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Monash Directions 2025

Monash University's statement of purpose

Monash University seeks to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity. It does so through research and education that is framed by a commitment to social justice, human rights, sustainable progress and enduring well-being. It values:

  • excellence in research and scholarship, education and management;
  • innovation, engagement and creativity;
  • local and global engagement; and
  • respect for diversity in individuals, communities and ideas.

Aims

By 2025 we will be known internationally for our uncompromising pursuit of quality. We will be distinctive because our research-intensive, international focus enables us to address important theoretical and practical challenges of our times, and develop diverse graduates who do the same.

1. A university that relentlessly pursues excellence

Our motto is Ancora Imparo - "I am still learning". Even as we assess and recognise our achievements, we will seek to exceed them in the pursuit of rigour and quality in our core role in knowledge creation and transmission. Our reputation for excellence will attract the best researchers, teachers who draw on research to inspire their students, and professional staff. There will be high demand for places from the most talented students and post-doctoral fellows, and our graduates will be rigorously educated and highly regarded. Our staff, students and alumni will be proud of being part of the Monash community.

2. A university "in the world"

We are a “people and place” university with metropolitan and regional campuses in Australia and elsewhere. We value engagement between our campuses and the various communities we serve - local, national and international. A particular focus will be on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We will increasingly differentiate our campuses to align with particular community and student needs but will not compromise excellence. We use information and communication technologies to assist with our work and strengthen the connections with our communities.

To achieve this aim, we will continue the campus based experience but increasingly introduce blended learning through the use of the best educational technologies. 

3. A distinctive university

We will be known for the way that we successfully combine internationalism with research-led teaching to encourage intellectual growth in the university and produce opportunities for our staff and students that are unparalleled in higher education institutions.

To achieve this aim, we will integrate an international dimension into all programs taught by the university. We will also identify universities that may be adopting similar approaches and endeavour continuously to learn from or collaborate with them.

4. A research-intensive university

We will support the development of research leaders of international standing and create an institute for fostering research collaboration and training across our differentiated campus network.

To achieve this aim, we will make clear our research expectations of academic staff, and give particular support to research which aspires to be amongst the world’s best. We will continue to build upon our reputation for research excellence while supporting outstanding teachers in education-focused academic roles.

5. An international university

We will demonstrate a deep commitment to internationalism and cross-cultural communication, through our campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa, our centre in Europe, joint institute in India, graduate research centre in China and our networks in other countries. This will also be evident in our staff and student populations who will be drawn from diverse cultures.

To achieve this aim, we will ensure that our curriculum has a strong international content and our campuses are rightly ranked as among the very best in the regions and countries where they operate.

6. A university which addresses significant theoretical and practical challenges

In line with our commitment to improving people's lives, our research and educational programs will embrace themes and problems relevant to the regions and countries in which they take place and the major global challenges of our times.

To achieve this aim, we will keep under review our research, research training, curriculum and pedagogy, promote and protect free intellectual enquiry and maintain an academic plan which ensures that the aim is implemented.

7. A university whose graduates reflect its distinctive approach

We will admit students on merit and they will be amongst the most able of their generation. The very best, judged by our own criteria, will be admitted irrespective of their means and circumstances. When they graduate they will be equipped to live, learn, work and contribute globally. They will have broad skills as well as disciplinary excellence that will equip them for complex work demands. They will have been inspired by our internationally-focused, research-led teaching and wish to use their talents to improve the world.


To achieve this aim, we will review and maintain access, admissions and academic policies to attract and develop students who will meet these aspirations.

August 2011