The 14th National Conference on University Governance will be held in Brisbane from 11 to 13 October, hosted by the University Chancellors Council.
The conference brings together Chancellors; board, senate, and council members; and professional governance staff from across the country to talk about issues currently affecting the university sector.
University Chancellors Council Convenor, and Deakin University Chancellor, Mr John Stanhope AM said the world had faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years, resulting in profound changes for universities, both strategic and operational.
“Through this very difficult time, the higher education sector has demonstrated through strong leadership, adaptability and creativity the pivotal role of education in securing a strong future for all Australians,” Mr Stanhope said.
“Underpinning the leadership that has ensured the sector has steadied, and in many cases thrived, through this tumultuous time is the strong governance that is provided by our university councils, boards of trustees and senates.
“This conference seeks to explore the critical role of governance in universities and the intersection of universities with policy makers and the communities which we serve.
“We look forward to this conference providing a platform for important discussions that will help strengthen university governance and enable our individual institutions to continue to contribute to society, the economy and the advancement of knowledge.”
More than 140 delegates representing each of Australia’s universities will attend the conference, including 29 university Chancellors.
The conference’s keynote speaker is University of New South Wales Chancellor Mr David Gonski AC, who will give the Chancellor’s Oration on Wednesday 12 October, and Education Minister Jason Clare will present on Thursday 13 October.
The speakers’ list also includes Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC, Orygen Executive Director Professor Pat McGorry AO, and Australian National University Chancellor Julie Bishop, who will join panels covering issues including foreign interference, cyber security and artificial intelligence; the mental health challenges facing universities; and tertiary policy development.
The full conference program is available on the event website: https://www.ncug.org.au/
