A message from Acting Provost Professor Chris Lonsdale.
As we approach the middle of Semester 2, we have an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved so far and look ahead to our goals for the remainder of the year. I’m pleased to share some updates with you from the Provost Portfolio.
2021 Student Experience Survey results
ACU is now in the top tier of Australian universities for student experience. ACU ranked 10th for ‘Quality of the entire educational experience for undergraduate university students’ in the 2021 QILT Student Experience Survey. Our national ranking is a significant improvement from our ranking of 20th in 2019 and 15th in 2020. We also ranked first in Victoria – an amazing result.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success. These results reflect the outstanding work of staff across our university – from those in student-facing positions to those in support roles. We all have a part to play in delivering a great student experience and your work has helped us to achieve this outcome.
We will continue to build on this success and look forward to seeing continued positive results in the next survey.
Academic Promotions Review
The Academic Promotions Review aims to improve career progression and opportunities for academic staff. Several improvements have been implemented this year, including revised Academic Promotions Policy and Procedures and an Achievement Relative to Opportunity Guide.
The Academic Promotions Governance group is currently focused on refining the criteria for promotions. The revised criteria will be shared with academic staff for consultation and feedback in October.
Changes to the promotion criteria will be implemented in time for next year’s Academic Promotions round.
Check in with a colleague
The past few years have reinforced the importance of human connection and caring for one another. Tomorrow, 8 September, marks R U OK? Day – a national day of action where we are reminded to check in and connect in supportive ways with those around us. Every day is a good day to ask: "Are you ok?".
I encourage you to take the time to check in with colleagues and others around you, not just tomorrow but any time. Visit the R U OK? Day website for some useful tips on how to have a meaningful conversation if you are worried about someone.