McWha's Words
Developing the Future The North Terrace redevelopment has now moved inside the fence, and the front of the Mitchell Building has been invaded by bobcats and their enthusiastic drivers who delight in breaking up cement blocks by brute force. There is noise, there is dust, there is disruption - and the water main has just been cut through for the second time in a week. Yes, I've been finding it hard to concentrate for the past week or so: things get buried in the welter of noise. One thing that certainly did get my attention, though, was our outstanding performance in the recent and grants. We have secured nearly $30 million in funding from these two sources this year, with grants spread across the fields in which we have established research strength, and in newer ventures such as the . Also demanding more than a passing glance was the World University Rankings, which ranks the 成人大片 56th internationally, and 17th among universities outside North America and Europe. While I am habitually cautious in approaching "league tables", this is an important and prestigious list, compiled using a methodology which if not perfect, is better than most, with a notable emphasis on peer review and citations. The relative "scores" for Australian universities suggests that we are reaping the rewards of the recruitment, both nationally and internationally, of quality staff and students that has been a hallmark of Australian universities for 50 years and more. Turning to the future, the first week of December sees me presenting our plans and targets for 2005 to the year's final meeting of . My thanks to all those who have provided input into this process, and especially into preparation of the budget, which has been compiled in close consultation with the faculties and divisions. 2005 will bring new and, I am sure, unexpected challenges to the University, as the Federal Government pushes ahead with new reforms, emboldened by their control of both Houses of Parliament. The very nature of what is required for designation as a university has already been identified as a key issue for discussion with the release of the Guthrie Report, while other vital matters including the provision of essential student services in the light of a certain move towards Voluntary Student Unionism need to be thoroughly analysed. These and many other issues suggest that 2005 will, indeed, be an interesting year. We have had a good year in 2004, meeting most of our objectives and significantly exceeding many of them. This is your achievement and reflects a vibrant university community. In thanking you for your commitment and hard work in the past year, I wish you an enjoyable and refreshing break over Christmas and the New Year, and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year. PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA
Vice-Chancellor
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