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Our Universities: Backing Australia’s Ability. Implications of the 2003 budget for academic profiles. Key words. Sustainability - a market oriented program Quality - T &L focus, relevance of courses Equity - scholarships but no reform of student income support
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Our Universities: Backing Australia’s Ability Implications of the 2003 budget for academic profiles
Key words Sustainability - a market oriented program Quality - T &L focus, relevance of courses Equity - scholarships but no reform of student income support Diversity - increased control of offerings “cappuccino courses”
Possible impacts Much greater control over discipline mix Less viable institutions will be forced to specialise “as a minister I won’t be driving amalgamation but we will be very supportive of universities seeking to rationalise their activities” (AFR 16-5-03) Loan measures pave the way for a viable private sector
“Excellence in teaching and learning will be placed alongside the delivery of research excellence as a valued contribution to Australia's knowledge systems.” “A renewed emphasis on teaching and learning outcomes, particularly at the undergraduate level … knowledge and skills that are relevant …”
It is not the intent for any university to become teaching-only. • Strong on the importance of learning and teaching • Promotes: • Innovation and excellence in T& L • Stresses recognition and reward for good teaching • Staff development
Learning and Teaching Performance Fund - $77m in 2007 • ++ performance based funding • -- relatively modest amount $54.7 in 2005/06, rising to $83.8 in 2006/07 • ?? degree to which $$ might be tied to workforce reform and governance • Opportunities • Criteria for performance assessment • Terms of reference for the NILTHE
National Institute for Learning and Teaching in HE • ++ leadership in enhancement of T&L, articulation, monitoring of standards, assessment and benchmarking • -- another mechanism of control? • Opportunities • Input into the allocation mechanism and membership of the body
Awards for University Teaching • ++ enhanced status for university teaching - increase in number and total value of awards ?? Do these awards make a real difference to quality?
Graduate Skills Assessment “Motivating students to take the test has been difficult … universities have been reluctant to put resources into a test students do not want to take.. Many employers knew nothing about the GSA.” • $270,000 pa to promote the test to employers. The duck is dead - bury the duck.