Aspiring higher - by Heather McEwen
This was essentially the message from Professor Chris Baker, Dean of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science when he today (17 February 2010) welcomed more than 100 college staff to the first Staff Forum for 2010.
Professor Baker outlined the Vice-Chancellor's vision for the University that was presented at the recent University Retreat. While all parts of the vision are relevant to the College, Professor Baker highlighted several key points which matched closely his own vision for advancement.
These included ensuring that our standards, in research and education, are consistent with the highest in the world. And with perhaps a nod to his European experience, ensuring that our staff and students positioned themselves as technological leaders having much greater levels of engagement including input into public debate and policy-making. He remarked that this is an imperative of a national university, and in keeping with other great universities of the world.
Professor Baker concluded his presentation with an outline of research and teaching goals, and crucial near term tasks, promising that major changes in the higher education environment, including the ERA, posed great challenges and opportunities for us all.
