Universities Australia: The peak body representing Australia's Universities

Students & teaching

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This index features all of Universities Australia's policy and information relating to student welfare and core teaching activities. Indexes relating specifically to the student experience, equity and access, and student income support are also available.

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Policy & advocacy

  • Student income support On 17 March 2010 the Senate voted to pass amendments to the Government's student income support legislation, Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill 2009 [No. 2]. The key changes relating to students are summarised below.¦ Read More
  • Student services & amenities Universities Australia strongly supports efforts to resolve the previous impasse in the Senate on the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2010. It is a pity therefore that the consideration of this legislation has now been deferred to the August sittings.¦ Read More
  • Postgraduate scholarships Universities Australia recommends annually to universities the stipend and allowance rates to apply to university postgraduate awards.¦ Read More
  • TEQSA Universities Australia supports the development of the Tertiary Education Quality & Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a single national regulator for tertiary education, based on clear, consistent and credible standards.¦ Read More
  • Equitable access Universities Australia has accepted an invitation from the International Association of Universities (IAU) to endorse and promote the IAU Policy Statement on Equitable Access, Success and Quality in Higher Education (July 2008).¦ Read More
  • Participation and equity in higher education Complete report : Participation and Equity - A review of the participation in higher education of people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and Indigenous people Universities Australia Action Plan: Advancing Equity and Participation in Australian Higher Education Media release ...¦ Read More
  • Australian university student finances survey Two student finances surveys have been completed, one in 2001 and one in 2006..¦ Read More
  • Students with a disability The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) believes that self-regulation in the higher education sector is both appropriate and effective.¦ Read More
  • Bradley & Cutler implementation Universities Australia notes the progress that government has made in implementing recommendations of the Review of Australian Higher Education ('Bradley Review') and the Review of the National Innovation System ('Cutler Review'), particularly as part of the 2009 and 2010 Federal Budget processes.¦ Read More
  • Implementation Universities Australia welcomed the decision by Government to accept all the recommendations of the Review led by Michael Knight which sensibly mirrored the views of the higher education sector as articulated in the universities' submission to the Review.¦ Read More

Submissions & reports

  • Resources Sector Employment April 2010 Executive summary and recommendations Realising the enormous potential of future resources projects in Australia will require access to appropriate university educated professional and managerial staff, as much as to skilled employees in the traditional trades.¦ Read More
  • Regional Loading March 2010 Executive Summary Universities Australia strongly supports a policy framework that facilitates student choice of study location and ensures that sustainable, high quality regional university provision is a key part of the choices available.¦ Read More
  • Performance funding February 2010 General comments The discussion paper specifically, and the entire Performance Funding program more generally, needs to be more clearly connected to university Compacts.¦ Read More
  • HEPPP February 2010 Universities Australia welcomes the development of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) and strongly supports the intention behind the allocation of funding to support low Socio-Economic Status (SES) participation and educational partnerships.¦ Read More
  • Measuring SES February 2010 Universities Australia is the peak body representing the university sector. Universities Australia represents Australia's thirty nine universities in the public interest, both nationally and internationally.¦ Read More
  • Rural & regional access October 2009 Universities Australia made a submission to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee's inquiry into Rural and Regional access to Secondary and Tertiary Education Opportunities.¦ Read More
  • Academic standards - AUQA August 2009 Universities Australia supports robust national quality assurance and accreditation requirements for all higher education providers, and is supportive of the aims of Recommendations 19 and 23 of the Review of Higher Education, which discuss this issue of standards.¦ Read More
  • Strengthening AQF July 2009 Strengthening the Australian Qualifications Framework discussion paper Universities are supportive of a strong and widely utilised qualifications framework for Australia, and we endorse the aim the Australian Qualifications Framework Council (AQFC) proposals to bring Australian ...¦ Read More
  • Energy white paper June 2009 As the discussion paper acknowledges, Australia's future energy security in a low-carbon world depends as much on a highly skilled and adaptable workforce and upon innovation as it does on appropriate investment in infrastructure.¦ Read More
  • Clinical training governance April 2009 Universities Australia wishes to provide the following as comment on the National Health Workforce Taskforce (NHWT) discussion paper Clinical training - governance and organisation.¦ Read More
  • Student services & amenities February 2009 Universities Australia wishes to thank the Committee for the invitation to make a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009.¦ Read More
  • Participation and equity Universities Australia commissioned the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at The University of Melbourne to review available literature and data relating to the participation and success of people from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds and Indigenous people in Australian higher ...¦ Read More
  • Student finances survey The Australian University Student Finances Survey has been undertaken since the mid-1970s on approximately a five yearly basis.¦ Read More
  • Student safety The student experience is central to the educational purpose and responsibility of Australia's universities. This paper affirms that student welfare and student safety are preconditions for that experience to be a positive and beneficial one for all.¦ Read More
  • Regulatory burdens March 2009 Executive summary Universities Australia makes this submission to the Productivity Commission's Annual Review of Regulatory Burdens on Business -- Social and Economic Infrastructure Services on behalf of Australia's universities, which, due to their broad activities in higher ...¦ Read More
  • Response to the Bradley Review February 2009 Universities Australia remains strongly supportive of the Review and the overall direction of its recommendations.¦ Read More
  • Bradley Review submission July 2008 Australia's universities contribute substantially to Australia's national goals. They are central to each of economic progress, social development and ecological sustainability: the nation's triple bottom line.¦ Read More
  • VSU impact February 2008 Universities Australia provided a submission to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations discussion paper The Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) on Services, Amenities and Representation for Australian University Students.¦ Read More
  • National internship scheme Addressing Australia's long-term skill shortages is vital to ensuring Australia's economic growth and international competitiveness.¦ Read More
  • Building Australia's human capital This position paper was prepared in the context of the 2008 Federal Budget, proposing a package of support to allow universities contribute to the government's broader national goals into the future.¦ Read More
  • Academic workforce March 2010 This study was jointly commissioned by Universities Australia and Professions Australia to establish whether existing research on the ageing of the workforce addresses the issue of whether there will be sufficient suitably qualified academic staff - to teach courses to prepare ...¦ Read More
  • AQF and TEQSA July 2010 On 2 August 2010, Universities Australia held a workshop on AQF, TEQSA and related matters. It was attended by some fifty representatives, mostly Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors. This letter outlines the areas on which the workshop participants reached consensus.¦ Read More
  • Clinical placements agency March 2009 On 29 November 2008 the Council of Australian Governments announced a plan to establish a National Clinical Placements Agency (`the Agency').¦ Read More
  • Bradley preliminary statement April 2008 Introduction Universities Australia welcomes the Review of Australian Higher Education and will be pleased to help the Committee in any way that it can. We consider the future of our universities to be critical for the future of Australia.¦ Read More
  • Transport concessions for international students A key issue identified in the Universities Australia ten point action plan on student safety was the absence of suitable transport concessions provided to international students, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria.¦ Read More
  • Industry Skills Councils July 2010 Universities are well placed to provide input into the National Training Framework, with many universities operating in the dual-sector environment, and many more having established formal relationships with technical, vocational and private training providers as well as strong and ...¦ Read More
  • Structural Adjustment Fund May 2010 Universities Australia supports the purpose of the fund to enable institutions to make significant structural changes in order to be sustainable in the new student demand driven funding environment.¦ Read More
  • Accreditation body March 2008 Universities Australia made a submission to the MCEETYA Joint Committee on Higher Education's inquiry into the desirability of a national higher education accreditation body.¦ Read More
  • Research training June 2008 Universities Australia provided a submission and appeared at the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Innovation's inquiry into research training and research workforce issues in Australian universities.¦ Read More
  • COAG Human Capital Agenda March 2008 Universities Australia wrote to the-then Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon.¦ Read More
  • Academic freedom August 2008 Universities Australia provided a submission and appeared at the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations' Inquiry into Academic Freedom.¦ Read More

Media centre

  • Income support action for students Universities Australia today applauded the Australian parliament for reaching agreement on supporting the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill.¦ Read More
  • Stimulus grants to students Universities Australia today commended the Government for including a one off payment of $950 to up to 440,000 students who receive the Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy, as part of its Economic Stimulus Package announcement.¦ Read More
  • Implementing Bradley Review Universities Australia expressed strong support for the announcements made today by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP as she opened the inaugural Universities Australia Higher Education Conference in Canberra.¦ Read More
  • Federal Budget Universities Australia applauds the Government for delivering real outcomes for Australia through the university sector, announced as part of the 2009-2010 Budget.¦ Read More
  • Principles for enhancing the student experience Universities Australia welcomes the International Student Strategy agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) today.¦ Read More
  • Student services and amenities Universities Australia today calls on the Federal Senate to ensure the availability of quality student support services and amenities at Australias universities, through passage of the Higher EducationLegislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009.¦ Read More
  • French-Australian agreement An agreement has been signed between French and Australian universities in Canberra today that allows for mutual recognition of each country's educational qualifications and periods of prior study.¦ Read More
  • Reforms for better student income support Universities Australia welcomes the proposed legislative changes to student income support that are under consideration by the Federal Parliament this week.¦ Read More
  • Student equity measures The Federal Parliament will resume debate over important changes to student income support and student services and amenities next week.¦ Read More
  • Fears for student income support Universities Australia today calls on the Australian Parliament to resolve its differences and do the right thing for all current and prospective Australian university students and support the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill.¦ Read More
  • Build human capital via universities Universities Australia today released a position paper calling for the Federal Government to commence further action on its election promises to the higher education sector from the 2008 Budget.¦ Read More
  • Higher Education Review Universities Australia Chair, Professor Richard Larkins and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Glenn Withers welcome today's announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon.¦ Read More
  • Equity and participation in higher education Universities Australia today released its action plan to address participation and equity levels in higher education of people from low socio-economic backgrounds and Indigenous people.¦ Read More
  • Demand for university places remains strong Universities Australia's latest Report on Applications, Offers and Acceptances of Undergraduate University Places, released today highlights the continuing demand across Australia for a university qualification as a passport for today's knowledge-based economy.¦ Read More
  • Financial support for research students Universities Australia supports the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations' (CAPA) call for the Government to address the need for greater support for postgraduate research students, as part of the Review of the National Innovation System.¦ Read More
  • National Internship Scheme Universities Australia has today released a position paper, A National Internship Scheme: enhancing skills and work-readiness of Australian university graduates, which calls for collaborative action to further enhance the employment skills of university students and graduates.¦ Read More
  • Budget commitments to universities Universities Australia commends the Government for its strong commitment to an education revolution through university sector initiatives for infrastructure, as proposed by Universities Australia.¦ Read More
  • Higher education discussion paper Joint media release by Universities Australia and the University Chancellors Council (UCC): Review of Higher Education Discussion Paper welcomed Universities Australia and the University Chancellors' Council welcomed the release of the much anticipated Review of Higher Education Review ...¦ Read More
  • Government's plan to re-build student services Universities Australia today expressed strong support for Minister for Youth, the Hon. Kate Ellis' announcement to re-build much needed student support services in Australia's universities.¦ Read More
  • Government investment in universities Universities Australia warmly applauds the Rudd Government's significant announcements today injecting over $1 billion into Australia's universities; through new teaching and learning infrastructure initiatives, and fast-tracking of research fund allocations under the Higher Education Endowment ...¦ Read More
  • Bradley Review of Higher Education Universities Australia is impressed by the bold vision for the sector evident in the Review of Australian Higher Education jointly released today by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP and the Chair of the Review Panel, Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC.¦ Read More
  • Investment in quality graduates The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) today is pleased that the release of the New Directions Paper by the Opposition Leader, Mr Kevin Rudd, MP and Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Mr Stephen Smith MP places firmly on the national agenda the benefits to Australia of a ...¦ Read More
  • Students under financial stress The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has today released its report Australian University Student Finances 2006, a summary of findings from the national survey of students in Australia's 37 public universities conducted in 2006.¦ Read More
  • Invest in students now Vice-Chancellors of Australia's universities yesterday considered the findings of the Australian University Student Finances 2006 report released last week identifying a number of key recommendations it will be taking to Government that will help assist students during their time of study.¦ Read More
  • Low completion rates for indigenous students The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has today welcomed the report Completing University: Characteristics and Outcomes of Completing and Non-Completing Students by The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).¦ Read More
  • Investing in human capital The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) welcomes the release of the New Directions paper on innovation, competitiveness and productivity by the Opposition Leader, Mr Kevin Rudd, MP and Shadow Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.¦ Read More
  • AVCC welcomes investment in Australia's future The 2007 Federal Budget has delivered increased investment in a number of key areas for the university sector.¦ Read More
  • Highly skilled workforce The results of the 2006 Australian Graduates Survey (AGS) released today by Graduate Careers Australia confirm the value to individuals and to the nation of investing in higher education.¦ Read More
  • Equity and access to universities Universities Australia will commission a study into equity and access to universities for low socio-economic status students, as agreed at its Board meeting today in Canberra.¦ Read More
  • Universities call for two practical changes to student income support Universities Australia today releases the final report from its commissioned national survey of almost 19,000 students across all 37 public universities - Australian University Student Finances 2006.¦ Read More
  • Financial assistance for students Universities Australia today welcomes the passage of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (2007 Budget Measures for Students) Bill 2007.¦ Read More
  • Link between education and earning power Today's release by Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) of their Postgraduate Destinations 2006 report affirms the value of a university education and the additional value of postgraduate study to students, employers and the economy alike.¦ Read More
  • Equity and access to university Universities Australia is delighted by the announcement today of the establishment of a National Centre for Student Equity In Higher Education by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop.¦ Read More
  • A National Internship Scheme Universities Australia has today released a Discussion Paper, A National Internship Scheme, aimed at stimulating debate and action to further enhance the employment skills of university students and graduates.¦ Read More
  • Access and equity key criteria for FEE-HELP The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has today called on the Government to review the current arrangements for FEE-HELP. AVCC Chief Executive Officer John Mullarvey said that Vice-Chancellors have long argued that the current cap on FEE-HELP is unrealistic and should be lifted.¦ Read More
  • More university places for the health force - just what the doctor ordered! The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister John Howard on the weekend to increase university funding by $250 million to help address Australia's health workforce shortages.¦ Read More
  • Research into student circumstances to be conducted - AVCC University students - their finances, living conditions and working arrangements - are a major priority for Australia's Vice-Chancellors in 2006 who are planning to undertake an independent nation-wide survey to accurately assess the current situation.¦ Read More
  • Transition Fund needs to be broader than just sport and recreation The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) is concerned by today's release of the Discussion Paper - Voluntary Student Unionism Transition Fund for Sporting and Recreational Facilities.¦ Read More
  • Expanded Australian Scholarships a welcome to whole-of-government approach Australia's international education today received an impressive boost by the Australian Government with the joint announcement today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer and the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop of a five year, $1.4 billion Australian ...¦ Read More
  • Excellence in teaching and learning The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has today noted the changes to the Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF) announced by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP.¦ Read More
  • Taste of harmony Universities Australia is a proud supporter of A Taste of Harmony, which encourages all workplaces to celebrate cultural diversity.¦ Read More
  • Web of Knowledge licence Universities Australia today announced a three-year extension to the national site licence agreement with Thomson Reuters covering the Web of Knowledge.¦ Read More
  • Whole-of-sector purchase of Scopus Universities Australia today announced an historic three-year agreement that will provide researchers in all 39 Australian universities with access to Scopus, Elsevier's flagship product and one of the world's largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature.¦ Read More
  • Indigenous pilot projectsUniversities Australia today announces that grants worth $300,000 have been awarded to four universities for pilot projects aiming to give graduates the skills and cultural competency to work effectively within Indigenous communities; and to create better work and study environments for Indigenous ...¦ Read More
  • Federal election statement Australia's ability to prosper as a productive, healthy and sustainable society depends crucially on its capacity to make the most of its people's potential. The future is one of rapid change, with enormous social and environmental challenges, and economic restructuring.¦ Read More
  • Review confirms universities underfunded In releasing the independent report to Government today, the Chair of the Base Funding Review Expert Panel, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, has attested that `the time is right' to reform the university funding system.¦ Read More
  • Cuts unfortunate Universities Australia, the peak body representing Australia's university sector, has responded to the mid-year budget statement released today by Treasurer the Hon. Wayne Swan MP.¦ Read More
  • Legislative milestone for universities Universities Australia congratulates the Parliament on passing the Higher Education Support Amendment Bill (No.2).¦ Read More
  • ALTC legacy remains Universities Australia welcomes the establishment of the Office for Learning and Teaching, announced today by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans.¦ Read More