Strategic plans

The Faculty of Arts strategy will guide our efforts as we seek to achieve our aspirations.

Professor Russell Goulbourne, Dean of Arts
Professor Russell Goulbourne, Dean of Arts

Under the leadership of Professor Russell Goulbourne, we have launched a Faculty of Arts Strategy map (110kb pdf) focusing on:

  • Transformative learning
  • Research that makes a difference
  • Partnerships that add value
  • Support for all staff

Developed following extensive staff consultation, discussion and reflection, this high-level strategy expresses our values-led approach and our commitment to being transformed by recognising and engaging the ways of knowing held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples.

Our inherent focus on building Indigenous representation is now fully articulated in a more detailed Indigenous strategy.

Faculty of Arts strategy 2019-2025

Transformative learning

In 2020 our initiatives include a renewed focus on the Student experience, outcomes and wellbeing. This will include implementation of the University’s Student Life initiatives (5.8Mb pdf), amongst them the Academic Advising at Melbourne program for all undergraduate students, expansion of our peer mentoring and new student support programs.

Through the Faculty’s Arts Teaching Innovation team, we will consolidate our work in supporting the ongoing development of innovative teaching, the increase in digital delivery of knowledge, the flipped classroom model and innovative methods of assessment.

Our transformative learning priorities also include a strong focus on support for students from low-SES and other disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to not only study with us but also access internships, study abroad, exchange and University of Melbourne Overseas Subjects.

Transformative learning
Research that makes a difference

Research that makes a difference

Our new research strategy aims to increase our capacity for excellence in research that makes a difference, transcends disciplinary and institutional boundaries, and engages wider audiences. We place firm focus on enhancing our ability to communicate and collaborate with our academic and non-academic partners through a suite of disciplinary and interdisciplinary research-based projects, initiatives, conversations, and micro-credential courses. Crucially, we also focus on supporting our academic colleagues and students across all levels as they connect with their research in a collegial and interdisciplinary environment.

The Faculty’s research agenda reflects our interest in addressing difficult questions and major challenges that exist in the world. One of the driving questions we address through our research is: What does it mean to be human? Our research into societal, cultural, historical, and communication issues is invaluable in building adaptability, resilience, and understanding.

Partnerships that add value

Continuing to build meaningful relationships is a central tenet of the Faculty’s strategy. Our relationship with place and support for connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is paramount.

In 2020, the Faculty will focus on continued support of long term, deep-rooted relationships with key organisations across the full range of sectors globally; and broadening of the Faculty’s international engagement to further enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building and learning outcomes within the Asia-Pacific region.

Partnerships
Support all staff

Support for all staff

An important cornerstone of our work here is the articulation of a set of Faculty values. These values, or ‘what we believe in’, have informed objectives for both our professional and academic staff.

In 2020 and 2021, our focus will be on fostering a vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace culture that puts people first; and on attracting, retaining, supporting and developing our people, and providing growth opportunities for all. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In recognition of a particular focus on Indigenous representation, this year the Faculty appointed its first Associate Dean, Indigenous – Associate Professor Sana Nakata.