VC’ s corner in research outputs is worth celebrating not simply because it raises the ranking of the university( as desirable as that may be), but fundamentally because that research is adding to knowledge and hopefully to the betterment of society.
Universities are complex organisations. There is a constant tension and struggle to balance what academics might call the dark side( for example, processes involving risk management, financial accountability or business planning) with allowing the free and easy pursuit of worthy and genuine academic endeavours aimed at fulfilling the university’ s mission. The challenge to keep these in balance is a real one; and I would guess it’ s not one that can be answered for all time for all situations with a one-size-fits-all approach. However, whilst I cannot identify an easy answer, I do heed the words of the graduate who reminded me that one sure way to lose the balance is to forget the beautiful, empowering and ultimately good purposes for which universities are established. n
Professor Celia Hammond is vice-chancellor of The University of Notre Dame Australia.
AsiaBound grants provide study opportunities for Notre Dame students
More than 50 University of Notre Dame Australia students will have the opportunity to study in Asia in 2014 as part of their degree, thanks to funding from the Australian Government’ s AsiaBound Grants Program.
The university received significant funding for 54 scholarships across seven projects in several disciplines. The grants will allow students from Notre Dame’ s three campuses, in Fremantle, Sydney and Broome, to undertake practicum, clinical placements, research trips or service projects for up to six months in some of the most majestic and culturally diverse countries in the world – nations that are rising in dominance in the global economy.
The aim of the AsiaBound program is to increase the overall number of Australian students with a first-hand study experience of Asia, including language acquisition.
Notre Dame received AsiaBound grants for studies in arts and sciences, medicine, health sciences, education, and nursing and midwifery, to be undertaken in locations including India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan.
Pro vice-chancellor international and research professor Peta Sanderson said the funding would give students an excellent opportunity to participate in culturally significant academic experiences and to develop or enhance their language skills.
“ Notre Dame is delighted to be awarded this funding, which will enable a significant number of Australian students, who otherwise may not have had the opportunity, to embed a firsthand study experience in Asia within their university degree,” professor Sanderson said.“ The value of an immersion in another culture and the opportunity to learn a second language cannot be overstated and the focus of the AsiaBound program will enable us to strengthen relationships with partner institutions in the region.”
AsiaBound provides funding each year for 3600 Australian students to participate in a study experience in Asia.
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