Strategic Plan 2010-2014

Charles Darwin University

Darwin NT 0909
Australia
31872 uniprintNT 3.10 S

Telephone: 08 8946 6666

Web: www.cdu.edu.au

CRICOS 00300K
Photos courtesy of Tourism NT (page2), Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge Research Hub
(TRaCK, page 9) and Charles Darwin University (all other photos)
Overview
Charles Darwin University is an institution based
on firm foundations in the Northern Territory
with a long history of delivering value through
education in both Vocational Education and
Training and Higher Education, research and
community engagement to the Territory and
the nation.
 Mission
Enriched by the social, cultural and natural
endowments of the Northern Territory, and
committed to the advancement and prosperity
of our region and the nation, Charles Darwin
University enables staff and prepares students to
be creative thinkers and effective contributors in
a complex changing world.

2 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

Vision
By 2015 Charles Darwin University will have grown
its student base by 50%. It will be renowned for its
leading approach to education, research and community
engagement in regional and remote Australia, and the
region as a whole. It will draw on the priorities of the region in
framing its education programs and exploring the frontiers of
knowledge.
With a focus on high quality, flexible local and distance
education, this University will provide the learning that students,
the region and the nation require to produce innovative
graduates who effectively meet the challenges of a complex,
changing world. As a distinctive multi-sector education provider,
this University will be recognised as a leader in student support
and the provision of pathways from vocational training through
to advanced research degrees. It will achieve increased student
participation, particularly amongst disadvantaged educational
groups, through traditional and non-traditional approaches to
education delivery and, in doing so, will effectively meet the needs
of Indigenous students to become their university of choice.
This University’s established research strengths in tropical,
desert and Indigenous knowledge will become a national and
international resource, open to collaboration and equipped to
provide solutions to complex problems of local, national and
international significance.
Charles Darwin University will be a dynamic and robust regional
tertiary institution that will have forged strong, mutually beneficial
partnerships with other key institutions, government and the
community. It will meet the needs of industry and the professions
for a skilled workforce and will provide leadership to advance
the intellectual, professional, social, cultural and environmental
wellbeing of the Northern Territory.
Staff will be recognised for, and supported in, the achievement
of the University’s goals. In all areas of endeavour this University
will apply the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency
and accountability to maximise its effectiveness and ensure the
value of its contribution to the region in which it operates.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 3

 A Unique Learning
Environment

GOAL
CDU will create a rich learning environment that reflects
its unique regional location and offerings, enables students
to achieve success and produces graduates with the skills
they need to be effective contributors in society.

4 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

1.1 Actions
To achieve this goal CDU will:
1.1.1 Provide quality education and training focused on learning
outcomes that equip students to be innovative thinkers and
effective contributors in society.
1.1.2 Maximise access and educational opportunity for regional,
remote and international students through innovative, flexible
and high quality local and distance education.
1.1.3 Be innovative in harmonising the differing requirements of local
and distance education.
1.1.4 Provide quality student support and a contemporary and attractive
learning environment that enhances students’ educational
experience.
1.1.5 Build on its unique multi-sector position to optimise student
pathways across the tertiary education spectrum.
1.1.6 Be selective in developing educational programs to strengthen its
capacity to deliver education focused on the needs of both the
region and the nation.
1.1.7 Systematically review and update education and training programs
to ensure they meet the needs of students, industry, the professions
and national accreditation so that outcomes are progressively
improved.

1.2 Measures and Targets

1.2.1 Improved access, retention and success of all students including
those from target equity groups.
1.2.2 Increased flexibility of education and training provision.
1.2.3 Increased numbers of domestic and international students.
1.2.4 Improved student satisfaction reflected in higher student ratings
for teaching quality and overall satisfaction.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 5

 A Leader in
Indigenous Education

GOAL
CDU will be a preferred choice for Australian Indigenous
students seeking studies in Vocational Education and Training
(VET) and Higher Education (HE), and a leader in the teaching
and understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.

6 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

2.1 Actions
To achieve this goal CDU will:
2.1.1 Develop innovative programs and ‘whole of life’ strategies,
informed by local and national agendas, to improve Indigenous
participation in post-secondary education through greater
accessibility and flexibility of delivery and participation, both on
and off campus.
2.1.2 Create and maintain culturally enriched spaces within which
students can achieve success.
2.1.3 Learn in partnership with Indigenous students, staff and
communities to ensure cultural relevance, cultural affirmation and
cultural safety are embedded in programs to maximise student
engagement, learning and skills development.
2.1.4 Consult Indigenous people and organisations about the
development of programs both for Indigenous students and about
Indigenous culture and knowledge systems.
2.1.5 Increase Indigenous staffing opportunities and participation in
governance across the University and improve incorporation of
Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into University core
business.
2.1.6 Work in partnership with other universities and relevant
organisations, both domestic and international, and particularly
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and the
United Nations University Traditional Knowledge Initiative, to build
collaboration in education, training and research.

2.2 Measures and Targets

2.2.1 Increased Indigenous participation across all levels (VET and HE),
including expanded and diversified course selection.
2.2.2 Increased participation of Indigenous students from outside
the NT.
2.2.3 Increased Indigenous student retention and success.
2.2.4 Increased Indigenous staffing throughout the University.
2.2.5 Increased Indigenous participation in University governance.
2.2.6 Increased engagement with relevant Indigenous groups and
organisations.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 7

 Research with
Global Reach

GOAL
CDU will enhance its local, national and international
standing for excellence in research, particularly in the
areas of tropical, desert and Indigenous knowledge.

8 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

3.1 Actions
To achieve this goal CDU will:
3.1.1 Attract funding to advance its research strengths in tropical,
desert and Indigenous knowledge and focus on the unique
and complex needs of regional Australia, and our near
neighbours, in a wider global context.
3.1.2 Respond to the needs of the community for knowledge and © TRaCK
information to maximise beneficial social, cultural, economic,
environmental and health outcomes.
3.1.3 Attract and retain high quality and motivated researchers and
postgraduate students by establishing a research environment that
is stimulating and provides professional support as well as quality
infrastructure and equipment.
3.1.4 Build capacity in research through key partnerships with other
agencies, industry and Indigenous organisations as well as major
universities, particularly the Australian National University and the
Innovative Research Universities Group.
3.1.5 Expand its international research linkages, particularly with near
neighbours such as Timor Leste and Indonesia.
3.1.6 Seek greater engagement with industry to provide the knowledge
it requires.
3.1.7 Ensure that its teaching practice is informed by research, through
valuing the teaching-research nexus.

3.2 Measures and Targets

3.2.1 Increased numbers and capacity of leading researchers working in
focused areas of strength.
3.2.2 Improved research performance as measured by competitive
research grants and other external research support.
3.2.3 Improved research outcomes and impact reflected in publication
success, increased numbers and timely completions of Higher
Degree by Research (HDR) students and user uptake of research
results.
3.2.4 A high level of achievement under the Australian Research
Council (ARC) Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
initiative.
3.2.5 Success in attracting funding through the Collaborative
Research Networks scheme.
3.2.6 Increased research capacity reflected in greater numbers
of collaborative projects with external partners.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 9

 Powerful Partnerships

GOAL
CDU will actively pursue and establish partnerships
which strengthen capacity while delivering mutually
beneficial outcomes.

10 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

4.1 Actions
To achieve this goal CDU will:
4.1.1 Strengthen its mutually beneficial and unique partnership with
the Northern Territory Government.
4.1.2 Establish strategic partnerships to leverage resources and
enhance the University’s scope, reach and effectiveness across all
programs and outreach activities.
4.1.3 Engage with educational institutions, industry and community
groups, and the professions to ensure education and training
outcomes meet the needs of stakeholders and the community.
4.1.4 Create learning partnerships with other regional, national and
international tertiary education providers and organisations for the
mutual benefit of students and staff.
4.1.5 Establish partnerships to enhance access to nationally significant
research infrastructure, facilities and expertise.
4.1.6 Strengthen community engagement as a means of enhancing
delivery of education programs and improving education outcomes.
4.1.7 Actively maintain its role in contributing to the intellectual,
professional, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the
Northern Territory.

4.2 Measures and Targets

4.2.1 Improved employment outcomes for graduates.
4.2.2 Increased numbers of students enrolled in joint programs with
other tertiary providers.
4.2.3 Increased investment in CDU/NTG partnership projects.
4.2.4 Improved level of industry satisfaction with graduate outcomes.
4.2.5 Increased philanthropic and other financial support for University
activities.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 11

 Quality and
Sustainability

GOAL
CDU will be a robust, regional multi-sector institution,
acknowledged for the quality and excellence of its programs,
and its support for students and staff.

12 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

5.1 Actions
To achieve this goal CDU will:
5.1.1 Make excellence and professionalism embedded standards
across all areas of endeavour.
5.1.2 Equip staff with the resources, infrastructure, frameworks and
professional development necessary to advance quality and
excellence.
5.1.3 Ensure effectiveness through transparent and appropriate
governance systems and practices.
5.1.4 Enhance institutional sustainability through robust management
of financial, physical and intellectual resources aligned with
established goals.
5.1.5 Build excellence in performance and advance organisational
renewal through clear measurement, assessment, recognition
and review processes.
5.1.6 Provide quality support to staff and students to enable them to
achieve their academic and professional goals.
5.1.7 Adopt leading edge environmentally sustainable practices
across the campus network.

5.2 Measures and Targets

5.2.1 Improved staff satisfaction and retention.
5.2.2 Improved institutional financial viability.
5.2.3 Maintenance of competitive salary levels.
5.2.4 Expanded professional development opportunities.
5.2.5 Reduction in the overall University carbon footprint.
5.2.6 Maintenance and development of physical infrastructure.

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 13

 Strategic Planning
Framework

University Strategic Plan

Teaching &
Research Indigenous
Learning
Sustainability
International

Partnerships
Community
Vocational
Higher
Education & Administration
Education
Training

Industry
Schools Units
Divisions

Quality

14 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

Graduate Attributes
Core Skill Every CDU graduate Every CDU VET graduate has
Attribute
Personal Acquisition Can identify, retrieve, evaluate and Technology skills that contribute
Practical use relevant information and current to effective execution of tasks.
Knowledge technologies to advance learning and
execute work tasks.

Application Is an efficient and innovative project Problem-solving skills that

planner and problem solver, capable of
applying logical and critical thinking to
problems across a range of disciplinary
settings and has self-management skills
that contribute to personal satisfaction and
growth.
contribute to effective outcomes.
Planning and organising skills
that contribute to productive
outcomes.
Self-management skills that
contribute to employee
satisfaction and growth.

Creativity Can conceive of imaginative and innovative Initiative and enterprise skills
responses to future orientated challenges that contribute to innovative
and research. outcomes.

Knowledge Has an understanding of the broad Learning skills that contribute

base theoretical and technical concepts related to ongoing improvement
to their discipline area, with relevant and expansion in employee
connections to industry, professional, and and company operations and
regional and Indigenous knowledge. outcomes.

Citizenship Communication Demonstrates effective oral, written Communication skills that

and listening skills as well as numerical, contribute to productive and
technical and graphic communication skills harmonious relations between
in a cross generational environment. employees and customers.

Teamwork Has a capacity for and understanding of Team work skills that contribute to
collaboration and co-operation within productive working relationships
agreed frameworks, including the demands and outcomes.
of inter-generational tolerance, mutual
respect for others, conflict resolution and
the negotiation of productive outcomes.

Social Is able to apply equity values, and has a (There is no specific VET
responsibility sense of social responsibility, sustainability, employability criteria for this
and sensitivity to other peoples, cultures attribute).
and the environment.

World View Flexibility Can function effectively and constructively (There is no specific VET
in an inter-cultural or global environment employability criteria for this
and in a variety of complex situations. attribute).

Leadership Can exercise initiative and responsibility, (There is no specific VET

taking action and engaging others to make employability criteria for this
a positive difference for the common good. attribute).

Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014 15

 Glossary

Term Definition
Culturally Spaces designed and maintained to be sensitive
enriched spaces to the social, intellectual and artistic elements
that reflect Indigenous culture and provide an
environment in which Indigenous people feel
respected, comfortable and welcome.
Desert Expertise, awareness and skills acquired through
knowledge formal or informal experience and/or education
about all aspects of living and working in the
Australian desert.
Indigenous Expertise, awareness and skills unique to the
knowledge Indigenous people of Australia, acquired through
cultural learning and forming the basis of Indigenous
culture, including communication, decision-making,
land management, health care and food preparation.
Multi-sector Combining secondary, VET and Higher Education
sectors.
Non-traditional Ways of delivering education that differ from
approaches traditionally recognised modes such as within
to education classrooms, within semester constraints, using
delivery traditional resource materials and assessment tools.
Region The broader geographic area of the Northern
Territory including other north Australian states and
international near neighbours in south east Asia.
Regional Areas outside the major population centres of
southern Australia.
Remote Small to very small population centres which are
significantly isolated by distance from many of
the services and infrastructure of medium to large
population centres.
Student Support for the transition of students from one
pathways educational sector to another (eg VET to HE) or within
sectors (eg undergraduate to postgraduate HE).
Tropical Expertise, awareness and skills acquired through
knowledge formal or informal experience and/or education
about all aspects of living and working in the
Australian tropics.

16 Charles Darwin University Strategic Plan 2010-2014

 Strategic Plan 2010-2014

Charles Darwin University

Darwin NT 0909
Australia
31872 uniprintNT 3.10 S

Telephone: 08 8946 6666

Web: www.cdu.edu.au

CRICOS 00300K