Engagement
The University’s strategy is founded on the metaphor of a triple helix; three interwoven strands that shape and reinforce one another. The final strand – engagement – encompasses interaction between the University and the wider society. It includes knowledge partnerships, public programs, interactions with alumni, advancement activities and international programs.
Knowledge partnerships are interactions between the University and external groups or individuals and are essential to the ensuring the University’s public-spirited character. Melbourne will continue to expand the number and scope of its knowledge partnerships and ensure effective metrics to promote excellence in these activities. Public programs embrace an array of short courses, conferences, lectures and other educational opportunities for the public.
The University’s international strategy permeates every aspect of the institution’s activities. The University will continue to extend and develop its international character, through partnerships with international Universities and organisations and programs such as Melbourne Global Mobility. In addition, the University will work towards having a more ‘cosmopolitan’ campus, with a view to increasing the number of high calibre international staff and research higher degree students.
The University values its relationship with alumni, and acknowledges that there are many more opportunities to be explored. The University seeks to engage alumni as advisors on course content, as mentors for current students and guides for prospective applicants. The University also hopes to pursue new engagement opportunities with its growing international alumni. In return, alumni are able to attend many public events as well as access the University’s knowledge base and infrastructure.
Advancement programs support research, provide scholarships to students from a variety of backgrounds, establish chairs in specific disciplines, expand and maintain library facilities and establish new infrastructure. The University will continue to expand its advancement activities with a major campaign in 2010 designed to treble the University’s annual income from donations and gifts within five years.
The engagement portfolio is under the responsibility of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (University Affairs) and, for international engagement, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement).
More information about knowledge partnerships, global engagement, alumni and advancement can be found at the relevant webpages.