UTAS changes already
The University of Tasmania is making campuses across the state accessible physically, socially and economically, which is already having a postive impact, says
SOME will say that I have a conflict of interest in penning this piece. I am a part owner of a basketball business that is working in partnership with the University and I am the chair of the board of the Tasmanian University Student Association.
They may be right, but the reason I am involved in both of those endeavours is because I have a long-term passion for building pathways for young Tasmanians to fulfil their potential through education.
That is my passion because, as a ward of the state born to a young mother myself, I recognise it was my foster family’s passion for education that gave me every single opportunity I have had in my life. Each one, teach one
As Education Minister in 2007 I met a young man in a disadvantaged suburb north of Hobart who floored me when he said he had never been into the City of Hobart. Never. So, to imagine this young man would find his way to the leafy, privileged suburb of Sandy Bay to continue his education is laughable.
For too long our education system has looked after the more affluent and forgotten about the rest. For too long the Tasmanian postcode you were born in has been the most significant determining factor of your educational outcomes.
How fortunate we are to have a university that has not only the vision to create an extraordinary new campus in our city, but also to ensure that it is intertwined with the fabric of our communities.
The new facilities being built in Hobart are not only revitalising our city, they are redefining student learning. These are contemporary spaces that are easily accessed, promote collaboration, are close to industry partners and make use of new technology.
Rather than operating as a monopoly, as Ian Howard suggests (Talking Point, September 1) that can do as it pleases, my observation is that the University takes very seriously its commitment to be a university of and for Tasmania.
We have huge barriers to overcome in education, health, economic, environmental, cultural and equity outcomes. Addressing these challenges to meet the needs of our state and its people includes delivering courses that better equip our professional workforce, producing highquality and work-ready graduates who are on the frontline of these challenges.
Rather than shutting up shop in the regions, as many organisations may choose to do in these uncertain times, the University has doubled down on its commitment to tackling the issues that matter to our regional communities – such as community health or upskilling our industrial workforces – and improving their economic futures, in the places where they live.
I learned as Education Minister that something had to change to address Tasmania’s poor educational outcomes, and that thing was access.
Making a campus truly accessible physically, socially and economically, is the key to better outcomes.
I’m already seeing the positive impact of the move to the city in Hobart. College students shooting baskets at Swisherr (at the former K&D site) rub shoulders with students living in the city. They’ll learn about opportunities to pursue pathways to university through our centre. These groups bring a buzz to the CBD and support local businesses when they grab a coffee or lunch.
I studied (sporadically some would say) at the Sandy Bay campus, and had a great time there, but campus life has changed.
Students are now on average older, usually employed and often have caring responsibilities. I have great memories of the campus, but to cling on to those memories as some nostalgic dream is to inhibit progress – which is the antithesis of what universities should be.
The status quo is not an option if we’re to fix problems that have existed in Tasmania for far too long.
Hobart, on the numbers, is more of a university town than Oxford. We need to recognise this fact and proudly shout it to the world: we value education so much we are going to build a temple to it deep in the heart of our capital city as a beacon for learners, young and old, to come and join us.