Update from the Provost

A message from the Provost Professor Julie Cogin. 

International student caps

As you know, the Federal Government recently proposed caps on new international enrolments. Under this proposal, from next year new international enrolments will be capped at 270,000 – shared across all Australian higher education and vocational educational providers.

At ACU, we are not as reliant on international student numbers as some of our competitors, with our international student load never higher than 17 per cent. However, our international students make a significant contribution to the makeup of our student cohort, the university’s culture and strategic investments. We see international students as a key part of ACU’s future.

We are advocating strongly for the government to reconsider the proposed caps. We have emphasised that ACU educate international students in areas that fill critical skill gaps in demand, in Australia and internationally. We have also explained how our international students have helped to create a richer, more diverse learning experience across our university. Similarly, we have highlighted the contributions our international students are making within our communities, including supporting local economies.

I will keep you updated on the outcome of the consultation process with government.

News and events

In positive news, we now have the highest student load in the history of ACU, surpassing 36,000 students. This is a testament to the quality of teaching and learning, student services and impactful research at ACU. It is your high quality of work and our vibrant campuses and culture that is attracting such significant numbers of students – thank you.

The upcoming Equity @ ACU Symposium will also highlight a key part of our work and mission at ACU and I encourage you to register. The symposium will be held online from 9 to 10 October and offers a unique opportunity to engage with leaders and experts from across the sector and within ACU.

During the symposium you will hear from keynote speakers as they unpack the topics of equity and inclusion, emerging ideas and approaches to widening participation, as well as the future directions of education in Australia. You have the flexibility to join for the full two days or for individual sessions.

Graduation ceremonies are also coming up in October and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and to wish them well for the future. 

Looking after yourself

Next week is the mid-semester break for our students, and I would like to also encourage you to plan time for your own break. Amongst the busyness that this time of year brings, make sure you are also looking after yourself. It is now less than 100 days until Christmas, so I encourage you to take some time to plan and book annual leave. 

Wishing you all the best for the remainder of Semester 2.