200 likes | 346 Views
Richard Larkins. Monash; International Collaboration without Boundaries. Some Characterising Features of Monash University. Twin foci of excellence – teaching and research A campus-based university, with campuses in metropolitan, regional and international locations
E N D
Richard Larkins Monash; International Collaboration without Boundaries
Some Characterising Features of Monash University Twin foci of excellence – teaching and research A campus-based university, with campuses in metropolitan, regional and international locations A distinctive combination of research, research-led teaching and internationalism A deep commitment to cross-cultural communication
Diversity • Students from more than 130 countries • 8 campuses: 6 in Australia, 1 in Malaysia and 1 in South Africa • Centres in Italy and United Kingdom • Several study modes • Pathway programs • Thriving community • 10 faculties
What is the philosophy underlying international focus • Globalisation is here to stay • Must prepare graduates to work in a global economy, global companies – international perspective essential • A network of alumni in many countries a huge benefit to Monash and to Australia • Understanding different cultures and religions intellectually and emotionally rich and rewarding • It will lead to a more peaceful and secure world
International Activities • Largest number of international students of any Australian university • Monash College, MUFY and MUELC all provide important bridges • Monash Abroad program successful and growing • Curricula and experience must prepare students for a world where national boundaries less and less relevant • Overseas campuses and centres provide especial opportunities • Joint research laboratories planned in California, India and close partnerships with China
Demographics of international students at Monash Major countries: Malaysia Hong Kong China Singapore Indonesia India Thailand Sri Lanka Vietnam USA Sth Africa
Rationale for international campuses • Real international engagement and perspective that partnerships/twinning can never do • Allows student mobility/experience – international study opportunity for different phases of his/her education (eg. Global BA) • Allows research on global issues to be conducted on global basis (eg. sustainability including water and energy, public health, global movements, security, regulatory affairs) • Establishes visibility, reputation if done properly NOT making money
Monash University, Malaysia campus • Growing steadily – 3,100 students • Business, IT, Science and Arts, Engineering, Medicine (accredited by AMC) • New campus development underway, opens 2007 • Opportunity for 2-way exchanges of staff and students • Building invaluable links with South-East Asia • Unlike Monash South Africa, we have a business partner – Monash controls academic standards • Modest royalty stream – covers real costs
Monash University, Malaysia campus New campus, opening mid-2007 Current campus
Monash South Africa • Growing rapidly – 1500 students from all over Southern Africa Potential Benefits • 2-way exchange of staff and students • Africa is exciting and culturally diverse, huge problems but huge potential • Major role/partner in realisation of potential of Africa – educational, research, trade and business links of inestimable value to Monash and its graduates, to Australia and to Africa • Consistent with social justice objectives
International Centres • Monash London Centre and Prato Centre – successful in raising profile, building links and study opportunities for students and staff – important links to Europe
London and Prato Centres Prato, Italy London, UK Malaysia London
Comprehensive Relationships with Overseas Universities • We are not members of a consortium • We plan a number of specific bilateral comprehensive relationships nurtured by mutual investment – KCL, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Purdue, research-intensive universities in Israel • Bench-marking, research collaboration, student and staff exchange
Plans in India India: • In process of establishing joint research academy with IITB – research (basic and applied), research higher degree training
Plans in China China: • Already extensive research collaborations and some teaching programs • Plan for more intense relationship with Sichuan University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and perhaps Zhongshan University
Role of Monash College • Provides intense teaching and English language support for effective pathway program to Monash University (Australia, Malaysia and SA) • Content specific bridging to year 2 of academic programs • Flexible and responsive additional programs • Essential part of Monash University’s international strategy
Challenges with the International Approach Chosen by Monash University • Travel for staff is expensive and demanding and leaves large carbon footprint • Only a limited number of students can experience other campuses or centres • Difficulty of reproducing Monash experience on all campuses
The Role of ICT • Video conferencing to reduce travel • “Virtual” international experience for students across campuses – chat rooms, virtual campus for all our students no matter entry point • Research collaboration helped by state of the art ICT connectivity • Intercampus teaching by ICT – lectures on line, podcasts, streaming etc, etc. Monash must become the exemplar
Summary • Monash University believes that many benefits flow from a strong international focus • It means much more than having students come to Australia from other parts of the world • Education and research have the capacity to build bridges between different nations and make the world a better, more interesting and safer place • Only by pushing the boundaries of ICT capability can we pursue our international agenda and remain financially sound