March 14, 2016

UOW launches new 2016-2020 strategic plan

The Strategic Plan will position UOW as a global leader in discovery and learning, transforming the world we live in.

A commitment to continue building a research and learning environment that tackles society’s challenges, produces highly sought after graduates, enables new enterprises, achieves global growth and earns a place in the top 1 per cent of the worlds universities was at the heart of the University of Wollongong’s new strategic plan, launched today (14 March).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE launched the University’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan at a function at its main Wollongong campus, which was also viewed by staff at UOW’s Shoalhaven, Bega, Batemans Bay Southern Highlands and Sydney campuses via a live webcast.

The plan refreshes the University’s previous five year plan, launched in 2013, in response to continuing changes in the higher education sector and the growing role universities are playing in confronting society’s challenges.

It also follows the University Council’s reappointment late last year of Professor Wellings as Vice-Chancellor, extending his tenure as the Institution’s leader until 31 December 2020, enabling him to oversee the refreshed strategy’s implementation.

“Our society today is characterised by unprecedented change,” Professor Wellings said

“We face complex social, environmental, and economic challenges. Our universities have never been more important to our future, and we need to play a central role in keeping Australia economically competitive and socially cohesive.

“To ensure that the University of Wollongong is leading the way in addressing these complex issues, we’ve refreshed our Strategic Plan.”

The plan is centred around six goals: aligning research and teaching efforts with national and international priorities; providing an exceptional student experience; continuously improving UOW’s global standing; fostering and celebrating international partnerships; maximising UOW’s capacity to deliver on its promises; and making a positive difference in society.

These broad goals are underpinned by a series of core strategies that guide initiatives throughout the organisation including more than $300 million in capital expenditure over the next five years.

The 2016 - 2020 Strategic Plan has been developed in response to continuing changes in the higher education sector and the growing role universities are playing in confronting society’s challenges.

“We have an outstanding reputation as one of the best research intensive universities in Australia for student satisfaction and graduate distinctions.

“In this next planning cycle we will continue our investment in student facilities and accommodation, new research facilities for molecular and life sciences, additional amenities for our Arts and Social Sciences and an increased presence in Sydney.

“Overseas we anticipate growing our investments in Dubai and Hong Kong and putting in new facilities in both locations,” Professor Wellings said.

This renewed ambition and expression of purpose has been accompanied by a refreshed brand identity that reflects the University’s 40 years of growth and development from a regional college to a global, multi-campus university of international standing.

The refreshed brand, last updated in 2011, comprises a clearer depiction of the University’s heraldic crest and retains the rich red of the Illawarra Flame Tree set against a dark navy blue background that is indicative of UOW’s established place as a top-ranking Australian institution with growing international reach.

“Every university must periodically take stock to ensure its brand identity and strategy reflects its evolving character and standing.

“Having celebrated 40 years as an independent university last year while expanding internationally and improving our national and international rankings, it is the right time to refresh how we depict our strategic intent and deepening global impact.

“Together, our refreshed strategic plan and brand identity convey our renewed determination and sense of purpose,” Professor Wellings said.

The 2016-2020 Strategic Plan is publicly available at uow.edu.au/ourpurpose.