education in Australia, including staff who are new to the sector or those wishing to refresh and consolidate their knowledge of the Australian university landscape. |
Current Higher Education Policy Issues Tuesday 28 July, 9.30am-11.30am This interactive session explores the key policy issues, debates, and reforms currently shaping Australian higher education. Topics include major developments in international education, funding, regulation, and government policy, with a focus on areas undergoing significant change such as managed growth, needs-based funding, and regulatory frameworks. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how government policies influence the higher education sector and the implications of current reforms for universities. This session is suitable for staff seeking to better understand the policy and regulatory environment in which Australian universities operate and to deepen their knowledge of contemporary higher education issues in Australia. |
University and Sector Governance Tuesday 18 August, 9.30am-11.30am What is the role of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), and how does it influence the work of universities? What is academic governance, and how does it operate within Australian higher education? Are all university councils structured in the same way? This practical session provides an introduction to governance in Australian higher education at both the sector and institutional levels, with a focus on governance and regulatory arrangements at the University of Melbourne. Participants will explore system governance and regulation, corporate governance, and academic governance, and gain an understanding of the roles of university councils, academic boards, and the Higher Education Standards Framework. The session also examines current issues and challenges in higher education governance and includes discussions with the University’s senior governance officers. This session is suitable for staff seeking to better understand governance both within the University and across the broader higher education sector. |