From the President

As the academic year draws to a close and the frenzied pace slows ever so slightly, I am delighted to have the opportunity to thank you all for your leadership and for the important work you do in providing the best possible collegial experience for the students in our residential communities.

The year culminated in the joint UCA biennial conference and 2nd International Collegiate Way Conference, held at the Australian National University in Canberra, the success of which was due in no small part to a small band of dedicated ANU heads and staff, led by Dr Ian Walker, together with our Conference Organiser, Ms Alicia Watson and UCA Executive Officer, Ms Deborah Pugh.

Thanks to all sponsors whose financial and 'in-kind' support is appreciated, in particular BigAir and University House. Conference feedback is important, and I encourage all those who attended to complete the online evaluation and to consider ideas for future forums and conferences.

As announced at our AGM, the UCA Executive for 2017 is:

President:  Ms Rose Alwyn
Vice-President:  Dr Carla Tromans
Secretary:  Mr Michael Bongers
Treasurer:  Dr Marie Leech
Committee Member:  Mrs Barbara Green
Committee Member:  Mr David Segal
Immediate Past President:  Dr Ian Walker

At the closing conference dinner, held at Old Parliament House, Professor Trevor Cairney OAM and Dr Philip Dutton were awarded UCA Life Membership. In addition to their outstanding careers as College Heads and in the tertiary education sector more generally, both have rendered splendid service to UCA.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to College Heads who had retired during the course of the year with UCA stalwart, Dr Edwina Ridgway OAM, presenting certificates in person to Rev. Dr James Rigney and to Professor David Runia.

Whilst I have been in the role for less than a month, I am keen to explore ways in which we can incorporate members' ideas and build upon the commitment and work of the Executive over the last few years - from providing support to new college heads, piloting new and innovative projects relevant to our core business and providing support and advice on key issues on the national agenda. We also look forward to continued and positive relationships with our affiliate bodies.

With all that in mind, I am particularly aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with taking on this position, especially following the exceptional leadership of Dr Ian Walker over the past two years and I am fortunate that UCA is in great shape!

The Executive will hold a strategic planning session early in the New Year and I will be making contact with all members in the coming weeks to seek your feedback and ideas to ensure the UCA meets the needs of its members in a dynamic environment. In the meantime, if you have any questions, concerns or ideas you wish to share, please contact me or our Vice-President, Dr Carla Tromans (or indeed any member of the UCA Executive) or our Executive Officer, Ms Deborah Pugh. 

Warmest regards,

Rose Alwyn