Strategic Directions 2006-2010
Learning and teaching - creative teaching, quality learning
As a large, comprehensive, public institution, the University of Sydney provides a liberal undergraduate education and preparation for the full suite of professional qualifications and postgraduate study. We intend to sustain steady growth in the ratio of postgraduate to undergraduate students and continue to attract substantial numbers of high quality local and international students.
A distinctive feature of study at the University of Sydney is its insistence on research-led teaching, both in content and delivery. Flexible modes of delivery, in keeping with innovation in information and communication technologies and student expectations, will ensure excellent learning experiences and outcomes.
Our priorities are to:
- continue to attract the best students and to provide them with incentives and support through bursaries and scholarships
- provide quality environments that encourage independent learning, peer interaction, effective skill development and a sense of enjoyment in learning
- offer academically challenging and professionally relevant programs
- continue to adapt and respond to student feedback and employer and community needs
- support articulation of our undergraduate programs with graduate-entry professional programs
- cultivate cultural diversity through curriculum development, and
- recognise and reward teaching excellence.
By 2010, we will have achieved a vibrant and well resourced learning environment, which has aligned our student profile with our strategic direction. Physical infrastructure and technical support will be appropriate to our learning and teaching priorities.
Standards of performance and benchmarks
- Continuous improvement in quality learning, reflected in outstanding student performance, and in retention, progression and completion rates
- Improved student performance, reflected in higher graduate employment rates and starting salaries
- Recognition of excellence in teaching through improved student assessment of teaching quality across all disciplines
- Quality assurance, reflected in sustained and improved performance against quality criteria as set by the Academic Board
- Continuous improvement in research-led learning and teaching, reflected in an increased proportion of teaching staff who are research active
- Continued growth in national and international accreditation of professional and academic programs
- Maintained or improving student staff ratios
- Ensuring that outstanding potential students are not discouraged by lack of means