Obiter dicta by Professor Gavin Brown AO

Fount of youth

1 March 2002

The Roman poet asked why the new year started amongst the frosts of winter when it could more appropriately be marked by the swelling buds of spring. In our case, the new teaching year begins in late summer but it begins auspiciously with more than 7,000 new students breathing fresh life and vigour into our academic enterprise.

It has been a good enrolment period where, despite the large numbers and the many variables, we hit our target within 66 places. More importantly, we have yet again had the greatest number of first preferences in the State and increased our percentage share of those high quality students.

Particularly encouraging has been the strong increase in quality of entrants in the large generalist faculties of Arts and Science. We have always had outstanding students at the top ranges in these disciplines but this year the lower cut-offs increased dramatically. In fact I am now concerned that we may be in danger of excluding some strongly motivated students whose formal UAI (University Admissions Index) may not reflect their true potential. We must never forget that this is an imperfect predictor, albeit the fairest objective indicator which is readily available. It is good that we have some flexible entry places and we will do well to explore this further.

It is unfair to mention only Science and Arts because most faculties have shown considerable advance in attracting students of high calibre. Law, with formidable entrance requirements already, has drawn further ahead of its competitors. It is gratifying for the future of the teaching profession that Education, throughout the State, has been a strong performer. At the University of Sydney this has been especially true, with many top rank students and an overall strength which is remarkable. Architecture has continued a meteoric rise in its attractive power – and I could go on saluting many disciplines.

We have also received compliments from many schools for the way we have communicated our offerings, relying on a description of our constantly improving programs and on the testament of our existing students to speak of their effectiveness. None of this can hide the difficulties faced by all universities in coping with limited funds, crowded facilities and heavily worked staff. At least I can congratulate our staff on jobs well done.

This is a time to celebrate renewal and to welcome our bright new students. It is an extraordinarily fortunate community that has the privilege of welcoming several thousand new citizens each year. We wish them well and thank them for bringing fresh energy to our University.