Engagement Overview

QUT's Engagement Strategy (PDF, 115KB) builds on a solid body of engagement initiatives at QUT and aims to give engagement visibility and coherence as a feature of QUT's identity. In particular it aims to assist in the realisation of QUT's blueprint 2011 intent to pursue real world engagement through strong strategic partnerships with professional and broader communities and, through them, add value to the University's core business of learning/teaching and research.

The strategy operationalises the intended shift from community service to engagement as articulated in blueprint 2011 and affirmed in AUQA's report on QUT. View a presentation outlining QUT's strategic approach (MS PowerPoint, 141KB) to engagement.

There are a number of initiatives the university is committed to this year, including:

• The Visiting Scholars Program – Visiting scholars include world renowned experts coming to QUT to share information, strategies and advice, to improve opportunities and programs offered by QUT.
• Engagement Innovation Grants – Successful applicants from the faculties, divisions and institutes of QUT receive between $10,000 and $30,000 support funding for their engagement initiative.
• The Talloires Network - An international association of institutions committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education.
• Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance (AUCEA) – QUT is an active member of the AUCEA alliance of Australian universities committed to university-community engagement.

QUT's nominated contacts are:

• Scott Sheppard – Deputy Vice–Chancellor (International and Development)
• Simone Garske – Director – Alumni and Development
• Stuart Charlton – Manager, Corporate Relations

The 2010 AUCEA Conference will be hosted by the University of Tasmania from 5-7 July 2010. The conference will address key challenges faced by universities in increasing community participation and addressing social equity. This is quite a difference focus from previous conferences and will be of interest for committed higher educators and their community partners.

For further information about the conference, please visit the AUCEA Conference web site.

Projects

QUT is continually working in partnership with the community to make real changes to the world in which we live. Engagement projects provide information about the projects in which QUT staff and students have recently been involved.

Publications and articles

List of publications and articles including work by QUT staff and students and national and international academics.

Other programs and schemes

Many alumni and friends enjoy giving their time and expertise to support the research and teaching programs of the University. Options for graduates and friends to contribute to the university are:

• Input into academic programs - Community members with extensive industry and professional experience in the study areas taught within QUT may assist the university to develop its teaching programs, by being appointed to one of QUT's Faculty Advisory Boards. Contact Governance Services for more information.
• Career Mentor Scheme – linking QUT students to the real world of employers.