19 May 2016
Following its highly successful world first community consultation, Unijam, held in 2013, the University of South Australia is again using state-of-the- art IBM technology to bring experts and the entire University community together to co-create its plan for the future.
Unijam (two) kicks off at 10am today May 19, and will run overnight and through Friday May 20 until 4 pm.
The theme of the jam is ‘Shaping the Enterprise’ and topics up for discussion include some key areas from the previous consultation, now woven into UniSA’s strategic plan Crossing the Horizon.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says the idea of the 2016 Unijam is to refine and review the direction of the University and to focus on some key areas that are evolving rapidly.
“It is our 25th birthday year and while we have an embedded strategic plan, Unijam conversations are an invaluable opportunity to listen to our community and bring everyone together to make sure we are on track to achieve our ambitions,” Prof Lloyd says.
“Corporate planning cycles are by their nature longer term but with the industry environment changing so rapidly and technologies evolving as quickly as they are, I think this opportunity for staff, students and stakeholders to talk again will help us to refocus and improve what we are doing.”
The 2016 Unijam already has more than 4000 registered participants.
There will also be the chance to gather input from the more than 70 special guests - key local and international players and thought leaders in higher education, science and the community - across the 30 hours, including Federal Education Minister, Simon Birmingham, Minister for Industry Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne; former SA Premier and Honorary Doctor of UniSA, Mike Rann; UK Chief Scientist and Adjunct Professor at UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, Anthony Finkelstein; Chancellor of the University of Canberra, elder of the Kungarakan people and Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, Professor Tom Calma; Australian of the Year, Rosie Battie, SA Chief Scientist, Leanna Read, Science journalist and President of the Australian Science Communicators, Professor Robyn Williams; Premier of South Australia, Jay Weatherill and Leader of the Opposition Steven Marshall.
Prof Lloyd says he is grateful to the many special guests for their time, and for the enthusiasm shown by staff and students for the consultation process.
“This really is an effective and unique opportunity to shape the future of our young and dynamic university by engaging in the Unijam conversation,” he says.
“The last jam gave us some brilliant ideas – the plan to build UniSA’s Great Hall which is already under construction; new ideas around teaching and online learning; services and products to improve the student experience – I’m sure there’ll be as much enthusiasm, energy and innovation this time around.”
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli mobile: +61 418 823 673 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
