Adelaide University
A new university for the future
Overview
The proposed new Adelaide University will drive the innovation and scale needed to make transformational investments in teaching, learning and innovation for South Australia and beyond. A future-focused university that combines the strengths of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research excellence.
Following careful consideration of a feasibility assessment based on 14 interdependent workstreams, both university Councils resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new institution.
While responding to State Government policy, a proposed Adelaide University presents an opportunity to advance our ambitions for tertiary education and innovation further and faster than what can be achieved today – charting our own course for the future.
We will shape a contemporary university that is connected to priority industries and produces graduates that are highly sought after around the world. A new university of global standing ranked in the top 1% worldwide.
The path to today has been extensive:
- March 2022 / The State Government was elected with a higher education policy to explore university amalgamations.
- November 2022 / The university Councils resolved to explore the feasibility of a new university for the future.
- December 2022 / A Statement of Cooperation was signed between both universities and the State and Federal Governments.
- January 2023 / The universities commenced a joint feasibility assessment.
- March 2023 / A Vision Statement was released and feedback sought from the university and broader communities.
- June 2023 / Business case and associated documentation were presented to both university Councils.
The creation of a new Adelaide University requires necessary legal and regulatory approvals, including the passing of state legislation. The target launch date for the combined Adelaide University is 1 January 2026.
Our focus moving forward will be on transition planning and implementation, including further engagement with our communities to help design and co-create the new university.
Timeline to implementation
Hear from the Vice Chancellors
Hear the latest from the University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, and the University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, as they provide an update on the creation of a new Adelaide University.
July 2023: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, confirm Council support for creation of a university for the future.
March 2023: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, talk about the release of a Vision Statement for a potential university for the future.
December 2022: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, talk about the potential creation of a new university for the future.
Messages from the Chancellors
Announcements from the University of Adelaide (UoA) Chancellor, the Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC, and the University of South Australia (UniSA) Chancellor, Pauline Carr.
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Message to staff from the UoA Chancellor (July 2023)
From: Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Date: Sat 1/07/2023 8:00 PM
Subject: Important Update from Chancellor, The Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to advise you of an historic decision made by our Council. We have resolved, subject to some important conditions, to work with the University of South Australia (UniSA) to support the South Australian Government should it move to combine our two institutions to create a new university called Adelaide University. The Council of UniSA has resolved in similar terms to support the creation of this new university.
The most important of the conditions to which our decision is subject is the provision by the State Government of a significant package of financial support for both the merger process and the ongoing success of Adelaide University. I expect the Premier to make public details of this financial support shortly.
After careful deliberation about the feasibility and merits of merging with UniSA, the Council has concluded that merging will enable us to achieve more for our staff, students and community than is feasible today – and to do so in a way that ensures our financial sustainability and impressive international reputation well into the future. As I have indicated in previous communications, our vision for Adelaide University is for it to be a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing for the long term.
We have before us an unprecedented opportunity to create a South Australian university with the scale to make transformational investments in areas like modernising curriculum and online capability, attracting leading academics and students and providing greater equity of access.
This decision recognises that Australia’s funding environment makes it challenging to remain comprehensive, excellent and small. These challenges will only intensify as developing nations build capacity to educate their own citizens. Furthermore, the ability to deliver ground-breaking research supported by contemporary facilities and at the scale required is becoming increasingly demanding for a university of our size under Australian funding arrangements.
Adelaide University will allow us to generate the investment and global visibility required to excel sustainably over the long-term and achieve recognition among the world’s top 100 universities on an ongoing basis.
With the significant financial backing of government in perpetuity, we can create a leading comprehensive university of global standing and of significant scale that will conduct outstanding research and be connected to priority industries for the State and our nation.
In short, we can go further faster and deliver greater impact for our State and our people by combining the strengths of our university with those of our sister institution UniSA.
We know that this announcement might be received by you with some trepidation. To provide certainty to our staff, both universities have now formally undertaken that there will be no compulsory redundancies or retrenchment of staff as a consequence of progressing the formation of the new university ahead of its opening on 1 January 2026 and for a further 18 months. Thereafter Adelaide University can be expected to operate in the usual way. With a focus on educational and research success, its workforce can be expected to grow.
The decisions of the two Councils means the State Government has our support to implement its widely promulgated policy of creating a new university for South Australia by the merger of existing universities. Of course, a new public university can only be created by legislation. For this reason, any decision to combine our University with UniSA to create Adelaide University, as well as decisions about timing, are ultimately matters for the State Parliament.
I very much regret that this advice, of necessity, reaches you outside of regular working hours and only shortly before it is to be announced publicly, as I expect tomorrow. The Chancellor of UniSA is writing to staff and students at her institution as I write to you.
We know there will be many questions and some mixed feelings about this outcome. Please be assured there will be opportunities in coming weeks to learn more about what this means.
On behalf of Council, thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of the considered and comprehensive documentation that supported our deliberations. Many of our staff were involved in this work and we are very grateful for your efforts.
The University of Adelaide has an outstanding history of social leadership, educating future leaders and delivering research that creates positive impact and change. Our aim is to build upon the legacies of our two universities and, together, create an institution that we can all be proud of now and into the future. In doing so, we will ensure the fine heritage of the University of Adelaide is preserved.
I encourage you to watch this short video message from the Vice-Chancellors and keep an eye on the university’s website for the latest information throughout this next stage, including the Transition Plan extract. If you have any questions, please email futureuni@adelaide.edu.au.
Kind regards,
Hon Catherine Branson AC KC
Chancellor
The University of Adelaide -
Message to students from the UoA Chancellor (July 2023)
From: Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Date: Sat 1/07/2023 8:00 PM
Subject: Important Update from Chancellor, The Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Dear students of the University of Adelaide,
I am writing to advise you of an historic decision made by our Council. We have resolved, subject to some important conditions, to work with the University of South Australia (UniSA) to support the South Australian Government should it move to combine our two institutions to create a new university called Adelaide University. The Council of UniSA has resolved in similar terms to support the creation of this new university.
After careful deliberation about the feasibility and merits of merging with UniSA, the Council has determined that merging will enable us to achieve more for our staff, students and community than is feasible today.
The task of Council is to govern not only for today but for the future and to support the best outcomes for our university, our students, our staff, our alumni and our State. As I have indicated in previous communications, our vision for Adelaide University is for it to be a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing for the long term.
Our commitment is to create a sustainable top 1% global university that puts higher education qualifications in reach of more students and is highly valued for its outstanding student experience, flexible study options and job pathways. We will aim to be ranked top in Australia for employment outcomes and top 5 nationally for student experience.
Adelaide University will allow us to generate the investment and global visibility required to excel sustainably over the long-term and to be recognised among the world’s top 100 universities on an ongoing basis.
We have before us an unprecedented opportunity to create a South Australian university with the scale to make transformational investments in areas like modernising curriculum and online capability, attracting leading academics and students and providing greater equity of access.
With the significant financial backing of government in perpetuity, we can create a leading comprehensive university of global standing and of significant scale that will conduct outstanding research and be connected to priority industries for the State and our nation.
In short, we can go further faster and deliver greater impact for our State and our people by combining the strengths of our existing institutions.
This outcome means the State Government has the support of both Councils to proceed with its policy of creating a combined university for South Australia. Any decision actually to create Adelaide University, as well as decisions about timing, are ultimately matters for the State Parliament.
I very much regret that this advice, of necessity, reaches you outside of regular working hours and only shortly before it is to be announced publicly, as I expect tomorrow. The Chancellor of UniSA is writing to students and staff at her institution as I write to you.
Please be assured that for the moment, there is no change to your current study arrangements. You should also be assured that we will continue our focus on serving our student body to the very best of our ability irrespective of the intent to merge. We will communicate with you regularly as we continue to plan for the new university with a target launch date of 1 January 2026.
There will be opportunities in coming weeks to learn more about what this means. We have much work to do, and our commitment is to create a potential Adelaide University together. Our students, staff and community will be instrumental in helping to realise the vision for a combined for-purpose university.
Our aim is to build upon the legacies of our two universities and, together, create an institution that we can all be proud of now and into the future.
I encourage you to watch this short video message from the Vice-Chancellors and keep an eye on the university’s website for the latest information throughout this next stage. If you have any questions, please email futureuni@adelaide.edu.au.
Kind regards,
The Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Chancellor
The University of Adelaide -
Message to staff and students from the UoA Chancellor (December 2022)
From: Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Date: Wed 7/12/2022 5:45 PM
Subject: Important update from the Chancellor
Dear Colleagues / Dear Students of the University of Adelaide,
I am writing to let you know of an important decision taken by your University’s Council. That decision is to ask our Vice-Chancellor to commence serious discussions with his counterpart at the University of South Australia on the possibility of a merger between the two universities. The Council of the University of South Australia has made the same request of its Vice-Chancellor.
Consequent upon the above decisions, a statement of cooperation will shortly be signed between the two universities and the State and Federal Governments. Government support, including financial support, will be critical as we work together to explore the possibility of creating a university for the future.
You will be aware that it was an election commitment of the South Australian Government to investigate how South Australia could best be served by its university sector, including through a potential merger of the state's universities. The University of Adelaide has for some time been open about its willingness to work with its sister institutions in the State and the Government on transforming higher education in this State for the benefit of the University community, including our students and staff, and the State.
It is important that I make clear that, while the Government's policy commitment has provided an opportunity for us to revisit a potential future merger, no decision has been made to merge our University with any other institution. However, your Council and the Council of the University of South Australia have committed to exploring the challenges and opportunities of coming together and forming a joint vision of what might be possible.
Following some preliminary work and analysis, the two universities have agreed to enter into a comprehensive feasibility phase over the next six months. During this phase we will explore whether a future merger would be in the best interests of our current and future students, our staff, and South Australia. We will consider financial and infrastructure impacts, as well as regulatory and legislative requirements. We will also engage in extensive consultation with staff, students, unions and the broader University community.
On the basis of this planned activity, the State Government has indicated that it will defer its planned merger commission until at least mid-2023. It is our expectation that Government will commit to providing or securing the external financial support necessary to achieve the envisaged outcome of the planned merger should the final case for such merger be approved by the two Councils.
While the outcome of the feasibility phase will ultimately determine whether or not we will proceed to bring our two universities together, we are excited about what this project could achieve.
Our vision is to create Australia’s new for purpose university - a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing. Our intention is that this university be dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, well-being, and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality - through its actions and through the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni. Partnered with the communities it serves, it will conduct outstanding future-making research of scale and focus.
We believe that such an institution would possess the scale necessary to sustain a Top 100 university ranking in the long term and, in turn, attract and retain the best research, teaching and student talent. Drawing on our collective existing strengths, it would recognise and preserve the outstanding legacies of our two universities, while at the same time being future fit and more readily able to respond to the increasingly complex, competitive and changing higher education landscape.
Each Vice-Chancellor has committed to report back to his respective Council by no later than 30 June 2023 on the outcome of this feasibility study.
Should both Councils thereafter determine to create the envisaged university for the future, it will be on the basis of a number of in principle matters already agreed. I am pleased to be able to let you know that one of these matters is the name of the envisaged university – it would be called ‘Adelaide University’. I have listed other important matters on which agreement has been reached below.
In the meantime, nothing changes. While I know you will wish to reflect on this announcement, I urge you not to be distracted by it. The University of Adelaide will continue to deliver quality education and research, engage with the communities it serves and produce outstanding graduates – achievements that we look forward to celebrating as part of our 150th anniversary in 2024.
I encourage you to watch the video on this page to hear from our Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj AC and the University of South Australia’s Vice-Chancellor Professor David Lloyd about today’s announcement.
You can find information on today’s announcement here adelaide.edu.au/creating-a-university-for-the-future/.
I appreciate that this announcement will raise questions and that after the upheaval of the last few years, the thought of change of the scale being contemplated might be daunting for some. Please be assured that there will be regular communication and opportunity for you to engage and have input over the next six months. Should a decision to merge be made at the completion of our feasibility phase, your contribution to shaping a future university will be critical. Creating a university of the future will take several years and any combined university will not start before 2026.
On behalf of the Council, I extend my sincere thanks to you all for your ongoing commitment to this outstanding University. Collectively our staff, students and alumni have delivered positive outcomes for our State, our nation and the world for almost 150 years. I have no doubt that this strong legacy of impact and achievement will continue in the future whatever form that future might take.
Kind regards,
The Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC
Chancellor
Office of the Chancellor and Council Secretariat
The University of Adelaide
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Message to staff from the UniSA Chancellor (July 2023)
From: Pauline Carr
Date: Sat 1/07/2023 8:00 PM
Subject: Important update: Outcome of UniSA Council deliberations on a university for the future
Dear colleagues
Over the last three decades, we have worked hard with energy and passion, and produced an enviable track record of success and achievements in so many areas. Now, at only 32 years of age, we have an opportunity before us to become a truly great university.
As many of you know, the State Government was elected with a policy of pursuing a potential university merger in South Australia.
I am writing to inform you that after careful consideration of a joint business case and associated documentation, and deep deliberation, the Council of the University of South Australia has resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement with the University of Adelaide to support the State Government in the creation of a new university, to be named Adelaide University, in State Parliament.
Our Council has concluded that the creation of a new university for the future would enable us to advance our ambitions for higher education further and faster than we could ever achieve alone.
I wanted to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity, acknowledging that the timing of this communication is, by necessity, out of your regular working hours. We know that this decision will generate some uncertainty, and I want to reassure you that we have a long-time horizon for co-creation and transition ahead of us, which will mean that we shall be progressing business as usual for several years to come.
The duty of Council is to govern with the best interests of our university and its community. We have determined that a new Adelaide University will allow us to generate both the global visibility and investment required to excel sustainably over the long-term, including attaining ongoing recognition as one of the world’s top 100 universities.
Australia’s higher education funding environment makes it challenging to remain as we are. We have a unique opportunity to create a new institution with the innovation and scale necessary to make transformational investments in teaching and global research. With the significant financial backing of the State Government and ongoing support from the Federal Government, we will shape a comprehensive, future-focused university that is connected to priority industries for both our state and nation.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work closely and collaboratively with the University of Adelaide and within our institutions on a range of engagement activities, and staff will provide valuable input into important decision making. We are realistic about the size of the task ahead of us and cannot realise our ambitious vision for the potential Adelaide University without your active involvement. On the University’s website, you can find a public version of the Transition Plan prepared to support the implementation planning, which reinforces the significance of the body of work to be undertaken over the coming years.
We know that this announcement will cause trepidation for some stakeholders. To provide certainty to our staff, both universities have formally committed that no staff member will be made compulsorily redundant or retrenched as a consequence of establishing the new Adelaide University. This will be effective from the passing of the Councils’ resolutions and for the first 18 months post commencement of operations of the new university. Our focus will be on fulfilling our stated ambition for the new Adelaide University and to grow the workforce in line with educational and research success.
The decision to create a new university is a unique and transformative opportunity for us to shape a better future for generations to come, but we will be taking this one step at a time with the same collegiality, discipline and enterprising approach as we always do.
On behalf of Council, I would like to thank everyone for your outstanding professionalism and open-mindedness in dealing with the challenges of the last few months. It is a credit to you all that this was done respectfully and with kindness while continuing the University’s unrelenting focus to ensure that our students, teams and stakeholders have the best experience possible. Many of you were also involved in developing the considered and comprehensive documentation which supported Council’s deliberations. This was no easy task and the time and care you devoted to this is greatly appreciated.
Finally, I encourage you to watch the latest video from the Vice Chancellors here and please do continue to visit our website for the latest information, including FAQs. You can also send any questions to futureuni@unisa.edu.au throughout this next stage.
Warm regards
Pauline Carr
Chancellor
University of South Australia -
Message to students from the UniSA Chancellor (July 2023)
From: Pauline Carr
Date: Sat 1/07/2023 8:00 PM
Subject: Important update: Outcome of UniSA Council deliberations on a university for the future
Dear students
I am writing to advise you that the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide Councils have both resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new university, to be named Adelaide University, in State Parliament.
As many of you know, the State Government was elected with a policy of pursuing a potential university merger in South Australia.
After careful consideration of a joint business case and associated documentation, and deep deliberation, our Council has concluded that a new university for the future would enable us to advance our ambitions for higher education further and faster than we could ever achieve alone.
The duty of Council is to govern with the best interests of our university and its community. We have determined that a new Adelaide University will allow us to generate both the global visibility and investment required to excel sustainably over the long-term, including attaining ongoing recognition as one of the world’s top 100 universities.
Australia’s higher education funding environment makes it challenging to remain as we are. We have a unique opportunity to create a new institution with innovation and scale to make transformational investments in teaching and global research. With the significant financial backing of the State Government and ongoing support from the Federal Government, we will shape a comprehensive, future-focused university that is connected to priority industries for both our state and nation.
I wanted to share the news with our student community at the earliest opportunity. We know this decision will create some uncertainty, but we are deeply committed to minimising any impacts on your study journey.
Please be assured that for the moment, there is no change to your current study arrangements. We will communicate with you regularly as we continue to plan for the new university, which has a target launch date of 1 January 2026.
This outcome paves the way for us to establish a global university ranked in the top 1% worldwide, known for nation-leading curriculum and graduate outcomes, contemporary student experience, global research excellence, and making tertiary studies a reality for more people from all backgrounds.
But we will be taking this one step at a time. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work together across the university community to plan for this evolution. You will be invited to share your valuable insights to help shape our next chapter for the new Adelaide University.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the student elected members on Council for their professionalism and their informed and diligent contributions.
Finally, I encourage you to watch the latest video from the Vice Chancellors here and please do continue to visit our website for the latest information, including FAQs. You can also send any questions to futureuni@unisa.edu.au throughout this next stage.
Warm regards
Pauline Carr
Chancellor
University of South Australia -
Message to staff from the UniSA Chancellor (December 2022)
From: Pauline Carr
Date: Wed 7/12/2022 5:45 PM
Subject: Important update from the Chancellor
Dear colleagues
I am writing to share with you the significant and historic news that the University of South Australia has reached agreement with the University of Adelaide to conduct a detailed feasibility study and produce a business case for our Council’s consideration, towards the creation of a new university for the future in South Australia.
While, at this time, no final decision has been made, this agreement represents the most advanced consideration of change in our State’s higher education sector since the creation of UniSA more than 30 years ago in 1991.
In this message to you, I would like to share with you the background on how we embarked on this journey and some of the detail around the Council’s consideration of this unique opportunity. Information is also available on the University’s website, and we will be involving our community in ongoing discussions and engagement in the first half of 2023.
How has this agreement come about and what is the role of the State Government?
The election of the Malinauskas’ Labor Government in March this year established a mandate to pursue higher education reform in South Australia. The Government’s policy relating to the establishment of a ‘Merger Commission’ was widely publicised prior to the election.
In responding to this policy, the University of South Australia, through its Council, engaged in high level discussions with the Council of the University of Adelaide to explore what, if anything, the institutions could achieve by working together to support the Government’s goals for the benefit of South Australia.
Recognising that our universities had previously engaged in similar dialogue, on this occasion, we first sought to explore what might be possible. We believed that, were it possible to describe and agree a new university for the future, then it might also be possible to chart a course towards its creation. Our Vice Chancellors took up that challenge and provided our Councils with a shared vision which, if realised, could see the creation of:
Australia’s new for purpose university - a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing. It is dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, well-being, and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality, through its actions and through the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni. Partnered with the communities it serves, it conducts outstanding future-making research of scale and focus.
Both University Councils considered this shared vision and the potential opportunity presented by the State Government as one which could advance our respective institutions’ missions at a scale and impact that we could not achieve individually.
Put simply, our Council’s view is that if we are able to realise this vision and ambition for equity and excellence, we could take the mission, values and impact of UniSA and its culture further and faster than we might ever attain alone.
The creation of a new University presents a unique opportunity to positively transform higher education in our State and nation for the benefit of future generations of students, as well as, securing our legacies to date and ensuring lasting impact on our wider society.
Also, I wanted you to know that we have now shared this vision with the State and Federal Governments, and it has been positively received by both of them.
Have any specific governance or organisational matters been considered?
Both Councils undertook to objectively and constructively consider matters of threshold importance to both institutions. It is our collective belief that only a union of equals can create a new university for the future.
While no decision has yet been made, we acknowledge that the creation of this new university would take considerable time, with some significant steps to be taken along the way. We still have a detailed feasibility study and business case to progress, as well as regulatory and legal requirements to navigate.
Above all, we require specific funding and support from Government to enable us create the new university.
If these hurdles can be cleared, and should we reach the point of creating the new university. In relation to this, both Councils have formally agreed, that:
- The combined university is intended to be operational from January 2026
- There would be no net job losses as a consequence of creating the combined university
- The combined university would be called ‘Adelaide University’
- A new brand building on the legacies of the two institutions would be developed for the combined university
- The combined university would be created and governed by new legislation modelled in large part on the University of South Australia Act
- The University of South Australia would nominate the Chancellor of a Transition Council in consultation with the University of Adelaide
- The composition of the Transition Council would be nominated by each institution equally
- A co-leadership model would be implemented initially, with University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide each appointing one of two co-Vice Chancellors
- The-co-leadership model would operate until the appointment and commencement of a Vice Chancellor for the combined university
I know that, in sharing our progress to date, these are significant first steps in advancing an enormously complex process. However, time is on our side and there are many months, indeed years, left to ensure we have a strong foundation to realise the potential of a new institution. The above considerations are critical first steps which needed full agreement by our Councils if we were to advance this initiative successfully together. Furthermore, our primary concern is one of providing as much certainty as we can, as early as we can and to as many people as we can.
We have a strong track record in planning and executing well, and I’m confident that we will continue to showcase those strengths over the coming weeks and months as we work through this process.
What happens next?
With the learnings from previous discussions of this nature, we have until now confined the current discussion to both university Councils in the first instance so as to reduce uncertainty and minimise any disruption to our ongoing operations and activities.
I do apologise that, given the timing of this development, some of our UniSA community may learn of it second hand or through the media. That is highly regrettable, though an unavoidable consequence of the nature of the activity under exploration.
Now that we have reached this particular point, it is absolutely the right time to openly share this information with you. Our leadership teams will now be tasked to work together in good faith to substantiate the benefits which we believe can flow from this unprecedented opportunity, and to bring that back to our Councils for decision by the middle of 2023.
Has a decision already been made?
Please let me be clear. No decision to amalgamate our universities has been made. We are now entering a feasibility phase of deep interrogation and will produce a detailed business case of what we believe is possible through the creation of a new university. So, while this is not a ‘done deal’ by any means, it is by far the most advanced our institutions have progressed in exploring this opportunity.
Both Councils realise that our sharing of this information will precipitate questions and potential concerns among our communities. Please do not worry unduly. We can reassure you that, should the business case result in a decision to create the new university, the journey towards its creation will have several years to run before coming to fruition. In the meantime, and for the years to come, our own University will continue on its individual course, pursuing the ambitions of Enterprise25.
As we enter 2023, be assured that you and our wider community will be more deeply involved in the entire process of creating this new university for the future, realising its potential and in seizing this unique opportunity to redefine higher education in South Australia and this nation.
Until then, on behalf of the Council, I wish to convey our sincere thanks for your ongoing support and understanding, as well as your dedication to our institution through your positive engagement and contribution on a daily basis to ensure our continued success.
Warm regards
Pauline Carr
Chancellor
University of South Australia -
Message to students from the UniSA Vice Chancellor (December 2022)
From: Professor David Lloyd
Date: Wed 7/12/2022 5:45 PM
Subject: Important update from the Vice Chancellor
Dear students
Over the next 24 hours, you’re likely to see some media coverage about discussions between UniSA and the University of Adelaide relating to the creation of a new university for the future, through combination of the institutions.
Let me begin by making it clear that no decision has yet been made to amalgamate the universities.
The Councils of the Universities are engaged in dialogue about what they might be able to achieve together – but any enactment of that discussion is many years away from now and is dependent on many matters external to the Universities’ control.
So, let me assure you that your programs, your courses, your lecturers, mentors and staff will all be in place, delivering high quality education and support services while this dialogue is progressed.
In due course, we’ll be seeking your input to the conversation, as our most important stakeholders.
If you’d like to learn more about the matter, you can view the website here. This includes a set of frequently asked questions.
Best regards
Professor David Lloyd
Vice Chancellor
Media
See the latest news and media about the potential university for the future.
Frequently asked questions
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What have the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide Councils resolved following consideration of the feasibility study?
The Councils of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new university, should the State Government take steps towards doing so.
Both university Councils are satisfied that ‘the creation of a university for the future to be called Adelaide University in accordance with the shared ambition outlined in the Statement of Cooperation and underpinned by the (State Government’s) funding package would be in the best interests of the University'.
The Councils acknowledged that each university is established by, and operates under, State legislation. Therefore, any decision to combine the existing institutions to create a new university, including decisions as to the means and timing of any such undertaking, is a matter for State Parliament.
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What had the Universities previously agreed?
In December 2022, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide agreed to undertake a formal feasibility assessment, including development of a business case for the creation of a new university for the future. The universities signed a Statement of Cooperation with the State and Federal Governments, which set out the commitment of both Governments and university Councils to work together on the feasibility assessment phase.
The feasibility assessment was undertaken in response to the South Australian Government’s higher education policy, which called for the consideration of a merger between the state’s universities to strengthen the contribution of tertiary education to the economy and society more broadly.
The purpose of the feasibility assessment was to explore the benefits and associated risks of amalgamating the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia to create a new university of global standing, dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, well-being, and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequalities, and partnering with the communities it serves, to deliver educational excellence and conducting outstanding future-making research of scale and focus.
Ahead of the feasibility assessment stage, both university Councils agreed on the following threshold matters:
- The combined university is intended to be operational from January 2026.
- There would be no net job losses as a consequence of creating the combined university.
- The combined university would be called ‘Adelaide University’.
- A new brand would be developed informed by market testing and brand experts, careful consideration of the appropriate recognition of the legacies of both institutions and the preservation of the favourable profiles of the existing institutions.
- The combined university would be created and governed by new legislation modelled in large part on the University of South Australia Act 1990.
- The respective Councils of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia would continue to govern their respective universities until such time as the combined university commences operation.
- A Transition Council would be created with up to 14 members plus a Chancellor. Each existing university would nominate 50% of the members of the Transition Council. The University of South Australia would nominate the Chancellor of the Transition Council subject to consultation with the University of Adelaide.
- The Transition Council would determine the process and time frame to be used to identify and appoint a new Chancellor for the combined university whose term would commence no later than upon the commencement of the second year of operation of the combined university.
- The Transition Council would also commence and oversee an open and competitive global recruitment process to appoint a Vice-Chancellor for the combined university.
- A co-leadership model would be implemented initially, with University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide each appointing one of two co-Vice Chancellors. The co-leadership model would operate until the appointment and commencement of a Vice-Chancellor for the combined university.
- There should be a joint approach to the State and Federal Governments to seek a package of funding for implementation and transition costs which must be acceptable to both existing universities.
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What funding support has the South Australian Government committed?
The South Australian Government has expressed its strong support for the creation of a combined university through provision of a significant and foundational financial contribution to the transformational ambitions of the future Adelaide University. This includes investment to achieve its strategic aspirations, and best support the future growth and success of the state, in three particular aspects:
- To support increased access and participation of South Australians in higher education a $100 million Equity Scholarship Fund will be established, with the investment income from the Fund used to provide additional student scholarships and supports, in perpetuity.
- To support increased research and innovation capability underpinning elements of the economy and industry of importance to the state’s growth, a $200 million Research Fund will be established, with the investment income from the Fund used to support such activities in the new university, in perpetuity.
- To support the contribution of international students to our community and economy, a Marketing Grant of $10 million per annum will be provided over the next three years.
The State Government has also committed to purchase the University of South Australia’s Magill Campus, which the University has already indicated it will vacate in coming years, and the surplus land at the Mawson Lakes Campus, which together will provide an additional $115 million in transition funds for the new university. The transfer of ownership would have no impact on the current teaching or research arrangements at either campus in the medium term and the new Adelaide University is committed to continuing to deliver programs at Mawson Lakes into the future. Read more about the potential Adelaide University – a new university for South Australia.
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What are the next steps towards the possible creation of /Adelaide University/?
The two universities are strongly committed to engaging their communities in shaping the new university, and to collaboratively building a dynamic and inclusive culture that will be at the heart of the new university’s foundation.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate as separate institutions, led by the existing Councils and leadership. During this next stage of transition, the two universities will work in joint venture, together with State and Federal Governments, to create Adelaide University, subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals. The Universities have entered into a binding Heads of Agreement in support of these activities.
The amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia represents a significant opportunity and undertaking, and it will be one of the largest changes to higher education in Australia over the past three decades. The scale of the transition is not to be underestimated.
Following the outcome of the university Councils’ deliberations, relevant legislation and legal and regulatory approvals need to proceed to create the new institution. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission consideration
- Passage of relevant legislation through the South Australian Parliament
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency registration
- Amendment to the Higher Education Support Act
In addition, and subject to legal and regulatory approvals, both universities will commence detailed transition planning and implementation working towards a target launch date of the new Adelaide University on 1 January 2026. A key focus during the transition period will be on developing Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum and a leading-edge research strategy.
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How will the universities engage in the Parliamentary committee inquiry?
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are participating fully in the parliamentary process to advance the passage of the legislation to create the new Adelaide University. The universities have undertaken an extensive and thorough feasibility study, including detailed financial analysis, and are committed to opening the new university in January 2026 if the legislation is passed and necessary legal and regulatory approvals are obtained in a timely manner. This requires a significant amount of work to be undertaken to provide certainty to staff, current and future students and industry partners. The universities trust that any examination of the legislation can be undertaken expeditiously. The universities will provide as much information to the Parliament as it reasonably requires, while also being mindful of the commercial and confidential nature of its planning.
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What documentation has been publicly released following the feasibility assessment?
Following the respective Council resolutions to support the State Government with its creation of a new university for the future in South Australia, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia released the Transition Plan (Extract). The Vice Chancellors of both universities made a further commitment to release abridged versions of other key enabling documents developed during the feasibility assessment, while balancing commercial considerations and any impacts on the competitiveness of either institution, or the potential future university. The following documents are now available: Parliamentary Inquiry Submission Response, Guide to Council Documents, White Paper (Comprehensive Summary), Business Case (Comprehensive Summary), Heads of Agreement (Comprehensive Summary), State Government Heads of Agreement and Adelaide University – Key Benefits.
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Will there be opportunities to contribute to the creation of /Adelaide University/?
Both universities are committed to engaging in both formal and informal co-creation with staff, students, alumni, donors and partners. We will build on the culture of collaboration established during the feasibility stage with greater opportunities for involvement and engagement. Further details will be provided as planning progresses.
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What will happen to the ranking of a combined university?
On its formation, it is anticipated with a high degree of confidence that the new Adelaide University will be among the top 1% worldwide, and its combined strength will ensure its long-term global standing as a university of choice.
While the drivers behind university rankings are complex, and there are no simple prediction measures for future performance, the new university will work to ensure the best possible position in research, teaching quality, student experience and reputation – and will aim to be among the highest ranked institutions in Australia as a leading global university, irrespective of increasing competition.
Adelaide University has also been invited to become a member of the prestigious and research-intensive Go8 group of universities upon its creation.
In the transition period, both existing universities will continue their ongoing focus on maintaining and improving key rankings.
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What will the logo for /Adelaide University/ look like?
Adelaide University will develop a new brand, including a logo and other branding elements, in a way that honours the history of both antecedent institutions. This process will follow best practice and there will be engagement with the universities’ communities in the design and selection of the logo, which will be ultimately approved by the Council of the new Adelaide University.
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What do the Councils’ resolutions mean for domestic students?
There will be no immediate impact for students at this time. The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for January 2026).
Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. Both universities are committed to ensuring a positive study experience for all students and supporting them over this transitional period.
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver enhanced student experience, future-focused curriculum and research of a global standing – and students will be part of their co-creation and the transition journey. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023 to the end of 2025).
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What do the Councils’ resolutions mean for international students?
There will be no immediate impact for our international students at this time. The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for 1 January 2026).
Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023 to end of 2025).
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum. Combining the strengths of both universities will enable transformational investments in teaching and research. This will mean even higher quality experiences and outcomes for students and producing graduates that are among the most sought after in the world.
Both universities will assist international students, where possible, to ensure their documentation and program of study are in compliance with their student visa. The universities are also committed to ensuring a positive study experience for all students and supporting them over this transitional period.
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When will enrolments start?
It is anticipated that students will continue to enrol in the University of South Australia or the University of Adelaide up to 2025 entry, then would transfer to the new university, once established in 2026. It is anticipated that students enrolling for 2026 entry and beyond would enrol directly with Adelaide University. Legislative and regulatory matters need to be finalised before students can enrol directly in Adelaide University and for existing students to be transferred to it.
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What parchment will students receive?
The following principles are proposed for current and future students, but they are subject to legislation and legal and regulatory approvals being obtained and Adelaide University commencing operations from 1 January 2026:
- All students commencing with Adelaide University from 2026 (and beyond) will graduate with an Adelaide University award.
- Commencing students enrolling in 2025 (and who transfer from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia to the new university) will receive their award from Adelaide University.
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Commencing and continuing students enrolled in or before 2024 (and who transfer from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia to the new university) will take their award from Adelaide University but, subject to regulatory approval, may be able to elect to have the name and logo of the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia displayed on their award.
All students, regardless of commencement date, completing their studies prior to 2026 will receive an award from their current institution (either the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia) but, subject to the legislation being passed, will also be taken to be graduates of the new Adelaide University. They will be eligible to receive official confirmation of this from the new Adelaide University should they require it.
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Are existing programs going to be offered at the new university?
It is intended that all program areas offered by the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to be delivered, subject to student interest and viability.
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Where will students be physically studying?
Students will continue to have access to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and it is anticipated that the new Adelaide University will also offer an extended suite of leading online study options.
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Where will graduation ceremonies be held?
The future Council of the new Adelaide University will decide on the locations of graduation ceremonies, noting there are a range of venue options available, including Bonython and Pridham Halls.
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How will research be conducted?
Pending formation of the new Adelaide University, research will be conducted very much the way it is now. Subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will progressively harmonise processes and join up their decision making, but initially this will have very little impact.
Transition details will be designed, and further advice will be provided before all research is eventually undertaken through new processes within Adelaide University. Meanwhile, there is merit in expanding our research activities and the already-strong research collaboration across the two institutions, including through joint PhD supervision where appropriate. The post-2026 research strategy for Adelaide University will be formulated with direct involvement of the research community.
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What do the Councils’ resolutions mean for staff?
During the transition and integration period, we will continue to focus on business as usual, to ensure that both institutions continue to deliver first-class teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
To provide certainty to our staff, the Vice-Chancellors have secured a commitment from both university Councils that no staff member will be made compulsorily redundant or will be compulsorily retrenched as a consequence of establishing the new Adelaide University. This will be effective from the passing of the Councils’ resolutions and for the first 18 months post commencement of operations of the new university. This commitment is outlined in the Statement of Intent.
Our focus will be on fulfilling our stated ambition for the new Adelaide University and to grow the workforce in line with educational and research success.
Subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals, the two universities will soon begin work to co-create the new Adelaide University. While the exact timeline is being confirmed, there will be scope and opportunities for staff to be involved in a range of activities throughout the transition period.
We recognise the importance of work processes, systems and resources to the future success of the new university and will be working quickly to establish approaches and structures to establish these in parallel with existing operations, once new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals are obtained.
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What will the new university structure be?
The organisational structure of the new university is intended to be determined through detailed planning and informed by the co-creation activities progressed with staff and students from both universities. The universities are committed to open communication and providing all necessary support to staff during the transition stage.
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What happens to current Enterprise Agreements?
The universities have each independently negotiated new Enterprise Agreements, which will continue to govern staff employment terms and conditions until a new Enterprise Agreement is negotiated covering the staff of the new Adelaide University. The universities will continue to comply with their respective obligations under their Enterprise Agreements as well as communicating and engaging with staff members and union representatives regularly throughout the transition period. The universities are committed to collaborating openly and constructively with staff and their union representatives throughout the transition to the new Adelaide University and there will be a number of forums for staff and union representatives to engage with.
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What alumni community would graduates belong to?
Alumni are likely to identify with the institution they attended as a student, while recognising that universities change and evolve over time. For example, Roseworthy Agricultural College became a part of the University of Adelaide and the SAIT and SACAE gave rise to the University of South Australia in years past.
It is the intent that all registered alumni of the two existing universities will join the Adelaide University alumni community.
Graduates of the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia will, subject to legislation being passed, also be taken to be graduates of the new Adelaide University. This will enable them to make reference to their qualification from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia and/or the new Adelaide University – the choice will be theirs.
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What will happen to bequests?
The universities are incredibly thankful to those individuals who have chosen to leave a gift to their university of choice. It is the intention for the new legislation for the creation of Adelaide University to have provision for honouring and transferring bequests made to the antecedent institutions.
It is the intention for the new Adelaide University to be required to apply the bequest to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted; that is, it is intended that the purposes for which the gifts were granted will remain intact and in keeping with the wishes of donors. There is precedent for this – when the amalgamations of South Australian education institutions occurred in the 1990s to create UniSA, deeds of gift and testamentary dispositions referring to the former institutions were specifically referenced in the relevant statutes as automatically transferring to the new institution.
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What will happen to donations or endowments?
The universities are sincerely grateful for the support and generosity of donors. It is intended that the new legislation for the creation of the Adelaide University will have provision for honouring and transferring gifts made to the antecedent institutions. This is intended to apply to gifts received in the past or endowed, as well as gifts which have been pledged but not yet completely fulfilled. Adelaide University is intended to be required to apply the gift or endowment to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted, and in keeping with the wishes of donors. It is intended for Adelaide University to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, and the tax status of any gift is not expected to be affected.
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