The University of Newcastle (UoN) has unveiled a transformative strategic plan, which sets a bold direction for the next five years.
Looking Ahead 2030 reinforces the institution’s commitment to being a world leader for its regions.
It comes at a time when the uni is educating more than 39,000 students each year, employing over 3,200 staff and ranked in the top 1% of universities internationally.
The blueprint’s anchored by three core priorities – Life Ready Graduates, Research with Impact and Engagement that Connects – which are supported by a new Flagships Model that is designed to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to communities across Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast and beyond.
It also outlines a clear vision that is guided by the UoN’s pledge to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said Looking Ahead 2030 represented an evolution of the uni’s long-standing mission.
“For more than 60 years, our university has been shaped by a powerful purpose that is to serve our regions while providing an outstanding student experience that prepares them for life,” he explained.
“Looking Ahead 2030 is about who we are and where we’re heading.
“It builds on these foundations with a renewed commitment to Indigenous people, delivering life-ready graduates, research that creates real change, and engagement that strengthens the fabric of our communities.
“This plan was shaped by our students, our staff, partners and communities.
“We listened… and, now, we’re focused on what matters most.
“We’re proud to be part of our communities.
“Our regions are special, and that’s why we believe that they deserve a world-leading university.”
At the centre of the new plan, the first pillar outlines a comprehensive commitment to preparing students for life, not just work.
Looking Ahead 2030 reaffirms the UoN’s focus on delivering relevant, adaptive and sustainable programs that ensure students will graduate with confidence, capability and real-world experience.
As the research and innovation engine room for its regions, the university will focus its efforts in the second prop to solving the issues that matter most to its communities.
From energy transition and sustainable housing to health equity and digital transformation, it aims to deliver solutions that improve lives locally and globally.
The third pillar provides a framework for the UoN’s approach to partnership and collaboration.
Through place-based engagement and inclusiveness, the university hopes to build stronger community and industry relationships, and remove barriers to higher education, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and regional communities.
“Looking Ahead 2030 is both intentionally ambitious and grounded by our long-held core values,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“It’s our commitment to our communities.
“It shows we’re ready… and we are excited to look forward to what we will achieve together.”
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