University of the Sunshine Coast
The University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short, is a young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, given by world-class educators.
The first campus on the Sunshine Coast opened its doors in 1996. Today, UniSC spans five campuses across Southeast Queensland, with a network of teaching locations at the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, the Fraser Coast, Caboolture and Gympie. Being a young university means that students, staff, and stakeholders are never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear limiting phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”. UniSC prefers innovative thinking that moves everyone forward. A key focus at UniSC is making sure students are ready to step into a successful career. Practical training is embedded in all of the Uni’s programs so students can feel confident and ready for the workplace.
Sustainability is something UniSC cares about deeply. Worldwide, it’s ranked third in higher education for its work conserving life underwater, and fifth for protecting life on land. Together with its people, community and partners, UniSC is building a safe, sustainable, supportive, and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned.
Governance
The University of the Sunshine Coast is governed by the University Council, an 18-member Council representing University and community interests and led by a Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor. UniSC also has a number of University committees including the Academic Board, the University’s senior academic body.
The Chancellor
Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d)
Chancellor of USC
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.
Sir Angus was Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2005-2011. He was served as Chief of the Australian Air Force from 2001-2005. He retired from the military in 2011 after 41 years of service. In August 2022 Sir Angus was appointed by the Prime Minister to co-lead the Defence Strategic Review for the Government.
Sir Angus is Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast, Chair of the Supashock Advisory Board, Chair of the UNSW Canberra Advisory Board and Chair of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. He is a Board Member of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, and GreaterGood Canberra. He is also a visiting fellow of the Australian National University National Security College. In addition to his many board roles, he is the Ambassador/Patron of numerous charitable organisations including several mental health organisations.
In July 2014, Sir Angus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to lead Australia’s efforts to help recover, identify, and repatriate Australians killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster. Sir Angus also led the Joint Agency Coordination Centre coordinating the Australian Government’s support for the search into missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014. In 2012 Sir Angus led the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers. Sir Angus was Chair of Air Services Australia from 2012-2018 and Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board from July 2011 until March 2014. In 2011, he was named the Australian Father of the Year and in 2012, the ACT Australian of the Year.
Sir Angus was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University of South Australia in August 2017, Degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from ANU in December 2016, Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa from UNSW in November 2015, and Degree of Doctor of the University from Griffith University in December 2013.
Governing body
University Council
Council is the University's governing body and derives its powers from the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998.
The primary responsibilities of the Council of the University of the Sunshine Coast are:
(a) Strategic Oversight:
to determine the vision and strategic direction of the University;
to ensure that values, visions and goals are turned into effective management systems; and
to monitor implementation of the University’s vision statement and strategic plan.
(b) Ensuring Effective Overall Management:
to appoint the Vice-Chancellor and President as the Chief Executive Officer of the University, and monitoring his or her performance;
to appoint other senior officers of the University as considered appropriate;
to oversee and review overall management performance; and
to oversee and monitor the academic governance and activities of the University.
(c) Ensuring Responsible Financial and Risk Management:
to approve the annual budget and business plan;
to approve and monitor systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities of the University (entities satisfying the test of control in s.50AA of the Corporations Act);
to oversee and monitor the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings;
to establish policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations, including remuneration policies for the Vice-Chancellor and senior officers;
to ensure compliance with legal and government policy requirements; and
to ensure the ongoing appropriateness of all delegations approved by Council.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) (31 March 2027)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Helen Bartlett
Chairperson of the Academic Board: Associate Professor Gail Crimmins
Members appointed by the Minister
Ms Melinda Bryant
Dr Theresa Craig AM
Mr Shaun McDonagh
Ms Jenny Morawska
Anthony Sowden
Professor David Wilkinson
Members appointed by the Council
Deputy Chancellor: Sandra Birkensleigh
Graduate: Errika Meades
Phillip Strachan
Vacant
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Professor Maria Raciti
Academic Staff: Associate Professor Mia Schaumberg
Professional Staff: Oliver Gillingham
Students: Rajani KC
Students: Patrick Mueller