Monash Directions 2025
Monash University's statement of purpose
Monash University seeks to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity. It does so through research and education and a commitment to social justice, human rights and a sustainable environment. It values:
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| Monash University seeks to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity. |
- excellence in research and scholarship
- excellence in education
- excellence in management
- international focus
- innovation and creativity
- diversity
- fairness
- engagement
- integrity, and
- self-reliance.
Aims
By 2025 we will be one of the best universities in the world, distinctive because our research-intensive, international focus enables us to address important theoretical and practical challenges, and develop graduates who will wish to do the same.
1. One of the best universities in the world
By 2025, we will be rightly ranked as one of the best universities in the world on reputable indices.
To achieve this aim, we will ensure that all major decisions concerning priorities and the allocation of resources are made in the light of factors that will promote our reputation and standing, in particular:
- research and creative achievements
- demand for places from the most talented students and post-doctoral fellows
- status as employer of choice amongst the best researchers, teachers who draw on research to inspire their students, and general staff
- demand for our graduates, in particular from global employers
- levels of pride amongst staff, students and alumni at being part of the Monash community
- results of quality assessments and audits, and
- position in reputable rankings.
2. A university "in the world"
We are a "people and place" university with metropolitan and regional campuses in Australia and elsewhere. We value engagement between our campuses and the various communities we serve. We use information and communication technologies to assist with our work and strengthen the connections with our communities.
To achieve this aim, we will ensure that our undergraduate academic programs are based on a high quality campus experience designed to develop the whole individual, encourage all undergraduate students to benefit from time spent at a second Monash campus or another university of high standing, give priority to research which is designed to improve the human condition and recognise the different needs of our communities in planning the educational and research programs of each campus.
3. A distinctive university
We will be known for the way that we successfully combine internationalism with research-led teaching to encourage intellectual growth in the university and produce opportunities for our staff and students which are unparalleled in higher education institutions.
To achieve this aim, we will integrate an international dimension into our interpretation of the teaching-research nexus and ensure that this unique fusion applies in all programs taught by the university. We will also identify universities that may be adopting similar approaches and endeavour continuously to improve our performance in relation to them.
4. A research-intensive university
We will support the development of research leaders of international standing while moving to a position where every member of the academic staff of Monash University is engaged in research activities.
To achieve this aim, we will keep under review the meaning of "research engagement" for these purposes and our resulting expectations of academic staff, and give particular support to research which aspires to be amongst the world's best.
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| We will admit students on merit and they will be amongst the most able of their generation. |
5. An international university
We will demonstrate a deep commitment to internationalism and cross-cultural communication, through our campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa, our centres in Europe and our networks in other countries. This will also be evident in our staff and student populations who will be drawn from diverse cultures.
To achieve this aim, we will ensure that our curriculum has a strong international content and our campuses are rightly ranked as among the very best in the regions and countries where they operate.
6. A university which addresses significant theoretical and practical challenges
In line with our commitment to improving the human condition and our support for social justice, human rights and a sustainable environment, our research and educational programs will embrace themes and problems relevant to the regions and countries in which they take place and the major issues of our times.
To achieve this aim, we will keep under review our research, research training, curriculum and pedagogy, and maintain an academic plan which ensures that the aim is implemented.
7. A university whose graduates reflect its distinctive approach
We will admit students on merit and they will be amongst the most able of their generation.
The very best, judged by our own criteria, will be admitted irrespective of their means and circumstances. When they graduate they will be equipped to live, learn, work and contribute globally. They will have been inspired by our internationally-focused, research-led teaching and wish to use their talents to improve
the world.
To achieve this aim, we will review and maintain access, admissions and academic policies to attract and develop students who will meet these aspirations.
February 2005 |
