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Strategic Directions 2006-2010

University structure and organisation

An effective organisational structure is the basis of the modern university's ability to achieve its core purpose. With over 47,000 students and 6,000 staff, the University of Sydney has developed an organisational structure which has three academic colleges and five central portfolios. Overseeing and supporting management is the Senate, which ensures that governance and stewardship is at the highest levels. Supporting Senate is the Academic Board which, through its charter of independence, ensures academic and scholarly standards are world class.

The University has 17 faculties, each headed by a Dean who is responsible for working with Heads of Schools, programs and centres, to achieve University aspirations. Deans foster collaborative leadership through the Committee of Deans and the Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee.

Five specialised academic and professional units lead university-wide development and support the colleges and faculties by providing management services and ensuring strategic alignment, consistent standards, and an emphasis on quality and financial sustainability. They are:

Our performance in all areas will be devoted to continuous improvement, benchmarked against the best universities and organisations in the world. Our ambition is to enhance our performance in all areas of endeavour and ensure that, by any measure, the outstanding quality of the University of Sydney is recognised internationally.