Teaching and the learning environment will have an even stronger profile at The University of Queensland, following changes at the top.
In his first major administrative move, the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, AO, has created the portfolio of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning).
He has promoted Professor Debbie Terry into the position, and given her wide-ranging responsibility for the learning environment.
“The learning environment is about more than enhancing the quality of our teachers and physical learning spaces,” Professor Greenfield said.
“It encompasses the multitude of ways in which both undergraduate and postgraduate students learn all aspects of the student experience. So it’s not limited to UQ’s campuses and facilities – it’s limited only by our imaginations.
“I want it to be made easier for students to study at high-quality overseas universities for one or two semesters while gaining credit towards their UQ degrees.
“I’d also like more undergraduates to be able to experience the kind of research that is usually reserved for postgraduates. Undergrads should be able to compete to spend perhaps a semester or a Summer break in labs and other research settings. They will require support from mentors and financial support from the University or the community to facilitate these activities.
“Also, as UQ forges new and stronger networks with industry, government and other Australian and international employers, students should enjoy more opportunities to work in areas related to their studies while accruing academic credit.”
Professor Greenfield said Professor Terry had proven to be an excellent Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) since assuming that position in February 2007, and balancing it with her responsibilities as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
“She will have a large workload which will include the vital job of developing and maintaining UQ’s relationships with Australian schools, where many UQ students gain the quality educations that propel them to succeed at and enjoy university,” he said.
As well as monitoring and updating strategies, policies and practices to enhance the student experience and promote a culture of excellence in teaching and learning, Professor Terry will improve links with prospective students and guide preparation for the 2009 Australian Universities Quality Agency audit of UQ.
Professor Terry said the appointment was a tremendous honour and she was looking forward to playing a central role in ensuring a strong and vital learning environment at UQ.
“The challenges will be to identify, promote and support the unique advantages of the UQ student experience and to deliver a distinctive UQ student experience that is genuinely enriched by the University’s research capacity," Professor Terry said.
"It will be global in its goals and at the same time, be strongly engaged with industry and the professions.
“We need to enhance both the depth and breadth of the UQ student experience, and ensure that it is underpinned by the highest standards of excellence in teaching, with support of state-of-the-art physical and technological infrastructure.”
Professor Greenfield said the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus John Hay, AC, put UQ on the map in terms of teaching and learning.
“I am very fortunate to have his strong legacy to build upon,” he said.
Professor Greenfield succeeded Professor Hay, who retired on December 31, 2007.
The titles of the other Deputy Vice-Chancellors are unchanged, although some of their responsibilities have altered as a result of Professor Greenfield moving into the Vice Chancellor’s position.
Professor Michael Keniger remains Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor David Siddle continues as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), and < href="http://www.uq.edu.au/about/dvc-international">Professor Trevor Grigg retains the International and Development portfolio.
UQ will run a national and global campaign to recruit a new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Contact: Fiona Kennedy 07 3365 1088 / 0413 380 012.
