Reimagining HigherEd

LIVE recording: Beyond orientation: Supporting First Year Success - a 'Students First' Symposium

On 14 May 2025 this panel came together to discuss how higher education institutions can equitably improve student outcomes, engagement, and sense of belonging - from day one to year one, and beyond. In this first 2025 Symposium, your panel explored the evolving needs and expectations of first-year students, drawing on data, lived experiences, and frontline practice.
Chaired by Professor Judyth Sachs, former PVC Learning and Teaching at The University of Sydney, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at Macquarie University, and now Chief Academic Officer at Studiosity.
Your panel:
Professor Sally Kift, President of the Australian Learning and Teaching Fellows (ALTF), Adjunct Professor JCU, La Trobe, QUT
Professor Ryan Naylor, Professor of Higher Education , the University of Sydney
Sarah Bendall, First Assistant Ombudsman, National Student Ombudsman (NSO)
Watch the recording on video here: https://vimeo.com/1084234254?share=copy. 

Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, joins host Professor Cliff Allan this week.
As a leader, Dr. Zia has focused on enabling and facilitating universities through policy interventions, and expanding access and equity in higher education, particularly for marginalised communities and female students. Listen in to hear Dr. Zia discuss the truly transformative power of higher education in driving societal and economic progress in Pakistan, and the importance of embracing AI technology and collaboration to achieve this vision.

Nathan Towney - Deputy Vice Chancellor Equity and Engagement, University of Newcastle - on Reconciliation in Higher Education

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2025, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work.
First up: Nathan Towney, Deputy Vice Chancellor Equity and Engagement at the University of Newcastle, discusses his career journey, and his four-pillar approach to driving an Indigenous strategy across the university:
Building cultural knowledge and understanding through curriculum, staff development, and community engagement
Increasing participation and retention of Indigenous students and staff
Ensuring Indigenous-led research and community involvement
Aligning the university's Reconciliation Action Plan across all areas
Nathan emphasises the importance of building strong relationships and modelling the desired behaviours to achieve collective impact, rather than focusing solely on the term "reconciliation".

Prof George Williams AO, VC and President, Western Sydney University

Prof George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University speaks with Prof Judyth Sachs about the early life experiences that shaped his appreciation for education and commitment to creating a more equitable higher education sector.
Also discussed in this chat:
How WSU is improving the student experience, addressing issues like food insecurity, and using data and partnerships to better support student retention
The need to rethink teaching models and delivery to better serve the evolving needs of a diverse student population and Western Sydney region
Optimism about the future: Prof Williams' hope for positive changes in government policy to support students.

Dr. Susan Edwards, President, Wright State University

Dr. Susan Edwards, President of Wright State University joins Prof Judyth Sachs this week, to reimagine higher education. Listen in as they discuss:
The importance of accessible, affordable education and the deep commitment Sue has to supporting students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds
Insights on the future of higher ed, advocating for more flexible, stackable credentials, closer partnerships with business, and the integration of AI technologies across disciplines
The value of embracing failure, leaning into fear, and leading by example, drawing from her own experiences as a lifelong learner and leader.

Dr. Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor, Concordia University

Dr. Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University joins host Dr. Noreen Golfman for this week’s conversation.
Together they discuss:
Challenges and opportunities of transitioning from faculty to university leadership
Facilitating work-integrated learning, and leveraging AI technology to enhance the student experience and prepare graduates
The need for universities to be more responsive to societal changes, while preserving the core values that are integral to higher education.

Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato

Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato joins host Professor Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation.
Neil shares the challenges of leading a university today, particularly adapting to AI technology and its impact on assessment and learning; how the University of Waikato is integrating different cultural perspectives, emphasising support for learner success, and ensuring every graduate is prepared with work-integrated learning; and how learning new languages - Vietnamese and Te reo Māori - improved his listening skills and shaped his leadership journey.

Prof. Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Join Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs about the importance of curiosity and humility in learning, the role of history in understanding the present, and the challenges facing higher education today.
In this episode:
As the first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor in New Zealand, Damon shares his perspective on the responsibilities that come with this, and the need to consider the broader societal implications of such milestones.
The increasing need for universities to provide a place of social cohesion and connectedness, for growing and supporting the development of well-rounded citizens capable of engaging with complex, contested ideas.
Equipping students with the essential skills for university success, including self-awareness and becoming self-directed learners, and the strong commitment AUT has to educational opportunity and student support.

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President, Wilfrid Laurier University

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President of Wilfrid Laurier University, joins Dr. Noreen Golfman this week to reflect on the student experience, noting increased engagement and advocacy by today’s students, alongside greater challenges with financial pressures and uncertainty about the future.
Also in this episode:
A biologist at heart, Deborah shares how her desire to enact change drove the decision to move into leadership
Why we need to consider the environmental impact and broader implications of AI in education, beyond just the technological capabilities
Enabling more personalized faculty-student connection, which Deborah sees as critical to the university experience.

Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, CAO, Global University Systems and Rector, University of Europe

This week we’re bringing you a fascinating journey through academia and leadership, spanning continents, institutions, and roles. Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, CAO of Global University Systems and Rector of University of Europe joins Dr. Ashraf Mahate in this captivating conversation.
Discussed in this episode: 
Balancing theoretical and practical education, with a focus on developing students' real-world skills, critical thinking, and ability to learn from failure
Rooijen's collaborative leadership style, involving asking the right questions and encouraging faculty to arrive at solutions themselves
Incorporating AI into university operations and teaching, emphasising the importance for both educators and students to critically engage with new technologies.