News • April 2026
Understanding Job-Ready Graduates
DASSH has new resources to support understanding of the Job-Ready Graduates Package (JRG) and its impacts on the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, and the higher education sector more broadly. These resources have been developed to provide clear insights into how JRG has reshaped student contributions, participation, and the delivery of education across disciplines and… Continue Reading»
News • March 2026
Seeking interest in a Bachelor of Arts working group
We are currently seeking interest from DASSH members in a new Bachelor of Arts (BA) working group. The group will meet regularly across the year, providing a space for members to discuss how different institutions are adapting the BA in response to changing policy settings, student demand and institutional priorities. The working group will also… Continue Reading»
News • March 2026
Aoteaora member gathering a great success
Around 30 DASSH members gathered at the Te Herenga Waka Victora University of Wellington (VUW) campus for our recent Aotearoa in-person member gathering. We were pleased to have so many engaged voices in the room. Points of interest included: We’d like to especially thank Dean Amo Aronui Averil Coxhead from the Faculty of Humanities and… Continue Reading»
News • March 2026
Our 2026 Mentor Program has launched
Our senior leadership Mentoring Program has now launched. Nineteen Mentees have been matched with fifteen senior leaders from universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This is the second year of the program and the first time it will run across the full year. This has been based on feedback from both Mentors and Mentees… Continue Reading»
News • January 2026
Be part of the 2026 Mentoring Program
Mentee applications are open now! In its second year, the DASSH Mentoring Program creates opportunities where leaders can support and learn from one another. Our intention is to match Mentors and Mentees together to support a mutually valuable experience that addresses key expectations, goals and motivations of both. Our Mentors are experienced leaders who occupy… Continue Reading»
News • January 2026
Registrations open for Aotearoa member gathering
We’re looking forward to bringing DASSH members together for an upcoming Aotearoa Members Gathering. This is a chance to connect in person, share what’s happening across institutions, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping the higher education landscape. We are especially looking forward to welcoming a broad mix of participants including new Heads of… Continue Reading»
News • January 2026
Celebrating 25 years of DASSH
This year marks 25 years of DASSH and a quarter-century of collective leadership in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (HASS). Over that time, our disciplines have played a vital role in strengthening equitable democracy, shaping sovereign capabilities, and contributing to informed public life. Today, our work is more relevant than ever. We look forward… Continue Reading»
News • December 2025
ATEC Inquiry
On 27 November, the Senate referred the Universities Accord (ATEC) Bill 2025 for inquiry and report. The Education and Employment Legislation Committee is receiving written feedback on the legislation until 15 January 2026. We will be holding a member consultation in the new year on Thursday 8 January 2026. DASSH President Heather Zwicker will lead discussion. While ATEC Is Australian… Continue Reading»
Submissions • December 2025
Building a system which puts people and skills first
In November 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) released the discussion paper Building a System which puts People and Skills First which provided an update on the development of Australia’s National Skills Taxonomy. DASSH welcomed the opportunity to be part of the planning and implementation process for the National Skills Taxonomy. Key points raised by… Continue Reading»
News • November 2025
Asian language studies and research in crisis, inquiry told
The DASSH submission to the Building Asia Capability inquiry by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education’s has been spotlighted Research Professional News. Jenny Sinclair has written that Job-Ready Graduates package and undervaluing of regional knowledge is leading to reduced student demand for Asian language studies. Based on consultation with members, our submission highlighted… Continue Reading»
News • November 2025
2025 Conference keynote available online
The DASSH keynote address at the 2025 conference ‘Poison Ideas: Universities and other Antidotes to Authoritarianism’ has been broadcasted on national radio by the ABC. Dr Simon Adams’, CEO and President of the Center for Victims of Torture, issued a powerful call for us all to be upstanders against rising authoritarianism. The broadcast is now available online. If you weren’t… Continue Reading»
News • November 2025
Mentoring Program wraps up
The 2025 Mentoring Program recently wrapped up. The pilot program ran between June and November with 18 Mentees matched across 11 Mentors to receive guidance and professional development in specific focus areas. Mentors and Mentees provided feedback in evaluation sessions. Reflections from participants included: We look forward to launching the 2026 Mentoring Program soon. Make… Continue Reading»