Strategic Directions 2008

1.1 Assessment of Strategic Focus

1.Overview of Macquarie’s broad strategic direction

In 2008, as part of thrust to ensure implementation of the Macquarie@50[1]vision, MacquarieUniversity has developed an over-arching planning document – Strategic Directions 2008-2012:

2.Description of Macquarie’s Planning Framework and Processes

Macquarie is not only focussing on taking a place amongst the top eight research universities in Australia, it is also focussing on the means of achieving this stretch goal. It has developed the following frameworks to guide performance:

  • Quality Enhancement Framework:
  • Ethics Framework Project:

3.Description of Macquarie’s approach to sustainability

In 2007 Macquarie established a Sustainability Office with the aim of incorporating sustainability into all aspects of its activities and actions. Governance is supplied through the Sustainability Working Group, and several policies and plans have been developed, with several more in draft format.[2]

4.Macquarie’s Risk Management Framework and Processes

The Audit and Risk Committee advises Council on the effective discharge of its fiduciary, stewardship, leadership and control requirements under the Macquarie University Act 1989 (NSW) (as amended). Following a Risk Workshop in June 2008 and benchmarking of the existing Committee’sTerms of Reference, new draft TOR have been developed for the Audit and Risk Committee. These focus on removing any potential overlap and duplication with the TOR of the Finance and Facilities Committee, and are currently being consulted with members of Council.

5.Macquarie’s Business and Community Engagement

Many of Macquarie’s community engagement projects are partnerships with government and community groups developed to increase access and equity:

  • The Science Partnership (with NSW Department of Education and Training and 4 local high schools)
  • The Indigenous Science Program
  • MULTILIT (Making up lost time in literacy)
  • Siemans Science Experience

New initiatives in planning stage include:

  • Teach for Australia, in partnership with the Cape York Institute
  • The Global Futures Program, in partnership with Australian Volunteers International (AVI)

Macquarie’s engagement with business (especially those contained in the adjacent high technology corridor) is guided by a vision of becoming Australia's leading industry-based research university:

  • e.g. Agreement with Dalcross PrivateHospital for 140-bed hospital on campus

1.2 Student Load Planning

Macquarie has been attempting to broaden access to its programs through a multi-prong approach:

  • In 2008 Macquarie trialled UniTEST as an alternate entry pathway
  • A new range of scholarships were funded in 2008
  • Macquarie continues to encourage an increase in its Higher Degree Research students through a major investment ($16 m per annum) in a HDR Student Scholarships Program.

In 2008 Macquarie has been undertaking a major Review of its Academic Programs[3]. Major innovations include a requirement for students to take a People[4] and a Planet[5] unit of study. While this does not mean that every People unit will derive from the Faculty of Arts and every Planet unit will derive from the Faculty of Science, it is expected that there will be some shifting of student load. The level of this shift will be calculated in 2009 for the 2010 academic year (the year when the new curriculum will commence implementation).

Using historical student enrolment data, a model has been developed to more accurately predict student intake by cluster (previously information was only available by degree or program). This model was first used for the 2008 intake and provided easily understood and more usable data to senior University decision-makers. The model will be further enhanced for the 2009 student intake.

MacquarieUniversity IAF 2008 Page 1 of 2

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[4] “People” units of study will focus on the development of what it means to be engaged and ethical local and global citizens

[5] “Planet” units of study will develop an understanding of the nature of science and the challenges and issues facing the world currently