20 December 2006
Monash is 'well under way' in becoming one of the best universities in the world because of its research-intensive, international focus, according to an independent audit of the University released today.
The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) report outlines the findings of a panel of higher education experts who conducted an exhaustive audit of the University in 2006. The panel recognised the University's commitment to expand research activity and commended the University for its progress in enhancing the student experience and resources available to research students.
"This report is a welcome endorsement of the progress that Monash has made in building an outstanding University with research and learning excellence at its eight campuses in Victoria, Malaysia and South Africa," Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said.
"The AUQA process was very valuable for Monash -- providing us with the opportunity to assess ourselves and re-evaluate our operations while also gaining from the objective insights of the panel.
"A university would be nothing without its staff and as 2006 comes to a close, this report provides a timely reminder of the hallmarks of our staff: excellence, commitment and deep desire to pursue continuous improvement.
"At the same time, the report also reinforces our findings that a number of key areas require further work within the University. We need to streamline operations to reduce duplication of effort and have already taken a number of measures to simplify the University's operations in 2007. We need to look at fresh ways to ensure that all new academic staff have a commitment to research as well as teaching, and to further leverage off the international status of our campuses."
The AUQA panel commended the Vice-Chancellor and senior management of the University for developing a vision for the University that builds on the University's strengths and seeks to establish Monash as one of the leading research intensive and international universities in the world. This vision is encapsulated in the University's Engaging the world strategy, released this year.
The Panel also commended Monash for a range of initiatives, including:
- The development of an extensive suite of performance indicators and evaluation tools to monitor performance and ensure the University remained on track to achieve its primary goals;
- The University's commitment to both risk management and quality;
- The effectiveness of pathway programs which effectively prepare students for University, such as Monash College and the Academic Development Program at the South Africa campus;
- The establishment of a training program for supervisors of research students, and support mechanisms established to support Higher Degree by Research students, providing a supportive environment for learning;
- The quality and extent of educational support services available to all Monash students through the Monash Library; and
- The effective implementation of a range of environmental programs.
The commendations follows Times Higher Education Supplement's recent ranking of Monash amongst the world's top 40 Universities -- the third time Monash has been ranked in the top 40 Universities over the past three years.
The Panel made a number of recommendations on improvements to the University's operation, which were very welcome, and confirmed the outcomes of the University's self-review, Professor Larkins said.
The Panel made a range of recommendations, including:
- University operations and decision making be simplified and streamlined;
- the University build on its international profile by developing a 'Statement of International Purpose', introducing offshore staff to Monash culture and values and inviting international members into the University Council; and
- targets for research activity be incorporated into probation conditions for new academic staff.
For further information contact Tim Winkler on 03 9902 0108 or 0409 551 743.
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