OPPORTUNITIES
What do you see are the opportunities for distinctiveness for RMIT across these Directions?
+ add commentI'm wondering if it might be worth some emphasis on the T in RMIT?
I think that as a dual sector university RMIT is well placed to move forward with this. The idea o… See more
I think that as a dual sector university RMIT is well placed to move forward with this. The idea of acknowledgement for prior learning, packages and pathways is very VET. See less
Multimodality is the key. Enabling our physical spaces with the ability to not just verbally talk at… See more
Multimodality is the key. Enabling our physical spaces with the ability to not just verbally talk at the front of the classroom but interact with those in the classroom and those dialling in from all over the world. This means microphones strategically located through the collaborative space, camera's able to capture more than one angle and speakers that students can use to create, design and practice with as part of their course work. See less
Ensuring our students have a truly accessible learning option for these increasingly important field… See more
Ensuring our students have a truly accessible learning option for these increasingly important field of study such as teaching, nurses and other essential workers highlighted both by the Federal and state government. Pidgeon holing courses to selected campus's limits that accessibility. Continuing with out-dated on-campus models of learning needs to be removed and replaced by a hybrid approach. See less
It opens an opportunity to work with and exchange knowledge with colleagues on different campuses, c… See more
It opens an opportunity to work with and exchange knowledge with colleagues on different campuses, create a global multicultural work environment for staff on every campus. See less
I think the mindful focus on low socio-economic students as a target group is a fantastic way for RM… See more
I think the mindful focus on low socio-economic students as a target group is a fantastic way for RMIT to differentiate itself and tap into underrepresented talent. However, I also think this needs to be backed up by tangible policies, rather than just articulated in the abstract See less
The global competitive environment is developing SDG leadership rapidly. It is important for RMIT to… See more
The global competitive environment is developing SDG leadership rapidly. It is important for RMIT to continue using the SDGs, as a sustainability framework for integration and action, to maximise our influence and impact. RMIT is well placed to be a leader in progressing the SDGs globally, which will have a direct impact in attracting students and developing new partnerships and collaboration opportunities. Embedding SDGs into our strategy is crucial to help RMIT to create a common narrative to combine efforts and maximise our positive impact through research, L&T, campus operations, sustainability governance and leadership. See less
Sustainability not only resonates with our students and staff, but it speaks to our capability in re… See more
Sustainability not only resonates with our students and staff, but it speaks to our capability in research and our curriculum across many (if not all) schools. Leading with sustainability in Asia can create a distinctive identity for RMIT in markets where foreign universities are typically trading on rank. It would provide clarity to the ways we can give back to the communities in which we operate, and create a clear higher purpose that people can rally behind. See less
A cross-disciplinary approach to research themes and capabilities (as supported by the Enabling Capa… See more
A cross-disciplinary approach to research themes and capabilities (as supported by the Enabling Capability Platforms) is a way of working (and removing siloes) that happens at RMIT and should be continued and enhanced. This approach is a point of difference for RMIT. See less
An emphasis on the Sustainability Development Goals (e.g. in relation to urban development) seems a point of competitive distinction.
KEEP IT IN MIND
What should we keep front of mind as we step towards developing RMIT's next strategy?
+ add commentSDGs represent an important mission. They are also sufficiently numerous and broad that they can be … See more
SDGs represent an important mission. They are also sufficiently numerous and broad that they can be interpreted to apply to almost everything we do. Ensure any reporting against these is meaningful and supports improved action, focus and outcomes, not just explaining our current actions differently. See less
To ensure our strategy is outward-looking, focusing on students and the impact of our research.
Ensuring the research we conduct has a direct link and correlation to the community. Trips and place… See more
Ensuring the research we conduct has a direct link and correlation to the community. Trips and placements overseas only add value when the end product supports and helps the local community where the funding and people lie. We must tackle issues on a world stage with an eye on the local impact. See less
Please keep in mind that plain language and meaningful statements — i.e. phrasing that is clear and… See more
Please keep in mind that plain language and meaningful statements — i.e. phrasing that is clear and readily understandable for the reader — is always better than clever consultant-style jargon and fancy wording attempts. Phrases such as "mission-led university" are likely to be meaningless for people outside RMIT (also, for people inside RMIT, until they spend time to read various draft strategy documents). Why not try to come up with goals and visions that are clear and have some immediate meaning for the reader? That's the real challenge, not coming up with clever-sounding but initially vacuous catch-phrases. See less
One thing that really struck me about this paper was the lack of mentions of climate change. As a yo… See more
One thing that really struck me about this paper was the lack of mentions of climate change. As a young person, climate change is at the forefront of my perceptions of the future and will greatly impact my career and choices, yet this paper did not incorporate it. I think this is a shame as RMIT is indeed undertaking tangible work to adapt to climate change. I would also like to add that I am confused about the lack of reference to the Sustainable Development Goals – something which is at the forefront of RMIT's policy decisions. See less
The current NEXT paper uses the world “sustainable” 19 times; whereas the words “climate”, … See more
The current NEXT paper uses the world “sustainable” 19 times; whereas the words “climate”, “carbon”, “emission” and “warming” are used zero times.
The global priority of carbon-neutral is reinforced by the recent IPCC AR6 report and highlighted by significant international shifts in policy settings around energy, transport and other high-emission sectors by governments, corporations and investors. Universities – including their researchers and educators – must play a visible, effective role: from University of Buffalo’s campus-wide response to SDG7 (resulting in its first place in the 2021 Times Higher Education Climate Action Ranking); to the current joint initiative by Berlin-based universities to serve 96% vegetarian + vegan meals in their canteens to reduce livestock emission.
The NEXT paper’s omission of a genuine carbon-neutral outcome erodes any claim to be a “global university of sustainable technology, design and enterprise” and this omission will be noticed by future students, industry partners and – eventually – legislators. Let’s instead populate NEXT with genuine carbon-neutral targets, not just the multiple ‘commitments’ listed on the RMIT ‘Carbon and climate’ public page. If RMIT is a “mission-led” university, then carbon-neutral must surely be the mission that we must lead. See less
How are international students engaged through pandemic recovery?
What does a hybrid learning / working situation look like? What is the priority / emphasis for face-to-face experiences?
Building on existing work that is happening and has pivoted as a result of the current situation we're in.
Our team is focused on whole of community mental health and wellbeing, and we could see many areas o… See more
Our team is focused on whole of community mental health and wellbeing, and we could see many areas of connection for us in these directions. We focused our conversation around how we could shape our work for next year keeping these directions in mind – such as (i) diversifying models of wellbeing to include CALD and indigenous frameworks, understanding and practises (ii) considering the role of wellbeing in COVID recovery, how to create spaces and ways to process the impact of COVID in ways that foster growth through challenging times (iii) how we can work with out partners overseas to strengthen community wellbeing (iv) considering our role in supporting community to respond to global challenges like climate change with mental health and social justice in – and focusing on other social and environmental determinants of health (iv) continuing to engage staff and student voice to shape mental health, reduce stigma and enhance supports. See less
Bronwyn G.
27 Sep, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyIf we are to choose a path of lifelong learning then we need to take a leaf out of Richard Branson&#… See more
If we are to choose a path of lifelong learning then we need to take a leaf out of Richard Branson's book. Invest in your people first before your customer. By allowing, allocating funding and providing relevant upskilling opportunities beyond online modules, you will see a greater retention rate as well as improved performance outcomes for both staff and students. Each year I seek out my own PD outside of the organisation because within we are only offering online modules via workday. Emotional intelligence, under-graduate qualifications and critical thinking units are all very relevant in today's world. See less
Ciaran R.
27 Sep, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyThere is no happiness in delivering hybrid or online only classes. It drives people away as the true pleasure of teaching is human contact.
Community Member
8 Sep, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyRMIT has an appalling record when trying to respond or implementing change. It runs headlong into ru… See more
RMIT has an appalling record when trying to respond or implementing change. It runs headlong into rushed plans based on thought bubbles from consultants while ignoring the staff and students (the people impacted) because the decision is invariably already determined and is driven by cost impacts. A smarter option is to slow things down – watch what really happens in the global and local market of education and then respond. You may well find out that much of the energy in preparing for change is a waste of time. See less
Community Member
8 Sep, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyAs the Strategy Office, we want to make connections and facilitate discussions on what the Direction… See more
As the Strategy Office, we want to make connections and facilitate discussions on what the Directions mean for PSI teams and the University. There is a lot of positive work in-train that aligns with the Directions, we'd like to focus and amplify the effort for the greatest impact. See less
Raian I.
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyReplies
Raian agreed – I really like the breakout time with other PSI staff in the Town Hall, more times lik… See more
Raian agreed – I really like the breakout time with other PSI staff in the Town Hall, more times like this with a key question to focus on would be great on lots of levels. See less
Matt S.
19 Jul, 2021 Report ReportAn adaptive RMIT includes the use of a mental wellbeing focus on all decision making in order to support all staff and students to work, study and achieve success.
Melanie G.
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyEdited:Being able to deliver online learning to leaders in the family violence sector from across Victoria … See more
Edited:Being able to deliver online learning to leaders in the family violence sector from across Victoria has, and will in the future allow us to provide these leaders an opportunity to immediately connect with peers across the state about the issues within their sector which they can brainstorm ideas for resolving. The ability for regional and metro leaders to connect together at the same time is incredibly helpful, so the hybrid model has been and will continue to be great for this. See less
Alyssa W.
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply Replyadaptive RMIT really applies to our team work and how we work to support different PSI teams as they all adapt to different teams and priorities
Tom B.
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyI think the Lifelong Learning directions is really relevant for our team, especially the opportunities from our Policy and Impact team's government work
Community Member
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply Replylifelong learning is highly relevant for VE and the way we aim to support students from all backgrounds to skills up
Tom B.
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report Reply ReplyReplies
Also to HE as people seek to re-skill for career change.
Community Member
19 Jul, 2021 Report Report