The University of New England (UNE) is undergoing a significant transformation, emphasising community engagement and flexible learning options. This shift comes as part of UNE’s strategic plan for 2026-2035, which was outlined by Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran. The plan, titled “Connecting Individual Aspirations to Community Outcomes,” aims to realign the university’s focus towards the needs of local communities.
Professor Moran highlighted that the landscape of higher education has changed dramatically, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that traditional university experiences, characterized by large lecture halls and homogeneous student demographics, are largely outdated. Currently, over 85 percent of UNE’s students are enrolled in distance education programs. “There are very few large lecture theatres filled with three or 400 students,” he remarked.
The university plans to attract more mature-age students who may already have careers or are looking to shift their professional paths. Professor Moran stated, “We understand that people need to work; they have families. So, not the cliché, leave school, go to university for three years and do the rest of your life, it’s much more.”
This new direction follows a previous misstep in which UNE created a series of short courses based solely on industry feedback. According to Professor Moran, the university failed to adequately connect the interests of the local community with the needs of industry. “The mistake we made there was that we hadn’t actually married up the interests of the community with the needs of industry,” he explained.
This experience has informed UNE’s current approach, which focuses on providing practical pathways for students. For instance, students pursuing degrees in health can gain employment in the health sector while they study, supported by the university. “We would like to help people be more able to be involved in the areas that they want to work in while they’re getting their degree,” Professor Moran added.
The development of UNE’s first campus in Tamworth is indicative of this new strategy. Professor Moran confirmed that the campus is still on track to open in 2027. He expressed optimism about the ongoing construction, saying, “I was down there last week, and I was very happy to see what I call yellow goods [construction machinery] making their way around the site.” Contracts are being signed, and local subcontractors from Tamworth are involved in the project.
Initially, the campus will focus on courses in health science, psychology, nursing, and social work. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding offerings in music and the music business, a fitting focus for a city known for its musical heritage. “We’ve done quite a lot of background work on that, and that’s something we’re looking at very closely as we take a new direction in Tamworth,” Professor Moran stated.
As UNE moves forward, the emphasis on community needs and flexible learning opportunities seeks to reshape the educational landscape in line with modern realities, fostering a more engaged and adaptable student body.
