University leaders are facing ‘degrees of change’

Change to government funding has created a more competitive landscape for universities, so meeting the expectations of students is critical. And technological advances have meant that students are demanding a seamless digital experience.

“I've been in the university sector for about 30 years and seen a lot of change. We're thinking a lot more about the student experience and what the students' outcomes are than we ever have,” said Joanne Austin, Director, Planning and Resources at RMIT University.

“We're all rushing to do all these micro-credentials and online courses; but ultimately it's all about flexibility for the student, no matter where they are in the world.”

Dr Alison Barnes, President at National Tertiary Education Union added: “Technology has a big impact on changing universities; on the way teaching is performed and the different opportunities that technology provides for engaging with students.”

TechnologyOne Industry Director for Education and industry veteran Professor Peter Nikoletatos commented that the changes in technology and student expectations have made it more important than ever for universities to have sophisticated enterprise technology underpinning their operations.

“Universities’ operating systems need to be able to provide rich data to the universities' decision makers, to understand exactly where they need to invest their efforts and energy to attract the right students, the right researchers and the right programs, to ensure their sustainability and the key outcomes for those institutions,” Professor Nikoletatos said.