Victoria University
For more than 100 years, Victoria University (VU) has offered accessible, world-class education to students in Melbourne’s west and beyond. As one of only six universities in Australia to deliver both TAFE and Higher Education courses, VU aims to be a global leader in dual sector learning and research.
VU was the first Australian university to use Block Model learning, where students complete one subject over a four-week ‘block’. Since its introduction in 2018, students have become more engaged, get higher pass rates (91% in 2020, up from 74% with the standard model) and achieve better grades (60% distinction level or above).
VU research offers outstanding cross-disciplinary research opportunities in sport, health and active living, and sustainable industries and liveable cities. The research institutes and centres are supported by their partnerships with industry, resulting in collaborations that address the challenges our communities face. Partnerships with more than 4000 organisations inform VU’s curriculum and provide students with work-integrated and hands-on practical learning opportunities to ensure they are work ready. Graduates are more employable, meeting the current and future needs of industry.
Governance
Victoria University is regulated by the Victoria University Act 2010 which confers powers upon its peak governing bodies to administer the business, performance and strategy of the University.
The University is governed by:
Council: the formally constituted governing body that oversees and is accountable for all of the University's operations.
Vice-Chancellor: the Principal Academic Officer and CEO, and manages the day-to-day business of the University.
Academic Board: the body established to assure the quality of the University's teaching, learning and research.
University Governance sits in the Office of the Vice Chancellor. The Governance and Secretariat Unit is responsible for managing many of the governance functions of the University, principally through advice and support of the University's governance bodies.
The Chancellor
The Hon. Steve Bracks AC
Chancellor of Victoria University
The Honourable Steve Bracks AC is the seventh Chancellor of Victoria University, commencing his term in 2021.
Steve Bracks and VU have a long history of collaboration and in 2017 he was admitted to the degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa, in recognition of nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Victoria, in particular to VU’s heartland of Melbourne’s west. Steve Bracks was one of Victoria’s longest-serving Premiers, in office for eight years.
Steve Bracks was Premier of Victoria for eight years. He now advises several leading Australian finance and service sector corporations and holds two major honorary positions: as an Adviser to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste; and is also the Honorary Chair of the Union Education Foundation. He is Chairman of the superannuation fund Cbus; the Chair of the MCG Trust, Chair of Maurice Blackburn and a Director of Bank of Sydney and Victory Offices.
He also chaired the VU-led West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), a collaboration of local governments, businesses, and the community. WoMEDA’s economic development strategy focuses on creating high-skills job clusters in the region, especially in Footscray, Sunshine and Werribee.
“I am honoured to take on this important role at VU. The west is experiencing unprecedented growth and prosperity and I am both excited and proud to have an opportunity to help shape the direction of VU. I believe in community, education and supporting VU as it continues its transformation into a world-class university, known internationally for its innovation and job-ready graduates.”
Governing body
University Council
The governing body of Victoria University is the Council (Under Section 8(2) of the Victoria University Act 2010). The Council is the ultimate authority and corporate governing body of the University. Its broad role is to provide overall leadership of the University and oversee and be accountable for the operations of the University.
Key functions include:
setting the University strategy
approving the University budget
ensuring risk is managed
protecting the integrity of the University’s qualifications
fostering and respecting academic freedom
ensuring that the University operates sustainably and is compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.
The Council may delegate certain functions to Committees and management for the effective governance of the University including academic governance. Supporting the Council, and established under delegations, are the following committees:
Academic Board
Audit and Risk Committee
Nominations Committee
Remuneration Committee
Finance and Investment Committee
Infrastructure Planning Committee.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: The Hon. Steve Bracks AC
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Adam Shoemaker (Ex-officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Tom Clark
Members appointed by the Government
Joshua Smith
Gregory Tucker
Members appointed by the Minister
Prue Digby
Members appointed by the Council
Kate Roffey
Fiona Schutt
Jen Stockwell
Felicity Topp
Adrian Pozzo
Members elected by the university community
Staff: Professor Alex Parker
Students: Sunny Gomboso