Executive Officer

HSC arrangements for 2021

27 August 2021

NSW and ACT universities have taken note of the announcement made today by the NSW Government regarding changes to the HSC this year, accepting that the decision has been made in the best interests of students during a time of great disruption to their education. 

“Our message to year 12 students remains simple, do your best to complete your HSC appreciating that there are many pathways into university.” said Professor Barney Glover AO, Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

“We understand how unsettling all these changes are for you, but we are strongly encouraging you to stay the course and complete your HSC.

“Don’t get distracted or disheartened, instead, take this extra time as an opportunity to devote your energy to studying. Focus on putting all your effort into meeting the challenges that are in front of you with the promise of a well-deserved break over the holiday period.”

Professor Glover also wished to convey words of support to schools, teachers and parents: “Colleagues, we are all in this together. We are grateful for your extraordinary efforts during this time of crisis, and we commend you for going above and beyond to prepare students for their HSC assessments. To the parents of these students, feel assured that the universities have programs to support year 12 students as they transition into university life. 

From the university sector’s perspective, Professor Glover also said that “These changes will not unduly impact us. We will work through them and adjust our admissions processes (including those through UAC) as needed.

We wish all year 12 students every success with their HSC assessments in 2021″

Additional words of support from NSW and ACT universities:

Australian National University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Brian Schmidt said: “To everyone finishing your HSC – we know your last two years have been challenging, but your teachers have prepared you well for what comes next in your lives. For those of you planning to come to ANU – stay the course and we look forward to welcoming you to our campus in 2022.”

Charles Sturt University Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Germov said: “In recent weeks year 12 students in regional NSW have been forced to again deal with lockdowns and changed schooling conditions. Changes to the scheduling of HSC exams will no doubt be unsettling, but I encourage students to tap into the resilience that has helped them through the last 18 months to complete their exams to the best of their abilities. That resilience is just as important as their exam results in helping to open the door to a university course. There are many pathways into University and Charles Sturt is ready to support students during this challenging time.”

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said: “Regional universities across New South Wales are ready to play an important role in supporting our local schools and communities through this very different HSC year. Like many regional institutions, the University of Newcastle has worked closely with school communities over the last 18 months to develop programs, resources and pathways to support HSC students.  We’re proud of the students, teachers and their families in our communities for their resilience and determination over this period of disruption. There are many ways for students to get into university, and we’re glad we have been able to play a part in their preparation for HSC exams. We encourage all students to continue with their HSC and to keep going at this important time.”

University of New South Wales President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Jacobs said: “These pandemic years have been particularly tough on those completing their schooling, but Year 12 students in NSW have shown enormous character and perseverance. UNSW understands the hurdles you are facing, and we will work with you to help you realise your higher education ambitions. We encourage you to continue your studies confident in the knowledge that opportunities will be available at UNSW as usual. Your knowledge and skills will be greatly needed in the years to come.”

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mark Scott AO said: “Class of 2021, please keep going and trust that we all want to see you succeed. Whatever happens with case numbers, vaccination rates or the lockdown one thing is certain – there will be places at universities across the country for you next year.”

University of Technology Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs said: “As a parent of high school kids, I know how much the pandemic has impacted upon all of you, but also how much your teachers are doing to make sure you succeed despite those challenges. You’ll find the same supportive approach at university next year, if that’s what you choose to pursue. Good luck in your exams.”

Sample list of programs available to students transitioning into university:

Australian Catholic University

Australian National University

Charles Sturt University: Advantage: https://study.csu.edu.au/study-options/pathways/charles-sturt-advantage

Macquarie University

Southern Cross University

University of New South Wales

University of Technology Sydney

Western Sydney University

University of Notre Dame Sydney

The University of Sydney

Executive Officer

NSW universities welcome NSW Government investment in world-leading RNA research

21 August 2021

The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSW VCC) has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding the establishment of the NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance – a partnership across all NSW universities – and the provision of support for a $15 million NSW RNA Production and Research Network.

The Alliance and Network will work closely with a new $25 million RNA Institute which has been established by UNSW Sydney and also announced today. Together, it is a significant boost to the State’s mRNA research, development and local manufacturing capabilities.

Convener of the NSW VCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, said this is a major initial investment in RNA research and development for NSW, which is set to transform the State into a world-leading mRNA vaccine manufacturing hub.

“The NSW RNA Production and Research Network and the broader NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance will bring together top scientists and researchers from the state’s leading universities, research institutes and hospitals to collaborate on RNA research and find therapeutic solutions for some of the toughest health challenges facing us right now,” said Professor Glover.

“The NSW VCC commends this initiative from the NSW Government, as well as the investment in the RNA Institute by UNSW Sydney. Together, it will create a strong, research-focussed RNA ecosystem and research workforce for NSW – something that is not only an immediate priority for our ongoing COVID-19 response, but will also lead to the creation of important new technologies and therapies to tackle other diseases and help protect the long-term health of our communities.

“It is our hope that this significant investment and collaboration between Government and the university sector will be a driver for future innovation and lead to a major vaccine producer establishing a base in NSW.”

Professor Glover said NSW universities look forward to further announcements in the near future, following the consideration by Government of a business case to develop RNA facilities in NSW.

“Investments such as these are critical to future-proofing the social prosperity and economic productivity of NSW. Universities look forward to working closely with government and industry, to utilise and translate our collective research strengths to achieve real impact for the communities we serve.”

Executive Officer

Universities support holding the HSC exams in 2021

26 July 2021

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (the Committee) fully supports the decision of the NSW Education Standards Agency (NESA) to give more time to HSC students to work on their major projects and to prepare for exams to reduce the impact of the current COVID-19 lockdown.

The Convener for the Committee, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the universities “appreciate that the disruptions caused by the current COVID-19 lockdown have impacted on students’ focus, therefore the need for certainty is paramount.

“As we said in 2020, our position is that proceeding with the HSC examinations in 2021 provides certainty to students, parents and teachers as well as universities.

The Convener emphasised that the universities understood the difficulties faced by students and explained that universities will respond with appropriate arrangements.

“As we did successfully in 2020 when the pandemic began for that year’s cohort of students, we will continue to work flexibly with NESA and the Universities Admissions Centre to ensure that admission processes can adapt in an equitable way to any changes in Year 12 assessments,” Professor Glover said.

Given that completion of the HSC is the preferred admission pathway into many universities, Professor Glover strongly encouraged students to remain committed to completing the HSC in 2021.

Professor Glover also reminded students that there are alternative pathways into university such as bridging and foundational courses to build up knowledge and skills lost during the pandemic. “Universities look forward to welcoming this year’s graduating secondary students into courses commencing in 2022,” Professor Glover said. 

Executive Officer

NSW Framework for a secure corridor for international students

2 July 2021

This media statement is to be attributed to the Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), Professor Barney Glover AO. Of relevance are the media statements made on 10 June 2021 by the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, and the NSWVCC.

The universities continue to work closely and constructively with both the State and Federal Governments regarding the plan for the safe return of international students to Australia. Noting of course that the current priority for the State Government is navigating out of the current COVID19 Delta outbreak.

For more information and FAQs, visit Study NSW: https://www.study.sydney/return

Executive Officer

Premier’s call on international students the right one for the State’s economy

10 June 2021

The peak body for NSW and ACT universities has welcomed the recent announcement from the NSW Government to allow international students to return to NSW from mid-2021.

“We are grateful for this opportunity and thank Premier Gladys Berejiklian MP for her strong support of the sector. The universities also wish to thank the Treasurer, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, and Study NSW for their dedication and extraordinary efforts”, said the Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Professor Barney Glover AO. 

“The State’s universities have been working very collaboratively with the Government for over 12 months to develop a plan for the safe reintroduction of our international students to our local communities.  

“The economic and cultural benefits of international students to the state of New South Wales are well understood by the NSW Government.

“International students introduce different cultural and community perspectives and are important members of our academic community. They also create tens of thousands of jobs in sectors like tourism, retail and hospitality that are vitally important to our local communities and will help us accelerate out of the COVID-19 induced recession. 

“For the universities’ part, this industry-led, and funded plan allows us to safely welcome back our students who have been stuck overseas due to the pandemic and are keen to continue their studies with us in person. 

The Convener explained that the universities will focus first on students who are in desperate need to progress their studies, for example in the disciplines of medicine, science, engineering, teaching, nursing and midwifery, and Higher Degree Research.

“The Government’s success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic gives it the opportunity to strategically position NSW and Australia as the preferred destination for international students around the globe. But we need to act quickly. Students keen to study overseas are making decisions now about where they can go in 2022.  

Ensuring Australians are safely able to return home and allowing international students to come back are both important milestones in our State’s recovery.” 

Noting that the next step is for the Commonwealth Government to review the NSW Plan, the Convener urged the Commonwealth Government to expedite this review and support the State’s efforts.

Executive Officer

Back to School: Universities encourage HSC students to keep up the good work and carry on

22 May 2020

As school students make their way back to school, New South Wales universities wish to assure HSC students that they recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has being a disrupting force to students’ studies.
The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), which represents all NSW-based universities, supports the joint decision of the NSW Education Standards Agency (NESA) and the NSW Department of Education to hold the HSC exams in 2020.
On behalf of the NSWVCC, UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings encouraged HSC students to stay the course.
“NESA’s decision to run year 12 examinations gives students certainty and a clear pathway to university entry.
“We appreciate that the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted on students’ focus, but the need for certainty is paramount.
“Proceeding with the HSC examinations provides certainty to students, parents and teachers as well as universities.
“Year 12 students and others aspiring to further study in 2021 are strongly encouraged to remain committed to completing the HSC in 2020,” Professor Wellings said.
Professor Wellings assured all students, teachers and parents that universities would assist as much as possible via admission processes and wished to remind students that there are alternative pathways into university such as bridging and foundational courses to build up knowledge and skills lost during the pandemic.
“As in all previous years, NSW universities work closely with the NESA and the Universities Admissions Centre to ensure that university admission processes and pathways are as equitable and transparent as possible.
“This will continue for 2021 admissions with universities taking the impact of these disruptions into account in assessing applications for admission, especially for certain student groups that are more likely to have been disadvantaged by the disruption.
“2020 is proving to be a disruptive year for the higher education sector, but we urge all students to remain focused on achieving their best possible results under the circumstances.
“Students should feel reassured that all universities are looking forward to welcoming this year’s graduating secondary students into courses commencing in 2021, and that universities have learning support arrangements to assist university students with reaching their potential.” Professor Wellings said.

Executive Officer

NSW Vice-Chancellors welcome HSC exams decision

25 April 2020

New South Wales universities have today welcomed the announcement the decision to proceed with 2020 HSC examinations despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), which represents all NSW-based universities, acknowledged that students’ focus is being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but supported moves to maintain the annual exams schedule.

NSWVCC Convener, UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, backed the decision taken by the NSW Education Standards Agency (NESA) to proceed with HSC examinations.
“NSW universities welcome NESA’s decision to run year 12 examinations on the normal timetable because it will give students certainty and a clear pathway to university entry.
“We appreciate that the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 have impacted on students’ focus, but the need for certainty is paramount.
“Proceeding with the HSC examinations provides certainty to students, parents and teachers as well as universities.
“Year 12 students and others aspiring to further study in 2021 are strongly encouraged to remain committed to completing the HSC in 2020,” Professor Wellings said.

The Committee assured all students, teachers and parents that universities would assist as much as possible via admission processes.
“As in all previous years, NSW universities work closely with the NSW Education Standards Authority and the Universities Admissions Centre to ensure that university admission processes are as equitable and transparent as possible.
“This will continue for 2021 admissions, with universities taking the impact of these disruptions into account in assessing applications for admission.
“2020 is proving to be a disruptive year for the higher education sector, but we urge all students to remain focused on achieving their best possible results under the circumstances.
“Students should feel reassured that all universities are looking forward to welcoming this year’s graduating secondary students into courses commencing in 2021,” Professor Wellings said.

Executive Officer

Publication – Research Impact NSW

On 19 September 2019, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research) Committee hosted an event at Parliament House showcasing the amazing impact our collective research endeavours is having on the well being and prosperity of NSW. The Committee was delighted to have the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, NSW Minister for Education & Early Childhood Learning, and the Hon. Gabrielle Upton, NSW Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, speak at the event and launch the publication.

Research Impact NSWDownload

Executive Officer

About

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC) membership comprises the Vice-Chancellors of the fifteen universities based in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The NSWVCC is an unincorporated forum for universities to engage with State and Territory Ministers, government departments and agencies, and the community.

Contacts

Convener
Professor Andrew Parfitt
Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Technology Sydney

Deputy Convener
Professor Renée Leon
Vice-Chancellor and President, Charles Sturt University

Professor S Bruce Dowton
Vice-Chancellor and President, Macquarie University

Secretariat
Catriona Reid
Executive Officer
Email: executive_officer@nswvcc.edu.au