Some current issues in the administration of Australian universities.

Autor/inn/en	Clarke, Alex M.; Edwards, Lynn M.
Titel	Some current issues in the administration of Australian universities.
Quelle	In: Higher education, (1979) 5, S.491-512Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0018-1560
DOI	10.1007/BF00139790
Schlagwörter	Federal Government; State Government; Social Reality; Academic Community; Late 20th Century
Abstract	Abstract The Australian universities have entered a “steady-state” period in which enrolments and funding are being held with limits predetermined by government instead of being allowed to expand to levels compatible with institutional goals. A model of a university system is emerging from the recommendations of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and the guidelines set by the Federal Government and the proposals of the State Governments. This model aims to be equitable, accountable, efficient and well co-ordinated but it allows for Federal and State government intrusion into areas of decision-making that the universities have traditionally regarded as their preserves for autonomous action. The Tertiary Education Commission, as the Federal system-authority, has concentrated on the evidence and the need for change in four major areas: the nature of the student population; funding and, consequently, staffing, and procedures for co-ordination and rationalization. The states have shown particular interest in the fourth area and have aligned themselves with the TEC as it has devised a series of proposals, for all four areas, which have ultimately been placed upon the universities in the amended, and sometimes more restrictive form of Federal government guidelines. An examination of the “new model” of university education that is taking shape and the universities' reaction to it suggests that the universities are faced with three alternatives. They can capitulate and subscribe fully to this model being formulated beyond their campuses or they can unilaterally resist its imposition. Their third option, however, involves both compromise and initiative and it is emerging as the most effective choice for survival in the “steady state” environment. In taking the third option, the universities will have to adopt a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they will need to anticipate and to adjust to external initiatives by shortterm tactics conducted by an efficient centralized administration. Secondly, and most importantly both the administrative and academic communities will have to accommodate these adjustments to a long-term plan that will determine the role and function of their university and, ultimately, of the entire university system of education amongst the economic, political and social realities of the late 20th century.
Erfasst von	OLC
Update	2023/2/05