AAIR Newsletter September 2018

Mapping the (whole) education landscape

REGISTERED FOR THE 2018 AAIR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH BOOK REVIEWS FORUM YET? CORNER INTERVIEW PLUS A RANGE OF INTERSTING PAGE 2 FIVE QUICK QUESTIONS WITH DAN REPORTS AND NEW PUBLICATIONS JOLLEY, THIS MONTH. SEE PAGE 7-11 PAGE 13

Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash

CONTENT

From the President Learning and Teaching Positions Vacant, Training and Development

Editorial Research Higher Education Conferences and Events

Sector News and Views Reports and Resources Institutional Researcher’s Corner Big Data, Online Learning, Analytics On the Move

Graduate Outcomes and Book Reviews Employability

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the AAIR Forum 2018!

The Annual AAIR Forum is the leading institutional research event Evidence-based strategic planning and continuous quality in Australasia, and is an ideal place for you to expand your sector improvement, supported by a solid survey and evaluations knowledge. Join with the many institutions who continue to framework, are on the agenda. All of this is underpinned by support the Forum and enjoy what we anticipate will be an business intelligence, analytics, visualisation and modelling. exceptional event. Pre-Forum workshops and Special Interest Groups will run on the day prior to the main Forum, with sessions including a full day survey manager’s workshop. AAIR welcomes new and experienced presenters and a presenter briefing tailored to new presenters will be held on the 19th November. As always, there will be plenty of networking opportunities, including the welcome reception and dinner both to be held at uniquely Melbourne venues.

If you haven’t already, register now and join in the conversation, as well as the unique social program, or

just eat a donut off The Forum program is guaranteed to challenge and excite as the wall! specialists share their rich experience, discuss key topics, and strategize in response to the ever-changing higher education sector. Keynote speakers include: • Kerri-Lee Krause, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Professor of Higher Education, La Trobe University; • Christine M Keller, PhD., Executive Director of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), Tallahassee, Florida; and • James Fazzino, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University, Chairman, Manufacturing , Member of Male Champions of Change Institute.

With thanks, from

This year’s theme, Reflecting on the Past, Experiencing the Present, 2018 Shaping the Future, will encourage conversations and questions about the value of higher education and the changing role of the institutional researcher.

3 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

announcement by the Shadow Minister SECTOR NEWS AND for Education and Training, the Hon VIEWS Tanya Plibersek as did Universities EDITORIAL Australia.

Other news The highly anticipated (by me at least) report from the September has seen the release of two Grattan Institute Mapping significant reports. As mentioned in the Editorial, Mapping Australian Higher Australian higher education Education 2018 from the Grattan 2018 has been released (see Institute, plus, the OECD's annual brief summary p. 9). The report Education at a Glance report. The latter shows that in 2016 a record 41 looks at who participates in education, per cent of Australian 19-year- what is spent on it, how education olds were enrolled in higher systems operate, and the results education institutions. Our achieved. This year’s report notes the recommended summary is the proportion of public money being spent podcast from HE Program on private schooling in Australia is higher than in any other advanced economy and Director Andrew Norton and (Image from Gwen Blake has increased significantly over the last Fellow Ittima Cherastidtham. @Glamgwenblake) decade. In the last decade, tertiary The value of the report is attainment of 25-34 year-olds in Australia comprehensive. Not only does Universities Australia wasted no time had “increased significantly”, reaching it present a range of data urging new Prime Minister Scott 52% in 2017. That increase has been sources that map outcomes and Morrison to overturn the effective cap on especially pronounced among women trends, it also outlines and student places imposed last December (analysed and discussed in the new describes the Australian higher and reverse the Government’s $2.1 billion Grattan report) The OECD report and the education landscape. This year, university funding cuts. Chief Executive Australian outcomes are discussed by Catriona Jackson said she looked forward Geoff Sharrock, University of Melbourne the Grattan Institute has to working constructively with the new in The Conversation (September 18 ) in explored the topic of graduate leadership of the country, including Australian tertiary education funding is employment and earnings in newly elected Deputy Liberal leader Josh not as low as it seems in OECD metrics some depth (see Mapping Frydenberg. and by Julie Hare, in her new role with Australian higher education Wonkhe, (September 17) in Australia puts 2018, Chapter 10). Cabinet re-shuffle: Dan Tehan is the new high price on HE premium. education minister with Simon And for something a little Birmingham moving to trade in the new Also, from Julie Hare (Wonkhe, different, our Institutional government line-up. The Chair of RUN, September 13). Protecting the high front Researcher this month is Dan Professor Greg Hill, welcomed the gate. TEQSA has now published a report Jolley, PhD candidate in the appointment of Dan Tehan MP as analysing its decisions around new Minister for Education, Karen Andrews School of Psychology at Curtin applications for registration and re- MP as Minister for Industry, Science and registration as a HE provider. The University. AAIR sponsored Dan Technology, Sussan Ley MP as Minister conclusion: it ain’t easy. Jolley as part of the Early for Regional Development, Michaelia Career Researcher Scholarship Cash as Minister for Small Business, The National Centre for Student Equity in to present at the 27th National Skills, and Vocational Education and Higher Education have released a VET Research Conference ‘No Training. discussion paper on the need for a Frills’ in Sydney in August. new higher education access strategy for Dan’s research reflects the Editors pick for best summary of events Australia through to 2030. The paper is pivotal role VET plays in (and some clarity around “where we are designed to encourage participation in at”) from Wonkhe (September 9) with education. the policy process and sets out eight former The Australian HE editor and issues, which will likely shape access to Finally, AAIR is currently on the new Wonkhe associate editor Julie Hare HE in the next decade. They include, New PM, new minister, same old the impact of funding constraints and look-out for a new Newsletter chaos: what happens next? the role of digital delivery, how and Editor for 2019. I can’t why equity should be central to the recommend this role enough Australian Labor party pledges an extra education system and national objectives and if you would like more $174m for disadvantaged uni students. and how we define and measure the information please email the The Federal Labor party is promising to achievement of equity outcomes. Executive Officer at uncap university places if it wins the next Feedback from written submissions and [email protected] or email me election, but crucially now, it is also face-to-face workshops will inform the at [email protected] with any promising an extra $174 million to help development of a long-term vision questions. students from poor areas to enter tertiary statement, Student Equity 2030 which education. The Regional Universities will be launched at World Access to Network (RUN) welcomed the

4 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

Higher Education Day on 28 November entry base for ARC-funded Indigenous into the computer systems and 2018. researchers.” databases of seven leading Australian universities to steal secret research, High university fees and the hefty cost of The WA government has announced a according to a senior computer living in Australia were the reason almost graduate migration list, “to attract the researcher. half a survey group of would-be best global talent with the advanced international students decided not to qualifications, skills and experience and “Two-speed economy” a threat for come to the country. QS Enrolment help grow Western Australia’s share of Australian HE, according to Nous. Solutions, a global company that surveys the international education market.” Australia’s international higher education student opinions, said of more than 3000 sector has developed a pronounced “two- international students who wanted to Victoria University’s new block teaching speed economy” and its reliance on come to Australia in 2017 but ended up model has cut the dropout rate and led to China and South Asia raises questions of not doing so, more than half said they students scoring higher grades than last its ongoing success and susceptibility to couldn't afford the fees. A similar number year when students were taught in the downturns, according to a new report said it would be cheaper to study in traditional way. from consulting firm Nous. another country. The nation's highest-paid university Student and staff wellbeing Australian students reluctant to study leaders. University leaders are picking up abroad. Unlike their counterparts in major pay rises, taking the annual Brad Wright and Charles Winslade from many other countries, notably America average salary of vice-chancellors in NSW have written for and many European nations, Australian and Victoria to just below $1 million. The Conversation (August 21) on student university students show little Michael Spence, the vice-chancellor of and staff health and point to the The enthusiasm for studying outside their Sydney University, is the highest paid of Healthy Universities framework as a own nation. An American search engine all, having seen his salary rise 60 per cent good example of a holistic approach optimisation company called SEMrush in just five years to $1.45 million. universities could use to address the risk reports that Australia “is not under any factors common among staff and threat of a brain drain anytime soon”. In The Conversation (August 30) Gender students. Instead of having a bunch of quotas and targets would speed up separate programs that focus on specific In The Conversation (August 16), Gwilym progress on gender equity in academia. areas of health, a “healthy university” Croucher’s article Size isn’t everything Recently, the University of Adelaide used takes a whole-of-institution approach to when it comes to the proposed UniSA- a special exemption under the Equal creating a supportive environment for University of Adelaide merger. Opportunity Act to advertise eight everyone who works and studies there. The proposed merger between the academic positions in the faculty of University of Adelaide and the University engineering, computer and Universities must ensure their mental of is building mathematical sciences for women only. health services are fit for purpose. The momentum. If it proceeds, it will be the This raises questions about why a UK Universities Minister Sam Gyimah has first major merger between Australian university might take this approach. written to university Vice Chancellors in higher education institutions in recent England, marking the start of Fresher’s times. Also from The Conversation (September Week by calling on them to make the 6) Andrew Norton’s piece To fix higher mental health of their students a priority. London Economics were commissioned education funding, we also need to fix He has also written an op-ed for the by the Group of Eight universities in vocational education “ … if universities Huffington Post, in which he sets out an Australia to undertake an analysis of the are to enrol fewer people, we should expectation on university leaders to focus economic contribution of their member offer attractive alternatives to university on pastoral care and to use ‘all means in universities to the Australian economy. education. To fix higher education, we their power to safeguard students from The analysis focused on the 2016 also need to fix vocational education to harm. academic year, and estimated the impact help get students into courses with associated with the universities’ world- employment opportunities”. Campus News class research, the direct, indirect and induced impacts of the institutions’ The National Tertiary Education Union Australia’s biggest university, Monash, is expenditures, educational exports and has elected new leaders, with marketing pulling out of South Africa after 18 years. the impact of teaching and learning and management academic Alison After 18 years, Australia's Monash activities. The analysis estimated that the Barnes set to become the union’s University will be pulling out of South total impact of the Group of Eight national president. The union’s national Africa, selling out to JSE-listed education universities stood at AUD$66.4 billion in assistant secretary Matthew McGowan group Advtech in a R340 million deal. 2016. has been elected national secretary and West Australian state secretary Gabe Sydney University heritage listing allows The Australian Research Council has Gooding has won the role of national for changing campus needs. Included in released its response to a Wells Advisory assistant secretary. All of them will the listing, the minister said, was the report on support for Indigenous formally begin in their roles on October Main Quadrangle, the gate lodges, St researchers and research. The core 16. Paul's College, St John's College, St recommendation from Wells was that Andrew's College, Women's College, the ARC should redirect some support to Seven universities attacked by ‘Iran- Wesley College and Sancta Sophia Indigenous higher degree research linked’ hackers. Iranian government- College as well as Victoria Park. students, postdoc and early career linked hackers are believed to be researchers, “in order to broaden the responsible for recent attempts to hack

5 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

Western Sydney council targets new is relatively easy to explain. Research- We need to talk about cheating. In 2018, university campus. Western Sydney looks intensive universities tend to be the best seven universities have proactive set to host a new university campus, with known internationally and hence, the academic integrity policies and are Blacktown City Council officially calling most recognisable in reputational oriented towards education and for expressions of interest from surveys. Bibliometric data is easily prevention. The eighth has a universities across the nation. The council captured, albeit that practice continues recommendation that it review its wants a “pop-up” institution in the area to undervalue arts, humanities and social dishonest and improper academic by 2020, the document notes, and the sciences research as well as research with practice policy. first stage of new permanent campus a regional or national orientation – open in time for the 2023 academic year, especially research published in International news with an enrolment of about 2500 languages other than English students. From Canada, Arbitration decision on Twitter announced its follower ranking student evaluations of teaching ACU may axe social justice institute. for Australian university corporate applauded by faculty. In a precedent- Students and staff at the Australian accounts. Rounded to the nearest setting case, an Ontario arbitrator has Catholic University are outraged by plans thousand, as of this month they are: directed Ryerson University to ensure to close down its Institute of Social Over 30 000 followers that student evaluations of teaching, or Justice in Sydney, where students and UniMelb – 86 000, UoQ – 80 000, Monash SETs, “are not used to measure teaching academics now canvass questions of U – 62 000, UniSydney – 62 000, Deakin effectiveness for promotion or tenure.” religion, secularism and human rights. U – 50 000, UniAdelaide – 48 000, RMIT – The SET issue has been discussed in 47 000, UNSW – 43 000, UniSA – 37 000, Ryerson collective bargaining sessions Curtin U – 33 000, LaTrobe U – 31 000 since 2003, and a formal grievance was StudyAdelaide and council link up on filed in 2009. campaign. StudyAdelaide is aiming to Meanwhile in New Zealand attract international students to the city The Challenges of Creating World-Class with the use of Adelaide City Council’s Universities block course survey results Universities in China. Creating World- marketing campaign “Designed for Life”, that rate the usefulness of courses. The Class Universities (WCUs) is a national with the hope that a consistent campaign Tertiary Education Commission told strategy of the central government of across sectors can be “visually impactful”. Radio NZ it had sufficient responses to its China. In October 2015, the State Council survey to publish ratings for 639 issued the “overall plan to push forward Rankings and ratings university qualifications, and 1528 the world-class universities initiative and qualifications offered by other types of the first-class subject construction”. In The 2019 QS graduate employability tertiary institutions. The survey asked October 2017, the Ministry of Education ranking has been announced. ANZ recent graduates to rate how well their launched the final list of universities and institutions that make the top 100 are qualification prepared them for work and subjects that would be funded by the UNSW (28) UoQ (48), Monash U (49), whether they would recommend it to WCUs plan. Forty-two universities were UTS (64), Auckland (71), ANU (73) and others. selected for world-class status and 108 RMIT (85). subject areas at 137 universities were Lincoln University and University of selected for preferential support. There’s a new edition of the Spanish Canterbury expected to merge. Lincoln National Research Council’s bi-annual University and the University of Universities recognised as centres of Ranking Web of Universities. The Canterbury have signed a Memorandum excellence for cyber security research. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones of Understanding (MOU), allowing both Three UK universities have been Cientificas uses web presence and parties to explore partnership and merge recognised as Academic Centres of visibility as indicators of global options. Education Minister Chris Hipkins Excellence in Cyber Security Research performance of a university. Indicators says the potential merger showed (ACE-CSR), highlighting the breadth of include teaching commitment, research promise and could help improve Lincoln's cyber security skills that are being results, perceived international prestige teaching facilities. developed in the UK. The universities join and industry and community ties. 14 other institutions in a scheme forming Results: UniMelb at 60th in the world, NZQA standardises English testing. part of the Government’s National Cyber UoQ 65th, UNSW 67th, ANU 70th, Tertiary providers will no longer be able Security Strategy, supporting the UniSydney 79th, Monash U 97th, to conduct internal English proficiency country’s digital economy. The UniAdelaide 126th, UWA at 142nd and testing and instead have to use one of universities will have the opportunity to UniAuckland at 157th. eight “internationally recognised” English bid for funding to develop cutting-edge tests, including IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, research in cyber security, including at Commentary from University World News after the body responsible for New Doctoral level, as well as attend annual (August 27) Can we measure education Zealand’s qualifications framework conferences and workshops. quality in global rankings? Without announced rules changes. question, teaching is the fundamental For International Students, Shifting mission of most higher education From Universities New Zealand: From Choices of Where to Study. Around the institutions; with few exceptions, the Chair: Managerialism and the world there have been shifts in where undergraduates comprise the majority of modern university. Perspectives from internationally mobile students are students enrolled in higher education Professor Stuart McCutcheon, vice- going, with some countries - most worldwide. However, the ‘world-class’ Chancellor of The University of Auckland. notably Canada and Australia - seeing concept is derived from those universities … And … increases, while the traditional top that score highest in global rankings. This destination countries, the U.S. and the

6 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

U.K., see falling or stagnating numbers. Education in which she notes, “There will quantitative data, analysing it in context And the sudden ordered withdrawal of be no "one-size-fits-all" future. Some and sharing it with powerful thousands of Saudi students from higher education institutions may change visualisations is critical to creating a Canada has served as a sober reminder the structure and flexibility of their culture of data-driven management in a for colleges of the geopolitical risks of programs. Others may focus on postsecondary environment. relying heavily on any single population competencies and how they are certified. of international students for tuition Still others may choose to not change at From University World News (September revenue. Nearly half of all international all”. 9) Digital transformation still in the early students in the U.S. come from just two stages How can they best prepare countries -- China and India. Making Analytics Actionable. Data students for the digital world, not only by visualisations and strong partnerships delivering cutting-edge knowledge about Global network to boost HE capacity and can help postsecondary institutions the opportunities and challenges PhD numbers. A higher education leverage analytics in effective ways, but technology offers, but also by making network that entails American and South it’s critical to collect the right kind of data students fully digitally competent for African universities working together will and ensure it’s being used to support new jobs that do not even exist today? strengthen various aspects of the South student success. African higher education system, Don’t forget people in the use of big data including the expansion of the PhD Blockchain courses stick for RMIT. RMIT for development. In the rush to find graduate pipeline. The organising Online, in partnership with Accenture technological solutions to complex global members of the United States-South and fintech hub Stone & Chalk, has problems there’s a danger of researchers Africa Higher Education Network, announced the launch of two blockchain- and others being distracted by the launched in Johannesburg recently, are focused courses expected to provide technology and losing track of the key Rutgers University-Newark, the students with a "comprehensive" hardships and constraints that are unique University of Pretoria (UP), the University overview of the technology. According to to each local context. of Venda, and the Department of Higher RMIT, the courses will detail how to Education and Training (DHET), which design blockchain infrastructure and how Coursera's CEO on the Evolving Meaning provided seed funding for the initiative. to think strategically about implementing of 'MOOC'. When you can bring huge a blockchain solution "into the core of numbers of students together with lots of their businesses". well-branded universities and global BIG DATA, ONLINE enterprises seeking a highly skilled LEARNING, ANALYTICS World first blockchain university seeks workforce, could those linkages be accreditation. Woolf University, the strong enough to forge a new future for & TECHNOLOGY brainchild of an Oxford research fellow massive open online courses? Joshua Broggi, could become the first

blockchain-powered university in the If there were 100 students at Australian world. It won’t be an online university but universities. Ray Fleming from Microsoft GRADUATE OUTCOMES is to save costs by automating Australia has created some infographics administrative procedures, running on AND EMPLOYABILITY that represent the students at Australian blockchain technology. universities using data from uCube and Life at 23: Then and Now. NCVER the ABS – worth a look. …And compares the latest data from the LSAY

What Every College Leader Should Know 2009 commencing cohort, who were 23- Early-Alert Systems Seen as Mixed Bag. About Blockchain. mid the hype, the years-old in 2017, with those that went Early-alert systems designed to catch technology really does have major before them 10 years earlier to struggling students are ubiquitous in implications for higher education understand how things have changed higher education, but not every research, accountability and credentials, over time for young Australians making institution is seeing desired results. And, Daniel Pianko writes for Inside HigherEd the transition into adulthood. the subsequent blog post Data and (September 5) Judgment; Hurricanes and Student New Industry, Science and Technology Retention which discusses using data in Outrage Over University's $999 Online minister Karen Andrews reports the start context. Textbook. An online textbook priced at of work on the government’s ten-year

almost $1,000 has infuriated students plan to lift women and girls’ participation How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing trying to navigate an already confusing in STEM. The Australian Academy of Teaching. Artificial intelligence is textbook marketplace, but Louisiana- Science has released a discussion paper showing up more frequently in college Lafayette officials insist they had "good and is seeking feedback which will classrooms, particularly at big intentions." “inform” a roadmap for the plan. institutions that are seeking to make Responses to the discussion paper are large courses more intimate and What If Digital Is Antithetical to due October 8. interactive. A professor at Georgia Tech Learning? Joshua Kim in Inside HigherEd developed virtual teaching assistants and (September 5) explores Three The Evolving Transactional Nature of tutors. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon indictments of the role of technology in Credentialing: Alternative Credentials University are creating conversational higher ed instruction. Today. Credentials provide the means of agents to promote online discussion. skills verification for educators and

From The Evolllution (September 5) employers alike, but traditional methods Diane Oblinger from EDUCAUSE has Analyze This! Using Data Effectively. of credentialing haven’t kept pace with written a piece Smart Machines and Bringing together qualitative and technological advancements or market Human Expertise: Challenges for Higher

7 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018 demand. By shifting towards more Google unveils search engine for open granular, skills-based credentialing, RESEARCH data. Google has unveiled a search higher ed can retain its relevancy in a engine to help researchers locate online skills-based workplace. data that are freely available for use. The Euro open access extended. On 4 company launched the service on 5 September, 11 national research funding From University World News (September September, saying that it is aimed at organisations, with the support of the 14) Detecting fake university degrees in a “scientists, data journalists, data geeks, European Commission including the digital world. Using fake diplomas in European Research Council (ERC), or anyone else”. order to get ahead is not a new announced the launch of cOAlition S, an phenomenon. As long as there is initiative to make full and immediate Open Access at the Movies. A new competition for jobs and admission to documentary film taking aim at for-profit Open Access to research publications a higher education, there will be people publishers is about to be screened at reality. It is built around ‘Plan S’, which who are willing to take such shortcuts. universities around the world, but will it consists of one target and ten principles. further the goals of the open-access Nature’s article on this: Radical open- movement? access plan could spell end to journal

LEARNING & TEACHING subscriptions. Research funders from France, the United Kingdom, the ORCID bloom ends cut and paste. From November researchers will be able to use The Innovative Research Universities Netherlands and eight other European Group has collaborated with the Malaysia nations have unveiled a radical open- their Open Researcher and Contributor ID to auto-populate ARC application Research University Network on four access initiative that could change the forms. An ORCID ID ties to individuals’ teaching and learning projects, being face of science publishing in two years — research records and linking it to the reported recently. One finding by and which has instantly provoked protest ARC’s research management system “will Deborah West, Ann Luzeckyj and Richard from publishers reduce the burden of repeated manual Price (Flinders University), plus Bill Searle entry of publication data.” (Charles Darwin University) and Danny The Australian Research Council has Toohey () is that released the latest Making a difference— university management’s focus on Outcomes of ARC supported research an learning analytics to address attrition, annual publication produced by the ARC REPORTS AND while teaching staff are interested in that demonstrates how ARC supported RESOURCES study specifics, for example, curriculum research is making a real difference to improvement. The authors also point to Australia and the world. difficulties in integrating key learning and teaching data with other relevant Investment in research is vital to lifting information, such as demographics and Australia's position on global university library-use. rankings. From the Financial Review (August 24) Robert Bolton’s opinion Blog post on Studiosity by Associate piece on the value of investment in Professor Tracey Bretag Contract research notes: cheating in Australian higher education: “Global university rankings are far from Implications for teaching and learning. perfect measures of university quality or Outlines the outcomes from the impact. With most being heavily Mapping Australian higher education Australian Government Office for research-based, they underplay areas 2018 Learning and Teaching commissioned a Australian universities regard as high research project co-led by Associate priorities, including outstanding teaching Andrew Norton, Ittima Cherastidtham, Professor Tracey Bretag and Dr Rowena and learning, knowledge transfer, an Will Mackey, Grattan Institute Harper (University of South Australia) to egalitarian environment, contributions to explore the relationship between thought leadership and global impact. After a decade of rapid change, contract cheating and assessment design Nevertheless, we need to compete in Australian higher education is in a period and a summary of the main finds shared these imperfect rankings because of consolidation. Participation in higher at the he Studiosity Symposium in outstanding research is critical to the education (HE) has reached record levels. Sydney on 9 August. virtuous cycle that enables our Health is the key strength of Australia’s universities to improve lives and have an HE system and international student From Inside HigherEd (September 12) Will enormous, positive social impact”. enrolments are increasing (as well, Trying New Teaching Techniques Tank Australian HE has improved in their My Evaluations? Many professors fear Too much academic research is being position in international rankings). that students will punish them for published. The decision by The Review of Although new graduate employment has classroom experimentation. A new study Higher Education, a highly respected improved since its 2014 low point, the suggests otherwise. While some academic journal, to temporarily suspend labour market is still tough for younger institutions have begun to de- submissions due to a backlog of more graduates. emphasize student evaluations in their than two years’ worth of articles awaiting tenure and promotion processes, citing reviews or publication set off a twitter research showing mounting evidence of storm and much debate in the corridors bias, they remain a force. of academia about the future of academic publishing, and in particular its very foundation, blind peer review.

8 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

4. Leveraging data followed by VET graduates, and 5. Improving the teaching lowest for school leaver applicants. profession 6. Spreading digital fluency Statistics Report on TEQSA Registered Higher Education Providers – August 2018

The Statistics Report provides high-level 2018 National student survey: information across four key areas: Wellbeing and study responses from providers, students, academic staff and Australian students finance. This update of the Statistics Skilling: A National Imperative Report focuses on data relating to 2016. Studiosity

Where available, data relating to 2013, A total of 1,001 students completed the The Australian Industry Group 2014, 2015 and 2016 has been included to survey. The responses represented every enable trend reporting. This year’s report public Australian university. The This report summarises the results from includes a special focus topic featuring questions posed to the students revolved the Workforce Development Needs additional analysis on a current topic of around 1) their emotions towards Survey 2018 and provides the Ai Group interest to the sector—overseas students. studying alone, workload, and stress, 2) with significant data about the workforce the initiatives or solutions that could help development and skills needs of them feel less stressed and more employers. The 2018 survey attracted supported, and 3) their satisfaction with responses from 298 companies their current university and their employing a total of 111,209 employees. predictions for studying in the future. Australia’s employers are facing critical Selection of responses: skills shortages and almost all are • 34% of students identify the reporting low levels of literacy and amount of study as the most numeracy among employees. They are stressful part of studying also encountering difficulties in recruiting • employees with STEM skills and in areas 77% of students studying all night

such as business automation, Big Data believe all-nighters could be Figure 1: Total revenue 2017 reduced with 24/7 study support and artificial intelligence solutions.

• 69% of students would choose their Survey summary - Higher Education: university again ▪ The percentage of employers • The two major responses to how reporting links with universities and students hope their university will evolve in the next 5-10 years were VET providers has increased since 2016 while links with secondary a) more flexibility in unit choices NMC Horizon Report. 2018 Higher schools have been maintained. and b) making it easier for them to Education Edition ▪ Links with universities increased for study online without feeling like work placements, partnering for they are missing out Questions regarding technology research and project work. Recommendations: adoption and educational change steered ▪ Employers said the most important • Universities create a virtual and the discussions of 71 experts (four from form of support in order to link with face-to-face environment where Australia) to produce the NMC Horizon universities is accessing examples of students feel they are members of Report: 2018 Higher Education Edition. student activities that could assist a holistic learning community. This NMC Horizon Report series charts the business, followed by a relevant • Universities provide support for the five-year impact of innovative point of contact at a local students to combat stress that practices and technologies for higher university, and information on arises as part of their educational education across the globe. Six key supervising and mentoring experience. Such support programs trends, six significant challenges, and six students. could be wellbeing seminars, and developments in educational technology ▪ Respondents plan to increase or courses that assist students with profiled in this report are poised to establish new links over next year building skills and habits around impact teaching, learning, and creative across all sectors – most help seeking when they need it. inquiry in higher education. significantly for the higher education Further, many students reported sector (38 per cent), followed by that they aren’t aware of the Larger themes have emerged as the VET sector links (29 per cent) and services and programs that are trends, challenges, and developments secondary school links (23 per currently available. have been analysed. Each topic can be cent). placed into one (or more) of six meta- ▪ The most important recruiting categories that reflect movements in factor for higher education higher education. graduates is the contribution the graduate will make to the business 1. Expanding access and equity culture. 2. Spurring innovation ▪ Satisfaction levels were highest for 3. Fostering authentic learning higher education graduates,

9 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

Dianne Jolley will become the UTS dean Andrew O’Neil (Griffith University) is ON THE MOVE of science in December. She leaves the appointed chair of the Research University of Wollongong. Directors’ Network at the Australian

Business Deans Council. Belinda Robinson is the new chair of the Jacqueline Tulk is the new campus Australian Curriculum and Assessment director at La Trobe University’s Sydney Michael Egan will stand down as Authority, which manages the NAPLAN campus. LTU Sydney is a Navitas-run chancellor of Macquarie University in school tests. Her appointment was announced by Education Minister Simon pathway program for the university. Ms February. At retirement, he will be the Tulk joins from partner La Trobe university’s longest-serving chancellor. Birmingham Melbourne. Leanne Harvey is QUT’s new Vice- Louise Pratt is the new (Australian) The University of Queensland has filled President (Administration) and Registrar. shadow assistant minister for universities two of three senior communications jobs. For the last eight years, Leanne has been and equality. Previous assistant shadow Chief communication and officer Kelly the Executive General Manager of the Terri Butler moves to employment Robinson announce Sandra McMullan is Australian Research Council (ARC), services, workforce participation and deputy communications director and Pip introducing major reforms including the future of work. McConnel-Oats is head of brand and Excellence in Research for Australia creative services. initiative. The also have a new higher education spokeswomen, new Media scholar Amanda Lotz will join Tyrone Carlin starts work as DVC NSW senator Mehreen Faruqi, sworn in QUT early next year, moving from the academic at Southern Cross University on Monday. She replaces Sarah Hanson- University of Michigan. Professor Lotz on November 1. Professor Carlin moves Young. researches media platforms and channels from the , where he

and is interested to explore “the is a professor of financial regulation and Carolyn Evans will be Griffith connections and differences among reporting. University’s next VC, replacing long- serving Ian O’Connor. She is now DVC various internet-distributed media and social media services.” As mentioned, Julie Hare, former HE (Graduates and International) and Deputy Provost (graduate education) at Editor for The Australian is now Associate Ilona Charles is CSIROs new Executive Editor (Australia) for Wonkhe,a blog and the University of Melbourne. Professor Director, People. Since 2010 she has had think tank about UK higher education Evans was a long-term head of the HR roles at Medibank Private, Telstra and policy, people and politic. University of Melbourne law school and tech company Aconex. appointed DVC in May 2017. As of February Cheryl Jones will be

Director of Alumni and Development deputy executive dean (academic) in the Lisa Jackson Pulver is the new DVC Indigenous Strategy and Services at the Simone Gaske is leaving QUT after 25 University of Sydney’s Faculty of years with the institution. Medicine and Health. She joins from the University of Sydney. She joins from Western Sydney University. University of University of Melbourne Cindy Shannon (ex UQ, now with Sydney says Professor Jackson Pulver is University of Melbourne) will join QUT Leigh Sullivan will join the University of the first known Indigenous Australian to next month as professor of indigenous Canberra as DVC Research and receive a PhD in medicine from the health. Innovation. He moves from the same role university. at Federation University.

Lina Pelliccione is inaugural PVC of Deakin DVC Education, Beverly Oliver Curtin University’s new campus in Greg Winslett is the new deputy director will stand-down from her full-time Mauritius. Professor Pelliccione is now of eLearning at UoQ’s Institute for appointment at year end, after six years. She will continue to work on short-term deputy PVC for Curtin’s humanities Teaching and Learning Innovation, faculty. charged with leading “a broader projects at Deakin University. institutional approach”. Dr Winslett Andrew Crane will moves from UNE. Nick Klomp will be the next vice become chancellor of Curtin University in chancellor of CQUniversity. He replaces January, replacing Colin Beckett, who will Wendy Cross starts at Federation the retiring Scott Bowman who step down after two terms. University as dean of nursing and announced his departure at the healthcare, based at the Berwick campus, beginning of the year. Professor Klomp is The National Centre for Vocational in Melbourne’s outer southeast. She joins now DVC Academic at the . Education Research has a new managing from Torrens University. director. Simon Walker will take over in

Pauline Carr is the University of South mid-October, moving from the WA ANU has a new dean of the College of Department of Training and Workforce Health and Medicine. Russell Gruen will Australia’s new chancellor. She replaces Development. He replaces Craig Fowler join in January from Singapore’s Jim McDowell who resigned to become who announced his departure in March. Nanyang Technological University where head of the state’s department of he is executive director of the institute premier and cabinet Steven Roberts is confirmed as dean of for health technologies.

ANU’s College of Business and Graham Goldsmith is standing down as chancellor of Swinburne University, after Economics. Professor Roberts became Julie Owens is leaving the University of interim dean last year. Adelaide, where she is PVC research a four-year term. strategy and moving to Deakin University

10 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018 where she will be associate DVC The University of South Australia As higher education becomes a key Research. announces Richard Irons is the new determinant for economic director of Student and Academic competitiveness, institutions face Grant Guilford has a second term Services. Mr Irons is now academic increasing pressure to demonstrate their as VC of the university now known registrar at the University of Derby in the fitness to meet the needs of society and as Victoria University of Wellington. UK. He will start at UniSA in November. individuals. Blending innovative research with richly contextualised examples this Rod Camm has stepped down as head of unique Research Handbook provides the Australian Council of Private BOOK REVIEWS authoritative insights from around the Education and Training, the body that globe on how best to understand, assess represented most of the private colleges. and improve quality, performance and accountability in higher education. Flinders University has appointed Alistair Rendell VP and executive dean of the College of Science and Engineering. He joins from ANU where he is director of the Research School of Computer Science.

Saveria Dimasi will join Macquarie University as VP services and strategy.

She moves from the University of The University We Need. Reforming Queensland, where she is deputy COO. American Higher Education

Federation University has welcomed Warren Treadgold Professor Talal Yusaf as new Pro Vice- Leading Academic Change

Chancellor (International and Though many people know that Partnerships) Elaine P. Maimon American universities now offer an

inadequate and incoherent education Keith Nugent will join ANU in January Written by a sitting college president from a leftist viewpoint that excludes as DVC Research, replacing Margaret who has presided over transformative moderate and conservative ideas, few Harding. He moves from La Trobe change at a state university, this book people understand how much this University, where he has the same job. takes on the big questions and issues of matters, how it happened, how bad it is, change and change management, what or what can be done about it. In The Terry Moran is Federation University’s needs to be done and how to do it. The University We Need, Professor Warren new chancellor. author recommends changes for higher Treadgold shows the crucial role of education such as the reallocation of universities in American culture and Syed Islam is the new dean of science, resources to support full-time faculty politics, the causes of their decline in engineering and IT at Federation members in foundation-level courses, administrative bloat and inept academic University. Professor Islam moves from navigable pathways from community hiring, the effects of the decline on Curtin University where he is dean of college to the university, infusion rather teaching and research, and some international strategy and than proliferation of courses, and the role possible ways of reversing the decline. entrepreneurship in the science and of state universities in countering the engineering faculty. disappearance of the middle class. Interview with author in Inside Higher Ed

(August 2) Digital sociologist Deborah Lupton is moving to UNSW from the University of Canberra, where she is now centenary research professor of communication.

A former dean of arts at Kings College London is taking up the same job at the University of Melbourne. Russell Goulbourne will start in January.

Monash University has promoted one of its own to be senior vice provost and VP research. Rebekha Brown is now director of the University’s Sustainable Dream Teams: Working Together Development Institute. The university is Research Handbook on Quality, Without Falling Apart also in the market for a dean of Performance and Accountability in education, with near 30 year Monash Higher Education Shane Snow veteran John Loughran announcing his retirement. Edited by Ellen Hazelkorn, Hamish The best teams are more than the sum of Coates and Alexander C. McCormick their parts, but why does collaboration so often fail to fulfill this promise? In Dream

11 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

Teams, Snow takes us on an adventure training there will be 9 full day tutorials through history, neuroscience, LOOKING FOR SOME on Mon, Tue & Thu @ KPMG. psychology, and business, exploring what TRAINING AND separates groups that simply get by THE World Academic Summit together from those that get better DEVELOPMENT? 25-27 September, National University together. of Singapore

See our Training and Development webpage focused on training for institutional Hosted by the editors of Times Higher POSITIONS VACANT researchers. Education, the global authority on university excellence, the summit offers two full days of interview, debate and discussion, as well as networking events including a gala dinner, drinks reception, lunches and social events.

Higher Education Executive Assistants Intensive

10 - 11 October, Melbourne

16 -17 October, Sydney

Within an evolving and dynamic Higher Higher Education Information Education sector, executive support AAIR is seeking an Editor for the Management System (HEIMS). professionals are faced with demanding Association’s monthly Newsletter. expectations. This two-day intensive is designed to equip Higher Education Visit the HEIMSHELP Training page with This is a fantastic professional Executive Assistants with the knowledge details of the training resources that are development opportunity to increase and practical tools to develop available to help you meet reporting and your knowledge of the sector and gain professional excellence and step up as an verification deadlines an in-depth understanding of higher expert influencer in their organisation. education issues at both international AAIR members receive 10% discount. and domestic levels. It is hoped that the incoming Editor could shadow the LOOKING FOR HIGHER outgoing Editor for the last issue of the EDUCATION year (November 2018), and then formally commence in January 2019. CONFERENCES AND EVENTS? Applications close 15 October 2018

Here is a selection of upcoming events that 12th Higher Education Women's may be of interest. See our Events/Fora Leadership Summit webpage for more national and 14th & 15th November, Rendezvous international events. Hotel, Melbourne, Australian

The 12th Higher Education Women's Leadership Summit will provide you with the skills, strategies and technical know- how to transform your leadership journey and make your way to the top. Unleash your potential, connect with like-minded professionals and kickstart your Check the ATEM 2018 event calendar leadership journey. AAIR members https://www.atem.org.au/documents/ite receive 10% discount - Use booking m/790 code Q3.

Melbourne Data Science Week 2018

24th – 27th September 2017

http://www.datasciencemelbourne.co m/medascin2018/

Data Science Melbourne (DSM) is now

the 5th largest data science community in the world, behind Silicon Valley, New York, Washington DC and Toronto. For those who want hands on Data Science

12 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

ASCILITE 2018

25-28 November 2018, Deakin University at their Waterfront Campus in Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Australia

35th International Conference on Innovation, Practice and Research in the Call for Proposals for the 2019 AIR Forum Use of Educational Technologies in 2019 AIR FORUM • MAY 28 – 31, 2019

Tertiary Education Denver, CO, U.S

Proposals open Sept. 12- Oct. 14, 2018

The AIR Forum, the Association's annual conference, is the world’s largest gathering of higher education professionals working in institutional research, assessment, planning, and related postsecondary education fields.

TEQSA Conference 2018

28-30 November, Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, Australia The theme for this year's conference – Innovation, Excellence,

Diversity – will explore key objects of the TEQSA Act which call for us to protect and enhance these values in Australian higher education. The additional student theme will continue important discussions and involvement of students championed at last year's conference. Registrations and call for papers now open

ANZSSA Conference 2018

The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

2 - 5 December 2018

The University of Melbourne will host the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association Inc. (ANZSSA) Conference in December 2018. The theme, Authentic Partnerships for Quality Outcomes, aims to provide opportunities to learn news ways to enable students to achieve their educational and life goals through actively working together.

13 THE INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER ISSUE 9/2018

other LMSs centred on managing survey What do you believe will be the future INSTITUTIONAL data collections and survey results priorities for institutional research? analyses. RESEARCHER’S CORNER It is difficult to assess critical-thinking Tell us about your involvement in the skills in competency-based training, Five quick questions with Dan NCVER Event in Sydney. where the performance of job tasks is key. My research has shown that these Jolley, Curtin University The 27th National VET Research skills are not well developed in VET Conference ‘No Frills’ started with pre- fitness students, or personal trainers, but conference workshops on Wednesday 15 the research of others tells us how August 2018, with the sessions I attended desirable and important these skills are! focussing on getting your research We need to look for ways to include noticed and building research networks these skills into lower levels of education, within the VET sector. and teach them explicitly. We will also need to re-examine VET training The highlights for me were the morning packages, and the skills of VET trainers, keynote addresses each day. Professor to make sure these skills can be taught. Lene Tanggaard discussed the value of creativity in VET learning, while Dr Finally, I’d like to express my sincere Andrew Charlton discussed the changing thanks to AAIR for providing this nature of job roles and the need for opportunity to attend the NCVER education providers to adapt to meet conference. It was a valuable experience In August 2018, AAIR sponsored Dan these changing demands. that has helped me communicate my Jolley as part of the Early Career research to those who can make good Researcher Scholarship to present at the Other talks consisted of an interesting use of its findings. I’m looking forward to 27th National VET Research Conference mix of reporting large sets of data (such attending again in the future to present ‘No Frills’ in Sydney. Dan’s as the LSAY – Longitudinal Survey of more work and to continue to build presentation, ‘Is vocational training failing Australian Youth), models of learning, professional relationships. to prepare fitness students for research looking at qualifications of employment and future study?’ identified graduates, and the changing role of VET Connect with Dan on LinkedIn that although fitness students improve trainers. The varied nature of Twitter handle: @AusDJ2 their knowledge during their course, the presentations was matched by the range ability to think critically and choose high of skills and backgrounds of conference Don't forget to save the date for quality sources of information, is attendees. The audience ranged from the 28th National Vocational Education underdeveloped. students and researchers, to VET and Training Research Conference 'No trainers, to administrators and policy Frills', co-hosted with TAFE SA in Adelaide What is your current role and research makers, which led to thought-provoking on 10–12 July 2019. focus? questions and lively discussions in workshops and presentations. I’m currently a PhD candidate in the CALL FOR School of Psychology at Curtin The AAIR scholarship gave me the CONTRIBUTIONS University. I also teach fitness students at opportunity to attend all three days of South Metropolitan TAFE. My research the conference, which was an invaluable Issue 10, October 2018 interest (piqued by my professional learning experience. I also had the A great way to get involved with the practice) is in misconceptions in fitness opportunity to attend both the welcome AAIR community is to share your knowledge that students, personal reception and conference dinner, which thoughts and ideas. Do you have trainers and degree qualified exercise were both entertaining evenings, and I something you would like to share with professionals might possess, and the role had the chance to meet a wide variety of your IR colleagues? The next AAIR of critical thinking in correcting these other attendees. Newsletter will be published in late misconceptions. October 2018. Please send your From your perspective, what are the contributions to the [email protected] Briefly, what tools and resources do emerging areas of interest in by October 12, 2018. you use in your research/have used to- institutional research? date? A recurring theme from this year’s AAIR on Twitter @AAIRaustralasia To collect information about the fitness conference, and recent research into knowledge of our participants and their employability, is the increasing sources of information, we created a importance of ‘soft skills’, such as survey using Qualtrics, which was effective communication, research, administered face-to-face using tablets. problem solving, critical analysis skills. We also designed and delivered an online This was mentioned repeatedly course to improve the critical thinking throughout the event and highlights the skills of personal trainers, using content important of critical-thinking skills in specific to their needs and interests. This VET. Traditionally, VET has not focussed Tracy Creagh, Editor, The Institutional was hosted on MoodleCloud, as we found on these skills. Researcher this easier for students to navigate than