An ACU Campus Optimisation update

ACU’s Campus Optimisation initiative continues to progress, with the Melbourne Campus plan now close to being finalised and consultation for the Canberra Campus Plan underway.

Campus Optimisation is a Vice-Chancellor initiative and aims to review the ACU campus ecosystem, balancing the unique characteristics and requirements of each campus with the overarching ambition of ACU and developing a long-term strategy and roadmap for ACU’s campuses. The Ballarat and Melbourne Campuses were the first campuses to be addressed by the initiative.

Melbourne Campus Plan

The Melbourne Campus Plan is close to being finalised, following consultation and feedback from the campus community.

Key outcomes of the plan include:

• Development of a unique proposal targeting the first year curriculum in the disciplines of Nursing and Education, to be implemented in 2023.
• Cathedral Hall being utilised as a venue to host open public lectures and research discussions that have been prepared in collaboration with experts from the ACU community.
• A focus on identifying further opportunities to partner with the local Catholic community and industry. Recently developed relationships with local partners include St Paul’s Catholic College and Fitzroy Learning Network.
• A focus on increasing staff and student engagement activities and initiatives in key campus spaces such as the St Teresa of Kolkata Building. This will also include a review of existing campus signage. 
• Development of a news portal on the ACU website, showcasing ACU research strengths and successes.
• Development of an integrated marketing plan for the campus, offering tailored marketing activity with a local approach.
• Creation of a distinct Melbourne Campus identity to be integrated into campus communications and messaging.
• A focus on increasing affordable accommodation options. A cheaper accommodation option for students has already been secured for Semester 1 2023.
• Exploration of accommodation packages for students, offering course + accommodation + accommodation scholarships + job packages for students experiencing hardships.

Next steps

The next phase of the Campus Optimisation initiative is the development of the Canberra Campus Plan, and consultation with students and staff is now underway.

Plans for other campuses, including ACU Online, will continue to be developed throughout 2023 with quarterly progress updates shared. 

For more information regarding Campus Optimisation, please contact National Manager, Campus Leadership Mel Phillipson.