9 April 2008
Victoria University's Council announced today that it has executed an extension to Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman's employment contract until 31 December 2010.
VU's Chancellor The Hon Justice Frank Vincent AO QC, said: "It was the overwhelming view of Council that Professor Harman was best placed to advance the important programs and policies, directed to securing the future and standing of the University to which she has made an enormous contribution. Solidly based upon VU's history of endeavouring to provide the highest standard of training, education and research opportunities, and with the strong support of both the Council and staff of the University, Professor Harman has been instrumental in conceptualising and initiating the steps to make VU 'A New School of Thought'."
Among its many innovative ideas, this will see VU make at least 25 per cent learning in the workplace and community a universal feature of VU courses, both vocational and higher education, ensuring students are both career ready and community minded.
Under Professor Harman's stewardship, the University has remained strongly committed to equity with about 25 per cent of its 45,000 students drawn from low socioeconomic backgrounds and many being the first in their family to go to university.
The Chancellor said that the University is now exceptionally well placed to contribute to both of the Commonwealth Government's key educations issues; namely social inclusion and productivity.
The Chancellor acknowledged that over the past four years, VU has developed a national profile and is being heard in national policy debates. Professor Harman serves on the boards of University Australia, the Carrick Institute of Teaching and Learning, L H Martin Institute and the Business Higher Education Round Table. Professor Harman will be one of four VU people at the upcoming Rudd Summit.
Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900
