2 November 2009
Monash University has unveiled new plans to expand the size and capacity of its outer suburban campus at Berwick and its regional campus at Gippsland.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne said the campuses would have greater operational autonomy empowering campus leaders to cater even more to local student, industry and government needs, as well as meet national goals around greater access and equity in the higher education sector.
"Monash is committed to innovation and the highest levels of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. We are also committed to ensuring more Australians gain access to a high-quality University education in or close to their own communities," Professor Byrne said.
"At a time when some in the sector talk of getting smaller and more elite, Monash University is committed to growing without compromising on the highest standards in quality.
"As the nation's largest university with a strong focus on research excellence and a proven track-record in the operation of suburban campuses, Monash University is well-placed to meet the needs of people living in regional and suburban Australia."
Monash University's Berwick campus is situated in the heart of Victoria's fastest growing population centres. It is home to the new state government select entry school, due to open next year, and is located next to large health and educational providers as well as industry.
Professor Byrne said the campus would now have greater operational independence, similar to arrangements already in place at the Gippsland campus, which would mean greater flexibility and diversity to cater to local needs, including a greater connection between education provision and heath services in conjunction with other local tertiary providers.
"Depending on student demand and funding models, we are keen to see significant growth at both campuses," Professor Byrne said.
"While Monash will continue to improve opportunities for disadvantaged groups at all campuses, it is not envisioned there will be a major increase in student numbers at other metropolitan campuses in order to meet the Federal Government's 20/40 agenda.
The reform was suggested by a Futures Taskforce headed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker. Other suggestions to be adopted also include:
- Creation of the best suite of embedded honours programs for the most able undergraduate students
- A new Advanced Studies Institute for high-achieving researchers at every campus
- A new cooperative access model with strategic Vocational and Educational Training providers such as Chisholm TAFE
- Greater online provision of Monash courses and individual units through Open Universities Australia, and
- Expanded offerings of the Diploma of Tertiary Studies in both on-line and face-to-face delivery modes
Monash University was ranked 45 in the world in the most recent Times Higher Education Supplement rankings. Professor Byrne said the initiatives would further boost Monash's performance and standing.
"As Monash moves in this direction, we will develop more campus differentiation akin to successful comparisons in North America such as the University of California and the University of Toronto."
Media: for further information contact Tim Mitchell: +61 3 9903 4830 or 0437 457780.
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