policy & reform campusreview . com . au
Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor and president Professor Renée Leon Image : supplied
Michelle Bellingan , Central Queensland University ’ s vice president ( academic ) Image : supplied
‘ More information ’
The Accord interim report proposal on a national tertiary system
By Erin Nixon
The Australian Universities Accord interim report released in July has identified a need to develop a more cohesive national tertiary system .
Proposed solutions in the interim report include the establishment of a national regional university and also a national skills passport .
The proposed national regional university would aim to create a system of regional universities under one brand .
Unable to attain large student numbers like their inner-city counterparts , regional universities suffer under demand-driven funding models .
Underfunded regional universities also face losing research funding due to the lack of infrastructure or resources to support it .
The report suggests that a national regional university would create a network of smaller regional universities in the hopes of attracting additional funding for local research and connection to industry .
The federated network would work via an ‘ opt-in ’ system , leaving some stakeholders from regional universities asking , ‘ What ’ s in it for us ?’
Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor and president Professor Renée Leon spoke about the proposed national regional university at the Sydney HEDX conference in July .
“ We can call ourselves something else , but we need more information .”
Experts state that more detailed financial modelling is required to substantiate the advantages of a conglomeration of Australian regional universities .
Also yet to be seen is how each university will retain its region ’ s unique cultures , identities , and values so it is not engulfed by a behemoth national network .
RECOGNITION OF NON-TRADITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Accord interim report has also proposed a National Passport Scheme offering closer collaboration between vocational education and training institutions ( VET ), universities and industry .
The scheme would expand the higher-education system to encompass the entire tertiary system through better alignment of qualifications and career paths .
Traditional and non-traditional experiences such as prior learning
The proposed national regional university would aim to create a system of regional universities under one brand
experience ( PLE ), work experience and micro-credentials would be recognised in more adaptable , modular and transferable formats .
In a panel discussion at Sydney HEDX , Michelle Bellingan , Central Queensland University ’ s vice president ( academic ), spoke about the report ’ s proposal to align the VET and the higher education sector and expressed her caution about how it would be put into practice .
“ We need to overcome policy , funding and regulatory hurdles to innovate faster and meet the needs of an evolving workforce .”
The interim report further recommended a review of the Australian Qualifications Framework to extend the validity , reputation and value of qualifications and training to better serve modern students entering a modern workforce .
The Accord final report will be delivered in December . ■
12