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Swinburne University of Technology Cycle 2 AUQA audit portfolio Page 5
2. Contextual information
2.1 Mission and goals
The University was established comparatively recently, with the proclamation of the Swinburne
University of Technology Act (1992). However, the institution has rich history, dating from its
foundation as a technical college in 1908.
Swinburne’s mission (and vision) is to be: engaged with industry and the wider community;
flexible in learning and teaching; and focused in research. Such a future will be defined by the
University’s staff, students and alumni being: intersectoral in their approach; international in
their outlook; and entrepreneurial in their endeavours. Statement of Direction 2015 provides a
more comprehensive summary of this vision.
Key aspects of Statement of Direction 2015 are expanded in a landmark discussion paper
called Swinburne in 2015, prepared via a consultative process led by the Vice-Chancellor
during May – August 2007. This paper sees Swinburne building from existing strengths to
establish a clear, differentiated position in the tertiary education and research sectors, within
Australia and globally. This position is defined by:
w industry-relevant education and training programs across the full spectrum of vocational
and higher education qualification levels, from Certificate I to PhD, with program delivery
characterised by ‘real-world’ experiential learning, flexibility and a commitment to quality
w high-impact research, focussed through leading-edge centres that are responsive to
government and industry priorities
w sustained, mutually-beneficial engagement with industry and the wider community
w an international outlook, with staff and students coming to Swinburne’s Australian
campuses from around the world, as well as working and studying offshore, and
graduates well-prepared for the international workplace
w a commitment to sustainability, manifest externally through practical contributions to
environmental quality, social justice and economic prosperity, and internally through
ongoing performance improvement to build organisational strength
w increased commercial revenue and self-reliance
Importantly, Swinburne in 2015 recognises that the University does not enjoy the privilege
of position enjoyed by many long-established institutions. So, if it is to ‘leap-frog’ these, it
must be focused, outcomes-oriented and innovative. It will also need to be structured and
behave differently, as befits a University whose staff and students are ‘entrepreneurial in their
endeavours’.