Seminar proposes university-community initiatives

International specialist in community-university engagement Bruce Muirhead will propose some bold policy initiatives at a one-hour seminar at UQ Ipswich on Wednesday, October 9.

Mr Muirhead, Director of the UQ Ipswich Community Service and Research Centre, will ask policy makers, community leaders, academics, and university managers to discuss how government and university policies can encourage universities to be responsive to their communities.

Senior members of the Commonwealth Higher Education Review Secretariat and Queensland Government plus Ipswich local MP Rachel Nolan, Queensland Deputy Auditor General John Harten, and former Queensland Treasurer the Hon. David Hamill will be among participants in Fuzzy Coalitions: Reconciling universities as strategic agents for local community development.

“A significant part of the university’s role has always been the enrichment of social well-being through active engagement with its local community – whether we realise it or not," Mr Muirhead said.

Based on his recent work in Australia, South Africa, and the United States, including the development of a Higher Education and Community Engagement policy platform Redefining Excellence for the Victorian Government, Mr Muirhead will propose federal, state and university policy strategies for fostering community development for Australian Higher Education through effective community engagement programs.

"Universities have a civic responsibility to enhance the well-being of their communities. Acting upon this responsibility will mutually benefit universities and their communities, generating long-term social, civic, and economic benefits," he said.

Where: The University of Queensland Ipswich Campus, Building 22 The Boilerhouse, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich When: Wednesday 9 October 12-1 pm Contact: Ashley Jones, Media and Communications Manager (telephone 0142 104 491)