Tom Baker, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The former finance minister starts as vice-chancellor of Otago University in July. But such appointments call for more robust debate about the perceived independence of our tertiary institutions.
Universities must not only invest in dedicated senior equity leader roles with specialized knowledge and expertise. They must also ensure these roles are resourced and empowered with authority.
Canada’s international student cap threatens inclusion in higher education, but social financing — a way for private capital to address social issues — can address this issue.
Canada’s cap on international students should prompt universities and communities to identify better ways of engaging with international students on campuses and in broader community life.
Diplomacy and national security rely on expertise in foreign languages and cultures. Australia and New Zealand need to address the looming deficit in university foreign language courses.
New research shows how university garden initiatives can help drive transformative change and nurture a new generation of environmental and socially conscious change-makers.
The accord calls for meaningful steps to increase the numbers of Indigenous graduates and Indigenous leaders in higher education. In a post-referendum Australia, this is more important than ever.
State and federal education ministers have agreed university offers should not be made to Year 12 students before September this year. Previously they have been made as early as March.
The push to increase enrolments to 1.8 million by 2050 comes at a time when classes are heading online. This makes it harder to foster a vital sense of belonging for students.
The Universities Accord final report makes recommendations that could significantly change what many Australian students pay for their higher education.