Welcome to the May edition of the Noticeboard, a monthly update with news and opportunities from around the sector. If you have anything you’d like to share with members please contact our Policy and Communications Officer Rebekah Harms.
News from dassh
Info and feedback session with Jobs and Skills Australia
11am – 12pm (AEST)
Online
DASSH will be hosting an information and feedback session with Jobs and Skills Australia’s (JSA) Director of Tertiary Skills and Pathways, Abbey Hall and Assistant Director Krisztian Baranyai for all members on May 17.
The JSA Tertiary Skills and Pathways team has been developing a machine learning model concept called ‘skills mapping’, to test how the Australian Skills Classification can be used as common language to connect units and courses in VET and higher education, as well as occupational needs.
The team will present the skills mapping concept, as well as work and findings to date. The team invites discussion on the utility of skills in education and how they might support connectivity across the education system and the labour market.
Register here.
Member gathering
We had a lively gathering of members in April in Brisbane followed by an in-person Board meeting. We were pleased to host Emeritus Professor Graeme Turner who shared his insights on the sector and trends in enrolments and disciplines. There was an important discussion about Artificial Intelligence in higher education. We recognised this has become a very central issue for many of you and so we are convening a special interest group to explore the issue in more detail this year. Stay tuned for more soon!
Review of the National Competitive Grants Program
We had a great turn out for our consultation as part of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Review of the National Competitive Grants Program. Members raised a range of concerns and had some great suggestions on how to improve the programs. Executive Director Jane Ryan also participated in an in-person consultation with the ARC where she was able to canvas further the views of members. The submission is due on 13 May but it’s not too late to give feedback if you missed out. Email Jane at jane.ryan@dassh.edu.au to share your views by Monday 6 May.
Read about the Review here.
Around the traps
Regional study hubs
The government has announced the establishment of 10 new Regional University Study Hubs throughout Australia. This forms part of the government’s commitment to fulfil the recommendations of the Universities Accord panel.
Read more here.
New Zealand university review
The New Zealand government has announced a review of the country’s university sector, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman. Factors to be considered include equity, international education, and the Performance-Based Research Fund. An interim report is due by August, with the final report due by February next year.
Read more here.
Performance-Based Research Fund cancelled
The New Zealand government has cancelled data collection for the upcoming round of the Performance-Based Research Fund. The current review of the university sector will consider alternatives to the Performance-Based Research Fund.
Read more here.
Decadal Plan for Social Science Research Infrastructure 2024-33
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia has released its Decadal Plan for Social Science Research Infrastructure. The Decadal Plan was developed through consultation with stakeholders throughout the sector. A core aspect of the Decadal Plan involves establishing the Australian Research Infrastructure Ecosystem for the Social Sciences, a hub for the social sciences in Australia.
Read the Decadal Plan here.
Increasing demand for Arts degrees
Data reported on by the Guardian shows that Australia’s largest universities have experienced an increase in applications and enrolments in Arts degrees. The University of Melbourne has experienced a 14 per cent increase in the number of first preferences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Read the article here.
Musicians’ workplace skills
New research from Dr Diana Tolmie shows that musicians have strong transferable skills which makes them highly valuable in a wide range of work settings. Tolmie’s research also shows that musicians work in a wide range of occupations, with many holding leadership positions.
Read the article here.
Job-ready Graduates misguided
Professor Claire Annesley, UNSW Dean of Arts, Architecture and Design recently published an opinion piece arguing the Coalition’s Job-ready Graduates policy was misguided. As Annesley writes, Arts students are being penalised with higher HECS fees despite possessing valuable skills and strong employment outcomes.
Read the article here.
Jobs board
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is seeking to appoint the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, the postholder will provide aspirational leadership, driving the success and impact of the Faculty through the development of an internationally recognised and ambitious academic provision.
Applications close 3 May. See here for more information.
Events
Australian Student Equity Symposium
Tuesday to Wednesday, 21-22 May
Western Sydney University
Register here
The Australian Student Equity Symposium, hosted by the Australian Centre for Student Equity, will bring together university leaders, experts, policymakers, and youth representatives from the field of higher education to discuss student equity against a backdrop of the Australian Universities Accord final report and recommendations. The event will host a range of speakers, including the Minister of Education Jason Clare and the Regional Education Commissioner Fiona Nash.
Member gathering
Wednesday 24 July
Melbourne
Register here
Register now for our second member gathering for 2024. We will talk policy, provide professional development and give you the chance to talk to your colleagues from around Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand about the issues that matter most to you.
DASSH Conference
Wednesday to Friday, 18-20 September
Adelaide
More information
Join with colleagues from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in Adelaide as we explore issues such as interdisciplinarity in teaching and research, partnering on policy, and the importance of community. This year’s Conference will focus on connecting – connecting with other disciplines, connecting with community, connecting with industry, and connecting with each other.
Member gathering
Wednesday 13 November
Sydney
Register here
Register now for our third member gathering for 2024. We will talk policy, provide professional development and give you the chance to talk to your colleagues from around Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand about the issues that matter most to you.
The DASSH Lounge
Join the DASSH Lounge, our exclusive LinkedIn group for DASSH Members where we share the latest news, jobs and opportunities from DASSH and around the sector.
The DASSH Lounge is reserved for members and is a great place to let people know you’re hiring, hosting an event or working on a collaborative project, so feel free to post any updates. You can also use it to simply engage with colleagues in conversation.