What's New
The options for the future collaborations between Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and University of Canberra (UC)
A Report to the ACT Government by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, AC
Background
The ACT Tertiary Taskforce and The Hawke Review recommended closer collaboration between and amalgamation of UC and CIT. The ACT Government commissioned Professor Bradley to report on future options for the institutions. In preparing her report, Professor Bradley met with senior executives and staff of both CIT and UC and considered extensive information provided by the institutions. Her report also draws on her extensive professional knowledge of the national tertiary sector and its reform context.
Summary
Professor Bradley's report advises that given the current national tertiary education context it is not an option for Canberra's CIT and UC to continue to operate in their current form. The report recommends the ACT Government establish a dual sector university formed from an amalgamation of the two institutions.
The amalgamation should proceed underpinned by the following:
- Respect and value accorded to the unique characteristics of each partner
- Respect and value accorded to the values, culture and traditions of each sector
- Understanding of and respect for the strengths each will bring to the new institution.
The report recommends that if the ACT Government elects not to establish a new institution, it move to establish CIT as a body with greater independence ruling out any further discussion of mergers of CIT and UC for five years.
The Government has established a strategy group to progress consideration of these options and make a final recommendation to Government in November 2011.
The report also recommends that the new institution commence on 1 January 2012. This will not be possible considering the current timeframe.
(1 Mb)Feedback
Following the release of report, the ACT Government sought community feedback on the findings. The feedback period closed on 23 September 2011. A report will be provided to the Government strategy group.
