Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

This week, Dr Yousef Al-Assaf, President at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai joins Prof Judyth Sachs for a vibrant conversation centred on how smart, connected, and responsive universities are delivering quality education.
They discuss the birth of the Silicon Oasis; bridging education and industry to create future-ready students; developing unique programs linking community challenges with student solutions; teaching ethics alongside AI; and Yousef uses his 'filter of wisdom' to evaluate university rankings.

Professor Stephen Parker AO, VC and President, University of Canberra

Prof Stephen Parker AO, recently appointed interim VC and President at University of Canberra, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs to reflect on the sector, including whether the ‘golden age’ has passed for universities.
The two professors discuss the adaptability of universities and whether they can ever really be relevant to industry; domains of knowledge vs disciplines and why young people are specialising too early; the challenges for research due to AI and technology; and Prof Parker gives his advice to non-academic leaders coming in to the sector.
Note: at the time of recording Prof Parker had not yet announced his interim role at UC.

LIVE recording: Shaping our future: voices and insight from Indigenous leadership - a 'Students First' symposium

Panel session recorded on 8 October 2024, at 11:00am AEDT, with nearly 500 registrations and over 270 participants.
In this unique Symposium, renowned Indigenous leadership discussed the national pursuit of equity of access and success in higher education - exploring this year’s Universities Accord and how it could lead to meaningful change, and enhanced support for Indigenous students in Australian higher education.
Your panel:
Adam Goodes, Co-Founder of the GO Foundation 
Prof Braden Hill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students, Equity, and Indigenous at Edith Cowan University
Sarah Scott, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student at UNSW
and Chaired by Mark Heiss, Deputy CEO at the GO Foundation. Prof Leanne Holt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at UNSW was sadly unable to join due to illness.Watch the video recording here: https://vimeo.com/1017494376?share=copy 
 

Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, Visiting Professor at Harvard University

Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, Visiting Professor at Harvard University, and author of “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It,” joins host Professor Judyth Sachs in this episode. They discuss the role of AI in learning, higher education’s social contract with communities, and the need for stronger alignment between faculty and students. Brian advocates for meaningful, practical changes in pedagogy, from within teaching and learning, and discusses the growing need to reimagine the role of the university presidency.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, VC and Chief Executive, University of Bedfordshire

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Bedfordshire, joins Professor Petra Wend in this conversation full of insights and advice for leaders and learners.
They reflect on the telegram that opened up a world of opportunity for Rebecca; the joy of learning and inquisitiveness; social mobility and leading universities that prioritise widening participation; being ambitious for yourself and others; and the value of a university degree today.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University

Join Professor Ghassan Aouad, the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), with Professor Judyth Sachs in this enlightening episode.
They discuss Prof Aouad’s experience as a student during the Civil War in Lebanon; fostering tolerance and inclusivity in diverse student populations; how emotional intelligence and cultural awareness is setting ADU graduates apart; and the critical role universities have to educate students, staff, and the community about ethics and integrity, in the age of AI.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and VC, University of Glasgow

Join Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at University of Glasgow, together with Professor Petra Wend for this topical discussion on breadth vs specialisation in education; the art and value of multilingualism, with both professors sharing their experience; and a look at the key moments that have kept Sir Anton in higher education.
Sir Anton shares what it was like to grow up in The Netherlands, Italy, and the UK, and reflects on where it all began by sharing the set of books that sparked his interest in economics.

Professor Dawn Freshwater, VC, The University of Auckland

Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor at The University of Auckland joins Professor Judyth Sachs for an invigorating conversation that begins with Dawn sharing her career-meaningful object, and the impact of living intentionally, by focusing on what is novel each day.
Together they discuss how Auckland is preparing students with future skills via curriculum transformation; the purpose of universities in an era of unprecedented misinformation; and what long-distance running has taught Dawn about leadership, particularly pacing oneself.

Sunway University Student Life - Ms Lee Siok Ping and Rose Devaraj - winners of THE Awards ASIA for Outstanding Support for Students

What does it take to build a successful, award-winning employability program in a university? How does Sunway University measure student success, and broader program success? What makes a Sunway graduate distinct?
In this interview, Director of Student Life at Sunway Education Group, Ms Lee Siok Ping is joined by Rose Devaraj, Head of Career Services at Sunway University as they discuss with Prof Judyth Sachs their holistic Career and Professional Development support program. Their program won the 2024 Times Higher Education Award ASIA in the "Outstanding Support for Students" category, which Studiosity supports globally. 
Some of the topics discussed include 
The three components of their successful, award-winning career support program
How they build a culture of success at Sunway University
The impact of senior leadership support for employability programs
Sunway's unique values and mission, and how that informs graduate attributes, employability, and alumni engagement. 
Thank you Lee Siok Ping and Rose Devaraj for sharing your admirable approach with our audience. 

Prof Chris Moran, VC and President, University of New England

Professor Chris Moran, Vice-Chancellor and President at UNE, joins Professor Judyth Sachs, as they dive into higher education learning and leadership at this critical inflection point offered by AI and technology.
They discuss the end of regurgitation learning and changes required to pedagogy design and assessment; digital twins and new learning environments for students; creating the future 'degree' with employers and industry; how leadership can support the 'lifeload' of students and staff; and Prof Moran urges future graduates to hold onto openness, curiosity, and human connection.